Drug overdose deaths are beginning to trend downward in West Virginia and nationwide, offering hope, especially in West Virginia, which has long led the nation in overdose deaths per capita.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a 14.5% decline in overdose deaths from June 2023 to June 2024, equating to 14,064 fewer deaths. In West Virginia, the state’s Office of Drug Control Policy reports a 7% drop in overdose deaths for the 12 months ending in August 2024 compared to the previous year.
The decline in West Virginia has been particularly noticeable in 2024, with a significant 36% reduction in overdose deaths from January to May compared to the same period in 2023.
Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy, expressed optimism, saying, “This continued reduction in overdose deaths is promising, and we are amplifying our efforts.” He emphasized that while progress has been made, the fight to save lives continues with expanded access to naloxone, treatment programs, and other critical resources.
There are several factors contributing to this decline, both locally and nationally. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram noted at the recent Family Summit on Fentanyl that the potency of fentanyl, the deadliest street drug, has decreased. Chemists have found that the number of fentanyl pills containing a lethal dose has dropped from seven out of ten to five, which Milgram attributed to pressure on Mexican drug cartels. While she acknowledged that five out of ten pills being lethal is still a significant problem, she called the progress a step in the right direction. She also credited families who have lost loved ones to overdoses for their role in educating the public on fentanyl’s dangers and promoting naloxone access.
There is also an increase in fentanyl pills mixed with xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that causes painful open sores but is less lethal and has a longer-lasting effect. Research has shown that when xylazine is present with fentanyl, patients tend to have less severe outcomes when admitted to emergency departments.
In some cases, individuals are substituting methamphetamine for fentanyl. Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a drug policy expert, explained that some users report that methamphetamine helps them avoid fentanyl by either distracting them or providing enough of a “satisfaction” to prevent fentanyl use.
The ongoing efforts to address the drug crisis in West Virginia and the U.S. have been multifaceted, involving law enforcement, treatment, and research. While the road to resolving the crisis is long, the statistics are finally showing that these coordinated efforts are starting to make a difference.