Latest estimates indicate that the number of preventable deaths in the United States decreased 11% in 2024 to 197,449, the second consecutive decrease from an all time high set in 2022. A 25% decrease in preventable drug overdose deaths helped drive this decrease. A total of 72,697 people died from preventable drug overdoses in 2024. This is the second consecutive decrease in preventable drug overdose deaths since tracking started in 1999. Opioid drug overdoses represent 70% of all preventable drug overdoses in 2024.
The 35- to 44-year age group is experiencing the most opioid overdose deaths (14,357), a 31% decrease from 2023, but still an 24% increase since 2019. Currently, 70% of preventable opioid deaths occur among those ages 25 to 54. Few opioid deaths occur among children younger than 15.
Seven out of 10 preventable opioid overdose death victims are male, 36,338 compared to 14,750 female deaths in 2024. The number of female deaths decreased 29% in 2024, while male deaths decreased 34%. Visit the data details tab to explore more trends by drug type, age, and sex.
It is estimated that the economic cost of opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdoses in 2017 was $150 billion. In addition, non-economic costs of $871 billion are estimated due to reduced quality of life from opioid use disorder and the value of life lost due to fatal opioid overdoses.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Multiple Cause of Death 1999-2023 on CDC WONDER Online Database. Data from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2023, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program.
Florence, C., Luo, F., & Rice, K. (2021). The economic burden of opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose in the United States, 2017. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 218 (2021). Accessed online on 1/14/2021.