Opioid use, death due to drug overdoses appears to be on the decline

For the first time since 2018, the number of drug overdose deaths nationwide has decreased, and both the state of Virginia and UVA Health are reporting similar trends.

There were 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023, a decrease of three percent from the 111,029 deaths estimated in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC said it is the first annual national decrease in drug overdose deaths since 2018.

In Virginia, similar trends are emerging with the Virginia Department of Health also reporting a small decrease in drug overdose deaths. The most recent data from VDH showed a one percent decrease from 2022 to 2023.

Locally, the Blue Ridge Poison Center said its most recent data also shows a decline in calls and cases regarding opioids. Calls to the poison center regarding opioids fell from 533 in 2023 to 414 in 2024. There was also a drop in opioid cases among adults, 458 to 358, in the same timeframe.

Calls related to THC edibles also declined, the poison center said, though cases involving children remained relatively stagnant, 52 cases in 2023 compared with 47 in 2024.

“It is encouraging to see the decline in opioid case calls. It is unclear what factors have contributed to this decrease,” said Christopher Holstege, MD, Blue Ridge Poison Center director. “We believe the drop in cases from THC edibles is related to changes in state law that took effect July 1, 2023.

“The number of cases of THC edibles involving young children continues to highlight the issues caused by products that are misidentified as candy.”

While the cause is unknown, according to the BRPC, some experts point to the pandemic and the isolation associated with it as a possible cause. Others believe it could be because prescriptions are more closely monitored decreasing the availability.

If you or someone you know is having an adverse reaction to opioids, THC edibles or any other substance, the UVA Health Blue Ridge Poison Center is available 24 hours a day at (800) 222-1222. Calls are confidential.

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