Turning the Tide: Opioid Deaths Drop, But Risks Remain

Recent months have brought long-awaited progress in the fight against opioid overdoses. From federal efforts to local initiatives, overdose deaths have declined dramatically—especially those linked to FYL—while naloxone access and training have expanded rapidly.

Overdose Deaths See Historic Decline

  • Nationwide drop: CDC data shows a 27% decrease in overdose fatalities in 2024—from roughly 110,000 to 80,400—the largest single-year reduction since records began.

  • FYL-related deaths fall sharply: FYL-related overdose deaths dropped from 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024—a 34% decline.

  • Shift in patterns: Many users are now avoiding injection use and are more likely to carry naloxone or use drugs in pairs or monitored settings.

What’s Behind the Progress?

  1. Widespread Naloxone Access
    More than 24,000 naloxone kits have been distributed in some cities alone. It's now available over-the-counter and via vending machines, helping reverse overdoses quickly.

  2. Weaker Illicit FYL Supply
    Law enforcement and harm reduction teams report lower average concentrations of FYL on the street, sometimes mixed with non-lethal or XYL-contaminated substances that are less potent (but still harmful).

  3. Effective Harm Reduction
    Cities like Austin and Bridgeport have seen positive outcomes from training, public health campaigns, and programs that distribute FYL and XYL test strips.

  4. Behavioral Changes
    Many people now use smaller doses, test their supply, or ensure someone nearby carries naloxone—showing a shift toward survival-first behavior.

Ongoing Dangers in Some Regions

  • Bridgeport Crisis: Between June 27–July 1, the city saw over 22 overdose deaths and many hospitalizations after green pills containing high-potency FYL flooded the market.

  • San Francisco Rebound: After months of progress, the city saw FYL-car overdose deaths rise again in July, reminding officials that the crisis remains unstable.

Looking Ahead

Despite progress, the battle isn’t over:

  • XYL Risk: Though some newer street batches contain lower FYL levels, many are contaminated with XYL, which does not respond to naloxone and leads to long-term tissue damage.

  • Funding Threats: Federal budget proposals could cut opioid treatment and prevention funds, endangering local programs.

  • Treatment Demand Rising: With more lives being saved by naloxone, long-term treatment and support services are increasingly needed.

Final Word

The tide may be turning, but the opioid crisis is evolving. FYL deaths are declining, naloxone is saving lives, and people are adapting—but challenges like XYL, dangerous new pills, and unpredictable supply chains require constant vigilance. Continued investment in harm reduction, treatment, and real-time data will be key to building on this momentum.

Back to News