Opioid-Related Deaths Down Nearly 52% Since 2022
By Hank Russell
New provisional figures that recently came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Vital Statistics System show a substantial reduction in overdose deaths in New York State from 2022 through 2025. The annual number of drug fatalities fell for a third year in a row and decreased by 44.9% in New York. That’s more than 5,000 lives saved. The largest reductions were seen in opioid-related deaths, which are down 51.9% since 2022.
In the 12 months ending December 2025, there were a reported 1,582 drug overdose deaths. That is down from 3,401 in the 12 months ending December 2022, 3,408 deaths from January 2023 to December 2023 and 2,331 deaths during the 12 months of 2024. Between 2024 and 2025, drug overdose deaths declined 32.13%, according to CDC data. That is more than twice the national rate, which saw a 15.1% drop in fatal drug overdoses across the U.S.
The numbers are considered to be provisional, as the figures are underreported due to incomplete data, according to the CDC.
“As governor, I have been committed to reversing the opioid and overdose epidemic by making historic investments in prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and Recovery services and supports,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“I am very pleased that over the past three years, we have seen a decline in overall overdose deaths,” Hochul continued. “However, the hard work continues. We will continue our focus on removing health disparities and responding to new substances that are emerging in the illicit drug supply. Every overdose that occurs is one too many and addressing these public health challenges requires an ongoing and dynamic response.”
Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, said, because of the agency working together with the governor and partner agencies and stakeholders, OASAS has been able to significantly expand its entire range of services, including the Harm Reduction Delivered initiative, which provides life-saving supplies directly to the homes of New Yorkers.
“This critical work remains ongoing, to build on the progress made, and to ensure that overdose rates continue to decline in all communities across New York State,” Cunningham said.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The decreasing number of overdose deaths reflected in the data is a good sign and shows the work being done is making a difference, but more must be done to reach all communities and ensure we can achieve an overdose-free generation.”