Decrease in drug deaths stems from ‘shock’ to fentanyl supply, new research suggests

The significant, recent decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths was driven in large part by a sudden shift in North America’s illicit drug supply in 2023, according to a new academic analysis. 

The drop in deaths likely stems from a decrease in fentanyl potency, researchers wrote in a new paper, which in turn might be the result of Chinese government crackdowns on groups that traffic precursor chemicals used to manufacture the powerful opioid.

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