Consider This from NPR cover image

Consider This from NPR

Reporting on how America reduced the number of opioid deaths

Mar 30, 2025
Brian Mann, NPR's national addiction correspondent, shares his insights on the recent decline in opioid overdose deaths. He discusses the surprising factors contributing to this positive trend, such as naloxone distribution and innovative medical treatments. Mann also delves into the contrasting political narratives surrounding addiction and fentanyl, and emphasizes the importance of compassionate solutions. He reflects on his personal connection to the issue, shedding light on the stigma surrounding addiction and the need for empathy in addressing this crisis.
13:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent drop in opioid deaths in the U.S. signals a potential turning point in addressing the drug crisis after years of rising fatalities.
  • Despite the encouraging decline, underlying issues of addiction persist, as many individuals remain vulnerable due to previous overdose spikes.

Deep dives

Unexpected Decline in Overdose Deaths

The recent federal data has revealed a significant decline in overdose deaths across the United States, a development that has surprised public health experts. After years of escalating fatalities, reporting showed a drop for several consecutive months toward the end of 2023. This sudden change has been noted both in statistics and from firsthand accounts on the streets, with individuals sharing that overdose incidents have become less frequent. This reversal marks a historic moment, as the scale of decline is unprecedented, indicating a potential turning point in addressing the drug crisis.

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