The number of drug overdose deaths in the US fell by 3% in 2023, but remained above the hundred thousand mark, reaching 107,543, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released on Wednesday.

The development is uneven by region. Some states, including Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana and Maine, saw declines of 15% or higher, while others, such as Alaska, Washington and Oregon, saw an alarming increase of at least 27% in deaths of these, mainly due to opioid use, compared to 2022.

It’s the first drop in drug overdose deaths seen since 2018, according to the CDC, as President Joe Biden’s administration pushes for measures to reduce addiction and overdose deaths.

Fentanyl remains the drug that causes the most overdose deaths in the US. Washington argues that China is the main producer of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, especially by drug cartels that infest parts of Mexico.

The number of drug overdose deaths broke the 100,000 barrier for the first time in 2021, when the novel coronavirus pandemic had increased the isolation of drug users and caused a host of problems in the health system, especially in emergency services.

The great increase in the availability of highly lethal substances such as fentanyl and other synthetics made matters worse.

Opioid deaths fell from 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023, according to CDC numbers. Deaths due to synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, also fell, the top US public health agency added.

Deaths estimated to be due to cocaine use, on the other hand, rose to 29,918 in 2023 from 28,441 in 2022, while those due to the use of psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, also rose to 36,251 from 35,550.

“Data shows we lost another 100,000 people last year; families and friends are losing loved ones to overdoses, and the numbers are staggering,” said CDC Director Dr. Deb Howry.

Dr. Hauri added that the “progress” of the last 12 months means that we must “intensify our efforts” because now “we know they make a difference”.