"
The new data show overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. While overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, cocaine and psychostimulants (like methamphetamine) increased.
Several states across the nation saw decreases; Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, and Maine experienced declines of 15% or more. Still, some states saw increases. Alaska, Washington, and Oregon stood out with notable increases of at least 27% compared to the same period in 2022."
Tldr - opioid overdose deaths are declining. Not to say this problem shouldn't be addressed at all, but maybe tanking the buying power of 300 million Americans isn't the best way? And maybe what we are currently doing is already on the right path towards a better future.
and bonus question - Did you care this much when 1000+ Americans were dying from Covid every day?