As 2025 begins, reflecting on the state of substance use disorder treatment and trends in how addiction has impacted the communities they serve can help addiction treatment professionals make informed decisions for the future. Understanding addiction trends, reviewing addiction data, and staying informed about current trends in addiction treatment allow providers to adapt and enhance their services.
By examining these insights and resources, addiction professionals can collectively address the evolving needs of patients and their families. The following are key trends from 2024 and their implications for the future of addiction treatment.
Decline in Overdose Deaths
For the first time since 2018, the U.S. experienced a decrease in drug overdose deaths. Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated approximately 107,543 overdose deaths in 2023, marking a 3% reduction from the previous year. This decline is attributed to factors such as increased availability of naloxone, expanded access to addiction treatments like buprenorphine, and enhanced public health initiatives.1
Persistent Challenges with Synthetic Opioids
Despite the overall reduction in overdose deaths, synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, continued to pose significant challenges. In 2024, the United States observed a significant resurgence of carfentanil, a fentanyl analog approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Overdose deaths involving carfentanil increased approximately sevenfold, from 29 during January–June 2023 to 238 during January–June 2024, with cases reported in 37 states.2
Adolescent Substance Use Trends
In 2024, adolescent substance use in the United States remained below pre-pandemic levels. The Monitoring the Future survey revealed that two-thirds of 12th-grade students reported abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or vaping in the past 30 days, the highest proportion since 2017. This trend suggests that early intervention and prevention efforts may be yielding positive results.3
Legal Actions Against Opioid Dispensation
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy Inc., alleging the unlawful filling of opioid prescriptions and subsequent billing to federal health programs. This action highlights the ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical practices and the importance of regulatory compliance in combating the opioid crisis.4
Let RCA Be Your Partner in Addiction Treatment
At RCA, we know the importance of staying ahead of addiction trends to deliver the best possible care. Our evidence-based programs, personalized treatment plans, and outcomes-driven approach ensure that patients and their families receive the support they need to achieve lasting recovery.
Contact RCA today to learn more about our programs and services. Call 833.926.5486 or reach out online to explore how we can partner with you in transforming lives. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against addiction.
Sources:
1. CDC – U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018
3. AP – Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says
4. AP – DOJ files complaint against CVS for facilitating unlawful sale of prescription opioids