The number of drug-related overdose and poisoning deaths has plateaued for the first time in a decade, the Los Angeles County Health Department announced Monday.
The new analysis shows that deaths are expected to fall slightly from 3,220 in 2022 to 3,092 in 2023, the first decrease since 2014.
The move comes after a decade of alarming increases in overdose and poisoning deaths, which have soared by more than 300 percent.
“The findings suggest that with sustained prevention, harm reduction and treatment approaches, we can make a dent in the decline in overdoses,” Surgeon General Barbara Ferrer said.
But she warned that the figures remain at record highs.
“I encourage everyone to access the overdose prevention medication, naloxone, and have the courage to seek help for their drug use,” she suggested.
Fentanyl and methamphetamine remain the leading causes of overdoses and poisoning deaths, according to the county report.
The black population is “disproportionately affected,” but “Latino and [white] “Each population density is associated with the highest number of deaths,” the public health agency said in a statement.
The county has increased investments in related services: Funding for prevention efforts increased by 260 percent, treatment services increased by 275 percent and harm reduction programs increased by 500 percent, according to the report.
Residents struggling with substance use can receive help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 800-854-7771.