Overdose deaths in Minnesota dropped 8% last year, marking the first time since 2018 there has been a decrease, according to state health officials.

From 2022 to 2023, drug overdose deaths in the state dipped from 1,384 to 1,274, according to preliminary data, health officials said in a news release this week.

“Though the numbers are still preliminary, 2023 likely marks the first time since 2018 that Minnesota has seen a drop in total overdose deaths among its residents,” the release said.

Most of that reduction in overdose deaths was outside the Twin Cities metro counties, but the metro counties saw a 1% decrease as well, from 902 to 893 deaths.

However, nonfatal overdoses involving opioids (such as fentanyl) other than heroin increased by 11%, from 4,328 in 2022 to 4,819 in 2023.

“We have seen a decline in opioid deaths, alongside an increase in nonfatal overdoses, in part due to greater naloxone availability,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. Naloxone is an opioid-overdose antidote often carried by first responders. “We know the work is not done, and we cannot rest. Every overdose is one too many, and we are committed to continuing to work with partners across the state to identify additional strategies that will save more lives.”

Others agreed.

“This is encouraging news, but there is much more to do,” said state Addiction and Recovery Director Jeremy Drucker. “The state and its partners remain laser-focused on continuing the work to ensure every Minnesotan is healthy and safe.”

Most fatal overdoses (70%) involve synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. However, the number of opioid deaths in the state was down 8% from 2022 to 2023, according to preliminary information, state officials said.

Fentanyl deaths overall are down 6%. State health officials say most of these cases are assumed to involve illegally manufactured fentanyl.

The state’s decrease in overdose deaths reflects national trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 3% decrease in overall deaths nationwide during the same time period.

The report also included three categories of non-opioid overdose deaths. Deaths from psychostimulants, including methamphetamine, and cocaine both increased in 2023. Benzodiazepine overdoses decreased for the first time in five years, and by 23%.

When the data for 2023 becomes final, the number of deaths is expected to increase slightly, but will still remain below 2022 final numbers, the release said.

Read the full 2023 preliminary report: Statewide Trends in Drug Overdose: Preliminary 2023 Data Update (PDF).

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