Drug overdoses decreasing across Connecticut
There has been a drop of more than 25% in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024.
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From fire houses and ambulances to emergency rooms, more people are being saved. And not just saved, but also put on the path to recovery and returning to normal lives.
News 8 has talked to several people about the numbers of the overdose deaths who have said those are down. But the number of people on their way to recovery is on the way up.
What makes the headlines are drug deaths and mass overdoses. Last week New Haven had 18 overdoses and one death within four days, but Monday there are good news and good numbers.Drug deaths are down 26% from the year 2024 to 2023.
Advocates said there are so many reasons, from interventions and treatment to recovery, the support systems are synced up, and naloxone is readily available.
'Our first responders are part of the solution by having leave behind kits so that when they're responding to a call, they can leave a kit behind whether it's for the individual or family and friends who are there,' said Pamela Mautte, the director of the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness.
Lawmakers also making it easier and safer for anyone to report a drug overdose.
'The Good Samaritan Law so that people know they can call 911 and it protects those who are seeking help for someone who may be overdosing,' Mautte said.
Not only are the deaths down, but supports for recovery are up, they even have counselors available and on hand to offer help in the middle of the crisis.
'They have recovery coaches in the emergency rooms, which can link people to meeting them where they are at when they are in that critical moment,' Mautte said. 'So that is also helping to move people into their path of recovery.'
Gov. Ned Lamont (D), proud of the accomplishment, released a statement that said, 'Let there be no doubt, the opioid crisis remains a very serious public health issue, but the data is moving in the right direction and we will continue doing everything we can to reduce deaths and provide a path to treatment and recovery supports.'
'There's many people out there who are making a difference, and you know living happy, sober lives,' Mautte said.
Funding has played a large role and especially distributing the naloxone. They hope it doesn't run out in 2025.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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