Physicians’ progress toward ending the nation’s drug overdose epidemic

Updated | 2 Min Read

2025 Substance Use and Treatment Report

The American Medical Association 2025 Substance Use and Treatment report shows that while opioid-related overdose deaths declined last year, the epidemic remains widespread and increasingly complex, driven by polysubstance use and an unpredictable illicit drug supply. Overdose deaths declined from more than 110,000 in 2023 to about 75,000 in 2024, which is promising, but there is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done to sustain and accelerate this progress. The report emphasizes the life-saving role of naloxone and calls on policymakers and others to remove treatment barriers for substance use disorder and pain care. 

The AMA emphasizes that continued progress will require coordinated action among physicians, policymakers, insurers and communities to remove barriers to care, respond rapidly to emerging threats, and save lives.

Download the 2025 substance use and treatment report (PDF).

 

Additional data

End the Overdose Epidemic

Learn more about what the AMA is doing to combat the overdose epidemic and hear what other physicians are doing to improve and increase access to care.

Opioid Overdose Epidemic Podcast Series
AMA Ed Hub™ podcast: Evidence-based, practical insights addressing the opioid overdose epidemic.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

With an increased number of people reporting worsening mental health in recent years, it is imperative that people are aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) telephone program.

People experiencing a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress can call, chat or text 988, and speak to trained crisis counselors. The national hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to be operational and route calls to 988 indefinitely.

Members get fast-track DEA training

AMA members get exclusive access to curated, mini-CME tracks to meet the new training requirement for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered practitioners. 

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