LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Drug overdose deaths fell sharply across the United States in 2025, but Nevada is not keeping pace with that progress, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC reported nearly 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2025 — a 14% drop from the previous year, attributed in part to wider access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Nevada’s overdose deaths declined just over 2% during the same period.
Barriers to treatment cited
Doctors at Desert Hope Treatment Center said stigma, insurance hurdles and a lack of medication-assisted treatment are keeping too many Nevadans from care.
“Nationwide, only 25% of all opioid use disorder patients are on medication-assisted treatment. So 75% are not. It’s even higher here in Nevada. So we’re just lagging behind, and we’re not doing everything that we can,” said Dr. Westbrook Kaplan, medical director at Desert Hope Treatment Center.
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Overdose Awareness Month
Doctors said education is a key first step, including knowing the warning signs of overdose and carrying naloxone. They are urging Nevadans to use Overdose Awareness Month as an opportunity to seek help or support someone in getting into treatment.
Desert Hope Treatment Center said naloxone is available at many locations at no cost. You can find more information on their website.
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