Drug overdose deaths dropped for the third straight year in a row. Recovery workers in Rochester have witnessed the trend firsthand through peer advocates and expanded programs. Overdose deaths fell 41% from May 2025-2026 with synthetic opioid deaths down 19% and heroin deaths down 32%.
Recovery Groups See the Shift
Recovery All Ways meets people where they are. Founder Stephanie Forrester credits harm reduction, Narcan and safe supplies as means to build trust among folks who need care.
“There are multiple pathways to recovery and focusing on just a few causes harm.”
New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports reports overdose deaths fell more than 40 percent from 2023 to 2025, dropping in 74 percent of counties.
Harm Reduction Works
Naloxone keeps people alive long enough to enter treatment, and goodwill via small acts leads people toward care.
However, the decline comes amid worry as SAMHSA announced this year that funding can no longer buy drug test strips. This leaves organizations like Recovery All Ways concerned about sustaining their progress.
Anyone around the country can find assistance. One quick and free way is to browse our directory for addiction treatment centers no matter your location.
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