For the third year in a row, drug-related overdose and poisoning deaths dropped in Los Angeles County in 2025, with health officials Thursday crediting increases in prevention and treatment programs for the decrease.
According to the county Department of Public Health, overdose and poisoning deaths dropped by 6% from 2024 to 2025. Notable in the drop was a 10% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths and a 7% dip in methamphetamine-related deaths.
“The findings, based on an analysis of data from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, show that the county’s investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery are building on last year’s historic progress, when overdose deaths fell 22%, with a 37% reduction in fentanyl-related overdose and poisoning deaths,” according to a statement from the Department of Health.
According to the data released Thursday, there were 2,298 accidental drug overdose and poisoning deaths in the county in 2025, down from 2022’s all-time high of 3,220 deaths. Health officials said overdose deaths have fallen by nearly 30% since 2022, while fentanyl deaths have dropped by more than 40% and meth-related deaths dropped by 25%.
Men continued to account for the vast majority of overdose deaths at 77% last year. Health officials noted that while deaths decline for almost all age groups, such deaths actually increased last year among adults aged 65 or older, with a 14% increase. Adults aged 40-64 were the most affected age group for overdose deaths, representing 53%.
“Three consecutive years of fewer overdose deaths in LA County is proof that sustained investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services saves lives,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “This hopeful progress could not be possible without the outreach workers and community partners who are working every day to connect people to treatment, distribute lifesaving naloxone, and meet people where they are without judgment. This work makes a difference in our communities, and we will be working hard to keep the momentum going.”