Drug overdose deaths drop sharply in the U.S. even as new street drugs emerge

NPR | By Brian Mann

Published April 12, 2026 at 7:46 AM CDT

Drug overdose deaths continue to drop in the U.S., but experts say new street drugs made from synthetic chemicals are emerging rapidly.

Brian Mann

Brian Mann is NPR's first national addiction correspondent. He also covers breaking news in the U.S. and around the world.