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.

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Brian Mann

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