As opioid overdose deaths decline in Ohio, state deals with other substance use complexities

After raging for more than two decades, the opioid epidemic, in some ways, is starting to abate, but at the same time, the overall substance use disorder landscape has become more complicated (Source: “Opioid deaths decline, but substance abuse fight faces other obstacles,” Crains Cleveland Business, April 10, 2025).
 
Statewide, overdose deaths are declining. Ohio has not reported 2024 numbers yet, but the state recorded 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2023, down 9% from the year prior.
 
While opioid overdoses have decreased, alcohol-use disorders and addictions to other drugs have increased.
 
This evolution illustrates the Medusa-like nature of addiction. Get a grasp on one problematic substance and a dozen more rear their heads. The isolation of the COVID pandemic pushed people toward alcohol. Pair that with a rise in synthetic opioids, and triaging and treating people with substance-use disorders has become more chaotic and complex.