FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that overdose deaths in the state decreased for the fourth year in a row, with a 22.9 percent drop in 2025 compared with the previous year.

This also represents an overall 50.8 percent decrease from 2021, which had the highest number of overdose deaths in a single year.

The Governor noted that according to the 2025 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, 1,110 Kentuckians lost their lives last year to a drug overdose.

"We mourn all 1,101 Kentuckians who lost their lives to a drug overdose last year. They were a mom, dad, brother, sister, child or neighbor - and most importantly a child of God who is gone too soon," Beshear said. "While we are proud of the progress we have made in fighting addiction, we know we must continue working every day to save more Kentuckians from addiction."

Other items of note from the report include:

--This is the second-largest decrease recorded in the commonwealth since Kentucky began reporting overdose deaths in 2012.

--Fentanyl was present in 45.4 percent of deaths, down from 62.3 percent in 2024. Methamphetamine was present in 49.5 percent of deaths, down from 50.8 percent in 2024. The two continue to be the most prevalent drugs contributing to overdose deaths in the state.

--Among Black Kentuckians, 129 deaths in 2025 were attributed to a drug overdose, marking a 25.4 percent decrease compared with 2024. This is the second straight decline among this demographic.

"Addiction has affected every state in our nation and has caused insurmountable harm to families and future generations - even in our own hometowns," said Van Ingram, executive director of the Office of Drug Control Policy. "But Kentuckians did not just accept this fate; we got up and we fought back. And because we worked together, because of every Kentuckian who sought recovery, because of everyone loving their neighbor and saying enough is enough, lives have been saved. For anyone facing addiction today, know that you will find hope, strength and recovery in Kentucky - please let us help."

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357).