Drug-related deaths in the United States—which have risen nearly every year for the last two decades, often by double-digit percentages—are expected to fall substantially this year. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the death toll for the 12-month period ending in April 2024 was 101,168, compared to 112,470 for the 12-month period ending in April 2023. That 10 percent drop, assuming it holds up, is striking when compared to the previous trend. Since the CDC is still reporting more than 100,000 drug-related deaths a year, compared to 20,000…