<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=10uJ1Q_0vkgNNDO00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=10uJ1Q_0vkgNNDO00" width="1320" height="743" >COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — New numbers recently released by the CDC point out a positive shift in the fight to save lives from overdose deaths.The estimated number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. has been dropping for months. Now at their lowest levels in three years. Although the number is still shocking, more than 100,000 lives have been lost in a year.Health advocates indicate the numbers are a great sign. They stress it's a clear example that those fighting addiction are working to change and save their own lives.<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XnoazthKIGI?si=eouF3CfQhl7gs6qb" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div>Columbus native, Kyle Ford knows the pain and pull of addiction. Ford, now 34 years old, told ABC 6 that his drug use began as a teen following a serious back injury.<blockquote>"It impacted everything really. Family relationships, trust, it impacts your self-image, the way you look at yourself. It's tough to deal with. It's a lot of stress and anxiety," said Ford.</blockquote>Ford told ABC 6 that he was ordered into treatment by a judge. Now, he not only has a sober mind, but a sober focus on the future.<blockquote>"Sometimes it's just what you need, that extra push to kind of take action," Ford told ABC 6.</blockquote>As the government works to track addiction across the country and right here in Central Ohio, there is some positive news in the push to save lives.The CDC points out that overdose deaths nationwide have dropped to the lowest level in three years.Here in Ohio, the numbers indicate a five percent drop.Franklin County has a similar trend. In the last 4 years recorded, overdose death numbers continue to fall.Dru Batte, a community health advocate with Columbus-based treatment center 'CompDrug' works in local communities to help provide an outlet for those looking to break the chains of addiction.<blockquote>"Not only does that make me feel like we're making an impact, but the community as a whole is working to do that. This is absolutely lifesaving work. It's lifesaving, it's life changing," Batte told ABC 6.</blockquote>Experts like Batte point to several factors for the local and nationwide drop in overdose numbers including, enhanced access to naloxone, which is known by the brand name Narcan. They also point to expanded treatment programs and increased public awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.<blockquote>"There is nothing better than seeing someone being able to lean into becoming their full self, which is something they're able to do when they get into recovery," said Batte.</blockquote>For Ford, he's working to serve as an inspiration to others. He's currently in school, working on his bachelor's degree. He's planning a future career in counseling."I want to be somebody that helps on a journey for somebody else that's in the shoes that I was in to become sober and become the person they're meant to be, so they can find their purpose," said Ford.</div></body>

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Overdose death numbers fall across U.S. and Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — New numbers recently released by the CDC point out a positive shift in the fight to save lives from overdose deaths. The estimated number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. has been dropping for months. Now at their lowest levels in three years. Although the number is still shocking, more than 100,000 lives have been lost in a year.