Opioids
Drug decriminalization stumbled in Oregon. Other states are taking note.
The rocky start could slow the movement to treat addiction as a public health matter.
Death rates for people under 40 have skyrocketed. Blame fentanyl.
Accidental overdoses are now the No. 1 cause of death for young people in 37 states.
Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?
Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign.
States stiffen penalties for fentanyl, despite public health concerns
Critics argue that harsh penalties could deter those in need of help and worsen societal disparities.
Meet the people deciding how to spend $50 billion in opioid settlement cash
As settlement dollars land at the state level, state councils wield significant power in determining how the windfall gets spent.
How one city worked to prevent overdoses after large-scale drug trafficking bust
Manchester, New Hampshire, learned that there are consequences to seizures and arrests: a risk of overdose may rise for dependent users.
Opioid Settlement Payouts to Localities Made Public for First Time
Documents have been obtained showing the exact dollar amounts—down to the cent—that local governments have been allocated in 2022 and 2023 to battle the ongoing opioid crisis.
Most People Who Inject Drugs Test Positive for Fentanyl
COMMENTARY | In a yearlong study, researchers found that a significant share of people in New York City who thought they were using heroin or another drug were actually using the illicit synthetic opioid.
One County’s Choice to Use Opioid Funds to Pay Off Debt
Greene County, Tennessee, so far has received more than $2.7 million from regional and national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. But most of the money is not going to help people and families harmed by addiction.
White House Vowed to Play Key Role in Opioid Settlements But Has Gone Quiet
Billions of dollars are headed to state and local governments to address the opioid crisis. But if the federal government fails to oversee the use of the money, it could lead to wasted opportunities. And the feds could have a claim to portions of states’ opioid settlements.
Milwaukee County Set to Install Harm-Reduction Vending Machines
The initiative aims to reduce drug overdose deaths.
Featured eBooks
