President Trump campaigned on fighting the opioid crisis. Now a preliminary White House budget document, obtained by NPR, calls for significant cuts to the office quarterbacking the federal response.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Debate continues over treating opioid addiction with opioids
“In randomized trial after randomized trial, people randomized to counseling plus buprenorphine or buprenorphine or Suboxone by itself do equally as well in terms of their recovery,” said family physician Steve Martin. He was speaking to a group of primary care providers at a conference.
Juneau Assembly kicks in another $1.2 million for Housing First
The Juneau Assembly has ponied up another $1.2 million for the Housing First project. The 32-unit apartment complex and clinic is designed to serve Juneau’s most vulnerable residents, many of them homeless
State DOC offers new way to treat opioid addictions
The state’s Department of Corrections is trying a new tactic to stop the opioid epidemic: offering Vivitrol shots. It’s a monthly injection that curbs cravings for heroin and other drugs and stops people from getting high.
Narcan saves lives in opioid epidemic but it’s only the first step
The state’s Department of Health and Social Services is starting to distribute Narcan kits around Alaska. The nasal spray stops opioid overdoses.
State suspends medical license of former Fairbanks Memorial Hospital chief of staff
The suspended doctor had a breakdown in January, requested a leave of absence from the hospital, then resigned.
Alcohol, drugs cost Alaska economy $3 billion a year
While much of the recent focus has been on the opioid crisis, a report found that alcohol use causes more economic damage.
Fentanyl and other addictive opioids stolen from Haines clinic
Highly-addictive opioids including fentanyl, morphine and oxycodone were stolen from the Haines SEARHC Clinic during a break-in late last week. The Haines Police Department has warned first responders about the increased potential for drug-related emergencies because of the incident.
What does recidivism mean anyway?
When a person gets out of jail, the process is called re-entry — they’re re-entering society. It can be like starting a life in a foreign land where the people don’t want you there.
Juneau residents arrested in Ketchikan hotel room for heroin, meth
Two Juneau residents are facing drug charges after police served a search warrant Wednesday at their Ketchikan hotel room and allegedly found heroin and methamphetamine.