Rainforest Recovery Center closed for inpatient care in March due to COVID-19 health concerns, sending 11 patients home or to other facilities.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Youth risk survey reports sharp increase in suicide attempts, vaping among Alaska high school students
The risk survey also reported an increase in mental health distress among high school students. One in five (19%) of students surveyed reported having attempted suicide at least once.
4-time Iditarod champion disqualified for positive meth test during race
A positive drug test for methamphetamine has disqualified veteran dog musher Lance Mackey from the 2020 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, according to a statement from race organizers.
Bartlett Hospital converts addiction recovery center into spillover for COVID-19 patients
Patients in recovery come from throughout Southeast Alaska and all over the state, making travel a concern as COVID-19 health restrictions tightened in March.
State releases new guide on medication assisted treatment
As more Alaskans seek treatment for opioid use disorder, the state is taking measures to ensure enough medical providers are there to help.
‘She had dimples for days’: After laying daughter to rest, ‘what-ifs’ linger for Juneau parents
They tried talking things through with Abby. They got her into counseling briefly. They reported a store they suspected of selling booze to her daughter and other teenagers. And eventually, tough love.
As the Juneau School District responds to online monitoring concerns, student questions remain
In response to concerns about monitoring service Bark for Schools, the Juneau School District is providing options to families.
DEA uncovers a flood of painkillers reaching rural Alaska by mail
One drug enforcement operation this summer seized 204 packages containing almost 48,545 illicit or unlawfully diverted pills. Almost all of those pills, 44,580, were tramadol. One DEA agent estimates around 100,000 pills are arriving in Alaska every month.
Capital budget vetoes to hit homelessness, addiction treatment
In Anchorage, there are worries that vetoes to addiction treatment facilities and a homeless assistance program could exacerbate a problem that’s already worsening.
Anchorage raises age to buy tobacco products to 21
The Anchorage Assembly voted unanimously Tuesday night for a new measure that makes it illegal to sell cigarettes, electronic smoking devices and other similar products to anyone under 21 years old.