Portugal cut drug deaths by 80%, using free health care and addiction treatment. The U.S., meanwhile, focused on drug busts and tough crime laws. Overdose deaths keep rising catastrophically.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Alaska targeted by drug traffickers seeking higher profits, authorities say
In two related cases indicted in federal court last month, more than a dozen people are accused of trafficking a total of about a 100 pounds of fentanyl and 25 pounds of meth within Alaska.
A grieving father helped develop a new Anchorage curriculum on the dangers of opioids
The curriculum teaches kids how addiction works and what it feels like to withdraw from opioids. It’s called “Kellsie’s Lesson.”
Opioid reversal drugs save lives in Alaska. But people often skip a crucial step
Even if people survive an overdose, they could have other urgent medical problems.
Smuggling cases point to need for better drug treatment in Alaska prisons, advocates say
With gaps in available treatment options, incarcerated people have been going to great lengths to avoid withdrawal.
Alaska deaths from drinking nearly doubled over 2 years
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alaska has one of the highest rates of binge drinking in the country.
Alaska House passes bill to increase jail time for fentanyl and other drug crimes
Research by the Pew Charitable Trust shows that stricter drug laws don’t have any effect on drug use or overdoses.
A Sitka-based treatment program for Alaska teenagers is moving to Juneau
Raven’s Way treats teenagers who’ve been diagnosed with substance use or dependence. Sometime later this year, the program will merge with Juneau Youth Services.
Narcan to be available over the counter soon, though questions remain about cost
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said this week it approved the product for use without a prescription.
Bill would add second-degree murder charges for drug dealers in Alaska overdose deaths
Family members of some who died from overdoses support increasing sentences and eliminating early release, but civil liberty advocates say it could deter calls for help.