A CDC report explores the consequences of a spice-use epidemic that swept through Anchorage in 2015. Investigators believe 40 percent of the synthetic drug’s users were homeless and four people died during the epidemic.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Organ Donations Spike In The Wake Of The Opioid Epidemic
So far this year, more than 1 in 4 donations in New England are from people who died after a drug overdose — a much higher rate than in the U.S. overall, though it’s not clear why.
Man charged with DUI after hitting Ketchikan welcome arch
A 24-year-old Ketchikan man was charged with drunk driving after allegedly driving into the Welcome Arch on Mission Street downtown late Wednesday.
Marijuana fees could fund Sitka student travel
The City and Borough of Sitka voted to use license fees charged to prospective marijuana businesses to pay for student travel.
Advocates frustrated with pace for rules to dispense overdose antidote
Scores of people have died in Alaska from heroin and other opioid overdose deaths this year, according to some estimates.
Deadly Opioid Overwhelms First Responders And Crime Labs in Ohio
Carfentanil, a potent variation on fentanyl, is being blamed for a wave of opioid overdoses. In Cincinnati, the coroner, crime lab and first responders are struggling to keep up.
Parole violation sends ‘the banished man’ back to jail
This arrest comes just a week after Adams was sentenced to time served, and what amounted to 10 years of probation for criminally negligent homicide connected to a 2013 fire that killed three people in the village of Nunam Iqua.
In Kotzebue, revenue doubts loom as alcohol returns to the ballot
Since October 2011, the city-owned Kotzebue Package Store has been selling alcohol. Come October 4th, local voters will decide the fate of the store, when they’re asked if the city should ban alcohol sales all over again. Hans Nelson, resident of Kotzebue since 2009, says he led the alcohol ban solo from initial petition through…
Advocacy group says beer is “100% better” than heroin
A Juneau group fighting against heroin abuse helped throw the 5th Annual Capital Brewfest to spread its message and receive part of the proceeds. The organization’s participation raised questions on whether it was right.
A Stark Choice For Filipino Drug Addicts: Surrender Or Risk Being Killed
More than 3,000 have been killed in the country’s new war on drugs. More than 700,000 have surrendered to police, fearing for their lives. Police say those who surrender and stay clean will be safe.