Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Alaska’s capital city is battling addiction. Three women, who’ve been on that dark side, recently came to KTOO to talk about long-term recovery and a rally that gave them hope.

The state’s “fetal assault” law punishes women whose babies are born with drug withdrawal symptoms. Proponents say the law spurs women to seek treatment, while opponents say it deters them.

Lt. Kris Sell said it’s called “China white,” and the police have been told it may be laced with a prescription drug that’s a possible “game changer.”

There are two different Juneau events this weekend to raise awareness about heroin addiction. This year, seven people have died from heroin-related deaths.

A Sitka grand jury has indicted a couple on drug trafficking charges, after federal postal inspectors found a package of crystal meth bearing their address in the mail.

The focus of the talks across the Norton Sound are broad, but discussions at Nome’s Pioneer Hall brought local providers face to face with the heads of major state agencies, forcing many to confront uncomfortable truths.