The overdose death toll from opioids, both prescription drugs and heroin, has almost quadrupled since 1999. In 2014 alone, 28,000 people died of opioid overdoses, more than half from prescription drugs.
"heroin"
As Fentanyl Deaths Spike, States and CDC Respond
Fifty times stronger than heroin and a hundred times stronger than morphine, fentanyl is relatively cheap to produce illicitly and efficient to transport. It is often mixed with heroin, so that users are unaware they are inhaling or injecting the dangerous drug.
A Small Town Wonders What To Do When Heroin Is ‘Everywhere’
In Kutztown, Pa., school nurses stock naloxone to treat heroin overdoses. “Kids aren’t afraid of it,” a guidance counselor says. “It’s available and it’s cheap.”
Ithaca’s Plan To Open A Safe Site For Heroin Users Faces Legal Hurdles
The goal is to reduce the city’s death toll from heroin. But it would be breaking various laws unless Ithaca gets a pass from the governor and federal authorities.
Bill would provide immunity for giving heroin antidote
Thirty-three Alaskans died from heroin overdoses last year, a dramatic increase from just five years ago, when only four died.
Few Doctors Are Willing, Able to Prescribe Powerful Anti-Addiction Drugs
More than 900,000 U.S. physicians can write prescriptions for painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. But because of a federal law, fewer than 32,000 doctors are authorized to prescribe buprenorphine to people who become addicted to those and other opioids. Most doctors with a license to prescribe buprenorphine seldom — if ever — use it.
Research Gives Context To Addressing Nation’s Drug Abuse Crisis, Review Finds
Prescription painkiller abuse is drawing national attention as states battle increasing abuse cases, presidential candidates offer possible solutions and even President Barack Obama includes the issue in his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Alaska Fred Meyers could start carrying overdose medication
Eight stores in Washington have quietly rolled out access to a drug that stops opiate overdoses. The chain plans to eventually expand to all its locations. In Alaska, that largely depends on the outcome of Senate Bill 23.
On the edge: Shedding light on Juneau murder victim Robbie Meireis
Robert Meireis had a tough life that included a history of violence, years in prison, even tattoos tying him to white supremacist groups. That he met a violent end in a double murder discovered last month in West Juneau wasn’t necessarily a surprise to some people who knew him.
Juneau keeps conversation going on heroin
Legislators, police officers and behavior health specialists are gathering together this weekend in Juneau for a townhall discussion on heroin. They’ll be focused on finding local solutions to help people suffering with addiction.