Finding a safe place to detox from opioid addiction on the Kenai Peninsula and elsewhere in the state can be a huge barrier for those looking to start treatment.
"opioids"
State Department of Public Safety reaches out to fishermen in effort to combat opioid abuse
Earlier this year, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker issued a disaster declaration to combat opioid abuse in the state. Since then, more time and resources have been dedicated to the issue. This summer, some of those efforts are aimed at getting the attention of the fishing community.
Intent on reversing its opioid epidemic, a state limits prescriptions
Maine is among a handful of states putting limits on the painkiller dose that doctors can prescribe a patient. Some doctors and patients say the law is helping, while others say it goes too far.
Mandated reporting of prescribed controlled substances begins in Alaska
The state has been collecting data on prescription opioids and controlled substances since 2012, but until last month, prescribers and pharmacies have been volunteering that data. As part of an ongoing legislative effort, medical professionals prescribing controlled substances are now required to provide hard numbers.
Ketchikan substance abuse specialists talk treatment options
Three local substance abuse treatment specialists talk about the problem and treatment options available in Alaska’s First City.
Gov. Walker signs opioid addiction prevention bill
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker on Tuesday signed into law House Bill 159, which aims to help prevent opioid addiction before it starts.
Safeway to pay feds $3M after Wasilla pharmacy lost thousands of pain pills
The supermarket chain Safeway Inc. has agreed to pay $3 million in a settlement that involves missing pain medication from a pharmacy in Wasilla.
Alaska’s largest needle exchange is rushing to keep up with demand
The number of syringes exchanged at one Anchorage non-profit doubled in just two years. In 2016, the program gave out slightly less than a half-million clean needles. And disposed of even more. This year they’re on track to outpace that.
Ohio sues 5 major drug companies for ‘fueling opioid epidemic’
The state’s attorney general filed the lawsuit Wednesday, alleging fraudulent marketing. “They knew they were wrong,” Mike DeWine says, “but they did it anyway — and they continue to do it.”
Debate continues over treating opioid addiction with opioids
“In randomized trial after randomized trial, people randomized to counseling plus buprenorphine or buprenorphine or Suboxone by itself do equally as well in terms of their recovery,” said family physician Steve Martin. He was speaking to a group of primary care providers at a conference.