Category: Painkillers
How the pandemic helped spread fentanyl across the US and drive opioid overdose deaths to a grim new high
The soaring death toll has been fueled by a much more dangerous black market opioid supply. Illicitly synthesized fentanyl – a potent and inexpensive opioid that has driven the rise in overdoses since it emerged in 2014 – is increasingly replacing heroin. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were responsible for almost two-thirds of the overdose deaths recorded in the 12 months period ending in April 2021.
Drug Deaths Soar, Prompting New Crackdowns and Funding
Nationwide, there has been a 31% increase in overdose deaths during the pandemic compared with the year before, fueled largely by the presence of the potent opioid fentanyl in heroin, methamphetamines and other illicit drugs.
Washington state overdose rates on pace to break another record, health officials say.
Health officials urge people to carry naloxone and know overdose signs
Opioid-addiction medication underused in WA, UW study shows
Opioid users may need multiple care episodes with buprenorphine before their recovery trajectory is established.
Opioid Deaths Spark Push to Ease Buprenorphine Rules
Doctors say requirement to take an 8-hour course and submit to Drug Enforcement Administration oversight has stymied the drug’s availability.
Weed withdrawal: More than half of people using medical cannabis for pain experience withdrawal symptoms
59% percent of people using medical cannabis for chronic pain experienced moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms if they stopped ingesting weed for hours or days.
Fatal overdoses spike in King County
These last two weeks mark a sharp increase—double the average number of weekly fatal overdoses throughout much of 2020.
COVID-19 Eased Drug Treatment Rules—And That Saved Lives
“Telehealth sessions have been a lifeline for those walking the long road to recovery during a stressful, isolating time.”
Perspective: Why opioids cannot fix chronic pain
Emotional pain and chronic pain are related, and painkillers, ultimately, make things worse
Cannabis found not to be a substitute for opioids
A meta-analysis of the studies found cannabis use didn’t reduce illicit opioid use during treatment nor did it retain people in treatment.
With Safe Injection Sites, ‘Somebody Has to Go First.’ It Could Be Philadelphia.
A non-profit wants to open a safe injection site in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, known for high-quality, cheap heroin and daily overdose deaths.
Overdose Prevention Should Include Alcohol Too, Study Suggests
Alcohol ramps up the effects of drugs that act on the brain and nervous system, and vice versa, which increases the risk of overdose.
Opioid Treatment Scam May Be Coming to Your State
Patient “brokers” can make initial commissions of as much as $2,000 for each patient they recruit for for-profit opioid treatment programs.
Increase in local overdose deaths linked to fentanyl-laced drugs
Fentanyl has been found in illicit M30, V48 and A215 pills and various powder products.
In Cherokee Country, Opioid Crisis Seen as Existential Threat
Native Americans, make up less than 2% of the population, have higher rates of overdose deaths from prescription and illicit opioids than any other racial/ethnic group