Overdoses | LocalHealthGuide

Box and dispenser of opioid overdose drug Narcan (naloxone)

Naloxone now available over the counter in King County

The medication naloxone, brand name Narcan, that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose is now available over the counter in King County.

Picture of a U.S. penny next to milligrams of fentanyl, which is a fatal dose for most drug users. DEA

August 18, 2021 Drugs / Methamphetamine / Opioids

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.

February 4, 2019 Addiction / Opioids

America’s overdose epidemic projected to get worse

The annual number of opioid overdose deaths will increase to 81,700 in 2025, the study projects.

January 9, 2019 Addiction / Biotechnology / Opioids / Substance Abuse

Are you OK? Cellphone app detects opioid overdose

The app, called Second Chance, detects overdose-related symptoms about 90 percent of the time by tracking your breathing and movement.

December 27, 2018 Injury Prevention / Public Health / Suicide / Violence

Overdoses, homicide and suicide in King County

In 2016, King County saw an unprecedented jump in overdose deaths, a trend fueled by the increase in opiate use, particularly in combination with other drugs.

October 17, 2018 Addiction / Opioids / Substance Abuse

How Fentanyl Changes the Opioid Equation

With lethal amounts of fentanyl showing up in heroin and other drugs throughout the country, active drug users are at a greater risk of dying than ever before

October 3, 2018 Drugs / Health News / Opioids / Substance Abuse

VA Adding Opioid Antidote To Defibrillator Cabinets For Quicker Overdose Response

The VA is adding naloxone kits to AED cabinets in its buildings across the country, an initiative that could become a model for other health care organizations.