For the first time in 20 years, the federal government is changing the rules for Methadone, a form of medication-assisted treatment available for people addicted to prescription or street opioids. The new rules aim to make the life-saving treatment more accessible to people struggling with opioid use disorder. They take place next month, updating some
With a virtually endless supply of illegal drug combinations readily available and hitting the streets, it’s no surprise that newer, dangerous adulterates like medetomidine are now posing severe risks to drug users. Health experts believe medetomidine is even more harmful than xylazine, the infamous drug also known as “Tranq,” causing fatal overdoses in several U.S.
Former Palm Desert Assemblyman Brian Nestande passed away suddenly on March 6, 2024. His cause of death was disclosed by the coroner this week, shedding light on the current fentanyl epidemic and hitting close to home for many legislators. Nestande, age 60, succumbed to an accidental drug overdose, as per reports released last Tuesday. The
In a significant move to curb the rising presence of xylazine in Pennsylvania's street drug supply, state legislators have passed a bill criminalizing its illicit possession. The new legislation, known as House Bill 1661, classifies xylazine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The Pennsylvania House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill,
The use of opioids like heroin and fentanyl among Veterans is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. That’s because U.S Veterans experience unique challenges that put them at heightened risk of an opioid addiction or opioid use disorder (OUD). Understanding the causes for opioid use among former military service people is the first step
California's new Campus Opioid Safety Act goes into effect on January 1, 2023. Officials call it a bold measure that will save lives, providing fentanyl and addiction education, information, and Narcan, the FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal drug, on all college campuses in California. What Is the Campus Opioid Safety Act? The Act was recently passed
Scientists have been working on a partial solution to the opioid crisis, experimenting with ways to reduce addiction to medically used fentanyl. Some people addicted to it first had the drug in medical facilities for severe pain such as cancer or spinal injuries. Theoretically, people who are exposed to fentanyl, which has fewer addictive properties,
A recent article in the Guardian revealed how social media had become a place for drug dealers to peddle counterfeit pills, often targeting teens and young adults. Sold as Molly, Oxycontin, and other drugs that young people may think of as “safe,” the pills usually contain fentanyl. Some of the pills are 100% fentanyl. Either
Earlier this month, four comedians in Los Angeles were recreationally using cocaine at a house get-together. What they thought was going to be partying soon turned into a nightmare. The drug, laced with fentanyl, caused all of these talented people to overdose. Cocaine, like heroin and other drugs, is now a drug that is increasingly
Just five days after agreeing to pay 225 million dollars to settle the federal government’s criminal and civil case, opioid manufacturer Insys Therapeutics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, putting the actual dollar amount the government receives from the company in jeopardy. Why Did Insys Settle the Case? The federal government accused Insys of bribing
