OPIOID CRISIS

Editorial Staff in Opioid Crisis
February 27, 2023

Why Do Drug Overdoses Spike During Winter? A Look at Cold Weather-Related Risk Factors

Research has shown a possible connection between cold weather and a heightened risk for overdose. Several factors may contribute to this, like cold weather making it more likely addicts will use drugs at home by themselves, therefore being less likely to have someone nearby who can render aid if the addict overdoses. The findings act as yet another reason why family members of addicts have to act fast to get their loved ones’ help.

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Editorial Staff in Opioid Crisis
February 24, 2023

Fears Mount as Increasing Number of Opioid Overdoses Seem Tied to Naloxone-Resistant Tranquilizer

A January 2023 report published in a La Crosse, Wisconsin newspaper highlighted local law enforcement’s concern that a string of recent fatal drug overdoses in the city may have been linked to opioids laced with xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer that can make the user’s overdose resistant to naloxone (the medication used by responders to revive OD-ing addicts). This report ties in with other reports from local newspapers across the country, plus several broader, nationwide federal warnings that seek to inform Americans of growing risk factors connected to ANY opioid misuse.

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KH
Karen Hadley in Opioid Crisis
February 23, 2023

Drug Dealers’ Fake Pills Are More Deadly Than Ever

A tidal wave of counterfeit pills that contain deadly fentanyl plus thousands more pounds of the drug threatens a continued high loss of American lives.

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Karen Hadley in Opioid Crisis
February 15, 2023

The Extraordinary Dangers of Carfentanil

The powerful opioid carfentanil in America’s supplies of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fake pills makes addiction more dangerous than ever.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
January 15, 2023

Fatal Heart Infections Linked to Opioid Addiction Soar Among Youth

Scientific researchers are finding a grim answer to why growing numbers of young Americans are dying from the effects of heart failure, endocarditis, strokes, and leaking heart valves. Researchers have determined that opioid abuse among young people is the common denominator for several rising heart-related diseases and fatalities among Americans ages 15 to 44.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
January 5, 2023

Digital Currency and Fentanyl, New Elements of 21st-Century Drug Trafficking

“Two Dutch nationals, an Englishman, and nine companies have been targeted for sanctions by the U.S. government for allegedly operating an illegal fentanyl ring that generated millions of dollars in virtual currency.” That is the opening line from an A.P. News report outlining the growing risk of shady business dealings involving transnational corporations, cryptocurrency, and discreet shipments of drugs. Given the increasing danger presented by online drug sales and discreet by-mail drug trafficking, families must do everything they can to get help for their addicted loved ones.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
November 22, 2022

New Studies Show Another Reason Why Fentanyl Overdoses are Often Fatal

A new study has shown that fentanyl is so potent it can stop the user’s breathing and cause death while the user is still conscious. That is different from other opioid overdoses that typically involve the user going unconscious before experiencing halted breathing and cardiac arrest. Such a development means emergency responders and concerned individuals now have even less time to respond to an opioid overdose, thus heightening the risk of death.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
November 3, 2022

Pharmacies Ordered to Pay $650 Million for Role in Opioid Epidemic

A legal battle that has been ongoing for years concluded recently. Two Ohio counties that were inundated with far more opioid pills than residents needed will now receive $650 million from pharmacy corporations actively involved in doling out addictive opioid painkillers to community members.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
October 27, 2022

After Years of Advocacy, U.S. Opioid Prescribing Is Declining

After years of cautionary advice from the CDC, addiction horror stories from patients, and undeniable statistics showing the connection between opioid prescribing and addiction, it seems opioid prescribing trends are finally declining in a measurable, consistent manner.

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Ren in Opioid Crisis
April 12, 2022

Tracing A Network of Crime: How Pharma Distributors Acted as the Middlemen in the Opioid Epidemic

In the now two-decade-long opioid epidemic in the U.S., pharmaceutical opioid manufacturers, pharmacies, and doctors have all come under fire for the role they played in the surge of opioid addiction and death. One group, previously unnoticed and only just now coming under investigation, bears mentioning. As reports have shown, pharmaceutical distributors had just as critical a role in the opioid epidemic as other bad actors.

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