Addiction Treatment

The opioid epidemic has entered its fourth wave, experts say, driven by the use of stimulants alongside cocaine, NPR reported July 10. 

Most Americans are unaware that primary care providers can provide medications for opioid use disorder, a barrier that could contribute to low rates of medication uptake, a study published June 28 in JAMA Network Open found. 

A federal opioid trial fell short of its goal to reduce opioid deaths by 40%. 

Deaths from fentanyl were 24 times higher in 2022 than in 2013, according to a May 28 report from USA Facts, a nonprofit organization that conducts data analysis. 

Walgreens launched its own over-the-counter generic naloxone HCl nasal spray.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration launched a funding opportunity that will invest up to $1.48 billion to U.S. states and $63 million to tribes to combat the substance use crisis. 

New Mexico has the highest drug use of any state in the U.S., according to personal finance website WalletHub's "Drug Use by State" list for 2024.

The Justice Department is investigating consulting firm McKinsey's role advising opioid manufacturers, The Wall Street Journal reported April 25. 

The healthcare industry is at the center of the opioid epidemic, and a strategic approach across the field can be the key to addressing it, Holly Geyer, MD, Mayo Clinic Arizona's opioid stewardship chair said.

The number of drug overdose deaths were stable between 2021 and 2022, remaining at the highest rate since 2002, according to CDC data published March 21.