Tag

Addiction Crisis

All articles tagged with #addiction crisis

politics1 year ago•2 min saved

"Oregon Reverses Drug Decriminalization, Recriminalizes Small-Quantity Possession"

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill reversing the 2020 voter-approved initiative that decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs, reclassifying possession as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. The move aims to address a deepening addiction and overdose crisis, with drug treatment offered as an alternative to criminal penalties. Advocates of the original measure criticized the lack of effective implementation and access to treatment services, while opponents argued that decriminalization exacerbated drug abuse. The new law represents a shift away from progressive drug policies, sparking debate over the best approach to tackling drug addiction and the justice system.

via NBC News|

#addiction-crisis #criminal-justice #decriminalization

health1 year ago•3 min saved

"Methamphetamine's Surge Adds Fuel to U.S. Opioid Crisis"

A new report by Millennium Health reveals that illicit fentanyl, the main driver of the U.S. overdose epidemic, is increasingly being used in conjunction with methamphetamine and cocaine, with 60% of fentanyl-positive urine samples also testing positive for methamphetamine. The report indicates a shift in the nation's addiction crisis, with decreasing abuse of heroin and prescription opioids, and a surge in polysubstance abuse. The presence of methamphetamine in fentanyl-positive samples is particularly concerning, as there are currently no FDA-approved medications for stimulant overdoses. The report also highlights regional differences in drug use, with methamphetamine more prevalent in the western U.S. and cocaine more common in the eastern U.S.

via USA TODAY|

#addiction-crisis #drug-abuse #fentanyl

health2 years ago•1 min saved

The Opioid Crisis Takes a Sinister Turn

The opioid crisis has evolved into a more dangerous addiction crisis as people addicted to drugs increasingly combine multiple substances, including opioids, stimulants like methamphetamine, and other drugs like xylazine and anti-anxiety medications. Polysubstance use has become the norm for 70-80% of opioid addicts, making treatment more challenging. Drug dealers are contaminating their supply with fentanyl, leading to unpredictable and deadly consequences. Methamphetamine use is also on the rise, with fatalities increasing. Strategies that work for treating opioid addiction are ineffective when stimulants are involved, posing a new challenge for healthcare professionals.

via Newser|

#addiction-crisis #fentanyl #health

health2 years ago•8 min saved

Oregon Delegation's Portugal Trip Sheds Light on Measure 110 and Law Enforcement Perspectives

A delegation of Oregon policymakers traveled to Portugal to learn about the country's approach to drug decriminalization and addiction treatment in order to improve Oregon's Measure 110. The delegation met with addiction recovery providers, law enforcement, and policymakers in Portugal to understand how the country has implemented a comprehensive healthcare response to its addiction crisis. The trip highlighted the importance of fully funding and easily accessible treatment services, viewing addiction as a public health issue rather than a crime, collaborating with law enforcement, integrating services, and discouraging public drug use. The delegation concluded that while decriminalization is necessary, Measure 110 needs to be expanded to create a comprehensive healthcare approach to addiction.

via Fox 12 Oregon|

#addiction-crisis #drug-decriminalization #health

health2 years ago•9 min saved

The Impact of AI-Targeted Ads on Addiction: A Scientific Perspective

Direct-to-consumer telehealth services are utilizing AI-targeted advertisements to aggressively market habit-forming medications, posing a threat to individuals in recovery and potentially fueling an addiction crisis. These companies, such as Cerebral, make it easy for individuals seeking recreational drugs to access prescription medications, bypassing traditional barriers and potentially leading to misuse. Similar to the tactics used by Purdue Pharma during the opioid crisis, these firms leverage data-driven marketing to influence prescribing habits. The relaxed regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic have further enabled the proliferation of these services. To address this issue, there is a need for stricter regulations, improved intake and assessment requirements, and a ban on targeted ads for addictive drugs.

via Business Insider|

#addiction-crisis #ai-targeted-advertisements #health