The article discusses the rising overdose crisis in Flathead County, Montana, driven by fentanyl and poly-drug use, highlighting personal stories like Riley McConnell's, and emphasizing the need for increased awareness, resources, and community intervention to combat the growing opioid epidemic.
The article highlights the often overlooked aftermath of the opioid crisis, focusing on survivors who live with severe, life-altering injuries from overdoses, such as brain damage and long-term disabilities, emphasizing the need for better understanding and support for these hidden victims.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths among seniors have surged by 9,000% over the past eight years, driven by the combination of fentanyl with stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines, highlighting a dangerous and often overlooked aspect of the ongoing opioid epidemic affecting older Americans. Experts emphasize the need for cautious prescribing, increased screening, and harm reduction strategies to address this rising threat.
During a New Jersey gubernatorial debate, Mikie Sherrill accused opponent Jack Ciattarelli of profiting from and contributing to the opioid epidemic, leading Ciattarelli's campaign to announce plans to file a defamation lawsuit against her.
The article reviews various true crime stories across media that highlight institutional failures in healthcare, including the Netflix series 'The Pharmacist' about a pharmacist's quest for justice and exposing the opioid epidemic, the podcast 'Dr. Death' about a doctor’s deadly fraud, the 'Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders' series on a 1982 cyanide poisoning case, and the documentary 'Capturing the Killer Nurse' about a nurse who murdered patients, revealing systemic issues and legal reforms in healthcare.
The article discusses a specialized camp for children who have lost loved ones to opioid overdose, highlighting the emotional support, coping strategies, and the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis on young lives, emphasizing the importance of tailored grief support for this vulnerable group.
Estonia is experiencing a severe opioid crisis driven by the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which have caused a surge in overdose deaths and highlight the challenges of drug policy and social marginalization. The country's history with fentanyl and ongoing struggles with drug demand and supply reflect broader issues that could threaten other European nations and the UK.
A new non-opioid painkiller called ADRIANA, developed in Japan, shows promising early clinical trial results and could provide a safer alternative for severe pain management, potentially helping to reduce the global opioid crisis.
The article explores how decades of deregulation, influenced by political lobbying and industry interests, have allowed unregulated or barely regulated herbal supplements like kratom and kava to flood the market, leading to addiction and health crises. It highlights the loopholes in U.S. supplement laws, the influence of politicians like Orrin Hatch, and the ongoing challenges in regulating these substances, which have contributed to America's drug and addiction problems.
Since January, New Haven County has experienced 68 fatal opioid overdoses, prompting calls for urgent action. The APT Foundation has launched a campaign to improve access to immediate, low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder, emphasizing the need to treat it as an urgent medical issue and eliminate systemic delays and stigma. Despite existing efforts, delays and barriers still hinder timely care, contributing to preventable deaths.
All 50 U.S. states, D.C., and four territories have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to resolve opioid litigation, aiming to fund addiction treatment and prevent further abuse, marking the largest settlement of its kind.
The article discusses the recent decline in overdose deaths in the US, attributed partly to increased naloxone distribution, but warns that the proposed dismantling of key health agencies by the new administration could reverse these gains and lead to a resurgence in overdose fatalities.
Consulting firm McKinsey has agreed to pay $650 million to settle charges related to its role in the US opioid crisis, where it allegedly conspired with Purdue Pharma to misbrand prescription drugs. The settlement includes a deferred prosecution agreement, requiring McKinsey to reform its practices. This follows previous settlements totaling nearly $1 billion over similar allegations. The opioid crisis has led to nearly 100,000 overdose deaths annually in the US.
McKinsey & Company has agreed to pay $650 million to settle federal civil and criminal investigations into its role in boosting opioid sales for Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. The settlement includes a deferred prosecution agreement, with McKinsey not admitting liability but agreeing to refrain from future work involving controlled substances. This marks the first time a consulting firm has been held criminally responsible for advice leading to a client's criminal actions. The settlement follows previous payouts by McKinsey related to the opioid crisis.
McKinsey has agreed to a $650 million settlement with the US Department of Justice over its role in advising opioid manufacturers, including Purdue Pharma, during the opioid crisis. The firm admitted to conspiring to misbrand prescription drugs and will face restrictions on future pharmaceutical consulting work. A former senior partner, Martin Elling, will plead guilty to obstructing justice by destroying documents. This marks the first criminal accountability for a consulting firm in such a case, highlighting the legal risks for consultants involved in client misconduct.