118 articles found
Massachusetts opioid overdose deaths fell for a third straight year, a Boston Indicators brief finds, but federal Medicaid work rules could reverse the gains.
A JAMA Psychiatry analysis of insurance claims found states that legalized online sports betting saw 5 to 7 percent rises in depression and anxiety treatment.
FAIR Health's annual Opioid Tracker update shows commercially insured opioid use disorder diagnoses rose 32.7% from 2022 to 2025, with Tennessee highest.
A NAADGS survey finds states budgeted $188 million for problem gambling services in FY2025, spent $145 million, and left $43 million unspent.
An R Street analysis of CDC and EMS data finds non-fatal opioid overdoses declining more slowly than deaths, pointing to survivability gains and a missed treatment handoff.
A NIAAA-funded study finds only 58.5% of alcohol treatment facilities offer women-specific care and 4.6% provide childcare, even in states with the highest need.
Montana prosecutors charged a Great Falls addiction counselor with felony Medicaid fraud, the second case against a city treatment provider this year.
El Paso County joins nine Colorado counties piloting an overdose fatality review board with CDC funding, as local deaths rose 16% and the state bucked a national decline.
Michigan's MDHHS updated its Opioid Strategy Progress Metrics Dashboard to track the four pillars of its SUD framework ahead of $1.8 billion in settlement funds.
A JAMA Psychiatry analysis of 2021-2023 federal survey data found mental health and substance use disorder care totaled $174 billion, or 7% of US medical spending.
A NIST analysis of 4,563 drug samples finds fentanyl adulterants now average six or more per sample, with sharp regional differences.
Overdose deaths among Black San Diegans fell from 159 in 2023 to 85 in 2025, the district attorney said, while methamphetamine deaths kept rising.
An Epic Research analysis of 13,533 patients found those diagnosed with gambling disorder were far more likely to carry depression, anxiety and substance use diagnoses.
A stopgap funding bill pushed the start of the federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11, giving Congress weeks to weigh regulation over prohibition.
A state-commissioned report found Oregon directed $39 million of $1.5 billion in two years to prevention, and that most school districts lack required plans.
A Rutgers-led analysis of 1.1 billion fills found dispensing of Xanax, Valium and similar sedatives dropped from 7.5% to 5.5% of the population.
Massachusetts health officials now say even moderate drinking can raise the risk of cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease, going further than federal advice.
Minnesota's health department launched MN-OD-ALERTS, which uses near-real-time ambulance and hospital data to flag opioid overdose spikes and warn local agencies.
St. Louis County's health department reported about 200 suspected nonfatal overdoses since late August, with a cluster in the 63136 ZIP code around Jennings.
The 2026 Indiana Youth Survey of 53,879 students found vaping, alcohol and binge drinking at their lowest levels since current methods began in 2015.
Corrections data compiled by the Correctional Association of New York show prison staff used Narcan 51% more often in 2025, with 12 deaths in each of the past two years.
Medina County reduced fatal overdoses from 42 in 2017 to 8 in 2025, an almost 80% drop, as Ohio's statewide rate fell from 70 to 27 per 100,000.
A nationwide analysis of 1,218 opioid treatment programs finds that higher patient retention correlates with lower hospitalizations, ER visits, and mortality.
Allegheny County reports a 41% reduction in fatal overdoses from 2023 to 2025, with officials directing $1.7 million in opioid settlement funds toward community-based recovery programs.
Mississippi reports 449 overdose deaths in 2025, a 39.8% decline from the 2021 peak of 746, as state officials prepare for International Overdose Awareness Day events.
CDC provisional data show fentanyl-related deaths dropped 54% from their peak, with total overdose fatalities falling to approximately 70,000 in 2025—a third consecutive year of decline.
August 31 marks 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day with theme '25 Years On. Still Needed' as CDC reports third consecutive year of declining overdose deaths.
Middlesex-London Health Unit data shows opioid deaths fell to 62 in 2025 from 72 in 2024, marking three years of progress while officials warn gains remain fragile.
Annual report shows 634 homeless New Yorkers died in 2025, down from 770 in 2024, marking the first decrease in seven years amid expanded harm reduction efforts.
Santa Cruz County reports 20 overdose deaths in first half of 2026, down from 36 in 2025, marking third straight year of decline after peak of 130+ deaths in 2023.
Adults 65 and older are now among the fastest-growing groups for fentanyl overdose deaths, with fatalities involving fentanyl-stimulant combinations rising over 9,000% in eight years.
Wisconsin records steepest-ever single-year drop in fentanyl overdose deaths, falling from 1,422 in 2023 to 818 in 2024, as naloxone destigmatization and treatment access expand.
2025 NSDUH data shows only 16% of people with substance use disorders received treatment, with the most common barrier being the belief they could handle it on their own.
Colorado recorded 1,554 unintentional overdose deaths in 2025, up from 1,409 in 2024, even as the U.S. death rate hit an all-time low, state data shows.
Maryland's 2024-2025 youth survey shows high school vaping down nearly 45% since 2018, while 31.7% of high schoolers report persistent sadness or hopelessness.
Maryland will receive more than $13 million from seven generic opioid manufacturers under a nationwide settlement that imposes new marketing restrictions and monitoring requirements.
2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals 44.6 million Americans have substance use disorder, with marijuana use disorder rising to 19.3 million cases while alcohol use disorder declines.
Detroit's Wayne County reports 42% decline in overdose deaths for 2024, but health officials warn that carfentanil—100 times stronger than fentanyl—threatens to reverse progress.
National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2025 data reveals declining rates of adolescent drug use, depression, and suicidal thoughts, though treatment access gaps persist for millions.
New research finds that more than 93% of rural U.S. counties have no Medicare-enrolled opioid treatment program, creating deadly barriers to methadone access for older adults.
WVU Health System settles for $4.1 million after years of unreported employee painkiller thefts, exposing systemic failures in controlled substance oversight.
Arizona's drug overdose mortality now doubles the national average amid a 17% year-over-year increase, even as U.S. deaths fall for the third consecutive year
Cuyahoga County, Ohio reports dramatic 70% decline in fentanyl overdose deaths from 2023 to 2025, with cocaine now becoming the leading drug in fatalities.
Utah health officials confirm medetomidine, a potent veterinary sedative, has been detected in the state's illicit drug supply, creating naloxone-resistant overdoses and severe withdrawal symptoms.
New Mexico reports 900 overdose deaths in 2025, a 21% increase while national fatalities drop 14%. Fentanyl drives crisis in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties with 65%+ spikes.
Veterinary sedative medetomidine, 100-200 times more potent than xylazine, is appearing in Minnesota's illicit fentanyl supply, creating naloxone-resistant overdoses and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Manatee County, Florida reports dramatic 56% decline in opioid overdose deaths through coordinated naloxone distribution, expanded treatment access, and peer recovery support programs.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman unveils new online dashboard developed with University of Kentucky RADOR team to provide public transparency on opioid settlement fund investments.
Wisconsin reports 1,185 drug overdose deaths in 2024, a 33% decline from 2022 peak, as naloxone distribution and medication-assisted treatment expansion show measurable results.
South Carolina reports 1,481 drug overdose deaths in 2024, a 31.3% decrease from 2023, with fentanyl remaining the primary contributor to fatalities.
JAMA study finds most 8th-graders and one-third of high schoolers underestimate fentanyl's lethal risk, highlighting dangerous knowledge gaps as drug overdoses rank third in youth deaths.
CDC reports lowest U.S. death rate in over a century, driven by 14% decline in drug overdose deaths and improved public health interventions nationwide.
Chicago and suburban Cook County report largest overdose death reduction of any U.S. county, with deaths falling from 1,961 in 2022 to 1,138 in 2024 through strategic harm reduction and naloxone distribution.
Illinois reports dramatic 36% decline in opioid overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, with synthetic opioid fatalities down 38%. The reduction reflects sustained investments in naloxone distribution, harm reduction, and treatment access.
UNODC World Drug Report 2026 reveals 1 in 16 people worldwide now use drugs, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl, nitazenes, and orphines replacing heroin and creating unprecedented public health risks.
New CDC data reveals 9,651 overdose deaths in hotels and motels from 2022-2024, with 56% involving local residents. Report highlights critical gaps in bystander response and naloxone access.
Los Angeles County reports 6% decline in drug overdose deaths for 2025, marking three years of progress as fentanyl fatalities drop 10% and harm reduction programs show results.
New FAIR Health data reveals mental health conditions account for 52% of all telehealth diagnoses in Q1 2026, ranking as the top diagnostic category in every U.S. region and every age group including children under 10.
CDC provisional data shows New Jersey achieved a 22% decline in drug overdose deaths in 2025, outpacing the national average and marking the lowest fatalities since before the pandemic.
Michigan health officials announce 47% reduction in overdose mortality since 2021 peak, attributing success to expanded naloxone distribution, harm reduction services, and improved treatment access.
University of Colorado researchers develop comprehensive tracking system to measure how opioid settlement funds reduce overdose deaths and improve addiction treatment across the state.
Investigation reveals super-potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes have caused over 1,100 confirmed deaths, with experts warning the true toll could reach 2,000 as these 1950s-era compounds flood the illicit market.
Boston Public Health Commission reports 120 opioid overdose deaths in 2025, a 29% decline from 2024 and 56% drop from the 2023 peak, marking the lowest fatalities in ten years.
CDC and White House issue urgent health advisory as veterinary sedative medetomidine surges 3,000% in two years, creating naloxone-resistant overdoses across 18 states
Rhode Island reports 50% decline in overdose deaths since 2022, surpassing state's 2030 goal four years early and marking lowest mortality since before the fentanyl crisis began.
Baltimore County unveils interactive dashboard allowing residents to monitor how $90 million in opioid settlement funds are spent, following Maryland's statewide transparency initiative.
A novel class of synthetic opioids called orphines is appearing in the U.S. illicit drug supply with potency exceeding fentanyl, challenging detection and overdose reversal efforts.
North Carolina's most populous county reports largest overdose decline in five years after tripling naloxone distribution and expanding harm reduction infrastructure.
Missouri's updated 2026 naloxone standing order explicitly includes individuals under 18, as Medicaid claims exceed 11,000 annually and overdose deaths fall 23%.
Massachusetts opioid overdose deaths fell to 978 in 2025, a nearly 60% decline from the 2022 peak of 2,364 deaths. The state credits comprehensive harm reduction, expanded treatment access, and community partnerships.
A powerful synthetic opioid 10 times stronger than fentanyl has emerged in East Tennessee, claiming more than 50 lives and spreading to multiple states.
Landmark UC San Diego research finds U.S. overdose deaths fell 24.4% in 2024, marking the first decline across all four waves of the addiction crisis, though stimulant-only deaths and racial disparities persist.
CDC data shows New York State overdose deaths fell 44.9% over three years, saving more than 5,000 lives, with opioid fatalities down nearly 52% since 2022.
Maryland unveils interactive dashboard tracking $747 million in opioid settlement funds, setting new standard for pharmaceutical litigation accountability and public oversight.
National overdose deaths decline for third consecutive year, yet Alaska, New Mexico, and other western states see rising mortality amid fentanyl crisis
The DEA issues urgent warnings about fentanyl mixed with xylazine and medetomidine—animal sedatives that complicate overdose reversal and create new dangers for people who use drugs.
Philadelphia reports significant progress in reducing overdose deaths, particularly among Black residents who saw a 27% decrease, even as stimulant-related fatalities continue rising.
Machine learning models analyzing electronic health records can identify patients at high risk of fatal overdose up to 12 months before the event, offering a new tool for preventive intervention.
Governor Josh Stein announces sharpest single-year drop in overdose mortality since 2019, highlighting how opioid settlement investments are expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and recovery services across the state.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel unveils a groundbreaking transparency dashboard to track every dollar of opioid settlement funds, setting a new national standard for accountability in addiction crisis response.
Florida reports dramatic 42% decline in opioid-related overdose deaths and 46% drop in fentanyl fatalities, outpacing national improvements and marking significant progress in the state's battle against synthetic opioids.
New CDC data shows drug overdose deaths fell to approximately 70,000 in 2025, marking three consecutive years of decline from the 2022 peak of nearly 110,000 fatalities.
Preliminary 2025 data shows Oregon overdose deaths fell to approximately 1,100 from 1,544 in 2024, marking the state's first year-over-year decline since 2016.
DEA advisory highlights escalating threat from fentanyl combined with cychlorphine, medetomidine, nitazenes, and xylazine—substances that resist naloxone and are driving overdose deaths across multiple states.
A deadly synthetic opioid called cychlorphine, estimated to be 10 times more potent than fentanyl and undetectable by standard test strips, has been linked to dozens of overdose deaths across Tennessee, Arkansas, California, and other states.
Michigan achieves a 35% reduction in opioid overdose deaths since 2023, with preliminary 2024 data projecting fewer than 2,000 fatalities through strategic harm reduction investments and naloxone distribution.
Maryland reports a dramatic 57% reduction in opioid overdose deaths since the pandemic peak, reaching a 10-year low through expanded naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strips, and community-based treatment access.
New data shows medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder reached 69% among Medicaid beneficiaries by 2023, yet 180-day treatment retention declined from 62.6% to 57.7%.
Austin-area officials credit free naloxone distribution through vending machines and community partnerships for dramatic reduction in fentanyl fatalities.
Kentucky reports fourth straight year of declining overdose deaths with 22.9% reduction in 2025, marking 50.8% decrease from 2021 peak as comprehensive state strategy shows sustained results.
Trump administration proposes national wastewater monitoring and artificial intelligence to track drug use patterns, alongside faith-based treatment expansion and integrated addiction care.
New CDC data shows U.S. overdose deaths fell 15.9% in the past year, but emerging synthetic drugs like medetomidine threaten continued progress
While overdose deaths fell 18% nationally, Colorado saw a 10% increase in fentanyl-related fatalities, with Denver reporting a 25% spike. DEA data reveals the state's unique challenges.
Researchers analyze 569,000 TikTok comments to demonstrate social media data can forecast synthetic opioid mortality with 37% greater accuracy than traditional surveillance methods.
Milwaukee County reports dramatic 42.5% decline in drug overdose deaths since 2022, driven by harm reduction expansion, medication-assisted treatment, and $111 million opioid settlement investment.
Vermont reports dramatic 25% reduction in drug overdose deaths, marking the state's first significant decline in fatal overdoses in 20 years amid national mortality improvements.
West Virginia reports 48% drop in fatal drug overdoses, exceeding the national decline of 44%, as enforcement and public health efforts converge in the state hardest hit by the opioid crisis.
Health officials confirm first fatal overdose involving N-Propionitrile chlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid undetectable by standard fentanyl test strips.
New research published in JAMA shows the 988 suicide crisis hotline is associated with significant reductions in suicide deaths among young people, with states showing highest call volume experiencing the greatest declines.
New Child Trends analysis shows youth overdose deaths dropped 37% since 2023, with rates now lower than before the pandemic despite fentanyl's continued spread.
Mayor Brandon Scott unveils first annual report and public dashboard tracking how Baltimore invests settlement dollars from opioid litigation into harm reduction, treatment, and community services.
New JAMA Network Open study shows MOUD access among Medicaid beneficiaries rose from 60% to 69% between 2019-2023, with 45 states seeing increases.
JAMA research letter reveals 24.3% decline in long-term opioid therapy from 2015-2023, even as co-prescribing with gabapentinoids rises sharply, raising new safety concerns for chronic pain patients.
DEA reports 1,400 carfentanil identifications in 2025, up from just 54 in 2022. The veterinary tranquilizer, 100 times stronger than fentanyl, is killing unsuspecting users as China cracks down on fentanyl precursors.
JAMA Network Open study finds Medicaid expansion in eight states increased buprenorphine prescriptions by over 21%, with Oklahoma seeing 43% drop in overdose deaths.
New BMJ research finds semaglutide and similar medications associated with 14% reduced risk of developing substance use disorders and 50% fewer deaths among veterans already in treatment.
Northwestern University researchers debunk 2025 drug overdose surge reported by CDC, finding the apparent spike was a modeling error caused by rapid epidemic shifts, not data manipulation or political interference.
House roundtable examines paradox of doubled treatment access, 241% spending increase while depression and suicide reach historic highs. Youth antidepressant prescriptions jump 63%.
WVU leads 18-month statewide assessment to guide how three-quarters of West Virginia's opioid settlement funds will be spent, creating public dashboard to identify gaps and maximize impact.
Indiana University's MACRO-B initiative reduced opioid overdose mortality among Black Indianapolis residents by 45% in two years, now expanding statewide.
Cychlorphine, a novel opioid resistant to standard naloxone doses, has been detected in over a dozen states. Oklahoma confirmed its first death as experts warn the drug may require multiple Narcan doses to reverse overdoses.
Survey of 212 U.S. jails, prisons, and detention centers finds stark regional and facility-type disparities in MOUD access, with post-release mortality 40 times higher than national average.
Psychostimulants, primarily methamphetamine, overtook opioids as Iowa's leading overdose cause in 2024. Without a Narcan equivalent, public health officials confront new treatment challenges.
New federal data reveals historic decline in opioid deaths across all demographics, driven by expanded naloxone access, weaker fentanyl supply, and medication treatment—though Arizona and four other states buck the trend.
Federal funding establishes Pennsylvania Addiction Action Network to coordinate data-driven allocation of settlement funds across all 67 counties as state confronts 4,719 annual overdose deaths.
CDC data shows overdose deaths fell to 68,000 in 12 months ending October 2025, the lowest since 2019, driven by a dramatic decline in fentanyl purity from 25% to 11% as all four waves of the epidemic enter simultaneous decline.
New CDC data reveals West Virginia and Virginia achieved the steepest opioid death declines in America, with drops approaching 49% and outpacing the national 44% reduction.
New national survey reveals 18 states mandate recovery assessments in treatment facilities, but federal reporting burdens and staffing shortages slow broader adoption.