Articles tagged “federal-policy”

SAMHSA bans federal funding for clean needles and syringe services while cutting agency staff by half, alarming addiction treatment providers.

Washington Attorney General opens trial against Albertsons, alleging pharmacy chain failed to prevent opioid misuse while prioritizing prescription volume over patient safety.

DEA files notice of intent to classify 7-OH and synthetic compounds as Schedule I drugs, targeting products currently sold over the counter in Hawaii with no age restrictions.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding FDA-authorized virtual reality therapy to treat chronic pain in veterans, offering an eight-week home-based program that reduces reliance on opioids.

DEA announces emergency Schedule I scheduling for investigational opioid compounds SR17018, SR-14968, R-6890, and 5,6-dichloro-brorphine, raising concerns about impact on pain medication research.

SAMHSA announces over $281 million in funding opportunities across 15 grant programs to expand medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention, and mental health services nationwide.

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.

Baltimore City Health Department alerts clinicians and community to rising threat of medetomidine, a veterinary sedative 100-200x more potent than xylazine, now detected across Maryland's illicit drug supply.

DEA files intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitragynine and three synthetic derivatives into Schedule I, targeting enhanced kratom products HHS says fuel addiction and pose public health risks.

Indivior's decision to pull extended-release buprenorphine from Australia by year-end highlights the unintended consequences of Trump's 'most favoured nations' pricing approach on addiction treatment access worldwide.

CDC informs state and local health programs they must agree to new Trump administration priorities within days, including deprioritizing harm reduction and housing-first strategies proven to reduce drug overdoses.

Compass Pathways' COMP360 psilocybin therapy could receive FDA approval by late 2026, marking a historic milestone for psychedelic medicine and offering new hope for treatment-resistant depression.

Aptihealth settles for $300,000 after billing Medicaid for no-show appointments as DOJ charges 455 defendants in $6.5 billion health care fraud crackdown targeting telehealth sector.

Powerful veterinary tranquilizer medetomidine causes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in incarcerated individuals, overwhelming jails ill-equipped to treat complex opioid dependence

Attorney General Raúl Torrez launches criminal probe into claims that DEA agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach Albuquerque streets as state leads nation in overdose death increases.

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.

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act 2.0 would allow board-certified addiction physicians to prescribe methadone directly, breaking the monopoly of specialty clinics and bringing treatment closer to patients.

New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan reintroduce landmark legislation that would authorize over $65 billion in federal funding over ten years to expand addiction treatment, prevention programs, and workforce development nationwide.

The funding package includes $96 million for the new STREETS program and $612 million for expanded behavioral health services, marking a significant federal investment in street-based outreach and community-wide recovery support.

New federal guidance empowers pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, potentially transforming access to medication-assisted treatment in underserved communities.

New AI screening and multi-layer approval process creates unprecedented backlog affecting opioid treatment, suicide prevention, and disease surveillance programs nationwide.

Comprehensive Healthcare in Yakima implements ZING robotic dosing system, reducing wait times and improving accuracy for medication-assisted treatment patients in rural Washington.

FDA requires updated labeling for buprenorphine and methadone products, emphasizing that medication-assisted treatment should not be withheld from patients using benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants.

Hundreds of addiction and mental health service providers received termination notices Tuesday night, only to have funding restored Wednesday after swift advocacy response.

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.

Secretary Kennedy unveils $96 million STREETS program and $612 million in additional grants targeting substance use disorders, mental health crises, and homelessness under the Great American Recovery Initiative.

DEA final rule formally eliminates X-waiver for buprenorphine prescribing and extends injectable medication window from 14 to 45 days, removing major barriers to medication-assisted treatment.

FDA approves Rextovy, expanding OTC naloxone options to three products. The new 4mg nasal spray broadens access to overdose reversal medication amid declining but still elevated overdose deaths.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals' generic 4mg naloxone nasal spray receives FDA approval for over-the-counter sales, expanding access to life-saving overdose reversal medication amid ongoing opioid crisis.

Eight new grant programs target addiction prevention, child trauma, suicide prevention, and mental illness as part of federal behavioral health investment.

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

SAMHSA's April guidance cautioning against indefinite methadone and buprenorphine use reignites debate over medication-assisted treatment as overdose deaths decline nationwide.

Scripps Research Institute develops experimental vaccine that blocks fentanyl and multiple dangerous variants by training immune system to recognize broad molecular signatures shared across the drug class.

A new Federal Register notice invites patients, providers, and researchers to tell HHS which addiction treatment programs deserve federal support — with a July 5 deadline and a clear policy direction already visible between the lines.

Trump administration policy change eliminates SAMHSA funding for fentanyl test strips, forcing Ohio health departments to rely on dwindling state and local resources as overdose deaths decline nationally.

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.

New educational platform aims to equip healthcare professionals with practical skills to treat substance use disorders amid nationwide provider shortage.

Federal funding boost aims to strengthen nation's mental health crisis response system as 988 Lifeline surpasses 25 million contacts since launch

A powerful synthetic opioid 10 times stronger than fentanyl has emerged in East Tennessee, claiming more than 50 lives and spreading to multiple states.

Republican Representative Jaime Green proposes using Michigan's opioid settlement dollars to fund clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound showing promise for treating PTSD and addiction in veterans.

Federal researchers receive FDA approval to begin Phase I clinical trial of mitragynine, marking first government-sanctioned human study of kratom's potential therapeutic effects.

DEA and HHS extend COVID-era telehealth flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances including buprenorphine through December 31, 2026, expanding access to addiction treatment nationwide.

Acting Attorney General moves FDA-approved and state-regulated medical marijuana to Schedule III, with broader rescheduling hearings set for June 29, 2026.

FDA extends Narcan nasal spray shelf-life from 3 to 4 years, reducing replacement costs and improving stockpile reliability for harm reduction programs nationwide.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs begins first government-sponsored study of MDMA-assisted therapy, enrolling 80 veterans in groundbreaking research on psychedelic treatment for co-occurring conditions.

FDA grants Breakthrough Therapy designation to LSD d-tartrate for generalized anxiety disorder, accelerating development of the first LSD-based psychiatric treatment and signaling regulatory openness to psychedelic therapies.

SAMHSA's updated guidance states that medication-only models for opioid use disorder are inadequate, reigniting tensions between comprehensive care ideals and the practical realities of treatment access.

Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly mixed with fentanyl, is creating unprecedented challenges for overdose reversal and wound care across the United States.

Bipartisan legislation would establish dedicated federal funding stream for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, with 40% of resources directed to tribal and local law enforcement

The POINTS Act would create a $50 million annual federal grant program for problem gambling treatment—the first dedicated funding stream as legal sports betting expands to 38 states.

Clinical trial shows semaglutide plus cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduces alcohol consumption, offering new hope for treating alcohol use disorder with existing medications.

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.

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.

Mississippi secures $40.9 million from $7.4 billion Purdue-Sackler settlement, bringing total opioid recovery to over $400 million for addiction treatment and prevention programs.

US authorities issue urgent warning to international visitors ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup about fentanyl contamination in street drugs, as DEA reports 29% of seized pills contain lethal doses.

New NIH-funded research reveals that oral small-molecule GLP-1 drugs like orforglipron suppress hedonic feeding by modulating the central amygdala, opening potential pathways for treating substance use disorders.

White House releases ambitious 195-page drug control strategy calling for easier treatment access, but administration's funding cuts and policy shifts threaten implementation.

Maryland's highest court rejects 'public nuisance' theory in opioid litigation, forcing Baltimore to dismiss case against McKesson and Cencora while keeping $400 million in earlier settlements.

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.

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%.

Wyoming becomes the latest state to adopt digital harm reduction tools, launching an interactive map that connects residents with free naloxone across 22 of 23 counties.

Trump administration ends federal support for fentanyl, xylazine, and medetomidine test strips through SAMHSA grants, reversing Biden-era harm reduction policies amid declining overdose deaths.

The historic $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma and Sackler family settlement becomes legally effective May 1, 2026, with states beginning to receive funds for addiction treatment and prevention programs.

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

Nebraska will require Medicaid expansion enrollees to work 80 hours monthly, raising concerns about addiction treatment access for vulnerable populations.

Federal court sentences OxyContin maker to historic penalties, clearing path for bankruptcy settlement that includes $865 million for victims—but many will be shut out under tightened eligibility rules.

Physicians publish urgent editorial urging federal action to protect access to addiction medications during climate emergencies after Hurricane Helene exposed critical gaps.

Trump administration's SAMHSA announces major policy reversal, banning federal funds for fentanyl test strips and sterile syringes while urging limitations on methadone and buprenorphine prescribing.

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.

State regulations force daily clinic visits and limit take-home doses, making medication-assisted treatment more burdensome than federal standards require.

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 Mexico becomes testing ground for SAMHSA-vetted digital recovery platform with dedicated teen version, offering 24/7 peer support and crisis intervention through smartphones.

New JAMA Network Open study shows MOUD access among Medicaid beneficiaries rose from 60% to 69% between 2019-2023, with 45 states seeing increases.

In a region flooded with 17 million prescription opioids, proposed Medicaid work requirements and funding cuts threaten to dismantle the safety net that has helped hundreds achieve recovery from addiction.

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.

President Trump signs executive order directing FDA to fast-track psychedelic research, provides $50 million for ibogaine studies, and opens Right to Try pathway for patients with treatment-resistant mental illness.

The Trump administration abruptly canceled hundreds of SAMHSA grants funding overdose prevention, naloxone distribution, and peer recovery support, putting addiction services at risk nationwide.

White House budget request would slash drug prevention grants, consolidate SAMHSA into new agency, and merge NIDA with alcohol institute while cutting $200 million from research.

Advocates press Congress to expand Veterans Treatment Courts and restore VA benefits access for incarcerated veterans struggling with service-connected mental health and substance use disorders

ONDCP, SAMHSA and HUD launch two-day summit to develop national toolkit for treating substance use disorders among homeless individuals, marking a shift toward integrated care models

Federal health officials warn about medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly mixed with illicit fentanyl, causing complex withdrawal syndromes and complicating overdose responses

New Anesthesiology research reveals that conventional naloxone doses may not fully reverse respiratory depression from potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and sufentanil, urging updated emergency protocols

Food and Drug Administration issues complete response letter rejecting Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, demanding additional clinical trials despite promising efficacy data.

New JAMA study shows states expanding Medicaid after 2018 saw sharp rises in buprenorphine prescriptions, but federal funding cuts could reverse gains.

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.

Congressional bill H.R. 5629 threatens to roll back SAMHSA's permanent methadone take-home flexibilities as Pew Charitable Trusts submits testimony defending COVID-era reforms that reduced travel burdens without increasing diversion or deaths.

National coalition urges Congress to maintain SAMHSA, NIH, and addiction program funding in FY2027 appropriations amid proposed 12.5% HHS budget cuts.

House roundtable examines paradox of doubled treatment access, 241% spending increase while depression and suicide reach historic highs. Youth antidepressant prescriptions jump 63%.

Federal initiative targets individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders through outcomes-based approach, but faith-based inclusion and punitive policy context raise concerns among public health advocates.

Deal flow in substance use disorder treatment hits six-year low as investors pull back amid quality concerns, Medicaid uncertainty, and volatile federal grants—leaving safety-net providers facing potential closures.

World Health Organization adds conditional endorsement for long-acting injectable buprenorphine to global opioid dependence treatment guidelines April 2026, alongside continued strong recommendations for methadone and oral formulations.

Senator Patty Murray announces funding for Tacoma-Pierce County mobile medical services while highlighting successful pushback against Trump administration's proposed $2 billion SAMHSA grant terminations.

New report profiles eight alternative mental health crisis programs removing police from response while Trump administration restructuring threatens federal funding infrastructure.

Federal agency proposes expanding community health workers and peer support specialists in rural areas where 60% of Americans lack access to mental health and addiction treatment services.

Congressional oversight hearing exposes chaotic federal response to addiction crisis as $2 billion in treatment grants remain uncertain and agency staff cut by half

Oregon and Colorado lead regulated psilocybin therapy programs as research shows promise for depression, PTSD, and addiction. Personal stories reveal profound results.

Indiana University's MACRO-B initiative reduced opioid overdose mortality among Black Indianapolis residents by 45% in two years, now expanding statewide.

SUPPORT Act allows pharmacists to prescribe addiction medication with 8 hours training. Maryland considers state legislation as federal pathway opens treatment access.

Opioid deaths fell 12% in Washington last year while innovative programs expanded access to life-saving treatment. But new Medicaid work requirements and federal funding cuts are already disrupting care.

Veterinary sedative 300× more potent than xylazine spreads through illicit opioid supply, causing life-threatening withdrawal and evading standard drug tests.

Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health launches Wyoming's first harm reduction vending machines offering free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and suicide prevention tools through anonymous PIN access to address overdose crisis on Wind River Reservation.

Bipartisan DETECT Nitazenes Act introduced in Congress would enhance detection technology for emerging class of synthetic opioids linked to over 1,000 deaths in UK.

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.

Brandeis University economic analysis shows two pharmacy-based methadone models generate positive returns of $2.64 and $3.53 per dollar spent over three years while addressing treatment deserts in 80% of U.S. counties.

A new survey of 212 jails and prisons finds only 58% provide FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, with stark regional disparities and treatment gaps putting released inmates at 40-times-higher overdose risk.

NIH-funded trial finds pregnant patients receiving weekly extended-release buprenorphine injections achieved significantly higher rates of opioid abstinence with fewer serious adverse events than those on sublingual buprenorphine.

SAMHSA's termination and rapid restoration of $2 billion in mental health grants in January exposed fragility of addiction infrastructure as overdose deaths decline for first time in decades.

Cychlorphine, an emerging synthetic opioid more potent than fentanyl, has been connected to at least 16 overdose deaths in East Tennessee since October. Federal authorities track 22 samples nationwide as harm reduction officials warn naloxone may require multiple doses.

Lawmakers push package of reforms including 988 funding, treatment bed registry, and insurance coverage mandates as state struggles to meet crisis response needs.

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.

Bipartisan POINTS Act would allocate $100M annually from sports betting taxes to prevention and treatment programs, marking the first dedicated federal investment in gambling disorder services.

Federal judge's ruling forces Education Department to restore funding for 120 school mental health projects, extending support through June 2026 as legal battle continues.

New national survey reveals 18 states mandate recovery assessments in treatment facilities, but federal reporting burdens and staffing shortages slow broader adoption.

Federal agency opens funding applications for children's mental health services, suicide prevention frameworks, and assisted outpatient treatment programs as part of broader recovery initiative.

New federal legislation would require OSHA guidance on workplace naloxone access amid rising employer reports of opioid impact and uneven emergency preparedness.

In a landmark policy shift, the FDA announced it will approve new drugs based on a single rigorous trial plus confirmatory evidence—a change that could accelerate development of therapies for opioid use disorder, alcohol addiction, and stimulant dependence.

DEA and HHS codify pandemic-era flexibility, allowing providers to initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment entirely via telehealth through the end of 2026, a move experts say could save lives and reshape addiction care nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration moves forward with controversial regulations to limit common painkillers, sparking national debate over balancing opioid crisis response with patient access to pain management.

As cocaine and methamphetamine become contaminated with fentanyl, researchers argue that contingency management and culturally adapted harm reduction are essential—yet remain vastly underutilized across the United States.

New federal rules allow providers to prescribe six-month supply of buprenorphine via audio-only telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment, eliminating pandemic-era restrictions while implementing safeguards.