WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it would require drug manufacturers to include information about naloxone, the overdose-reversal medication, on the labels of opioid painkillers. The move comes just weeks after the federal government released new data showing that U.S. drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high in 2019, surpassing the Read More
What is an opioid? Understanding the terminology around addiction, recovery.
There are many challenges to navigating opioid addiction and recovery. The emotional and financial burdens of addiction can take a toll on everyone involved, and understanding the terminology behind drugs or treatments can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between oxycodone and morphine? Is heroin used for medical purposes? Can someone who’s overdosing be revived with Suboxone? All Read More
COVID-19 brings on increase in substance abuse
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va (CBS19 NEWS) — While the coronavirus epidemic continues, the opioid epidemic is silently following it. “Our patients are really hurting,” Chief Medical Officer of Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine Dr. James Thompson said. “They’re suffering.” Across the country, 2018 was the first time since 2008 that overdoses weren’t increasing. But based on the Read More
Preventing opioid misuse and addiction: New thinking and the latest evidence
Drug policy often comprises efforts to reduce the supply of drugs, to provide health and social services to addicted individuals, and to prevent the development of addiction in the first place. The last of these efforts—prevention—is the subject of this paper. The scientific literature on drug policy offers some insights on the relative effectiveness and Read More