From needle exchanges to the latest “wet houses” for alcoholics, studies show “harm reduction” can help kick a habit
opioids
What Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Sponsor Could Have Done for Him
As part of Twelve-Step programs, they act as support, friend, mentor, and advisor—but they’re also former addicts and shouldn’t be treated as experts
Long-acting Pain Drugs No Longer Approved for Treating Moderate Pain
Pain drugs will need new warnings to alert patients and doctors about their dangers.
Majority of Americans Support Legalization of Marijuana
Public support for legalizing marijuana has never been higher, but the latest studies show recreational use is linked with prescription drug misuse.
Study Supports Benefits of Naloxone in Treating Drug Overdoses
Study shows naloxone effective for treating overdose
Preventing Overdose: Obama Administration Drug Czar Calls For Wider Access to Overdose Antidote
For the first time, the drug czar has supported broadening access to naloxone, the life-saving prescription drug that immediately reverses overdoses of heroin and prescription painkillers
A Combo of Existing Drugs Could Treat Cocaine Addiction
Two drugs currently used to treat heroin and prescription painkiller addiction may work together to fight cocaine as well — without causing dependence themselves, according to a new study in rats.
The Prescription Painkiller Experience: Less than a Third Say They Like It
Many people fear that mere exposure to prescription painkillers like Vicodin or OxyContin will set them down the road to addiction. But new research on the response to opioid medication suggests that most people don’t …
Abuse-Proof OxyContin Pushes Addicts to Heroin and Other Opioids, Survey Finds
Abuse-deterrent reformulations of widely misused prescription painkillers may not be the “magic bullets” many hoped they would be in the battle against addiction
Recreational Use of Prescription Painkillers Linked to Other Drug Problems in Teens
Nearly 1 in 4 high school seniors has ever taken a prescription opioid pain reliever either medically or recreationally, according to a new study. Nonmedical use of these drugs was associated with a higher risk of smoking, …
Number of Babies Born Suffering from Drug Withdrawal Triples
The rate of babies born to mothers who use prescription painkillers during pregnancy has risen sharply over the last decade. Though the long-term effects of such drug exposure are uncertain, true harm can come of labeling these …
Government Considers Overdose Antidote, Naloxone, to Fight Prescription Drug Misuse
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has for the first time advocated considering the distribution of the naloxone, an overdose antidote, as a way to curb the rising toll of overdose deaths in America.
Naloxone Debate: FDA Hears Testimony About Making an Overdose Antidote Nonprescription
(Updated) “Why didn’t I know about this when my child was alive?” That was the question raised over and over at a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hearing on Thursday by parents whose families make up the terrible …