Opioid Crisis Friday: Could We Beat the Opioid Epidemic by Easing Pain with Marijuana?

by Mindy Weisberger The number of Americans touched by the opioid epidemic has reached alarming proportions. Millions of people are affected each year, and death rates from overdoses have quadrupled since 1999, numbering in the tens of thousands annually, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). But there may be a less-risky alternative to opioidsContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Could We Beat the Opioid Epidemic by Easing Pain with Marijuana?”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Horse tranquilizer crops up in overdose deaths around US.

by Rachael Rettner It’s often found mixed with opioids, including heroin or fentanyl. A horse tranquilizer drug often found mixed with opioids is increasingly involved in overdose deaths in some U.S. states. The drug, called xylazine, is a sedative used in veterinary medicine, and it is not approved for use in humans. Recently, the tranquilizer began poppingContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Horse tranquilizer crops up in overdose deaths around US.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Fentanyl overdose death rates ‘more than tripled’ in recent years, CDC report shows.

The rate of fatal overdoses involving the opioid fentanyl has increased in the U.S. in recent years. (Image credit: Paul Burns via Getty Images)

Opioid Crisis Friday: Utah mom accused of poisoning husband with fentanyl in cocktail took out $2 million in life insurance policies on him.

by Minivonne Burke and Alicia Victoria Lozano PARK CITY, Utah — A woman who allegedly spiked her husband’s drink with fentanyl and then wrote a children’s book about grief after he died is now accused of secretly taking out almost $2 million in life insurance policies on him. The allegations against Kouri Richins were raised in anContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Utah mom accused of poisoning husband with fentanyl in cocktail took out $2 million in life insurance policies on him.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Tessa Tessa was first introduced to prescription opioids in high school after a sports injury. She was “hooked” by age 18 and used prescription opioids and other drugs to self-medicate her chronic headaches, pain from fibromyalgia, and depression. After receiving a DUI at age 21, Tessa completed substance use treatmentContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Story of Teresa Teresa describes her brother RJ as creative, a talented writer, and incredibly bright. Teresa and RJ were extremely close growing up and as young adults, until RJ’s prescription opioid addiction took hold of him and eventually took his life. RJ was 32 when he passed away from a prescription opioidContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Tele Tele began misusing prescription opioids with friends in high school, seeking a “numbing effect” from the drugs. He quickly became addicted. Throughout high school, Tele was popular, played sports, and got good grades, but he experienced anxiety and depression that were heightened by his inability to share his sexualContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The True Story of Tamera Tamera was prescribed opioid medication to manage chronic severe headaches. Before she started taking opioid pain medications, she had a steady, long-standing career and lived in a comfortable home with her young son. Tamera became addicted to prescription opioids within a year, and everything changed. She began requiring larger dosesContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Stevi Rae Stevi Rae has been in recovery for two and a half years and credits going through treatment with other Alaska Natives as key to her recovery journey. Raised in Naknek, Alaska, Stevi Rae grew up commercial and subsistence fishing. She was first introduced to prescription opioids after sheContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Noah Noah has fond memories of his childhood and the close relationship he shared with his father, Rick. His dad lived life to the fullest and he was a loved and respected member of the beauty and personal care industry. He worked hard and enjoyed his leisure time entertaining colleaguesContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”