Opioid Crisis Fridays: The Supreme Court rejects a nationwide opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma

by Mark Sherman WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would have shielded members of the Sackler family who own the company from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids but also would have provided billions of dollars to combat the opioid epidemic. After deliberating more than six months,Continue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: The Supreme Court rejects a nationwide opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri- Nina Strada

by Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer Fentanyl has killed more than 850 in KC area. NINA STRADA, 22. DIED: JUNE 23, 2021 ‘She was that girl who would light up a room with her smile and her giggle’ On the surface, life was good for Nina Strada in mid-2021. The 22-year-old esthetician had justContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri- Nina Strada”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Taylor Everitt, 24

by Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer Died: October 28, 2020 Fentanyl has killed more than 850 in KC area. fter a critical crash, he suffered from leg pain. And bought a pill Becca Everitt had come home late from work the night before her son died. At the time, Taylor — who she calledContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Taylor Everitt, 24”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: Fentanyl Vaccine Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid Epidemic.

Study Suggests New Vaccine Could Prevent Deadly Opioid from Entering the Brain by Laurie Fickman A research team led by the University of Houston has developed a vaccine targeting the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl that could block its ability to enter the brain, thus eliminating the drug’s “high.” The breakthrough discovery could have major implicationsContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: Fentanyl Vaccine Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid Epidemic.”

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

The Real Story of David David founded a multimillion-dollar brokerage firm, managed 75 employees, and was happily married. At age 39, David was prescribed opioids to manage pain from several knee surgeries. Although David had a history of excessive alcohol use and cocaine use and had even completed treatment for substance use, he wasn’t awareContinue 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 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.”