Addiction and Drug Use

Nearly every state has laws that limit access to opioid treatment programs, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

People in recovery for substance use disorder often need to attend medical appointments, recovery meetings or meet with a probation officer. But access to transportation can be a barrier to recovery.

Many who work on the frontlines of the overdose crisis want to see more emphasis on reducing the risk of illness and death from substance use. But in some communities, they face opposition.

America’s new national mental health crisis line — 988 — is going live on July 16. The new 3-digit hotline is supposed to make it easy for people struggling with addiction, suicide and mental illness to get help fast. But with just weeks to go, hundreds of positions remain unfilled.

A new study shows alcohol use increased during the pandemic for those 21 and older, but finding treatment can be a challenge.

People in Kansas risk jail time if they call 911 to report an overdose. And not all law enforcement agencies use the lifesaving drug naloxone.

This year, 25 percent fewer teens reported using marijuana, alcohol or nicotine in the past year compared to 2020. It’s the largest year to year drop in teen substance use in the 46 years the survey has been conducted.

Public health experts and law enforcement blame the uptick in overdose deaths on fentanyl — a synthetic opioid that is much more deadly than other derivatives.

The new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the opioid epidemic is far from over, and public health officials say fentanyl —a synthetic opioid that is much more deadly than other opioids — is largely to blame.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Barbara Allen’s life became more complicated overnight.Allen, 39, lives in Springfield, Illinois, where she cares for…