By Jane Kim, Brayden Trimmel | July 10, 2023 PADUCAH, KY — Substance abuse might seem like a young person’s problem, but older adults are increasingly impacted. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2018 that nearly 1 million adults ages 65 and older live with a substance use disorder.[Read More…]
National News
Substance Abuse Is Climbing Among Seniors
Many aging baby boomers have long histories with drugs, cannabis and alcohol. “The field wasn’t ready for that,” said one expert. By Paula Span | July 9, 2023 When Dr. Benjamin Han, a geriatrician and addiction medicine specialist, meets new patients at the School of Medicine at the University of California,[Read More…]
Cannabis Is Linked to Mental Illness
A major new study shows that people who abuse the drug are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. By Susan Pinker, Wall Street Journal | July 6, 2023 Psychologist Susan Pinker explores new discoveries in the science of human nature. Read previous columns here. There was a new[Read More…]
After the Addiction, Opioid Users Struggle to Get Back to Work
By Annelise Gilbert, Bloomberg Law July 6, 2023 Given the nationwide opioid epidemic, John said he didn’t think disclosing his methadone treatment for a previous opioid addiction to his employer would be a big deal. The clinic where he received treatment six times a week was only four or five[Read More…]
Not your stereotypical addict
Opioid abuse and deaths among older adults have skyrocketed. Could you have a problem and not know it? July 1, 2023 By Maureen SalamonExecutive EditorHarvard Women’s Health Watch You’ve had a stressful few months: major surgery led to lingering pain worsened by vague anxiety, the unsettled sense you aren’t quite back[Read More…]
Minorities Hit Hardest by Alcohol-Related Deaths During First Years of COVID-19
By Lisa Rapaport Alcohol-related mortality rates climbed most among individuals who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, followed by Black and Hispanic people, a new study finds. The surge in alcohol-related deaths during the peak months of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionality hit certain racial and ethnic groups, including Black and Hispanic people[Read More…]
Few rehab centers for addicted teens offer recommended medicine, US study finds
A new study finds only 1 in 4 residential treatment centers for U.S. teens offers a recommended treatment medicine for opioid addiction. By CARLA K. JOHNSON – AP Medical Writer Only 1 in 4 residential treatment centers for teens offers a recommended medicine for opioid addiction, according to a study[Read More…]
Less Than 60% of US Pharmacies Stock Buprenorphine for SUD, Creating Multiple Treatment Deserts
Only 57.9% of pharmacies in the U.S. stock buprenorphine, a prescription used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). That’s according to new research published in JAMA highlighting a potential access issue for patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The cross-sectional study was based on data from virtual MAT provider Bicycle Health and included[Read More…]
Opioid Deaths Could Hit 165,000 Annually Without Intervention, Biden Official Warns
By Molly Bohannon, Forbes Staff The director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy warned that—without implementation of President Joe Biden’s intervention initiatives—opioid deaths could dramatically increase to about 165,000 annually by 2025. KEY FACTS Biden-nominated drug czar Dr. Rahul Gupta warned of the potential increase in[Read More…]
Opioid Deaths Could Hit 165,000 Annually Without Intervention, Biden Official Warns
The director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy warned that—without implementation of President Joe Biden’s intervention initiatives—opioid deaths could dramatically increase to about 165,000 annually by 2025. Read more at Forbes.