By LANTERN STAFF Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday issued an emergency regulation classifying tianeptine, known as “gas station heroin,” as a Schedule 1 controlled drug. In some countries the drug is prescribed in low doses to treat depression and anxiety. The drug is not approved in the United States and in higher doses produces[Read More…]
Tag: addiction
Kentucky AG stops in Greenup during ‘Fight Fentanyl Operation’ tour
By Lane Ball GREENUP, KY (WOWK) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R-KY) made a stop in Greenup County on his Fight Fentanyl Operation tour across the Commonwealth. Local leaders, addiction recovery officials and concerned residents gathered at the Jesse Stuart Lodge in the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Wednesday afternoon. Watch[Read More…]
As opioids overdose deaths keep rising, report urges lawmakers to develop new approaches
BY: ASHLEY MURRAY WASHINGTON — Lawmakers should view America’s staggering opioid crisis, including the rise of illicit fentanyl, through an “ecosystems” approach, argues a massive RAND Corporation report published last week. That means they should examine the gaps and interconnections among emergency response, data collection, education, treatment, housing and law enforcement, the report[Read More…]
Inmates with opioid addiction report peer navigators are crucial for successful community reentry
by Rutgers University Recently incarcerated people with opioid use disorder have trust in working with peer support specialists who recovered from addiction and faced similar life experiences, according to a Rutgers study. The study, published in the journal Psychiatric Services, found that peer support specialists were most valued for providing emotional and community-based[Read More…]
Fentanyl accounts for a majority of fatal overdoses. But ERs aren’t testing for it.
After her son’s death in 2018, Juli Shamash began advocating for legislation that would require hospitals to test for fentanyl. Tyler’s Law took effect in California this year. By Maura Barrett and Bianca Seward LOS ANGELES — When Tyler Shamash survived a drug overdose at 19, his mother, Juli, asked his doctor several[Read More…]
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department emphasizes Harm Reduction Program
by: Tyler Melito LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Over the last seven years, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has been fighting hard against the spread of viruses such as Hepatitis-C and HIV, and one of the ways they have done this is through their Harm Reduction Program. Part of what the[Read More…]
Leaders and addiction specialists urge for immediate action as fentanyl use spikes
By Chandler Wilcox HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – Fentanyl has grabbed the attention of leaders nationally and statewide. Kentucky House Bill 353, which would decriminalize fentanyl testing strips and other testing tools, passed through the House as the need for action grows. The CDC says fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100[Read More…]
FDA acts to restrict illicit import of xylazine, animal tranquilizer linked to overdose deaths
BY KERRY BREEN The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that it was taking action to restrict unlawful importing of the veterinary drug xylazine, which has been “increasingly found” in the nation’s illicit drug supply. The action, an import alert, allows for the detainment of shipments of xylazine and the[Read More…]
Lexington Addiction Center cuts ribbon on new facility
by: Josh Shortt LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Those looking for a long-term aftercare program for addiction recovery will soon have a new resource in Lexington. Staff from the Lexington Addiction Center were joined by members of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce to cut the ribbon on the new Lexington facility at[Read More…]
Addiction Recovery Care grows presence in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At the end of December 2022, the Jefferson County’s Coroner’s Office had reported 516 overdose deaths that year, with 100 still pending. The good news is that more help is on the way. Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), a national leader in treatment and recovery with headquarters in Eastern Kentucky, announced[Read More…]