Opioid Resource Center
Conference Coverage
Amid pandemic, Virginia hospital’s opioid overdoses up nearly 10-fold
Stark uptick in cases coincides with the shutdown tied to COVID-19 and reflects trends elsewhere.
News from the FDA/CDC
Use of nonopioid pain meds is on the rise
Prescription opioid use declined from 2009 to 2018, but not significantly.
Conference Coverage
High percentage of stimulant use found in opioid ED cases
The Midwest and West Coast are hot spots for co-use, reflecting historic trends, and white users are more vulnerable.
Conference Coverage
App links overdosing people to nearby volunteers with naloxone
In small Philadelphia trial, researcher says, amateur first responders already have saved lives.
Conference Coverage
Take-home test strips allow drug users to detect fentanyl
About 90% of opioid samples in Vancouver study turned up positive for dangerous adulterant.
Latest News
Topline results for novel intranasal med to treat opioid overdose
Like naloxone, nalmefene is an...
Commentary
New York City inpatient detox unit keeps running: Here’s how
BronxCare Health System was able to take in patients with substance use disorders at a time when other detox units were closed.
Latest News
Annual U.S. death toll from drugs, alcohol, suicide tops 150,000
Experts warn that these "deaths of despair" may well increase in the wake of COVID-19.
From the Journals
New ‘atlas’ maps links between mental disorders, physical illnesses
“We found that women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of developing a heart condition or stroke,” said Dr. John McGrath.
Conference Coverage
COVID-19: An opportunity, challenge for addiction treatment, NIDA boss says
Right now, said Dr. Nora Volkow, “we are in the dark as to how COVID infections have affected the number of overdose deaths.”
Feature
Elderly Americans carry heavier opioid burden
Those over age 65 years fill prescriptions for twice the amount, compared with younger adults.