In a significant move aimed at combating the surge in opioid overdoses, Portland Fire & Rescue unveiled a pioneering pilot program last week. This initiative involves the distribution of medications, including buprenorphine. The program is designed to address opioid use disorder effectively by curbing cravings. Buprenorphine is less heavily regulated and, therefore, more accessible than
Scientists have been working on a partial solution to the opioid crisis, experimenting with ways to reduce addiction to medically used fentanyl. Some people addicted to it first had the drug in medical facilities for severe pain such as cancer or spinal injuries. Theoretically, people who are exposed to fentanyl, which has fewer addictive properties,
How can a first responder or doctor know if an overdose victim has taken a not-so-common designer drug? Chemists say that a designer drug test would do the trick, and they’re already working on formulating one that is universal enough to be useful in making a diagnosis. Many people buy and use synthetic drugs –
In the addiction industry, it’s often difficult to help patients who have become addicted due to injury or illness. Many people who use opiate drugs for the first time do so at the behest of a doctor, to temporarily help them with acute pain from an accident, surgery, or chronic illness. Pain management, after all,
