opioids

Millions of Americans sank into addiction after using potent opioid painkillers, such as acetaminophen/oxycodone, that companies churned out and doctors freely prescribed over the past two decades.

National

In 2019, The Legal Fight Over Opioids Unraveled Into Confusion And Infighting

1:47pm December 26, 2019

by Brian Mann

This was meant to be the year we answered a big question about the deadly opioid epidemic: Will drug companies that make and sell prescription pain medications be held liable? That clarity never came.

Tufts University stripped the Sackler name from several of its buildings and divisions earlier this month, citing the billionaire family's role in the opioid crisis. The founders of Purdue Pharma have come under intense scrutiny for how their company misl

Sacklers Withdrew Nearly $11 Billion From Purdue As Opioid Crisis Mounted

1:41pm December 17, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

According to a court filing Monday, the family pulled about $10.7 billion from Purdue since 2008 — ramping up withdrawals even after executives pleaded guilty to misleading regulators about OxyContin.

Major League Baseball and its players association announced it would remove marijuana from its "drugs of abuse" list and begin testing for newly added drugs, such as opioids.

Major League Baseball Drops Marijuana, Adds Opioids, Cocaine To 'Drugs Of Abuse' List

6:50pm December 12, 2019

by Paolo Zialcita

The changes follow the death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who was found with opioids and alcohol in his system.

Politics & Government

'Raise The Age' Among New NC Laws Now In Effect

8:17am December 02, 2019

by Associated Press

Significant changes to North Carolina's justice system for young offenders and sex-related offenses begin this weekend.

Matthew Braun, a first-year medical student at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, Wash., says his personal history with opioids will help him care for patients.

Health & Safety

Medical Students Say Their Opioid Experiences Will Shape How They Prescribe

6:23am November 26, 2019

by Jon Hamilton

One medical student was addicted to opioids. Another relied on them to control disabling pain. Both think their experiences will help them be better doctors when it comes to prescribing opioids.

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An infant is monitored for opioid withdrawal in a neonatal intensive care unit at the CAMC Women and Children's Hospital in Charleston, W.Va., in June. Infants exposed to opioids in utero often experience symptoms of withdrawal.

Health & Safety

In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out?

6:27pm November 22, 2019

by Blake Farmer

The opioid epidemic is intergenerational, with tens of thousands of babies born every year dependent on opioids. Advocates worry lawsuits against the drug industry might overlook these children.

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Judge Thad Balkman listens to statements from the defense during a hearing last month in Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma Judge Shaves $107 Million Off Opioid Decision Against Johnson & Johnson

4:55pm November 15, 2019

The new number from Judge Thad Balkman comes nearly three months after he ordered the drugmaker to pay $572 million for its role in the opioid crisis. Both sides had questioned that sum.

To deal with chronic pain, Pamela Bobb's morning routine now includes stretching and meditation at home in Fairfield Glade, Tenn. Bobb says this mind-body awareness intervention has greatly reduced the amount of painkiller she needs.

Meditation Reduced The Opioid Dose She Needs To Ease Chronic Pain By 75%

10:22am November 11, 2019

by Allison Aubrey

For some patients in pain, opioids are still part of the long-term solution, doctors say. But by adding meditation, hypnosis or other treatments, the opioid dose can be reduced.

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The Opium Cycle

7:02am November 05, 2019

by Darian Woods

There is a pattern that has repeated itself throughout the history of the opium trade.

Nabia Drammeh, 27, a nurse, talks with Maram Ceesay, and her granddaughter, Awa at the Brufut Minor Health Center outside of Banjul, the Gambia. Awa's mother passed away during childbirth leaving her Maram to look after her. The 2-year-old is being treate

Health & Safety

A Gambian Nurse Fights Pain Without Pills

7:53pm October 22, 2019

by Jason Beaubien

As the U.S. grapples with the opioid crisis, pain medication is in short supply in some other parts of the world. One nurse in the Gambia explains how she addresses pain with tools other than drugs.

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