Needle Excahnge in FL: A New Way to Fight Opioid Addiction and Disease
Because of the opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the use of more dangerous substances, such as heroin and fentanyl. Many people inject the drugs into their arm, using a syringe, which has lead to an increase in infectious diseases if the needle is dirty or shared. For decades, many states had syringe programs, but Florida was hesitant. […]
Florida and Heroin: An Inside Look Into the Epidemic
Florida and heroin have had a long history, with the last seven years being truly significant for heroin-related deaths. The opioid crisis, in general, has reached incredible heights, calling for various efforts from both state and federal government to take action. In Florida, heroin was always a threat but remained stable until 2011. It is hypothesized that […]
Alcoholism in Florida: Youth, Adults, and How to Get Help
While the opioid crisis both nationally and locally grabs the headlines, alcohol abuse is still a common occurrence amongst Floridians today. While it’s true other drugs are impacting our society more than ever—alcoholism still plays a role in declining health, and death. However, there have been alarming statistics from reports that show alcoholism in Florida is still here. Read on […]
Fentanyl in Florida: Overdose Deaths on the Rise
Opioids have made their mark in Florida, especially during the strange time of “pill mills,” heroin, and now fentanyl. The opioid crisis in Florida continues with the rise in fentanyl and overdose deaths due to its high potency and lacing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl is a powerful synthetic drug similar to morphine, but […]
Opioid Crisis in Florida: A Brief Overview
The opioid epidemic across the United States is no secret, with thousands of deaths every year from overdoses. In 2019 alone, the U.S. government granted $1.8 billion to states to fight the epidemic as it continued. Florida, in particular, has been fighting the opioid epidemic for the past two decades. From “pill mills,” overprescribing drugs, leading to the gateway to heroin […]
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction on the Body
In substance abuse, opioids dominate the conversation, especially when dangerous alternatives such as heroin and fentanyl, come onto the scene. However, alcoholism not only goes undetected, but there are dangerous side effects of alcohol addiction that will affect you long-term. Many are unaware of what alcohol can do to the body, as it’s seen as a social norm. We’ll […]
Johnson & Johnson Pays 20.4 Million Settlement Amidst Opioid Crisis
Many pharmaceutical companies are paying the price for allegedly starting the opioid crisis, beginning in the late 1990s. In August, Johnson & Johnson faced a $574 million lawsuit in Oklahoma, accused of escalating the opioid epidemic in the state of Oklahoma. Now, Johnson & Johnson settled $20.4 million with two Ohio counties as it’s in the middle of a […]
How to Maintain Sobriety After an Alcohol Addiction
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 16 million in the U.S. are diagnosed with “alcohol use disorder.” Meaning, you aren’t alone in the fight against alcoholism. Alcohol is probably the hardest drug to abstain from after completing rehab. It’s everywhere, whether it’s the grocery store or social places, you will face several […]
Is It Possible to Quit an Opioid Addiction?
Every day there’s an opioid-related event in the United States, whether it’s about pharmaceutical companies going bankrupt, federal funding to combat the opioid epidemic or a rising opioid crisis in a state or town. At a glance, it seems we’re at the height of the opioid epidemic, giving the impression that those who are addicted cannot escape, resulting in fatal […]
Why Is There an Opioid Epidemic in the United States?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 130 people die every day in the United States from an opioid overdose. Not only does this affect people and their loved ones, but it also affects the social and economic welfare of this country. Opioid abuse has a $78.5 billion yearly price tag due to the costs […]
The Consequences of Having an Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol in today’s society is seen as the norm. Whether it’s at a social gathering or a party, it’s everywhere. However, to some, they fall into the trap of binge drinking, reckless behavior, and increase their likelihood of having an alcohol addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 16 million people have […]
Suboxone Manufacturer Pays 2.6 Million in State Settlement
Recently, Reckitt Benckiser Group, the manufacturer of Suboxone settled $2.6 million with the state of Michigan. The allegations included deceptive marketing, leading to improper use of the state’s Medicaid funds. This year alone has marked ground-breaking lawsuits and settlements from various drug manufacturers. Before, we have seen entities go after Johnson & Johnson, and Purdue Pharma. Back […]