opioids abuse

The researchers found that between 2020 and 2022, the percentage of overdose deaths with evidence of smoking rose 74%. Meanwhile, the percentage of deaths with evidence of injection fell 29%.

The nasal spray version of naloxone is already available without a prescription in all states. But switching it to over-the-counter status would allow it to be sold in vending machines, supermarkets and other locations.

The initiative, which includes the first statewide director of opioid recovery, is based on a pilot treatment program in Palm Beach County that health officials touted as a success.

Doctors say they're increasingly concerned about the threat of violence, especially from patients seeking relief from pain.

At least 270 people have died from overdoses so far this year in Jacksonville; 271 people had died from an overdose at the same point last year .

The decision by a federal bankruptcy judge grants members of the family who own Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, sweeping protection from any liability for the opioid crisis.

Massachusetts and New York are among the states agreeing to end the fight to halt a controversial Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan. The deal shelters members of the Sackler family from opioid lawsuits.

The Biden administration points to fentanyl as the major culprit for the increase in deaths. Officials unveiled a new one-year strategy to reduce the number of fatalities from drug overdoses.

If the bankruptcy plan is approved, Florida could get up to $280 million to $400 million over a 10-year period.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid epidemic continues to plague officials at all levels — and Pasco County is receiving help to battle the problem.