With $1.5 billion from opioid settlements, NC counties tasked with reversing epidemic
Since the start of the opioid epidemic, 3 million Americans have suffered with opioid use disorder in the United States.
opioids
Mexico's leader denies his country's role in fentanyl crisis. Republicans are furious
Republican lawmakers want Mexico to accept U.S. military aid to cripple drug cartels making and smuggling deadly fentanyl. López Obrador mocked the idea as a threat to his country's sovereignty.
State updates strategy to help dentists combat opioid misuse
An updated North Carolina Dental Opioid Action Plan was released this week by the state Department of Health and
Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
The retail giant becomes the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the toll of opioids sold at its pharmacies.
CDC issues new opioid prescribing guidance, giving doctors more leeway to treat pain
The updated recommendations seek to course correct after guidelines from 2016 were criticized for harshly limiting access to needed pain medication.
Overdose-reversing drug now available from free vending machine in Forsyth
Forsyth County health officials have added a vending machine at the county detention center that offers the overdose-reversing drug Narcan (Naloxone).
North Carolina is adding funding to help those battling opioid addiction
North Carolina is putting more funding toward expanding treatment for those battling opioid addiction.
CDC weighs new opioid prescribing guidelines amid controversy over old ones
Many blame the agency's earlier guidance for suffering and even suicide risk among chronic pain patients. Critics say the updated advice may not fix the problem.