opioid epidemic

Published
June 20, 2023

Maine will receive at least $235 million in settlements from companies accused of fueling the opioid crisis

A Maine Monitor analysis looks at who stands to benefit from this money and why it matters.
Published
June 15, 2023

Maine House narrowly supports bill that would allow safe drug consumption sites

Thursday's 77-66 vote followed emotional testimony on both sides. The measure now goes to the Senate.
Published
June 9, 2023

Mills announces plan to add 140 treatment beds to combat ongoing opioid crisis

The $6 million investment is the latest effort to reverse an epidemic that claimed a record 716 lives just last year.
Published
June 8, 2023

‘Keep them alive’: More states legalize fentanyl test strips to combat surging opioid deaths

A growing number of states are decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, seeking to protect people who use drugs from unwitting exposure to the highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S. with overdose deaths.
Published
May 24, 2023

Pills flowed for years as DEA dragged feet on disciplining opioid distributor

The delay has raised concerns about how the revolving door between government and industry may be impacting the DEA’s mission to police drug companies blamed for tens of thousands of American overdose deaths.

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Published
May 16, 2023

Falmouth Police recovery coach program assists 140 people so far

The program, which has received a grant to continue, lines up resources for those who seek help for substance misuse.
Published
April 30, 2023

Quiet and parents’ touch help opioid users’ newborns, study finds

Babies born to opioid users, including mothers in treatment with medications such as methadone, can develop withdrawal symptoms after exposure in the womb.
Published
April 17, 2023

Overdose deaths of older Americans quadrupled in past 20 years

Older adults are often prescribed opioids to help them cope with chronic pain or recover from a surgical procedure.
Published
March 29, 2023

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan. Here’s what it means.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved over-the-counter sales of the overdose antidote naloxone, marking the first time an opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription.
Published
March 24, 2023

Augusta program could be first in Maine to offer overdose victims medication on-scene to treat withdrawal symptoms

Plans to help Augusta residents recover from substance use disorder include a proposal to offer people revived from an overdose by rescue workers immediate, on-scene treatment with Suboxone and help accessing longer-term treatment.