Though drug-related deaths in Ohio dropped by 22.5% in 2018, some parts of the state are struggling more than ever. Franklin County, Ohio’s most populated area, experienced an alarming hike in accidental deaths caused by drug overdoses. In a single day in 2019, 10 Franklin County residents were killed by drug-related overdoses. “This is an … Read More
New Ohio Study Aims to Answer: Is Addiction Genetic?
Is addiction genetic? We know in the general sense that if someone in your family does drugs or abuses alcohol, you may be more likely to as well, but that only tells a very small portion of the story. Ohio researchers have launched a large-scale study that will identify specific genetic markers linked to addiction, … Read More
Factory Workers Press for Opioid Treatment From Employers
In an attempt to secure better treatment for their members’ substance use disorders, the United Automobiles Workers union (UAW) is asking automotive companies to help their factory workers. Many of the union’s 400,000 members have felt the effects of addiction — either directly or through someone they know. Because of the rising problem, the UAW … Read More
Opioid Epidemic Makes It Harder to Get Needed Pet Prescriptions
The National opioid epidemic is responsible for turning the lives of people with opioid addictions and the lives of their families upside down. Due to recent laws, furry family members may start to be affected by the changes in legislation regarding prescription opioids. States across the US have started to implement legislation that makes it … Read More
Ohio Launches Its First Recovery High School
In the summer of 2019, the class bells at Ohio’s new recovery high school rang for the first time. Heariktland High School may be the first of its kind in the state but it’s not alone. It joins a growing number of recovery high schools that exist throughout the nation. Located in Columbus, Heartland provides … Read More
New Treatment Options for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio Clients
The Recovery Village Columbus is now an in-network provider with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio, expanding coverage and access to rehab resources to more people in need. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ohio ranked second in the nation for opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017. Access to treatment options is … Read More
Columbus Police to Help Sex Trafficking Victims
Police in Columbus, Ohio, are being trained to approach sex trafficking victims in a different way. A new vice unit is being mobilized and empowered using the Police And Community Together Team (PACT). Part of this training includes working with prostitutes or other sex workers in a way that is mindful of the dynamics of … Read More
Meth Addiction Replaces Opioids in West Virginia Town
Community leaders in Clarksburg, West Virginia, are facing an unexpected fallout from the opioid crisis: an increase in meth addiction. The West Virginia drug problem is transitioning as access to opioids decreases. Methamphetamine effects are different from the slow, physical decline represented by opioid abuse. Meth addiction and abuse can lead to: Blood pressure and … Read More
Ohio Puts Stop to Teen Vaping, Raises Nicotine Purchase Age to 21
Earlier this year, the Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced his plan to raise the age of legal tobacco purchase to 21. This action is, in large part, a response to the rise of teen vaping that has been grabbing national headlines. Ohio is not alone. Concerns about the increase of smoking and vaping among young … Read More
Recovering Addict Encourages Missouri Schools to Keep Narcan Onsite
A community member in Missouri suggests that public schools should keep Narcan on school premises in the event of an opioid overdose. Eric Moffitt is a citizen of Springfield, Missouri who describes himself as being in long-term recovery for opioid addiction. Narcan is a nasal spray that can be administered to someone who has overdosed … Read More