Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention / Public News Service

Fentanyl test strips can detect the synthetic opioid in 30 seconds to two minutes when submerged in water. (Mary Fecteau/Ideastream Public Media)

IN drops drug paraphernalia label for fentanyl test strips

By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

Federal data show more than 1.6 million American middle and high school students report using tobacco products. (InfiniteStudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Youth vaping down but Hollywood still glamorizes tobacco

Hundreds of millions of American young people are exposed to vaping and smoking in popular movies, TV shows and music videos each year, according to …

In Snohomish County, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths more than doubled between 2017 and 2022, mostly from fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)

WA Native Americans feel disproportionate effects of fentanyl

CORRECTIONS: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson was not at the 3rd annual taskforce summit. An earlier version incorrectly stated he had attended. In …

It is estimated one young child goes to the emergency room every nine minutes because of medication ingestion. (Adobe Stock/AI)

KY child overdose cases highlighted during National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month and experts are highlighting medication safety for Kentucky kids. Kentucky has seen a steady increase in pediatric …

In a proclamation, Gov. Greg Abbott said Senate Bill 3 would never go into effect because of valid constitutional challenges. (WutStock01/Adobe Stock AI)

TX Lt. Gov. lashes out at governor over veto of THC ban

Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are at odds after the governor vetoed Senate Bill 3, legislation which would have banned the sale of …

During the 2025 session Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 46, which expands the state's medical marijuana program. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said people who need THC for medical reasons will still have access to it. (S.Price/Adobe Stock)

Future of THC ban in TX unknown

Gov. Greg Abbott has until June 22 to sign or veto Senate Bill 3, which would ban consumable THC products in Texas. Banning items like vapes and …

Colorado has started licensing psychedelic therapy healing centers, which are expected to open as early as this summer. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado spotlights role of psychedelics in addressing overdose crisis

Some 7,000 people are expected to attend this week's Psychedelic Science conference in Denver and public health activists are spotlighting the potenti…

More than 40 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2020, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Medicaid cuts would risk opioid treatment access for KY

As Congress continues to push for cuts and additional work requirements for Medicaid eligibility, experts warn more Kentuckians could lose access to …

More than 14% of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth use tobacco, compared to nearly 8% of heterosexual youth. (Adobe Stock)

Tobacco use among those in LGBTQ+ community higher than average

As Pride Month begins, experts are concerned about rates of tobacco use in the LGBTQ+ community and one expert explained policies targeting people in …

In 2023, Kentucky reported a 9.8% decrease in overdose deaths compared with 2022, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

Harm reduction efforts led to drop in overdose deaths among Black Kentuckians

Kentucky's latest drug overdose fatality report showed a drop in deaths and for the first time, a decline in deaths among Black Kentuckians. Groups …

While the pandemic amplified alcohol misuse among women, a trend of increased misuse dates back to at least 2019, when 32% of high school girls reported drinking, compared with 26% of boys. (Adobe Stock)

Officials encourage Colorado women to rethink relationship with alcohol

Women in Colorado and across the U.S. face greater health risks from drinking than men and health officials are urging people to rethink their …

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that for the first time in history, women are now binge drinking more than men. (Roman/Adobe Stock)

Women contribute to NM's high alcohol-related death rate

Problem drinking among women is on the rise, according to the National Institutes of Health, and New Mexico is no exception. In the past two decades…

Texas women face rising health risks with excessive alcohol use

As research shows alcohol consumption among women is on the rise nationwide, health experts are voicing concern about the risks those in Texas and …

Alcohol-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths have increased more sharply among women than men over the past 20 years. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio clinician flags neurological risk tied to alcohol use in women

As Women's Health Month wraps up, health experts are voicing concerns about the growing number of women who drink too much, especially in light of …

The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Illinois increased by as much as 52% from 2015 to 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Evidence shows alcohol affects women more gravely than it does men

As Women's Health Month comes to an end, public health officials are urging Illinois women to be aware of the increased risks they face from any …

Nothing to party about: More than 11 million women, or about 8.7% of those 18 or older, had alcohol use disorder in 2023. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

The female face of alcohol misuse in Michigan

As Women's Health Month wraps up, the focus shifts to the rising concern of alcohol misuse among women, in Michigan and nationwide. According to …

The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Wisconsin increased by as much as 51.4% from 2015 to 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Experts say effects of alcohol greater on women than on men

As Women's Health Month comes to an end, public health officials are urging Wisconsin women to be aware of the increased risks they face from any …

Studies show even small amounts of alcohol may increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lifelong developmental challenges. (Pixabay)

Women face rising health risks with alcohol use

As alcohol consumption among women rises nationwide, Florida health experts are voicing concern about the unique risks women face, from increased …

Research shows less than one ounce of alcohol each day is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. (encierro/Adobe Stock)

WA expert weighs in on higher rates of women binge drinking

As Women's Health Month winds down, experts in alcohol abuse are speaking out about an increase in binge drinking among women over the past five …

A third DUI within seven years, or a DUI which involves death or substantial bodily harm, are felony offenses, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation. (Adobe Stock)

NV considers changes to DUI laws, harsher penalties

With less than a week in the legislative session, Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill which would change the state's laws for driving under the …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9% of women have an alcohol use disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Alcohol emerges as prominent health concern for women

As Women's Health Month winds down, public health officials in Minnesota are joining the chorus of professionals warning about the prevalence of …

Binge drinking for women is defined as consuming more than four alcoholic beverages in a 2-3 hour window or eight alcoholic beverages in the course of a week. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

During Women’s Health Month, experts highlight alcohol abuse

As Women's Health Month winds down, experts in alcohol abuse are speaking out about an increase in binge drinking among women over the past five …

E-cigarette use among high school students in Maryland was 15%, slightly less than the national average of 18%. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Disposable e-cigarettes bigger, cheaper and still marketed to kids

E-cigarettes in Maryland are getting cheaper and bigger, delivering higher amounts of nicotine to users, according to a new study. The study by the …

Nebraska health care providers grapple with binge drinking

Mental health counselors focused on Nebraska's high rate of binge drinking during Alcohol Awareness Month, which just wrapped up. Alcohol abuse is …

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms that has psychedelic effects, according to research by Oregon State University. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa considers broadening psilocybin use

The Iowa Legislature is weighing a measure to expand the use of psychedelic mushrooms to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and emo…

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law in the United States but individual states have been allowed to establish their own policies on its use and regulation. (Adobe stock)

Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding

Indiana lawmakers continue to debate THC rules while surrounding states move forward with marijuana legalization. Senate Bill 478 targets packaging …

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death among adults aged 18-44 in Missouri. (JAVA/ADOBE STOCK)

'Drug Take Back Day' helps clear out unwanted meds in Missouri, nation

Law enforcement officers and drug prevention advocates in Missouri are joining forces to tackle prescription drug misuse. As part of the Drug …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

Tennesseans to 'Walk Like MADD' to prevent impaired driving

CORRECTION: The number of traffic fatalities in 2024 in Tennessee represents all traffic deaths, not just those that were alcohol-related. (8:18 a.m…

According to 2024 DEA laboratory testing, five of 10 pills tested contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY advocates: HALT Fentanyl Act won’t address root causes of substance use

The federal HALT Fentanyl Act advancing through Congress would increase prison time for fentanyl traffickers. Kentuckians convicted on distribution …

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported almost 3% of Hoosier teens age 12-17 abuse pain relievers. (Adobe Stock)

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National …

Nationwide, 1.63 million students used e-cigarettes, according to data from the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Beshear signs licensing of nicotine retailers bill into law

Kentucky will soon begin licensing retailers who sell nicotine, which advocates have said will help regulate an industry and protect minors from …

Parties protected under an expanded Lifeline Law in Indiana would be the caller, and those who assist the caller, staying at the scene and remaining compliant. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana inches closer to lifesaving law change

By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

More than 15 million buprenorphine prescriptions were issued in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky proposes changes to buprenorphine prescribing, dispensing rules

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure recently proposed new changes to regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of buprenorphine, also …

Efforts to take law enforcement out of transportation for mental health patients is part of a broader effort to change North Carolina's behavior health system. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis

North Carolina is investing $20 million to move the transportation of people experiencing mental health crisis away from the responsibility of law enf…

The Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021 to address the state's growing mental health and substance-use disorder crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Florida commission urges statewide mental-health data repository

As Florida's legislative session begins on Tuesday, the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use is urging lawmakers to prioritize the …

In 2024, U.S. drug overdose deaths fell 3%, the first decrease since 2018. (fotomaximum/Adobe Stock)

MO expert discusses state's first drop in overdose deaths in decade

Late last year, Missouri recorded its first significant drop in overdose deaths since 2015 - primarily due to increased access to naloxone, also …

A panel reviewing child fatalities in Kentucky wants the legislature to explore ways to encourage safe storage of firearms. The panel also recommended an aggressive public education campaign aimed at protecting kids from accidental ingestion of drugs. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings

By Sarah Ladd for the Kentucky Lantern, part of States Newsroom.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the …

Data from Indiana's Marion County Public Health Department show of the 124 overdose deaths in April-June 2024, 71 were white men, 36 were Black men and 6 were Hispanic women. (Adobe Stock)<br />

IN nonprofit offers free anti-fentanyl training to derail overdoses

The incidence of drug overdose is decreasing in Indiana and one reason could be the efforts of an organization offering free training to anyone willin…

Nearly all states are implementing plans to distribute at least $50 billion awarded to states and localities from opioid-related lawsuits, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY counties make decisions on how to spend opioid settlement payments

As opioid settlement money continues to flow into Kentucky, counties are having to make major decisions on how to spend it. Half of it goes to the …

Nate Rush attends a reunion of staff, volunteers and residents of the former Bethlehem House in Indianapolis. (Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy)

Harm reduction efforts fall short for Black men in Indiana

By Darian Benson and Mary Claire Molloy for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Pre…

Federal data show New Mexico has the third-highest property crime rate in the United States. (Nats/Adobe Stock-AI enhanced)

Governor urges NM lawmakers to address crime

Reducing crime and improving public safety are among this year's priorities for New Mexico's governor, who has called the state's crime rate "out of …

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported Maine experienced the greatest decline in homelessness nationwide in 2024. But local organizations said homelessness in rural counties is difficult to track, with many people sleeping in cars or 'couch-surfing' with family or friends. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Mainers struggle to find recovery housing

More than half of rural residents with substance use disorder have experienced homelessness in the past six months, according to a new study…

Syringe exchange programs can play an important role in reducing HIV and viral hepatitis infection, according to The Foundation for AIDS Research. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Syringe exchange fears hobble fight against West Virginia HIV outbreak

By Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Se…

Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, who authored the bill, said every year 101 young Hoosiers lose their lives to alcohol-related deaths. (Adobe stock)

Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law

Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with plans to expand the state's Lifeline Law, which protects those seeking emergency help in alcohol-related …

Rural communities have been significantly impacted by opioid misuse, with higher rates of opioid-related overdose deaths compared with urban areas. (monticellllo/Adobe Stock)

Drug users in rural MO more likely to face homelessness

As urban homelessness and drug use grab the spotlight, rural areas such as Branson are left in the shadows, with critical needs going unmet. But …

The childhood mental health crisis has been on the rise for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis among children in Arkansas and throughout the country. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center addresses reforms to address mental health issues for youth in Arkansas and nationwide. The group's …

In Indiana, Marion, Vanderburgh, Madison and Lake counties had the highest number of residents who listed alcohol as their primary substance upon admission to a facility for treatment. (Adobe Stock)

IN substance recovery center supports sober existence

One popular New Year's resolution is to quit alcohol consumption. Although easier said than done, one recovery center said there are modifications …

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