Readers have a mix of reaction to stories that bring attention to painkiller addiction.
John Richardson
Portland Press Herald
John Richardson is the managing editor for the Portland Press Herald.
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Special Report, Day Six: Abuse-fight tool gets limited use
Suspicious prescriptions show up in a database, but vigorous action to find offenders is rare
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Maine CDC investigating new swine-origin flu
A child in Cumberland County is recovering from the new strain.
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Stress, pill access raise health workers’ risk
A program for addicted doctors and other health professionals in Maine also keeps close tabs on them after treatment.
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Treatment programs forced into downsizing
Milestone, Serenity House and St. Francis rush to cut dozens of beds by Nov. 1 or they won’t qualify for Medicaid reimbursements.
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Helpful drug falls prey to abuse
Suboxone is a new opiate treatment, but it’s turning up on Maine’s streets for illegal sale by dealers.
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Special Report, Day FiveWillpower alone won’t save them
Treatment helps many beat opiate addiction, but care is inaccessible to thousands
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Bogus drug tales foiled by threat of lie detector
A big rise in claims that drug prescriptions were stolen have forced police to try tougher tactics.
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Jailed addicts put wrench in the works
Providing treatment, monitoring withdrawal and stopping smuggling complicate the system.
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Painkiller junkies fuel rise in violent robberies
Two armed robberies were enough for Chester Hibbard.