A report says the number fell 21.5% from 2013 to 2016, but it may be a long time before the trend reduces addiction rates and deaths.
opioid epidemic
Posted inLocal & State, News
Sen. King, 15 colleagues urge DEA to lower cap on opioid production
The legal painkillers, which have a high potential for abuse because of their addictive properties, have been blamed for deadly drug epidemics in Maine and other states.
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Indifference at State House prolongs Maine’s opioid crisis
Legislators who see the clear need for more treatment options are blocked by those who want to punish people for addiction.
Posted inNation & World, News
Goal of nation’s first opioid court: Keep users alive
The Buffalo, N.Y., initiative emphasizes earlier drug treatment and frequent check-ins with a judge.
Posted inLocal & State, News
As Maine’s opioid crisis worsens, 128th Legislature largely does nothing
Confronted by shocking numbers of overdose deaths and addicts at risk, lawmakers had an opportunity to make meaningful – and, many say, necessary – changes. They didn’t.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature passes bill to rein in drug company perks for doctors
The measure, intended to prevent conflicts of interest when doctors prescribe drugs, awaits the signature of Gov. Paul LePage.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House upholds LePage veto of bill to shield those who report drug overdoses
While the bill passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously earlier this month, House Republicans voted overwhelmingly on Monday in support of Gov. Paul LePage’s veto.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine attorney general joins multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers
States across the U.S. want to know if the companies played a role in creating the epidemic of drug addiction and deaths.
Posted inLocal & State, News
University of New England gets $10.7 million to research alternatives to opioids
The federal grant will more than double funds for biomedical research already underway into treatments that aren’t addictive.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Mandatory license suspension won’t end Maine’s addiction crisis
Stripping driving privileges for drug offenses makes it harder for people to rebuild their lives and become responsible citizens.