“I found myself counting the remaining tablets each day.” After getting surgery for a herniated disc, physician Andy Lamb realized just how easy it was to fall into the pit of opioid addiction. He tried rationalizing his Oxycontin use; he thought he wouldn’t become addicted because he had self-discipline, even though he began to look forward to taking it everyday. He realized how wrong he was after reality — in the form of withdrawal — set in. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
