Opioids rip through U.S. workforce, with deaths at record level

Opioids are behind about three-fourths of the overdoses, according to Wednesday’s data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Medical cannabis studies ramp up, offering hope to some opioid users

Some researchers believe cannabis can help wean prescription opioid users off the addictive and potentially deadly drugs. Others aren't so sure.

Justice Department suing Walmart, alleges company helped fuel opioid crisis

The suit alleges the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies.

Maine medical orgs to step up efforts to stop opioid deaths

The federal government is providing $4 million to help four medical organizations in Maine fight the state’s opioid crisis. The state said 127 people died of drug overdoses in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 23% from the previous quarter.

Lewiston Police couldn’t help dope-swallowing dog, but there is a hotline to call

Health groups propose statewide network of ‘low-barrier’ drug treatment clinics

The pilot proposal, which carries a price tag of $920,000, comes at a time when drug overdose deaths appear to be rising again despite efforts to tackle the problem.

High-dose opioid prescriptions fall sharply in Maine

Much of the decrease appears to have occurred since a law limiting such prescriptions began to take effect in 2017.

Fifteen percent of pharmacies handled nearly half of all opioid pills nationwide

Boom in overdose-reversing drug is linked to fewer deaths

The United States is in the midst of the deadliest drug overdose epidemic in its history.

Maine doctors writing fewer opioid prescriptions

Since 2013, Maine opioid prescriptions have fallen by 41.5 percent, according to recently released statistics.