Opioid war rages on, but those on the front lines see progress
The crisis has been years in the making, and the job of wrestling it to the ground has grown into a massive task. No one is yet predicting when the state will be able to declare victory.
drug abuse
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Opioid epidemic showing signs of turning corner, state drug czar says
Visits to emergency rooms in Indiana for drug overdoses are falling, and doctors are writing fewer prescriptions for opioid painkillers, Jim McClelland said Friday.
Hc1.com dives deeper into opioid data, precision care
The Indianapolis medical-software firm recently raised $10 million in venture funding and is launching two major products in one month.
Indiana experiences record year for drug overdose deaths
Overdose deaths in Indiana rose 18 percent last year compared with 2016 and 37 percent over 2015. A vast majority of the overdoses were caused by opioids.
Public health officials applaud needle-exchange programs, but critics remain
As Marion County appears poised to launch a similar syringe-exchange program, public health officials point to a growing list of reports and studies they say proves such programs are a worthwhile investment.
Antidote for opioid overdoses often is difficult to obtain
The fact naloxone is a prescription drug creates a hurdle for addicts and their families. In addition, many pharmacies and local health departments don’t stock it, and not everyone can afford it.
Americans filling far fewer opioid prescriptions, new report says
The number of prescriptions for opioid painkillers filled in the United States fell dramatically last year, showing their biggest drop in 25 years.
Drug tests tank more job seekers
About 80 percent of Indiana employers have been affected by prescription drug misuse and abuse, including opioid painkillers, in their workplaces, according to a survey by the National Safety Council.