The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that 33,091 people died from opioid overdoses in 2015, which accounts for 63 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the same year. A recent report from the CDC found that drug deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, other than methadone, rose 72 percent in […]
A critical part of understanding teen drug use is awareness about drug paraphernalia—the items kids use to hide or consume drugs. You may find these items in your child’s bedroom, car or backpack. Knowing what to look for can be difficult for those us that aren’t drug experts. Use this user-friendly guide created by the DEA to […]
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with common warning signs, a few simple guidelines can go a long way toward spotting issues with drug use earlier rather than later. Even if you don’t find direct evidence, it’s important to always trust your gut — take action by talking with your child and seeking help if necessary. One note of caution. Be prepared to […]
Breaking the Opioid Habit in the Dentists’ Offices – a Minnesota connection! Harold Tu’s “aha!” moment came in front of the Washington Monument. In October, 2014, Tu, director of the division of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, was visiting Washington, D.C., with his wife. Tu was there to […]
People who think they are buying “Molly” at music festivals often end up with pills or powder that contain other drugs, according to a new study. Researchers studied data collected by the organization DanceSafe, which tested samples of pills or powder sold as Molly at music festivals in the United States between 2010 and 2015, […]
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner is sounding an alarm. Dr. Andrew Baker says the opioid epidemic and a national shortage of medical examiners have created a perfect storm that is taxing death investigations in Minnesota and across the country like never before. There have been a lot of long days and nights at the Hennepin […]