Health May 15 What’s behind the significant drop in opioid overdose deaths By John Yang, Mike Fritz, Azhar Merchant
Nation Dec 19 Watch 6:41 Leading researcher explains how viewing addiction as a brain disorder improves treatments This week, we are reporting on some promising treatments for two of the deadliest drugs in America: opioids and alcohol. William Brangham sat down with one of the nation’s leading researchers who is studying America’s addictions and how we can… By William Brangham, Mike Fritz
Nation Jun 12 Watch 5:58 Hunter Biden trial highlights experience of Americans struggling with addiction The trial of Hunter Biden highlighted his struggles with addiction, a struggle that resonates with millions in this country. Two-thirds of all Americans say drug addiction has either personally affected them or their families. Experts say there are common challenges… By Amna Nawaz, Mike Fritz, Azhar Merchant
Health May 08 Effectiveness of safe injection sites to be evaluated in government-backed study The grant will study three sites where people can use heroin and other drugs and be revived if they take too much. it will evaluate whether these interventions can make a dent in the nation's overdose epidemic. By Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press
Nation Dec 12 Watch 9:13 Jail treats inmates with substance abuse issues to break the cycle of recidivism It's estimated that up to 65% of the U.S. prison population has an active substance use disorder. When these inmates are released, studies have shown that many will return to using and be arrested again within a few years. Stephanie… By Stephanie Sy, Mike Fritz
Jun 27 WATCH: House Oversight hearing on federal response to drug addiction and overdose crisis By News Desk The hearing was held to evaluate the Biden administration’s 2022 National Drug Control Strategy, which aims to reduce the availability of dangerous substances while also ensuring treatment for addiction by approaching it as a disease. Continue reading
Feb 09 Watch 7:28 New report details the scale of the U.S. opioid crisis and its link to drug trafficking By William Brangham, Laura Santhanam The opioid overdose crisis that killed more than 100,000 Americans in a year is being called one of the most pressing national security and public health challenges facing the U.S. A majority of the overdoses are driven by the potent… Continue watching
Aug 03 CDC calls for more syringe access in West Virginia county hit by HIV By John Raby, Associated Press There were 63 intravenous drug-related HIV cases in Kanawha County from 2019 through May 13 of this year, according to a report from the CDC and West Virginia health officials. The surge was attributed at least in part to the… Continue reading
Jul 22 Watch 9:29 How the pandemic is complicating America’s addiction crisis By William Brangham, Mike Fritz According to preliminary data, drug overdoses killed nearly 72,000 Americans in 2019, a record high. Now, it appears that 2020 is on track to be even worse, as the U.S. has witnessed a startling rise in overdoses during the pandemic. Continue watching
Dec 17 Watch 6:12 Mass. attorney general on ‘outrageous’ Purdue Pharma settlement offer Newly released court documents reveal that the family behind Purdue Pharmaceuticals, maker of highly addictive painkiller OxyContin, withdrew over $10 billion from the company as the opioid epidemic grew worse. The developments are increasing scrutiny of the Sackler family and… Continue watching