Nation May 22 Matthew Perry's family trusted his assistant to help keep him sober. He instead helped him overdose By Andrew Dalton, Associated Press
Health May 13 U.S. overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but some worry about policy and drug supply changes About 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year — about 14% fewer than the previous year, according to preliminary government data. By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press
Nation Aug 15 At least 1 arrest made in connection to Matthew Perry's overdose death, law enforcement source says An assistant found Perry face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead. By Michael Balsamo, Andrew Dalton, Associated Press
Health Jun 05 'The pain is so much.' How stigma and shame over fatal overdose make grief more unbearable Nationwide, established support group networks exist for people with a parent, child or sibling who is struggling with substance use as they seek out treatment with the goal of entering recovery. But the same is not true for those who… By Laura Santhanam
Health May 15 Overdose fatalities fell last year, but the full picture is more complicated While these national figures offer a rare glimmer of good news on this grim issue, outcomes vary greatly in different states. By Laura Santhanam
Apr 12 Mix of vet tranquilizer, fentanyl 'emerging threat,' White House drug office says By Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy is designating the tranquilizer xylazine when mixed with fentanyl as an emerging threat. Continue reading
Apr 05 Watch 9:04 Wider access to Narcan helps rural communities fight overdose deaths By William Brangham and Caleb Hellerman, Global Health Reporting Center The FDA recently made it easier for people to obtain a powerful overdose-reversing medicine. Narcan previously required a prescription, but soon will be sold over the counter. Communities are already using it to fight overdose deaths. With support from the… Continue watching
Mar 20 State lawmakers consider harsher penalties for fentanyl possession By Gabe Stern, James Pollard, Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press Proponents say prosecutors and police need more tools to help with the fight because fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are so deadly. But other advocates worry harsher penalties will result in even more dangerous drug supplies and punish people who… Continue reading
Dec 22 Watch 6:47 U.S. life expectancy falls to lowest level since mid-1990s due to COVID and drug overdoses By William Brangham There is grim news about the state of America's health. The average expected lifespan for a person in this country shrank by over seven months last year, according to the CDC. That comes after an even steeper decline in 2020. Continue watching
Dec 12 Watch 9:13 Jail treats inmates with substance abuse issues to break the cycle of recidivism By Stephanie Sy, Mike Fritz 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… Continue watching