The number was lower than the state’s peak of 417 overdose deaths in 2017, but it reversed a significant decline in 2018.
opioid epidemic
Posted inLocal & State, News
Overdose risk during pandemic is tragic reality for some families
Experts have warned that prolonged isolation and uncertainty is a bad combination for drug users and people in recovery, but it’s too early to tell if overdose deaths have increased.
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Even amid the outbreak, people dealing with addiction are not alone
Stay-at-home orders have made it difficult for people with substance use disorder, but there is still help out there.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Don’t let companies off the hook for their role in opioid epidemic
An investigation by ProPublica found evidence that Walmart sent millions of doses of opioid painkillers to criminal doctors.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Don’t let companies off the hook for their role in opioid epidemic
ProPublica describes how the Justice Department stopped the prosecution of Walmart for filling suspicious prescriptions, in Maine and around the country.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Methadone restrictions relaxed during pandemic, but not for everyone
Some patients can’t get longer supplies, even though the federal government has eased restrictions for the drug used to treat opioid use disorder.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Scarborough, Bridgton chiefs: Jailing Mainers for drug use or possession won’t solve addiction problem
Instead, we should prioritize making treatment, housing, health care and community support available to all who need them.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine DHHS drops ‘substance abuse’ from mental health office name
The name change is another step toward ending the stigma associated with addiction-related illnesses, according to Maine’s opioid response czar.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers push for money to strengthen Maine’s mental health crisis system
A bill before the Legislature would put roughly $1.2 million toward bolstering the state’s mental health system in the hopes of freeing county jails of the burden of caring for the state’s mentally ill.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine gets $6.3 million for substance abuse job training
A two-year federal grant will help train treatment workers and prepare addiction sufferers for the job market.