Deadly overdoses on track to hit record high in Washington
The state health department says it’s an alarming epidemic that’s largely driven by fentanyl. Officials say the drug is so dangerous, they’re taking a more unconventional approach to combating the issue.
4 companies on verge of settling $26B deal in lawsuits over toll of opioid prescriptions
The three biggest U.S. drug distribution companies and the drugmaker Johnson & Johnson are on the verge of a $26 billion deal to settle lawsuits brought by state and local governments across the country over the toll of prescription opioids.
J&J to pay $230M to settle claims it helped fuel opioid crisis
As part of the deal, the drugmaker also agreed to end the manufacturing and distribution of opioids across New York and the rest of the nation.
'A disturbing trend': Whatcom County reports five fentanyl overdose deaths in two weeks
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is warning about a disturbing trend: five people have died from fentanyl-related overdoses in a two-week period.
Seattle detectives seize over 400,000 fentanyl pills, several handguns
Seattle narcotics detectives seized over 400,00 fentanyl pills Tuesday, along with hundreds of other drugs.
Seattle police find 16,000 fentanyl pills in suspect's home, car
Seattle Police have seized approximately 16,000 fentanyl pills and $10,000 after arresting a suspect and serving search warrants at his North Seattle home.
Fake business housed industrial-scale meth, fentanyl lab, Mexican officials say
Soldiers and police in Mexico have seized an industrial-scale meth and fentanyl lab that was so big it startled investigators.
King Co. public health officials sound the alarm on spike in fentanyl overdoses
With two months still left before the end of the year, King County is on track to see a record-breaking number of fentanyl-related overdoses.
Washington state sues Johnson & Johnson over opioid crisis
Washington state sued Johnson & Johnson on Thursday, claiming the company was negligent when it used deceptive marketing to say the drugs were effective for treating pain and were unlikely to cause addiction.
Overdose deaths could finally be going down
U.S. overdose deaths last year likely fell for the first time in nearly three decades, preliminary numbers suggest.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday posted data showing nearly 68,000 drug overdose deaths were reported last year.
Doctors, pharmacists push for opioid overdose reversal drug in homes
SEATTLE -- About 130 people a day are dying from opioid overdoses and those numbers are rising, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, even though fewer pain medications are being prescribed overall.Experts believe patients are in pain and sometimes take more medication than they intend, or mix the drug with others.Some doctors are demanding that Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, be available to everybody prescribed opioids and available at home.Dr.
Washington joins other states in suing major opioid shippers
Washington on Thursday became the latest state to sue major distributors of opioids, saying the companies made billions of dollars while ignoring signs of a growing crisis fueled by addiction to the drugs.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths up 70 percent from last year in Washington
EVERETT, Wash. – There’s more troubling news surrounding Washington State’s opioid epidemic.State health officials say they are finding more street drugs laced with powerful fentanyl – and it’s ending up killing people who might not even know they’re taking it.“Everyone knows someone whose suffering from substance abuse disorders,” said Dr.
You can now get free needle-cleaning kits in Skagit County
In an attempt to get more used needles off the streets, Skagit County launched a new pilot program on Wednesday.
Congress takes multifaceted approach to try to fight the opioid epidemic
SEATTLE -- A new battle in the war on opioids is brewing from Washington state to Washington D.C.Congress recently passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act, a bill aimed at punishing some drug companies and helping both addicts and law enforcement with tools and money.
Seattle officials say details still pending on council member's proposal to buy, set up safe injection van
SEATTLE -- About a month ago, one Seattle City Council Member promoted the idea of buying a van to use as a safe injection site.Council member Teresa Mosqueda directed the Seattle Department of Human Services to look into purchasing the van for about $350,000.
Possible Tacoma opioid clinic drawing concern despite obvious need
TACOMA, Wash. – The need for opioid treatment centers stretches across the Puget Sound.
In the addiction battle, is forced rehab the solution?
QUINCY, Mass. -- The last thing Lizabeth Loud wanted, a month from giving birth, was to be forced into treatment for her heroin and prescription painkiller addiction.But her mother saw no other choice, and sought a judge's order to have her committed against her will.
Child pricked by dirty needle at Everett park
It happened on Thursday at Garfield Park, right across the street from an elementary school. Parents are outraged.
Recovering addicts fight for child custody after getting clean
SEATTLE -- For many addicts, the trigger is trauma.