Courts & Law

Texas’ War on Drug Users

Jason Buch / Texas Observer Jan 7, 2025 A mass overdose event in Austin reveals the state’s backward approach to the ongoing crisis spurred by fentanyl and other super-potent substances. Dig deeper ( 22 Min. Read )

Courts & Law

U.S. Continues To Pump Billions Into International Drug War

Mattha Busby / Filter Dec 10, 2024 Since 1971, the U.S. has spent more than $1 trillion on the War on Drugs, through a law enforcement-focused approach that has continued despite evidence it doesn't work. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Health & Wellness

Adolescent Overdoses Skyrocket

Ty Schepis / The Conversation Nov 27, 2023 While overall drug overdose deaths have risen in the past year, the most recent data highlights a troubling trend among America's youth. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Immigration

Stop Blaming Immigrants for the Fentanyl Crisis

Thomas J. Rachko, Jr. / Filter Oct 20, 2023 Conservative lawmakers aim to scapegoat immigrants and exploit the real tragedy of overdoses for their own political gain. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Health & Wellness

Is the Iron Law of Prohibition a ‘Bogus’ Theory?

Peter Andrey Smith / Undark Oct 17, 2023 Critics of the war on drugs say that as law enforcement goes up, drugs get more potent. Some experts say that isn't supported by the facts. Dig deeper ( 14 Min. Read )

Feds to Let States Tap Opioid Funds for Meth, Cocaine Surge

RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR / The Associated Press Jan 21, 2020 Pressed by constituents and state officials, lawmakers of both parties agree to broaden the scope of a $1.5 billion grant program. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Victims Gain a Voice to Help Guide Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy

CARLA K. JOHNSON and GEOFF MULVIHILL / The Associated Press Oct 6, 2019 Four people touched by addiction are on a bankruptcy committee that will help decide Purdue's fine and potentially, how that money will be spent. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Uncle Sam Sent Me to Rehab for PTSD

Maj. Danny Sjursen / Truthdig Mar 11, 2019 Most disabled American veterans suffer from invisible mental wounds—I’m one of them. I spent a month with dozens of these silent victims. Dig deeper ( 8 Min. Read )

German Drug Company Sues Nebraska Over Use of Drugs for Lethal Injection

Ilana Novick Aug 9, 2018 Anti-capital-punishment advocates have an unlikely new ally in their fight against the death penalty: pharmaceutical companies. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Cut U.S. Demand for Opioids and Stop Blaming China, Beijing Says

GERRY SHIH / The Associated Press Dec 28, 2017 There is little evidence that chemicals from China are driving America's fentanyl epidemic, a top Chinese drug enforcement official declares. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )