CADCA

Heroin use in the United States has grown at an "alarming rate," resulting in double the overdose deaths between 2011 and 2013, according to a new report produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

FDA and CDC analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and National Vital Statistics System reported during 2002–2013. Trends in heroin use among demographic and substance using groups were compared for 2002–2004, 2005–2007, 2008–2010, and 2011–2013.

Nearly 27,000 lives have been saved as a result of Narcan kits given to friends and family to reverse opioid overdoses, found a new study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s June 19th Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Narcan, also known as naloxone, counters the effects of prescription painkillers, heroin and other opioids.

As part of our ongoing efforts to help find local solutions to our nation’s opioid abuse epidemic, CADCA is partnering with coalitions across the country to host community forums on this topic. The next one is on June 11 in the Boston area. Coalitions, their partners, parents and all interested citizens are invited to attend these community forums.

The National Heroin Threat Assessment, released this week by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), shows heroin use and availability on the rise and causing more overdose deaths than at any time in the last decade. 

This week, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a legislative measure to help reduce opioid abuse throughout the state.

A new report, “Tracking Heroin Use in the United States: 2002 to 2013,” released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that while incidence of heroin use is still relatively small compared to other illicit substances, it rose significantly during the past 11 years. The report shows that 681,000 Americans aged 12 and older used heroin in the past year.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance to assist industry in developing opioid drug products with potentially abuse-deterrent properties.

While drug deaths related to prescription painkillers have remained stable since 2012, deaths related to heroin use have increased by 39 percent. To combat this problem, this week the Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new initiative aimed at reducing prescription opioid and heroin related overdose, death and dependence. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today issued a nationwide alert about the dangers of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues/compounds. This alert was issued through the multi-agency El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) to all U.S. law enforcement. Fentanyl is commonly laced in heroin, causing significant problems across the country, particularly as heroin abuse has increased.