The fentanyl crisis is devastating young people across the U.S., with overdose deaths rising due to counterfeit pills and a lack of understanding about the drug’s dangers. This blog delves into the alarming trends, risk factors, and the role of social media in spreading fentanyl-laced substances.

Learn about the devastating impact of the illicit fentanyl crisis in Sacramento County, where overdose deaths have surged over 2,000% in recent years. Learn about the role of counterfeit pills, the influence of the pandemic, and how fentanyl is disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.

Harm reduction plays a crucial role in preventing overdose deaths by adopting a realistic approach that focuses on minimizing the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use/misuse.

Fentanyl has rapidly become a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., hitting vulnerable communities the hardest. This blog explores the devastating impact of fentanyl on economically struggling rural areas and urban centers grappling with homelessness, poverty, and racial inequality. It examines how factors like limited resources, healthcare disparities, and systemic inequities intersect, exacerbating the crisis in these communities.

Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is a long-term process that involves various options and support systems tailored to meet the individual’s needs.

Treatment options for substance use disorder (SUD) are diverse and tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Effective treatment often involves a combination of therapies and support systems.

Being prepared to help someone who is overdosing involves education, training, carrying naloxone, and having an emergency plan. By taking these steps, you can be ready to act quickly and effectively in an overdose situation, potentially saving a life.

Understanding the factors that contribute to overdose deaths is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent overdose deaths. Comprehensive approaches that address the underlying causes and provide support and resources can help mitigate this public health and public safety crisis.

Substance use disorders do not discriminate. They can affect anyone, highlighting the importance of widespread awareness, prevention efforts, and accessible treatment options to support those in need. Understanding the multifaceted nature of substance use disorders can help reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use.

Overdoses are largely preventable through a combination of education, harm reduction strategies, medical interventions, and supportive policies.

An overdose occurs when a person consumes a toxic amount of a substance, overwhelming the body's ability to process it safely, leading to severe health complications or death. Overdoses can happen with various substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and alcohol.

Learn about the complexities of fentanyl distribution in the U.S., particularly in California, as our latest blog explores how transnational crime networks exploit vulnerabilities in borders and communities. Discover how technology fuels illicit drug markets, complicating efforts to curb the devastating impact of fentanyl in our latest installment of the documentary blog series, “The Ripple Effect.”

As the fentanyl devastation continues to wreak havoc in our communities, this blog explores how fentanyl infiltrates our U.S. borders and the response of government agencies as they strive to address it. Despite ongoing efforts, illicit fentanyl continues to fuel a devastating opioid crisis, demanding comprehensive and coordinated actions.

Understand the dangers of illicit fentanyl and its effect on the body. Learn about the distinction between fentanyl poisoning and overdose.

Learn about illicit fentanyl's infiltration into the United States, from its origins in Chinese labs to its processing and distribution hubs in Mexico.

Explore the deep-rooted stigma surrounding illicit substance use. Learn how it impedes access to treatment and supports harmful stereotypes.

Examine ketamine, from its roots as an anesthetic to its emerging use for treatment-resistant depression, and its role in polysubstance use.

Learn how the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health creates barriers to recovery. Discover how to challenge harmful narratives and build compassionate support systems.

Harm reduction is a compassionate approach to addressing substance misuse. Learn about evidence-based strategies like overdose prevention and stigma reduction initiatives.

Uncover the origins of Xylazine, the alarming rise in its misuse, and the public health concerns associated with its presence in polydrug mixtures.