Latest news with #substanceuse
CBS News
5 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
Baltimore Mayor Scott releases preliminary plan to curb city opioid overdoses
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott released the city's preliminary overdose response strategic plan Wednesday. The plan is part of an executive order detailing how the city will spend $242.5 million in settlement funds won in a lawsuit against multiple pharmaceutical companies. Data on opioid overdoses in Baltimore City According to Baltimore City's Overdose Needs Assessment, overdose deaths are declining – but the city still leads metro areas nationally in overdose mortality. Black male residents who are 60 and older are 4.6 times as likely to experience a fatal overdose compared to their white counterparts. The leading cause of maternal mortality in Maryland is overdose, the city's report cited. What is the plan to reduce overdoses? The overall goals of the city's preliminary plan include addressing inequities in the overdose crisis, dismantling silos and improving connections within care systems, reducing the stigma surrounding care, and improving the quality and accessibility of substance use services across the city. The city said that when community members lack access to housing, food, employment, and transportation, their access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services can be impeded. Housing is the most essential need to support those who use drugs, according to the assessment. The report also highlights a need to increase youth engagement programming in the city. Other needs included in the assessment are public health education and awareness campaigns, expanded access to mental health services, and more harm reduction spaces. In a community input form, community members said pharmacy access was also an issue. What are the next steps? Mayor Scott says his goal is to reduce fatal overdoses by 40% by 2040. "This is a major milestone in our work to end the overdose crisis in our city and address decades of harm done to our residents," Scott said. "We made the decision to directly take on Big Pharma for their role in this crisis, and we won millions in settlements and awards. This strategic plan lays out how we'll invest that money back into communities, with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses at least 40% by 2040." The city will hold four listening sessions in July where residents can provide feedback on the plan: Wednesday, July 9: 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Elementary and Middle School, 801 Bridgeway Rd., Baltimore, MD 21225 Thursday, July 17: 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 2520 Francis St., Baltimore, MD 21217 Wednesday, July 23: 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Pimlico Elementary School, 4849 Pimlico Rd., Baltimore, MD 21215 Thursday, July 31: 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Henderson Hopkins Elementary and Middle School, 2100 Ashland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205 The full Overdose Response Strategic Plan is available here.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bankers, athletes, students are using drugs. This hotline tries to keep them safe
There's a national overdose hotline that some Canadians call before they're about to use drugs. But the people dialling in aren't who you might think. Since the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) launched nearly five years ago, it's been reaching drug users who wouldn't typically use consumption and treatment sites. Shame and stigma can force people to use drugs alone, putting them at a greater risk of dying from an overdose. "We do know that a lot of people are hidden substance users," said Monty Ghosh, an addictions physician in Alberta and a NORS researcher. "It could be that they're afraid of losing their job, they're afraid that the family might leave them, they're afraid that the children might get taken away from them." Ghosh says that's where the hotline comes in. He says many people calling in have voluntarily disclosed that they have jobs and stable housing. "We're talking [about] people who are lawyers, physicians, engineers, people who are professional athletes," he said. "A lot of them are using the service because they don't identify as the same population as who uses a physical supervised consumption site." NORS is like a buddy system — operators stay on the line as people use drugs, ready to alert emergency services if they suspect the person has overdosed. People can also text the line, if they can't or don't want to call. To see who is reaching out and how the hotline works, CBC News met up with an operator in Hamilton, Ont., and listened in on multiple calls. WATCH | NORS operator provides advice while callers take drugs: The operator, Jodi, starts any call by confirming the person's address, telling them to keep their doors unlocked and pets away. These are all precautions in case EMS has to respond. One of the calls was from a student who was about to use crack. "I heard that there was a bad batch going around in my area and I was just wondering if you knew anything about it?" the person asked Jodi. LISTEN | Caller worries about 'bad batch' of drugs in area: A quick online search for alerts about tainted substances in the caller's region turned up empty, so Jodi cautioned, "Start low, go slow." Another caller, who was smoking fentanyl, told Jodi she's trying to use less frequently. When she does, she's started testing her drugs to stay safe. "Keep doing that," Jodi told her. "Just the stuff that's going around right now, it's actually really scary." LISTEN | Caller smokes fentanyl on the line: Once people use, Jodi stays on the line with them for about 10 to 15 minutes. She makes small talk — asking what they ate for dinner and what their plans are for the evening — all the while paying attention to how they're responding. "We're not therapists, we're not counsellors, we're not social workers," Jodi told CBC News. "We're not here to dig deep [into] why they started using drugs. It's just, 'Hey, how's it going today?'" No one overdosed the night CBC was on the line with Jodi, but it has happened. Of the almost 20,000 calls NORS has received, it's responded to more than 200 overdoses. According to the organization, nobody has died while using the line. In comparison, between March 2020 and February 2025, drug consumption and treatment sites across Canada received more than three million visits. "Our mandate at NORS is to keep people alive while they're using substances," said Lisa Morris-Miller, the executive director of the hotline. Her sister, Rebecca Morris-Miller, founded the line in December 2020, with the help of her friend Kim Ritchie. The pair had complicated pasts with drug use and met during a recovery program. With a cellphone, $1,000 and some volunteers, Ritchie says they started an early version of the hotline. By the end of 2020, she says partnerships with the University of Alberta and Health Canada led to funding that launched the line across the country. NORS is the first and only national overdose response hotline in Canada. For two years, Rebecca helped grow the service and became an advocate for people who were struggling. But throughout, she continued to struggle with her own addiction to fentanyl. In October 2022, Rebecca used drugs alone and didn't call her own hotline — and ended up dying from an overdose. "My opinion … is that there is still so much stigma associated with substance use, so much that … one of the key founders of this organization wouldn't call her own line," said Lisa Morris-Miller. Most NORS callers are from Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan, according to researcher Ghosh. The most recent data from the hotline shows that of more than 3,200 calls, about 50 per cent were women and 16 per cent identified as gender diverse. In interviews, Ghosh said these callers told them that they prefer the hotline because of stigma and safety. While the organization hasn't released research on this, Ghosh says about 10 per cent of their calls have asked about referrals for mental health, opioid treatments or treatment centres. Ian Tait, communications director for the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia CUPE 873, says he isn't surprised to hear who is using the service. "In British Columbia … we go to million-dollar mansions for, you know, issues with substance use," said Tait, who is also an advanced care paramedic supervisor. He said that most of the overdose calls they respond to are for people who are unhoused, with mental health and substance use issues. Tait cited an app called Lifeguard, which he says people in B.C. will often use. Those with the app will activate it before taking their drug of choice and they then have to deactivate it within a certain period of time. If they don't, EMS will be alerted. "In this type of crisis, we have to look at ideas that are outside of the box," he said. Faith O'Toole, a 22-year-old Ottawa resident, has been revived multiple times because of the hotline. Having used crack and fentanyl since she was a teenager, O'Toole has lost count of how often she's overdosed. Her mom, Tamara, allowed Faith to keep living at home and using drugs, but insisted she call the hotline. "Of course I don't want my child to use drugs — nobody does. But if they're going to and I can't make her stop, what can I do to help keep her as safe as possible?" said Tamara. She estimates Faith has overdosed at least three times while using NORS. "Overdosing sucks, but the hotline is really useful," said Faith. "It's convenient. I mean, if you have a phone … you can call and you're safe." But Faith no longer lives at home and says she doesn't call the hotline as often. Despite how helpful virtual resources like hotlines and apps can be in this crisis, experts say they can't replace controversial drug consumption and treatment sites. The hotline fills some gaps — like being available around the clock and allowing people to smoke their drugs (which many drug sites don't allow) — but it's not accessible to everyone. For example, some people might not have a cellphone, says Caleb Clay, administrative manager for a mobile overdose prevention site at Sunshine House in Winnipeg. "I think that physical and virtual options can work hand in hand," he said. "I don't think physical sites will ever go away." Ghosh says these sites are essential, specifically because they're often used by people who are experiencing homelessness, and can provide them with a range of support. For example, they connect people to the local mental health care system, help bandage wounds or offer drug test strips and clean needles. But drug consumption sites have historically faced a lot of backlash. Most recently in Ontario, the provincial government shut down several facilities under new legislation and said it doesn't plan on approving any more sites. Right now, NORS has 20 employees across the country and is fully funded by Health Canada until 2028. NORS operator Jodi says people who call in just want to protect themselves, without judgment. She gets it, because she was once addicted to drugs, too. "It's kind of embarrassing," one caller told Jodi the evening CBC listened in. "What's embarrassing?" Jodi asked. "You know — you don't want to tell your family, but you don't want to be alone," they said. "Well, we're always frickin' here for you," Jodi said. "Nothing to be embarrassed [about] here."
CBC
5 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Experts point to B.C., Ontario for why Nova Scotia should not expand alcohol access
Nova Scotia is being urged to scrap any thoughts of expanding alcohol sales by a group of experts based in Ontario. The letter — signed by eight people from organizations such as the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation Project — has been sent to Premier Tim Houston and members of the legislature. It warns that more access to alcohol could have damaging impacts. It cited examples from B.C. and Ontario, where retail access has increased. "We need to get that message to the province before they make the same mistakes as Ontario and British Columbia have made," said Ian Culbert, the executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association, who is a signatory. The letter, signed by public health and policy experts, said research in both provinces shows when it is easier to buy booze, the health risks go up as well. It said that after Ontario expanded retail access to alcohol in 2015, alcohol-related emergency department visits rose in two years by more than 24,000. In B.C., a 20 per cent increase in alcohol retail outlets was linked to a 3.25 per cent increase in alcohol-related deaths. The letter points to alcohol-related harms, including avoidable hospitalizations, preventable deaths and heightened risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. "Alcohol is one of the leading causes of cancer after tobacco. In fact, it can lead to the development of nine different types of cancers," said Brandon Purcell, who also signed the letter and is with the Canadian Cancer Society. "Only about 50 per cent of folks in Atlantic Canada are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer." The Nova Scotia Alcohol Policy Coalition already issued its own warning to the province in a letter it sent to MLAs last month. It said that in 2022, alcohol was responsible for 571 deaths and almost 44,200 emergency department and hospital visits across the province. Survey underway in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia is conducting a public opinion survey to see what people think about expanding retail access to alcohol. The survey, which closes Monday, includes questions on health and safety considerations for any potential changes, the types of stores where alcohol can be sold and locations where people are allowed to consume it. A news release issued last month said it is a good time to examine how alcohol is sold and consumed, in part because the province is taking steps to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. The release said about 1,500 Nova Scotians would be surveyed.
Health Line
25-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Know When Someone Uses Cocaine
While there are many distinctive signs that can point to cocaine use, encouraging open and honest communication is the best way to determine whether someone is using cocaine. Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is known for producing effects such as bursts of energy, increased alertness, euphoria, talkativeness, and decreased appetite. The drug is highly addictive, and people can experience a strong craving for cocaine almost as soon as it leaves the bloodstream. If you believe a loved one is using cocaine and would like to approach them about it, it may be a good idea to focus on support and care, without judgment or pressure. Substance use disorder, the clinical name for using drugs like cocaine, is often the result of mental health challenges and, in some cases, genetic predisposition. Once dependence develops, it's difficult for someone to give it up at will and with no professional support. Common signs of cocaine use It's not always obvious when someone uses cocaine or other drugs, but substance use and addiction usually become more evident as use persists. A combination of the following signs may indicate cocaine use: sudden changes to eating habits persistently dilated pupils overexcitability for no apparent reason chronic runny nose mild or severe nosebleeds changes to social patterns and preferred activities mood changes or irritability nightmares (common with withdrawal symptoms) insomnia and other changes to sleep patterns behaviors that jeopardize personal safety or other people's (especially if unusual for the person) increased talkativeness at certain times unexplained weight loss (often tied to changing eating habits) changes in personal hygiene habits and appearance burn marks on the nose, lips, or hands (if crack cocaine or smoked versions are used) white powder residue around the mouth or nose increased indifference or uninterest in personal relationships sudden financial difficulties difficulty at work or school changes in oral health intense emotional highs and lows secretive behavior Some of these signs are also associated with other mental health conditions or occasional emotional challenges. If someone you know displays these symptoms, they might need help and treatment, even if substance use isn't the cause. Let's define these terms Substance use disorder is a health condition with a set of diagnostic criteria, including symptoms of addiction and dependence. It refers to someone using a substance or drug even when it causes them health, relationship, and functioning challenges. It's a formal diagnosis, and it requires and responds to medical treatment. It exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. Addiction is the need and craving to compulsively and repeatedly use a substance or engage in behaviors despite negative consequences. It has a mental and a physiological component. Dependence means the body has adapted to a substance, and you may need more of it each time to feel the same effect. It also refers to psychological aspects of craving the drug despite being aware that it may cause health problems. It typically leads to withdrawal symptoms if you reduce the dose or stop. It's a key factor in addiction. Understanding substance and cocaine use Not everyone who uses substances with the potential to be addictive develops an addiction. But typically, the more a person uses a drug, the more their brain adapts to it and begins to have difficulty functioning without it. This leads to dependence and addiction. Cocaine has a direct impact on the chemicals in the brain that affect how you feel and how you think. As your brain develops a tolerance to cocaine, the chemical changes the drug once produced become less pronounced. This means the drug's ability to produce intense pleasure or euphoria decreases over time with repeated use. As a result, people with addiction may find it harder to enjoy everyday activities that once brought them joy. In time, the brain begins to rely on the drug not just for pleasure, but also to regulate emotions and cognitive functions, which in turn, increases dependence and reinforces the cycle of addiction. How to help someone who's using cocaine It can be difficult to know how to help someone who is using cocaine. Many people worry that intervening will drive their loved one away or will not make a difference. It can feel frustrating, frightening, and overwhelming to talk with someone about something as important as cocaine use. Here's a guide to help you navigate offering help to someone using cocaine: Remember that people will only take steps toward recovery when they're ready. You can't force someone to face substance use and stop. Consider seeking additional support, such as additional friends or family members, and the services of a mental health or addiction professional. If your loved one is ready to start treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a great place to start. You can also offer to go with them to talk with their primary doctor about local rehabilitation services. Takeaway Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. People who use cocaine can quickly become dependent on it for strong rushes of brain chemicals that strongly influence how they think and feel. When someone develops an addiction to cocaine, they might demonstrate signs such as changes to previous sleep, dietary, social, and hygiene patterns, along with mood changes, unexplained weight loss, financial difficulties, secretiveness, and trouble at work or school. It can be stressful and overwhelming to talk with a loved one about cocaine use. Steering clear of accusations and arguments can help the conversation go in a more useful direction. It's highly advised to consult a health professional who can offer expert advice and guidance for you and your loved one.
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
US vacation hotspot testing water supply for drugs
Nantucket officials are beginning to test the island's sewage for cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, nicotine, and opiates. The Health Department aims to use this data to understand trends in illegal substance use and assess the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs. Biobot, a Cambridge-based company, will conduct the drug testing using samples already collected for COVID-19 and other disease monitoring. The initiative seeks to provide a data-driven understanding of local drug usage, moving beyond anecdotal evidence. Test results will be shared with healthcare partners to inform outreach and treatment efforts, though they will not be made public.
