overdose

I’m seeing a rise in fentanyl-contaminated cocaine across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. I share real cases, warning signs, and harm-reduction strategies families can use—including free 22-panel tests—to prevent fatal overdoses.

Cocaine-related harms on Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) are increasingly polysubstance, with fentanyl present in most fatal cocaine overdoses in New York. Nationally, cocaine-involved mortality has nearly doubled since 2018. This fact sheet compiles verified NY/CDC sources and practical steps for families and providers: carry and train on naloxone, arrange benefits/transport to speed placement, screen for co-occurring mental health, and use evidence-based care (Contingency Management + CBT).

Background A non-medicalized safer supply model called a “Compassion Club” has recently been evaluated. The model involved providing rigorously tested and accurately labeled illicit substances to members at cost. Operating for 14 months in...

This webinar hosted by the Penington Institute to Mark International Overdose Awareness Day 2024 brings together a panel with diverse perspectives, insights, experiences, research, and solutions to the overdose crisis.

SAMHSA’s updated Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit provides guidance to a wide range of individuals on preventing and responding to an overdose. The toolkit also emphasizes that harm reduction and access to treatment are essential...

Over the last 3 decades, there have been several fluctuations in opioid use patterns and prevalence estimates in the United States. The predominant opioid involved in overdose deaths shifted from prescription opioids in the 1990’s and early...

Abstract Objective To identify and describe evidence on brief emergency department (ED)-delivered behavioural and care process interventions among patients presenting with suicide attempt or acute ideation, substance overdose or psychosis...

Abstract Importance The first government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in the US opened in New York City (NYC) in November 2021 amid concerns that they may increase crime and disorder, representing a significant political...

In North America, there's a serious problem with drug overdose deaths, mainly due to users encountering very strong and dangerous illegal opioids like fentanyl. Although various efforts have been made in Canada to address this issue, the...