REN
Methamphetamine Overdose Deaths on the Rise in Indian Country
Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that causes several harmful effects in users, including addiction, long-term health conditions, and death. While anyone can become hooked on the drug and while meth-related deaths are climbing nationwide, studies show meth addiction and death are having a disproportionate effect on Native American communities, particularly on Native American youths.
Recent Police Raids Show Meth Is the Biggest Drug Problem in Oklahoma
A recent drug bust in Oklahoma was so alarming that the event made national headlines and prompted Oklahoma law enforcement to perform a broader investigation into drug seizures in the state.
Resources for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceutical Drugs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has struggled with one of the worst prescription drug addiction epidemics. Given that a growing number of young people are getting their first experience with prescription drugs by finding meds at home, a critical step in ending this public health crisis will be informing parents and families about removing unused prescription drugs from Sooner State households. Thankfully, there is frequent Prescription Drug Take Back events and safe locations where concerned residents can properly dispose of unused pharmaceutical drugs.
Oklahoma Makes Progress in Holding Opioid Makers and Distributors Accountable
Recently, the Oklahoma State Justice Department succeeded in coming to a settlement with drugmaker Allergan and pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. The settlement came out to about $226 million, funds that Oklahoma won from the four corporations for their harmful role in advancing the opioid epidemic. This settlement is a victory for Oklahoma, as the Sooner State has been one of the states hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, especially regarding prescription opioid addiction.
Oklahoma Officials Reach Opioid Settlement with Drug Companies
Oklahoma, a state ravaged by the opioid epidemic and a number of addiction crises that followed, just secured a $250 million settlement with pharma distributors McKesson, Cardinal, and AmerisourceBergen for the role those companies played in Oklahoma’s addiction epidemic. Hopefully, Oklahoma will use the settlement to fund desperately needed treatment programs for struggling addicts.
Oklahoma Has One of the Worst Prescription Drug Abuse Problems in the Nation
Recent reports claim Oklahoma has the highest percentage of individuals 12 and older who are addicted to prescription drugs. But this is not a sudden or recent crisis. Rather, the above statistic represents more than a decade in the development of a sinister addiction crisis in Oklahoma, one where thousands of Oklahomans became addicted to the pills they thought would help them.
Methamphetamine Deaths Surge in Oklahoma
Methamphetamine overdose deaths have tripled across the United States. A drug that was not often flagged as the cause of death in drug use cases is now a life-threatening substance. And in the state of Oklahoma, it’s the #1 killer.
Indigenous Tribes Label Opioid Overdose Deaths a National Emergency
Indigenous tribes across the nation have made national headlines for officially labeling opioid overdose deaths as national emergencies. Indigenous tribes such as the Blackfeet of Montana and the Cherokee of Oklahoma are just two of the latest tribal nations to announce that opioid addiction is a crisis-level emergency within their tribal lands.
The U.S. Surpasses 1 Million Fatalities from the Addiction Epidemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking annual drug-related fatalities in the late-1990s. Since then, estimates show that over 1,000,000 people have died in the United States from drug overdoses, a grim milestone and a wake-up call for the American people.
Committing to Recovery in 2022
It’s a new year, and with a new year comes new commitments and new decisions. For those struggling with addiction, now is the time to get better. Now is the time to seek treatment and finally step away from drug and alcohol abuse.
