REN
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.
Preventing Substance Abuse During the Holidays and New Year
The holidays can be a moment of great cheer, of special family gatherings, of putting aside the troubles of the world and coming together with those who matter most. But for those who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction and for those who are simply trying to avoid mind-altering substances, this can be a particularly difficult time.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Sides with Johnson & Johnson in Opioid Lawsuit
The last few years have seen hundreds of court cases levied against pharmaceutical companies for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. One recent development came in the form of an unfortunate loss for plaintiffs, when the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of Johnson & Johnson.
How Alcohol Consumption Affects the Aging Process
When people think about the harm caused by alcohol consumption, their thoughts almost immediately go to alcohol misuse, binge drinking, alcohol addiction, and other forms of excessive alcohol use. However, research findings have shown that even drinking “in moderation“ causes harm, especially when extrapolated over a lifetime.
The Role of Stigma and Addiction and How to Combat It
Expressing stigma towards addicts does nothing to help them. Stigma adds fuel to the roaring blaze of America’s addiction emergency, making it more difficult to solve the public health crisis. If more Americans could overcome the stigma associated with addiction, communities would be one step closer to solving the addiction epidemic.
New Marijuana Testing Technology May Make Roads Safer... But Does it Go Far Enough?
Scientists and researchers are on the verge of unveiling new testing technology to assess cannabis impairment accurately. But solely criminalizing cannabis-impaired drivers will not solve the problem of impaired driving. Treatment will.
