Multiple areas in the United States of America (USA) are experiencing high rates of overdose and outbreaks of bloodborne infections, including HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), due to non-sterile injection drug use. We aimed to identify neighbourhoods at increased vulnerability for overdose and infectious disease outbreaks in Rhode Island, USA. The primary aim was to pilot machine learning methods to identify which neighbourhood-level factors were important for creating “vulnerability assessment scores” across the state. The secondary aim was to engage stakeholders to pilot an interactive mapping tool and visualize the results. Read more
An innovative way of preventing opiate overdose deaths is through emerging online technologies. Online user forums as well as informative websites and mobile phone apps, are an asset in improving access to both information and naloxone itself. Read more
The rate of opioid and other drug overdoses is on the rise in Texas, but there has been no statewide system to collect overdose data—until now. Read more
Very high doses of stimulant drugs consumed in a short amount of time can trigger acute respiratory distress, chest pain, palpitations or myocardial infarctions. In extreme cases this can result in cardiac arrest. Read more
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched an interactive data dashboard to highlight current trends in drug overdoses among Michigan residents, and to monitor the use of overdose prevention and substance use disorder treatment services. Read more
The term “opioids” includes compounds that are extracted from the poppy seed as well as semisynthetic and synthetic compounds with similar properties that can interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids have analgesic and sedative effects, and are commonly used for the management of pain.