State drug lab results show methamphetamine users now get their stuff from Mexican cartels, not homemade labs. Meanwhile, opioids are being cut with sedatives that make overdose treatments ineffective.
Opioids in Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Supporters tout benefits of kratom, but will it stall Michigan drug fight?
A kratom derivative known as 7-OH targets the same receptors as painkillers and opioids. Experts say the products, sold in colorful packages, especially endanger children and people battling addiction.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For Michiganders in opioid recovery, surgery brings a new pain dilemma
A new study finds that an increasing number of surgeries — and the painkillers that follow — could derail recovery for those who once misused opioids.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan to use $38M in opioid funds to expand housing for people in recovery
The $38 million for stable housing comes as the Trump administration shifts away from long-term solutions for the country’s homeless.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Use opioid settlement funds where they can save lives — in our jails
These funds were secured to repair the damage caused by the opioid crisis and there is no more effective way to do that than by helping people enter recovery and stay there.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Proposed Michigan laws would reduce hurdles, speed access to drug treatment
Michiganders with drug and alcohol addictions might have fewer easier access to drug testing strips and quicker access to treatment under a comprehensive package of senate bills.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Opioid crisis cost Michigan $38 billion in 2024, new analysis finds
Lost productivity, wages and the cost of police and courts reveal the far-reaching impact of substance use disorder in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan may lose $93M in federal funds for drug treatment, recovery
The loss of almost a third of Michigan’s drug-fighting funds could thwart efforts to save lives.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A steep drop in Michigan overdose deaths, thanks in part to Narcan
About 1,000 fewer Michiganders died in 2024 from overdoses, according to provisional data released Thursday by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. At the same time, advocates note, federal funding for prevention, treatment and recovery remains uncertain.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan reporters named Journalists of the Year in repeat win
Ron French and Robin Erb named Journalists of the year, as Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit reporters take home 23 awards from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.