Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Study Finds High-Dose Naloxone Didn't Reduce Overdose Deaths
A new, higher-dose nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses did not save more lives than the previous standard dose, but it did cause more vomiting and other side effects, researchers wrote in a study published Thursday. The 8-milligram naloxone spray 鈥 twice as potent as the highest dose previously available 鈥 was approved two years ago after pressure from experts and patient advocates who noted lower-dose antidotes often were being given multiple times to people suffering overdoses. (Stobbe, 2/8)
As overdose deaths continue to increase among American teens, treatment for opioid use disorder remains limited.聽A new study shows that one intervention 鈥 inpatient treatment 鈥 is inaccessible to many. Few facilities exist nationwide and they are often unaffordable for families whose children are struggling with opioid addiction. Families must navigate a complex web of addiction treatment services as they try to avoid another overdose for their children, the study found. (Cuevas, 2/9)
Teenagers with suspected substance use problems say they turn to drugs because of a crushing need to relax and escape worries, according to research published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new findings follow reports of rising anxiety and depression among the nation's youth, including unprecedented levels of hopelessness. (Edwards, 2/8)
A group of San Francisco addiction treatment providers and medical professionals are fighting Mayor London Breed鈥檚 ballot measure to mandate drug screenings for welfare recipients, calling it a 鈥渃ynical ploy to shift blame onto the poorest San Franciscans.鈥 The group launched an opposition campaign Thursday.聽鈥淧rop F鈥檚 potential for harm is undeniable,鈥 said Gary McCoy, a spokesperson for HealthRight 360, the city鈥檚 largest addiction treatment provider. (Angst, 2/8)
On marijuana use 鈥
The Navy is no longer immediately kicking out recruits who arrive at boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, with detectable amounts of marijuana in their system. The service has expanded the authority to grant waivers for any recruits who initially test positive for THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, Rear Adm. James Waters, the director of the Navy's military personnel plans and policy division, told a group of reporters Thursday. (Toropin, 2/8)