Drugs

Substance misuse costs the state of Alaska $3.45 billion every year, according to a report released recently by the McDowell Group. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

“Every hour of every day:” the cost of substance misuse in Alaska

Alaskans are paying in money and lives.

 

In this Aug. 17, 2018 photo, family and friends who have lost loved ones to OxyContin and opioid overdoses leave pill bottles in protest outside the headquarters of Purdue Pharma, which is owned by the Sackler family, in Stamford, Connecticut. (Jessica Hill | Associated Press File)

Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl

It’s a problem we can solve with smart and proactive policy choices.

 

‘Justice shouldn’t create more victims’: Former prisoners preach patience for SB 91

Some critics are blinded by emotion, one re-entry expert says.

 

Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The opioid crisis costs Alaska more than $1B per year, and it’s going to keep being costly

The cost of an epidemic.

Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

State sues opioid manufacturer, alleging willful deception

It’s the country’s leading opioid producer.

Juneau Police Department Police Chief Ed Mercer, right, and Lt. Jeremy Weske speak at the Juneau Police Station about the department receiving new funding for drug enforcement on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Alaska has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Feds to help fund Juneau’s drug enforcement efforts

Help is on the way.

Juneau Police Department Police Chief Ed Mercer, right, and Lt. Jeremy Weske speak at the Juneau Police Station about the department receiving new funding for drug enforcement on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Alaska has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Meth, heroin and marijuana top peninsula illicit drug seizures

Peninsula police departments confiscated about $150,000 in illegal drugs — the majority heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana — in 2017, according to a new Alaska State… Continue reading