Overdrive, a new brand created by the founder of Starface and Julie, aims to destigmatize drug safety with accessible fentanyl test kits. By adopting an engaging, non-sterile approach, Overdrive seeks to reach a wider audience and empower people to make informed choices about their drug use.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, has vetoed a bill that would have established a pilot overdose prevention center in Burlington, the state’s largest city. The center would have included a safe injection site where people could use narcotics under the supervision of trained staff and receive treatment if they overdose. The legislation, supported by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, aimed to allocate $1.1 million for the project. However, Governor Scott expressed concerns about diverting funds from proven prevention and recovery strategies.
Discovery Resort Marketing (DRM), a digital marketing agency in the vacation ownership industry, has partnered with the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting recovery efforts and preventing opioid overdoses. This collaboration is driven by Jenny Nelson, a senior executive at DRM with a personal connection to addiction.
Ensemble, a Moncton harm-reduction organization, has detected xylazine in 10% of tested drugs since January. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, can lead to fatal outcomes when mixed with opioids. Unlike opioids, naloxone cannot reverse its effects, and there is no pharmaceutical antidote. Ensemble warns of the severe risk of necrotic wounds, especially among their vulnerable population. Since 2019, Health Canada has noted an increase in xylazine detections in drug samples. In New Brunswick, the drug was first identified in 2016, with one recorded death linked to it. The province’s Public Health department advises precautions for street drug users, including using overdose prevention sites and starting with small amounts.
Despite the easing of restrictions on prescribing buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, the number of patients taking the medication has barely increased. Researchers attribute this to barriers such as insurance hurdles, cost, lack of availability in pharmacies, and stigma around opioid addiction. While the number of prescribers has risen significantly, the researchers urge the government to encourage and compel healthcare providers to offer more treatment options to address the ongoing overdose crisis.
Nitazenes, extremely dangerous synthetic opioids, are being smuggled into the UK concealed in dog food tins, revealing a BBC investigation. Sold on platforms like SoundCloud and X, these substances pose significant risks, with some being 100 times stronger than heroin. Over 100 deaths have been linked to nitazenes in the UK, raising concerns over the need for prompt action to track overdoses and prevent fatalities.
