Lenny Bernstein

Author's posts

Drug overdoses soared to a record 93,000 last year

The coronavirus pandemic and the continued spread of illegal fentanyl took a devastating toll on drug users, experts said, as the government reported a staggering increase in fatalities.

Spread of delta coronavirus variant exposes poorly vaccinated regions to renewed danger

Now at 20 percent of new U.S. infections, the variant that overwhelmed India and Britain threatens some parts of the country again, experts say

Addiction treatment had failed. Could brain surgery save him?

Brain surgery for substance use disorder will never be common. But for those who face imminent death, Gerod Buckhalter’s success — he has been sober for more than 600 days — points to what may be possible someday.

Delta variant accounts for 6 percent of new U.S. coronavirus infections

But vaccines appear to be highly effective in blocking symptoms of the latest, fast-spreading version of the coronavirus, health officials reported June 8.

Coronavirus infections drop below 30,000 daily in continuing sign of recovery

Experts debate how to track the pandemic’s next stage, with the CDC criticized after it halts a count of ‘breakthrough infections’ in people with no symptoms.

A more powerful naloxone is on the way. The question is whether it’s needed.

The FDA approved a stronger version of the drug that reverses opioid overdoses. Some critics fear it could cause harm.

Organ collection agencies told to improve performance or face tighter rules

With 107,000 people waiting for kidneys, hearts, livers and other organs, a Congressional subcommittee renewed efforts to force organ procurement organizations to improve

FDA promises to move to ban menthol in cigarettes, flavored cigars within a year

A menthol ban has long been sought by civil rights and anti-tobacco groups, who say the products have disproportionately harmed Black communities

What you should do if you’ve received the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine

Six women who had the vaccine suffered from cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a rare blood clot. Here’s what to know about symptoms of blood clots if you received the vaccine.

Rise of coronavirus variants will define the next phase of the pandemic in the U.S.

Vaccines are effective against the three major new strains of the virus, but some places say they need more to fight highly transmissible types.