Category: Substance Misuse

Trump Drastically Inflates Annual Fentanyl Death Numbers

The former president’s claim of 300,000 annual opioid deaths contradicts government statistics.

A California Medical Group Treats Only Homeless Patients — And Makes Money Doing It

Healthcare in Action, a California medical group that exclusively serves homeless people, has tapped into growing demand and funding for street medicine services. Three years in, the innovative nonprofit is raking in revenue and serving thousands of people who otherwise might flock to the hospital for high-cost care.

Supreme Court Upends Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement

The court struck down a $6 billion bankruptcy plan from Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. What does this mean? We’ll explain.

Watch: California Pays Drug Users To Stay Clean

KFF Health News senior correspondent Angela Hart discusses a state Medicaid experiment for people addicted to methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants. For every clean urine test, they can earn money — up to $599 a year.

Many Young Adults Who Began Vaping as Teens Can’t Shake the Habit

New data on substance use among young adults suggests that many former teen e-cigarette users are continuing the habit.

Urged on by LGBTQ+ Activists, California Cities Weigh Stricter Smoking Rules

High rates of smoking in the LGBTQ+ community, and the ease with which young people can buy a range of nicotine products, is leading several Northern California cities to consider new restrictions on cigarettes, vapes, and cigars.

Readers Issue Rx for Clogged ERs and Outrageous Out-of-Pocket Costs

KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Psychoactive Drugs Are Having a Moment. The FDA Will Soon Weigh In.

Mounting evidence suggests psychoactive drugs including LSD, ketamine, mushrooms, and MDMA can be powerful treatments for severe depression and PTSD. But not everyone is convinced. And even if such drugs gain FDA approval, safety protocols could render them extremely expensive.

California Pays Meth Users To Get Sober

California’s Medicaid program is testing a novel approach for people addicted to methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants. For every clean urine test, they can earn money — up to $599 a year.

Watch: John Oliver Dishes on KFF Health News’ Opioid Settlements Series

A recent broadcast of “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” frequently cited KFF Health News in its examination of how billions of dollars from the opioid settlements are being spent.