Services That Check Safety Of Drug Ingredients Work In Europe. Could They In U.S.?
The Associated Press reports on such lifesaving programs that could help identify dangerous ingredients that can increase overdose risks, like in the case of Prince. In other news on the opioid epidemic, the Columbus, Ohio, area continues to see overdose cases.
The Associated Press:
Could Drug Checking Have Prevented Prince's Overdose Death?
As the investigation into Prince's death homes in on the source of the fatal fentanyl, some observers are suggesting that the United States explore a lifesaving strategy used in Europe: services that check addicts' drug supplies to see if they are safe. In Spain, the Netherlands and a handful of other countries, users voluntarily turn in drug samples for chemical analysis and are alerted if dangerous additives are found. The pragmatic approach saves lives, proponents say. (Johnson, 10/4)
Columbus Dispatch:
Lancaster Police Report 3 Fatal Heroin Overdoses
Lancaster police reported three fatal drug overdoses occurred over the weekend, and warned drug users that a dangerous batch of illegal narcotics apparently is circulating. A 38-year-old man was found dead by his wife in their home on Friday and a 47-year-old mother was found dead by her son on Sunday. Today, a 33-year-old man died after having trouble breathing. It was reported that the man hadn't slept in several days due to using methamphetamine and may have used heroin in an attempt to sleep, Deputy Chief Adam Pillar said in a news release. (Lane, 10/3)