Last updated : November 11, 2024
The USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio team thinks it’s important to share the latest drugs in the news, so that’s what we’re here to do! In this post, we’re sharing initiatives that took place during National Recovery Month in September, alarming drug trends discovered by the DEA, as well as other major drug busts and discoveries. Keep reading for all that’s happened so far in 2022!
National Recovery Month for drug addiction in September
In order to address substance misuse and overdose deaths, RecoveryOhio created a website to provide Ohioans with an easy way to obtain Naloxone – a life-saving drug used to reverse an opioid overdose. The website also shares prevention and treatment information. Learn more here.
Drug News: One Pill Can Kill
The DEA revealed that criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills. The similarities between the fake and real pills are shocking! This has become a major issue in our country as fake pills often contain fentanyl which can be deadly. The DEA also found that fake pills are often being sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them easily accessible. Read more about this issue and see the photo comparisons between the fake and real pills here.
Drug News: Rainbow Fentanyl
Another alarming new drug discovery by the DEA is brightly-colored fentanyl, also known as “rainbow fentanyl.” This is a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive fentanyl as it looks like candy and can be more enticing to younger people. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams of fentanyl (equivalent to 10-15 grains of table salt) is considered to be lethal, and there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder without laboratory testing. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing America, and you can read more about this topic here.
Cocaine Baby Wipes?
While drug busts are common, a recent drug bust that’s generating online buzz relates to cocaine and baby wipes. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 1,500 pounds of cocaine hidden in a place where you would least expect it: a shipment of baby wipes. The street value of the cocaine was worth over $11.8 million dollars! This drug bust took place at the Laredo Port of Entry, and it’s a great example of effective border security by preventing these drugs from entering the country. You can read more about this story here.
New Study: Psychedelic Drug Helping Alcohol Abusers Reduce Drinking
A recent study shared on the Today Show found that a psychedelic drug helped people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking. Specifically, the ingredient found in magic mushrooms called psilocybin, paired with talk therapy, showed major benefits to alcohol abuse sufferers. Read more about this fascinating clinical trial here.
2022 Drugs In The News
Are you surprised to read about any of these drug discoveries? With all that is happening in the news, the USA Mobile Drug Testing team thought it was important to keep you informed of these trends. If you would like to learn more about establishing a drug free workplace policy in your company, please contact us here.
