A November 2021 article in The Washington Post reported a grim milestone in the ongoing overdose crisis that has been exacerbated during the nearly two-year COVID-19 pandemic: Between April 2020 and April 2021, the federal government counted over 100,000 deaths from overdoses. That is 275 people each day.

In light of these staggering numbers, U.S. consumers need resources to help them verify that their medicines – especially those purchased online – come from a safe source. Furthermore, they will benefit from vetted information about preventing prescription medicine misuse. This past autumn, CSIP and its members implemented two targeted campaigns aimed at addressing these important needs. Read More

As we mark the first half of 2021 complete, there were some important developments in efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in the United States. There were also additional positive accomplishments in areas related to treatment and care for those in recovery. Read More

Even before the United States entered into the era of the coronavirus illness (COVID-19), only 13 percent of the approximately 21 million people who needed treatment for a substance use disorder received it. Add to this the economic and social burdens facing Americans and this percentage has only likely decreased. With most states not covering a full panel of substance use disorder treatment through Medicaid, the response to opioid and other drug misuse has not been as strong as it could be. The  American Rescue Plan may offer hope. Read More