Overdose deaths for opioids and other drugs fell in 2018, the first drop since 2012, with state policies restricting painkiller prescriptions cited. But drug deaths for black residents spiked in Michigan.
Blue Cross offers 35 percent boost in insurance reimbursement when doctors rein in opioid prescriptions after common surgeries. The effort shows some promise in a state hammered by opioid deaths.
Michigan and other states have started to see a decline in deaths from opioid overdoses -– proof that strong action can help save lives. However, one critical barrier remains: stigma.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vetoes in the Michigan budget included funds for Andy’s Place, an opioid recovery project near Jackson that she endorsed months ago. The planned facility is in the district of Republican budget and political foe Mike Shirkey.
A statewide survey found most primary care physicians don’t want training to administer the “gold standard” treatment of opioid abuse, even as overdose deaths tripled in Michigan.
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg invests $10 million for “high impact” solutions. Experts tell Bridge Magazine where investment would help most.
Slowly, addiction treatment centers in the state are shifting away from old-school abstinence to combining counseling with medication. But experts warn Michigan isn’t moving quickly enough
Treatment officials argue that state regulatory changes could close detox centers and force layoffs. State officials counter that centers need full-time doctors and certified providers to ensure patient safety.
A street version of fentanyl is now responsible for more overdose deaths in Michigan than prescription medications. And white, working-class communities surrounding Detroit have been hit hardest of all.
Southeast of Grand Rapids, Hastings is battling opioid addiction and other challenges as it maintains its easy-going character. Bridge pays a visit during its 2018 Truth Tour.
To reduce drug abuse, a new law requires doctors to check a patient’s drug history on a state database before prescribing dangerous narcotics. But the law only works if doctors follow it.
The University of Michigan Medical School is teaming with public health officials and insurers to curtail doctors who overprescribe opioids for pain, leading to addiction and abuse.
Michigan’s online system is supposed to detect physicians and patients who abuse prescription painkillers. But the current version is so slow most doctors don’t even bother. And a bill to update the system hardly seems a cure-all.