A new and extremely dangerous class of synthetic opioids, nicknamed “Frankenstein Opioids,” has been seized in all 50 states, alarming health experts and law enforcement across the country. What Are Frankenstein Opioids? Frankenstein opioids, also known as nitazenes, were first developed in the 1950s as potential pain relievers but were never approved for medical use.…
The Maryland Department of Health has released the Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (DOSE) Annual Report for 2023, analyzing suspected non-fatal overdose trends across the state. Using emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency department (ED) data, the report provides an important look at overdose patterns. While non-fatal suspected overdose rates statewide decreased by 15% in…
HC DrugFree is pleased to share a new educational flyer from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), developed in partnership with CADCA: “Fentanyl: What You Need to Know.” This simple, easy-to-read resource highlights the urgent dangers of fentanyl and provides families and communities with facts that can save lives. Why This Matters The flyer…
Quitting vaping is tough. Nicotine withdrawal can lead to heightened stress, irritability, and anxiety. This makes support from friends and family more important than ever to help someone stay positive and focused. Practical Ways to Help Supporting someone through their quit-vaping journey takes empathy, patience, and the right tools. Your encouragement, combined with trusted resources…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced major changes to the safety labeling of opioid pain medications to better inform patients and health care providers about the risks of these drugs. Key Labeling Updates: Why This Matters These changes are designed to help patients, families, and prescribers make better-informed decisions and to improve…
While fentanyl continues to dominate headlines, a far more deadly class of synthetic opioids called nitazenes is quietly infiltrating the drug supply across the Americas, according to experts monitoring overdose trends. What Are Nitazenes? Nitazenes were first developed in the 1950s but were never approved for medical use because of their extreme potency. Today, they…
As an incoming freshman at the University of Maryland, there’s a lot to think about. Whether that be scheduling classes, making new friends, or adjusting to campus life, every aspect of my life is about to become a lot more hectic. Despite this, one thing I’m glad to know is that UMD has taken a…
This summer, HC DrugFree is staying active across Howard County: meeting face-to-face with youth, parents, and local leaders to promote prevention, wellness, and safety. Our team has been busy attending community events, participating in youth leadership programs, and having important conversations about substance use prevention, mental health, and making safe, informed choices. As always, we…
