The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that COVID-19 could have a large impact on certain groups, including those with substance use disorders. COVID-19 attacks the lungs, so people who smoke tobacco or marijuana or vape are at a higher risk of being impacted. Click here to view a printable PDF of this article.
Alcohol and Drug News
Report Released: 2020 Vision for Health in Howard County
For decades, Howard County has been known for its forward-thinking approach to creating the highest quality of life, serving as a national example of how people of diverse backgrounds can create a thriving community. Yet, the future presents new challenges. Click here for a printable PDF of the report released by the Horizon Foundation.
Maryland Survey Results Non-Prescription Opioids vs Heroin
The Maryland Public Opinion Survey tracks changes in patterns of use, attitudes, and source of opioid misuse among people in Maryland who admit to using prescription and non-prescription opioids. The survey found that the older age group (50-64) almost completely misused non-prescription opioids for pain management, while the younger group (18-25) is misusing mainly to…
First Long-Term Vape Study Finds Links to Lung Problems
A study of 32,000 adult participants published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that people who used e-cigarettes were 30% more likely to develop a chronic lung disease. Experts stress that “no form of tobacco is safe” and that there are growing concerns about the effects of vaping on teenagers as the number…
2019 Overdose Fatalities In Howard County
As of August 26, the Howard County Police reported 13* fatal and 112 nonfatal overdoses so far in 2019. *In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. If you or someone you know in Howard County needs help with an opioid or other drug issue, call 800-422-0009, 24-hours a…
Marketing Opioids Products and Mortality from Overdoses
Prescription opioids are involved in 40% of all deaths from opioid overdose in the United States and are commonly the first opioids encountered by individuals with opioid use disorder. Is the pharmaceutical industry marketing of opioids to physicians associated with mortality from overdoses? Read more: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2720914.
Vaping: Surgeon General Calling for Local Restrictions
In an effort to combat youth use of vape products, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, is urging new local vaping restrictions including taxing and indoor bans. “Monitoring the Future” survey data released earlier this week by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reported 21% of high school seniors said they vaped a nicotine…
Teen Vaping Results: Monitoring the Future Survey
Dr. Wilson Compton, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health, discusses findings from the 43nd annual Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, released December 14, 2017. The survey focuses on drug use and attitudes among America’s 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Questionnaires given to more than 10,000…
NIDA: Opioid and Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Reporting
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a video with their Deputy Director, Dr. Wilson Compton discussing overdose deaths involving opioids including fentanyl. Remember, fentanyl (alone or mixed with other drugs) and other opiods are killing people in Howard County. Thank you to NIDA staff and Dr. Compton for the work you do throughout…
CDC Releases Suicide Fact Sheet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a 2018 Suicide Fact Sheet defining what is suicide, how big of a problem is it, what are the consequences and how can it be prevented.
Howard County Overdoses at 112
Howard County Police and Fire and Rescue Services responded to 7 non-fatal overdoses this past weekend. The 2018 year-to-date overdose count is 21 fatal and 91 non-fatal, for a total of 112. *In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. If you or someone you know in…
Howard County Overdoses Hit More Than 100 in 2018
As of this morning, Howard County Police report 2018 overdoses are now at 103. Year-to-Date (January 1 to June 4, 2018): Fatal Overdoses in Howard County: 20*Non-Fatal Overdoses in Howard County: 83 *In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. If you or someone you know…
Howard County Police and MD State Police Conducting DUI Patrols
According to a press release from the Howard County Police Department, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) patrols result in 10 arrests overnight. Police see improved results replacing traditional DUI checkpoints with increased patrols for impaired driving. The Howard County Police Department and the Maryland State Police conducted joint supplemental patrols as part of a grant-funded DUI…
1st Annual Howard County ROSC* Home Run for Recovery Softball Tournament
Go to bat for recovery in Howard County. Cheer for the Recovery and Agency teams as they race around the bases for fun and entertainment. Discover resources for hope and education about the disease of addiction. Food will be available. Open to the public at no cost. Saturday May 5th, 2018 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm…
Howard County 2018 Overdoses (thru April 4, 2018)
The Howard County Police Department Reported 2018 Year-To-Date Overdoses as of April 4: Fatal: 14* Non-Fatal: 59 *In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. If you or someone you know in Howard County needs help with an opioid or other drug issue, call 800-422-0009, 24-hours…
Howard County 2018 Overdoses (thru March 27)
The Howard County Police Department Reported 2018 Year-To-Date Overdoses as of March 27: Fatal: 11* Non-Fatal: 54 *In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. If you or someone you know in Howard County needs help with an opioid or other drug issue, call 800-422-0009, 24-hours…
Howard County 2017 Total Overdoses
*The Howard County Police Department Reported 2017 Calendar Year Overdoses: In fatal cases, some deaths are pending autopsy results for opioids and/or other substances. Numbers may fluctuate. In 2017, there were a total of 57* overdose deaths and 171 non-fatal overdoses in Howard County.
