Pregnant Women Denied Addiction Care in Jail

A recent feature story in Salon exposed the troubling lack of access to life saving addiction treatment for pregnant women in jail. The article also reveals the suffering moms to be endure when they’re made to go through withdrawal from behind bars.

Among the women profiled is Leslie who was arrested when she was four months pregnant and was denied medication for her opioid addiction. This caused her not only significant physical discomfort but also severe medical complications. She was ultimately rushed to the hospital after suffering a seizure and being rushed to the hospital. 

Incarcerated pregnant women with substance use disorders deal with this sort of thing often. The standard practice for someone with an intense opioid addiction is to have them detox safely under medical supervision. 

This typically also involves the use of FDA approved medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms that can otherwise be dangerous or even fatal. In many of these cases it’s not wise to attempt quitting cold turkey. 

There is a clear lack of consistent policies across correctional institutions and this makes the challenge even more difficult. The Department of Justice has recognized this standard of practice in caring for persons experiencing substance use disorder and have mandated that incarcerated persons receive addiction treatment while in custody.

But to this point the mandates have been only sporadically and feebly enforced. Implementation has been slow and inconsistent. Without proper treatment, pregnant individuals who are addicted to opioids are at risk of preterm labor and stillbirth and their children are more likely to be born with complications such as neonatal abstinence syndrome. In fact opioid use disorders account for a significant portion of postpartum mortality for mothers and infants.

There is certainly stigma and misinformation being spread that further hinders access to care. These pregnant women are often judged rather than given the medical and mental health support that they need. This not only violates their rights but can also endanger their health and that of their unborn children.

One way that this can be addressed is by advocating for diversion programs that place pregnant individuals in community based treatment rather than immediately incarcerating them. Such diversion programs can provide access to compassionate care and comprehensive support for new moms and their babies.

20% of Adults in the US Are Multiple Drug Users

Over 20% of adults in the US are multiple drug users and have consumed several different types of drugs within the past year, reports indicate. The data are based on research conducted by the University of Colorado and published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The study was based on more than 30,000 participants and revealed four distinct patterns among adults who use recreational drugs such as marijuana, illegal drugs such as cocaine, and prescription drugs.

Researchers found that 11.5% of subjects fell into the medically guided use category, which encompasses those people using prescribed drugs and some cannabis. 

Another 4% were in the cannabis focused use group, which are people who use cannabis with various other drugs, typically at the same time. 

An additional 3.4% were classified in the self guided use category, using prescriptions without a doctor’s guidance.

Finally, 2.1% of participants were placed in the indiscriminate use category, which describes those who use several different drugs without a specific preference for recreational or prescription drugs.

Karilynn Rockhill, who is a researcher at the Colorado School of Public Health and lead author of the study stated, “Our findings reveal a more nuanced picture of substance use in the U.S. It’s essential we shift toward tailored approaches in both healthcare and public health to address these diverse drug use patterns and ensure that we provide effective prevention and treatment options.”

The research also indicated that those specifically in the “indiscriminate use” or the “cannabis focused use” have higher rates of substance use disorders. They also are less likely than the other cohorts to receive consistent medical and mental health care. 

Rockhill noted that the results show there needs to be new and better outreach programs and more personalized strategies for the prevention and treatment of addiction. Current approaches being used may not be sufficient to address the different ways people are using drugs and the unique and complex needs of polysubstance users. 

She stated that “Improving screenings by doctors and public health outreach can help identify risks and support in reducing or quitting substance use.”

New Drug Laws a Barrier for Those Wanting Treatment

New drug laws may prove a barrier to treatment for those who want it according to recent reports. Many Oregonians have found themselves caught up in the criminal justice system in the wake of sweeping repeals of the state’s more lenient drug laws. 

This often leaves them with little hope of accessing the recovery support they need to break the cycle.

Concerns about public drug use and the rising fentanyl crisis became too difficult to ignore in recent years. As a result Oregon voters decided in September 2024 to reverse Measure 110. The law had been designed to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs and redirect cannabis tax revenues toward addiction treatment services. 

Measure 110 was passed in November of 2020 and was considered at the time to be a pioneering approach to the treatment of substance use. The measure sought to treat addiction more as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.

But backlash against Measure 110 has been swift and severe in the face of rising crime rates, a surge of drug use on public streets and an explosion of fentanyl deaths. Though proponents of Measure 110 insist that decriminalization measures are not to blame for the current crisis the vote to repeal was resounding.

But the new and more stringent laws caught many people off guard. Their impact has been especially significant for the homeless population. Reports suggest that homeless persons were being arrested in droves before they had the chance to reach out for the help they needed. 

This particularly began happening in counties such as Medford, where law enforcement intensified efforts to stop public drug use. Many of the scenes were unsettling. Couples and families were being separated publicly in some cases due to low level drug offenses. 

One 43 year old woman claimed that she was using methamphetamine to cope with homelessness but was more than willing to get treatment if it was available. However she was discovered to have a warrant out for a probation violation and was ineligible to get free treatment.

These new laws introduced deflection programs that were intended to divert individuals from incarceration into treatment. But the laws’ implementation has been inconsistent across different counties and systemic challenges have hindered their effectiveness. 

There’s a shortage of public defenders and limited treatment facilities and so it’s been difficult to approach the situation the way it was initially intended. Many critics suggest that this approach has disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations like the homeless community because they often face repeated arrests for failing to comply with camping laws. 

While some claim the law restores public order and accountability to the community the overburdened justice system presents a big obstacle to making these goals a reality. Others argue that this recriminalization process has diverted many of law enforcement’s resources from other investigations.

Rapper Jelly Roll Opens Up About Addiction’s Impact on the Family

Jelly Roll recently opened up about addiction’s impact on his family. In the interview the rapper and singer described in heartbreaking detail his teenage daughter Bailee Ann’s struggle to cope with her mother’s drug dependency. 

The entertainer revealed that Bailee’s mother was recently arrested in Tennessee on suspicion of methamphetamine possession. The recent events have only intensified the pain for their daughter. 

The singer learned of his ex’s arrest from media reports. Seeing her mother’s mugshot with drugs visibly affecting her face had on his daughter, the entertainer explained. This image has forced Bailee to face the painful reality of her mother’s addiction time and again.

The singer also discussed how he’s worked through his own issues through therapy and faith but notes that Bailee isn’t equipped with the same resources he’s obtained throughout his recovery journey. “She’s 16, she doesn’t have the tools I have.” 

He expressed guilt over how his daughter’s mental health struggles have played out in her life. This is especially true to matters surrounding her mother’s addiction.

He also took responsibility for some of Bailee’s challenges. He acknowledged that his decisions have contributed to her pain such as exposing their family to public scrutiny. 

Jelly Roll’s openness about his past struggles with substance use highlights the ongoing battle many families face when addiction is involved. 

Jelly Roll also gave a powerful speech at the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing in January 2024. He urged Congress to take action against the fentanyl epidemic.

An Unexpected Addiction: Oregonians Losing Billions to Gambling

Problem gambling is costing Oregonians billions of dollars each year. And the issue is only expected to grow as sports betting and other forms of legalized gambling increase throughout the state and across the nation.

The reality is that certain forms of addiction can fly under the radar and be so cemented in society that most people don’t even realize it’s a problem. Workaholism is one such behavioral addiction. Problem gambling is another.

Often undertreated and underrecognized, gambling has been embedded into Americans’ lives for years now in the forms of the stock market, cryptocurrency, meme coins, bingo, and sports betting. 

Nowadays, it’s becoming harder and harder to identify problem gambling since it’s so ingrained in our daily lives and is even being exposed to young people through the mediums of video games, social media, and phone apps. 

State governments have long used gambling to boost their revenues. Regardless, ways of gambling legally were fairly limited until a Supreme Court decision in 2018 allowed states to authorize sports betting.

In Oregon, this is becoming more and more of an issue. Approximately 88,000 Oregonians meet the criteria for having a gambling addiction, and an additional 180,000 are currently at risk. 

Despite this fact, only 796 individuals have received treatment through Oregon’s Problem Gambling Services this past fiscal year. This has obviously intensified the problem. 

In 2019, the Oregon Lottery introduced something called the Scoreboard, which facilitated online sports betting. By December 2024, monthly wagers had exceeded $90 million and had reached nearly $3 billion by March of 2025.

It’s difficult to even identify a gambling addiction because it’s such a concealed thing at times. Unlike substance abuse, the signs here aren’t as obvious, which allows the addiction to continue. 

Some ways to address this addiction can be by dispelling gambling myths and involving family members to mitigate the addiction’s broader impact. As a positive response, there are organizations like Lewis and Clark’s Problem Gambling Services, which offer free counseling and support to anyone affected by this addiction. 

Still, the need persists to educate people and prevent this problem from worsening.

Authorities Seize Enough Fentanyl to Kill Hundreds of Thousands

The fentanyl crisis looms large in the US even on St. Patrick’s Day when law enforcement in Knoxville seized enough of the drug to kill hundreds of thousands of people according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

The interdictions are a part of a larger initiative to end drug trafficking across Tennessee. The Metro Drug Coalition notes that the drug seizures in Knox County play an important role in preventing fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic drugs from entering the country. 

The sheriff’s office seized over two pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to kill approximately 500,000 people. To put it more plainly, that’s almost the entire population of Knox County. 

According to Chris Thomas, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center Director, 2024 saw a significant decline in drug-related deaths. That’s incredibly positive news since synthetic fentanyl and analogs equate to around 70% or more of all drug fatalities in the county. Fentanyl has shown to be one of the more difficult drugs to stop using because of its powerful addictive properties.

One shocking factor mentioned is that most of the street drugs are thought to be laced with fentanyl. That means people who do not even want fentanyl may accidentally be exposed to it when purchasing drugs. 

Metro Drug offers fentanyl test strips that help people make sure their drugs aren’t laced with fentanyl. They also offer preventative resources and provide post recovery support. 

Programs like these and others can help drug related deaths continue to decline as the data shows. The opioid crisis is still very real but people are finding recovery assistance at a greater rate and we believe change is around the corner.

Biotech Independent Raises Millions to Test New Non-Opioid Pain Med

Some exciting news to come out of the pharmaceutical world—a private drug company called Latigo Biotherapeutics has secured $150 in Series B funding to continue developing a new non-opioid pain med. Led by Blue Owl Capital, but also backed by several other investors like 5AM Ventures and Foresite Capital, they plan on using the funds to support the late stages of their clinical trials for LTG-001, which is Latigo’s lead candidate in the trials. 

It targets the NaV1.8 ion channel to help relieve pain without any of the addictive risks of opioids. 

These NaV1.8-based drugs, much like the recently approved Journavx, may bring the promise of a safe alternative in the pain relief market. Sure, there is already competition out there, but Latigo still sees potential for its treatment, and they’ve carved out a niche specifically by providing opioid alternatives in order to gain support through federal Medicare policies. 

LTG-001 is right now in its second phase of trials for acute pain following wisdom teeth removal, but those results won’t be released until later this year. Some additional tests of the medication’s pain relief potential following other surgical procedures, including tummy tucks and foot surgeries, will be released later in the year as well. 

In addition to LTG-001, Latigo is developing two more NaV1-8-targeting drugs for chronic pain. These are LTG-305 and LTG-321. The funds they’ve just secured will ensure that they will be financially stable enough to continue their studies until at least next year, which is a good thing since that’s when the most pertinent data will be released. 

They aren’t in a rush to go public, though. Even though biotech IPOs have become more challenging due to market downturns, Latigo is playing the slow game and waiting for the most favorable market to come about. 

If LTG-001 is approved, they will be in direct competition with Journavx, which has already gained some traction with insurers. They’re trying to differentiate themselves, however, by offering a faster-acting and broader-reaching pain relief solution without recourse to potentially dangerous prescription opioids.

Georgia Daycare Provider Arrested for Drugging Kids

A teacher at a Monroe County Georgia daycare facility was arrested this week for allegedly drugging kids to make them sleep. Authorities have charged the daycare employee with three counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct.

Even over the counter medications can pose a severe health risk for young children and those with other health conditions. This includes the risk of a potentially lethal drug overdose.

Monroe County deputies were tipped off by another employee of the Forsyth Methodist Church daycare that a coworker was allegedly giving children Benadryl “to make them sleepy for their nap time.” 

The ages of the children were approximately 2 1/2 years old according to reports. Children under the age of 6 should not take Benadryl except under the supervision of a doctor. 

Jail records indicate that the teacher turned herself in on March 10 and has been detained without bound. The surrender came a day after authorities were alerted to the incident following a series of Facebook posts about the incident. The tip was received five days after the incident is alleged to have occurred. 

The Sheriff’s Office wrote in a press release, “After reviewing the video footage and speaking with witnesses it was found that (the teacher) had been giving the medication to the children.” 

The daycare is located about 60 miles southeast of Atlanta. Sources have reached out to the church but no comment has been provided. 

The case remains under investigation and more charges may be filed against the teacher. Additional suspects may also be charged pending the results of the investigation.

The daycare incident is only one of a series of recent events in which minors were exposed to medications and other drugs with potentially devastating consequences. A 14 year old middle school student in Arizona was recently charged in the drug related death of his classmate.

These events show us how important it is for communities to have access to education, prevention and intervention resources. We must do our part to protect the next generation so another life isn’t lost to substance misuse.

US Coast Guard Seizes $141 Million in Drugs in the Caribbean

The U.S. Coast Guard seized over $141 million in drugs in the Caribbean in February, according to reports.  

The interdictions totaled more than 12,000 pounds. That’s the weight of about five adult elephants. The drugs were seized in six different encounters with smugglers in the Caribbean Sea. A total of 17 suspected smugglers were arrested and then transferred ashore to face federal prosecution in the United States. 

Seventh Coast Guard District enforcement officer, Jesus Martinez Borges said of the arrests, “These seizures are a testament to the Coast Guard’s continued dedication to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders. The Coast Guard and our partners work tirelessly to deny drug trafficking organizations access to smuggling routes bound for the United States. Our efforts contribute to federal investigations and prosecutions that further seek to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal activity abroad, which threaten Americans here at home.”  

The biggest bust that happened was on February 2nd. A suspicious vessel was spotted by a Dutch Coast Guard aircrew off the Venezuelan coast. The Netherlands Royal Navy ship HNLMS Groningen, which was working with the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement, stopped the vessel and found about 6,220 pounds of cocaine. They then arrested the five smugglers.

That same day, a U.S. Coast Guard aircrew from Miami detected another vessel that was speeding near the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they found 2,200 pounds of cocaine on it, along with three more suspects. 

On February 14, a Dutch aircrew located yet another vessel by Venezuela, which had jettisoned contraband before fleeing. They recovered 571 pounds of cocaine. On February 17, another 1,280 pounds were found near the Dominican Republic, as well as five smugglers who were arrested.

The rash of arrests in recent weeks attests to the ongoing crisis of drug addiction in the US. If you or someone you love struggles with substance use disorder, help is available. Rehabs.org provides resources to help you learn about recovery and find the treatment center that’s right for you. 

Arrests Made in Drone Drug Smuggling Attempt at Georgia Prison

Two people were arrested on suspicion of attempted drug smuggling using a drone, according to reports. At about 11:30 PM on February 26 deputies spotted several suspicious vehicles outside of a Washington County, Georgia prison. 

Upon further investigation, deputies found a man and a woman with a large drone. The drone had packages affixed to the bottom using zip ties. A press release issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office noted that the suspects appeared to be attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison. 

The suspects will face many felony charges including trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana. They’ll also face six counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug among other charges. 

This is not the first attempt to use a drone to smuggle contraband into a prison. Across the US, these ubiquitous technologies are being deployed for nefarious purposes. These narcodrones pose a serious threat to the security of correctional facilities and to the safety of inmates, law enforcement, employees, and families because of the difficulty of detecting and interdicting these devices. 

The sheriff’s office is adamant about its commitment to crack down on contraband smuggling. They emphasized that deputies will continue to be “relentless” in ensuring prison security and safeguarding the community. 

Substance use disorders are prevalent in jails and prisons across the US. The smuggling of illicit substances to inmates is a persistent problem that continues to undermine prisoners’ chances of reintegrating into society and building healthy and successful lives after incarceration.

The good news, though, is that addiction recovery programs are available for persons involved in the criminal justice system. State and federal prison systems offer access to medication assisted treatment (MAT) and recovery education and counseling to incarcerated persons and to those who are transitioning out of prison.

Drug diversion programs are also widely available across the nation for those who are facing charges for drug related offenses. These programs enable eligible persons to enter treatment for drug or alcohol addictions rather than facing imprisonment.

Teen Charged in Classmate’s Drug Overdose Death

A middle school student has been arrested and the teen was charged in the drug related overdose death of a 14 year old girl in Pima County, Arizona. According to news reports, Sophia Urquilla died from a fentanyl overdose.

The death did not happen on school grounds and the young male in connection with the case will be charged as a juvenile because of his age. The reports surrounding the event show felony charges against him.

It seems everywhere we look the opioid crisis reminds us we have a long way to go in ending the problem of addiction. Even young teens are not immune to this epidemic.

The suspect faces a range of charges. These include manslaughter, violation of a drug free school zone and involving a minor in a drug offense. According to Urquilla’s family the teen had not been ill and was found in bed deceased.

Toxicology results show fentanyl in her bloodstream at four and a half times the level of lethality. THC was also detected in the victim’s body. The autopsy results listed the cause of death as an accidental overdose.

Police arrested and charged the 14-year-old teen male approximately two weeks after Sophia’s death from overdose.

According to police reports, detectives didn’t find drugs at the suspect’s home. But they did locate electronic tablets and cell phones. These devices are routinely seized in criminal investigations such as these.

Forensic detectives probe these technologies for crucial evidence such as digital communications and other relevant online activity.

Further information on the tragedy is limited given the ages of the juveniles involved. The case is ongoing but all we know for now is this is yet another harsh lesson from the fight against opioids. We are making progress but there is much work to be done to end this war.

It is increasingly crucial for caregivers, healthcare providers and policymakers to be proactive. Now more than ever young people must have prompt and certain access to the mental health and addiction recovery services they need to live the long and happy life they deserve.

Homelessness and Addiction Linked in Unexpected Ways, Study Finds

Homelessness and addiction are lamentably intertwined but not in the ways most people expect, according to a recent LA Times article. The article states that the majority of unhoused persons do not use illegal drugs, despite potentially damaging assumptions to the contrary. 

The article is based on a study by the Benioff Homeless and Housing Initiative at UC San Francisco and published in JAMA. The researchers found that there may be more to these assumptions than meets the eye. Such stereotypes may have stigmatized the unhoused community. 

Benioff’s study found only 37% of unhoused individuals use illicit drugs on a regular basis and 25% claimed they have never used drugs. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that drug use isn’t a very obvious epidemic in cities nationwide. Roughly 65% of those surveyed reported that they had regularly used drugs in the past.

The study also identified homelessness as a risk factor in addiction. Approximately 27% of unhoused persons surveyed claimed that they only took up drug use after they became homeless.

What is perhaps most surprising is that 35% claimed that their harrowing situation was actually a sobering experience, literally and figuratively. The researchers spoke with individuals who were either parents concerned with losing custody of their children or individuals who had simply “reached that point” where life in addiction had become unsustainable. 

Lead researcher, Margot Kushel, stated in an interview that “one of the most poignant findings was that 1 in 5…are actively seeking treatment and couldn’t get it.” Their research also found that only 7% of respondents with a history of substance misuse were receiving treatment.

All of these findings helped shed light on something disturbingly obvious: there is a regrettable lack of access to care for unhoused individuals who may not be able to afford treatment through traditional means.

Fortunately, though, there is help for unhoused persons. Treatment centers offering low and no cost programs for eligible persons are available throughout the US. Our directory can help you find recovery programs that offer funding support and are committed to serving anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.