Prior to 1980, there were no standardized definition or criteria for diagnosing hundreds of psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse and dependence disorders. With the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition (DSM), this changed. Now, clinicians use the criteria outlined in this text to diagnose substance use disorders, like opiate …
A public television network in New Jersey is asking viewers to submit their personal poetry pieces on addiction and drug abuse — specifically opioid addiction. The initiative is meant to drive awareness surrounding the impact and dangers of opioid addiction, and to encourage those who struggle with addiction to get help at New Jersey drug …
A deadly synthetic opioid called fentanyl has been found in 72% of all heroin tested by officials in Ocean County, says Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato. According to the attorney, drug overdose deaths in the county could top out at 300 by 2018, and the opioid epidemic will continue to worsen. The rising death toll …
Nurses and staff at high schools throughout Ocean County recently gained access to an opioid overdose antidote effective at preventing students and others from suffering overdose deaths on school grounds. The drug, called Narcan, is currently being used by law enforcement and other first responders in Ocean County who arrive at opioid overdose scenes. School …
A new synthetic opioid stronger than heroin has found its way to New Jersey streets and is contributing to the statewide opioid epidemic, according to officials. The drug, called Pink, or U-47700 by chemists, is up to eight times stronger than heroin, and is available on the Internet for as low as $5. The DEA …
The New Jersey Dental Association released new guidelines on November 3 surrounding the prescribing and dosing of prescription opioids. At present, dentists are among the leading prescribers of opioids for pain management following procedures such as tooth extraction and root canals. In the midst of a national opioid crisis, healthcare providers such as dentists, physicians, …