Welcome to This Week in Recovery, a weekly recap of the 5 biggest stories and developments in the recovery industry.
Purdue Pharma Reaches $270M Settlement In Oklahoma Opioid Lawsuit – Reuters
On Tuesday (3/26), Purdue Pharma, the company behind OxyContin, reached a $270 million settlement with the state of Oklahoma. The payment will settle a suit by the state that accused Purdue of helping to create the opioid epidemic that is killing tens of thousands of Americans annually.
Not Enough Youths Getting Treatment For Opioids – Washington Post
Despite the severity of the opioid crisis in the United States there has been a noticeable lack of drug treatment options for youth and minorities, according to a new report. This report states that “youth of color are significantly less likely to receive treatment than their white peers” and that only a small percentage of youth who report opioid abuse receive treatment.
White House Releases Resource Guide for Schools to Prevent Illicit Drug Use – Office of National Drug Control Policy
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released the Administration’s school resource guide for teachers, administrators, and staff to help educate and protect students from substance abuse. “Getting through to students about the dangers of drug use before it’s too late can make all the difference for millions of young Americans and their families,” ONDCP Director Jim Carroll said.
Avicii’s Family Launches Mental Health Foundation – CNN
In the wake of his death last year, the family of superstar DJ-producer Avicii has launched a new foundation. The Tim Bergling Foundation will raise money for a variety of causes including mental health and suicide prevention, according to Rolling Stone magazine.The Swedish star had been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health and took a break from touring in 2016.
White House Praises Progress In Opioid Epidemic, Experts Remain Skeptical – CNBC
Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway said last week that there has been progress made to combat the opioid epidemic from the executive branch. However, health experts say that there is little evidence that shows progress in the White House’s efforts. They said that the proposed cuts to Medicaid would be harmful for patients seeking addiction treatment.
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Remembering a Life: Philip Seymour Hoffman
From art films to Broadway plays to Hollywood blockbusters, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s was one of the biggest actors of the 21st century. Unfortunately, the star’s came to an abrupt end in February of 2014 when he died from a lethal cocktail of intoxicating substances. Learn about the famed actor’s life.
