Boston has been on a journey to tackle crime and drug use since clearing the Mass. and Cass encampment. This wasn't an easy task. The city's leaders, including Mayor Michelle Wu and Police Commissioner Michael Cox, have been busy addressing the spillover effects that have popped up in other areas. They've been working hard to make sure that Boston stays safe for ever...
Vancouver, Canada, is grappling with a major issue: deadly drug overdoses. Public health experts have been shouting from the rooftops about the risks of using drugs alone. When someone is by themselves, it's much harder for anyone to help if something goes wrong. But many people still do it. Why? Well, it turns out that how and why people use drugs alone can be very ...
For over two decades, France has been keeping a close eye on infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and C among people who use drugs. This isn't your typical health check-up. It's a complex operation called the ANRS-Coquelicot survey, which has been happening in various cities across France since 2002. The survey has been conducted five times, in locations rangin...
Rural areas often face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, especially for those who use drugs. These individuals, often referred to as PWUD, are at high risk for various health issues. A significant number of them lack adequate insurance coverage, which can severely limit their ability to receive necessary medical care. Insurance plays a crucial ro...
Every home has a secret stash of unused drugs. This is a global issue, but it's especially bad in countries that are still developing. It's a tough habit to break, and it's not just about the money. It's about how we think about drugs and how we get rid of them. First, let's talk about the money. The cost of unused drugs adds up. It's a waste of resources that ...
Imagine this: You live in a remote area, far from big hospitals. You're dealing with both opioid problems and hepatitis C. What's the best way to get treatment? Traditional methods can be tough to access, especially in rural places. So, researchers in Oregon decided to test something new. They wanted to see if having peers help with treatment made things easier. Peer...
Ever wondered if taking multiple drugs together is safe, especially for heart and brain conditions? Turns out, there's not much research on this. A recent study dug into real-world data to figure out if mixing meds for these issues is a good idea. They looked at reports of side effects from people in Hubei Province who were taking these combo drugs. The researchers ...
Imagine life on the streets, where finding food, clothes, and a place to sleep is a daily struggle. This is the reality for many people who use drugs (PWUD) in cities like Los Angeles and Denver. Researchers recently took a close look at how tough this life can be and how it impacts health. They found that the level of difficulty PWUD face when trying to meet basic n...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects many kids and teens. Methylphenidate is a common drug used to manage it. But some people worry if using it for a long time is safe for the heart. Researchers have found some possible risks, like high blood pressure, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, sudden death, heart muscle issues, heart failure, lung press...
For the past 25 years, France has been monitoring HIV and hepatitis B and C among drug users through the ANRS-Coquelicot survey. This unique experiment, conducted in cities across the country, has recruited participants from various services like drug treatment centers and harm reduction facilities. The survey uses a clever mix of methods, including Time Location Sam...