The Huffington Post; Amanda Chan
The number of deaths from prescription painkillers -- opioids, such as OxyContin, Vicodin and hydrocodone -- in the United States has now surpassed that of skin cancer, alcoholic liver disease and HIV, according to a new study published online in the British Medical Journal.

The deaths may be linked with an increase in doctors prescribing the drugs to patients with chronic pain -- like osteoarthritis -- and not just cancer patients, according to the University of Toronto researchers.  » More

Philadelphia (July 22, 2011)—A new study by researchers at Drexel University’s School of Public Health suggests that abuse of prescription painkillers may be an important gateway to the use of injected drugs such as heroin, among people with a history of using both types of drugs. The study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, explores factors surrounding young injection drug users’ initiation into the misuse of opioid drugs. Common factors identified in this group included a family history of drug misuse and receiving prescriptions for opioid drugs in the past. The results support a need for efforts to prevent misuse of prescription drugs, particularly during adolescence. » More

By Jennifer Pittman
SANTA CRUZ -- In an empty warehouse in a seedy part of virtual reality, a methadone-dependent addict in a Santa Cruz recovery program can test his resolve to stay away from illegal drugs, thanks to a unique clinical trial at Janus of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit for people with chemical dependencies and their families.

"It is the first really new therapeutic tool in the field of addiction in many years," said David Molina, a counselor and Avatar Based Recovery Project Manager. Molina, with other counselors at the Janus Community Clinic program, have contributed to the early development of the program which has now been expanded to include an online comprehensive educational component as well.  » More