Opioid crisis

States are allocating hundreds of millions. Officials weigh spreading it among treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction.

Some health officials and researchers say the tests could save lives. But many state drug paraphernalia laws make them illegal.

The program's approach includes an emphasis on medically-assisted treatment, using drugs to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

The drugmaker will also pay a settlement of more than $8 billion, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

At least 300 rehab facilities in 44 states required unpaid labor from participants, investigators found.

Some are skeptical the chain retailer's "shrink" is due to opioid addiction.

Lost earnings from those who have died of overdoses were a major factor, according to the Society of Actuaries.

The nation’s three dominant drug distributors and a big drugmaker have reached a $260 million deal to settle an opioid crisis lawsuit just as the first federal trial over the crisis was due to begin.

Roughly 5% of the state's babies are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Families taking them in say they feel unprepared for the task.

About 85% of the children in state custody have a parent who struggles with substance use disorder. The system is straining to care for them.