Salem-News.com Drugs articles Page 4

Prescription Opioids and Heroin - Our Kids are Dying!

The talk is not working. The workshops are not working. The government task forces are not working. Education is not working. If it were, the numbers would be declining not going through the roof. Our kids are dying!

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - In the 14 years I have been writing about the prescription opioid crisis which has evolved into a heroin epidemic, my frustration level has elevated.

In July 2007, I testified in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about OxyContin and the criminal conviction of Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin.

Part 2 - Smoking Gun Series - Is it time for Partnership for Drug Free Kids to be Investigated?

The FED UP! Coalition creates one voice calling for an end to the epidemic of addiction and overdose deaths attributed to opioids (including heroin) and other prescription drugs.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - On December 20, 2015, I wrote an article regarding Partnership for Drug Free Kids and called for an investigation of their finances.

The article was directed to Partnership's new chairman, Michael White (former CEO of DirectTV). The link to this article in the Smoking Gun Series was Part 1 and is provided here http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january072016/partnership-drug-free-kids.php. My concern with Partnership goes beyond their finances which are shown below -- revenue is quite healthy -- enough to provide for an elaborate gala to celebrate in NYC at an expensive venue.

The Smoking Gun Series - Is it time for an Investigation into Drug-Free Kids and their Finances?

Drug overdose deaths in the US have soared while much money is being made.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - In recent years, I have had the good fortune of communicating with Mike White while he headed DIRECTV. He impressed me as being a "hands on - take charge" CEO who ran a tight ship.

Earlier this month, Mike became Chairman of Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and my level of concern was peaked. Why would Partnership need the expertise of communications and technology while the country is being ravaged by addiction and death to prescription opioids/heroin?

Aryan Brotherhood Methamphetamine Operation Dismantled

Meth-selling network comes to a halt in Texas.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - When a federal judge recently sentenced the last two of 34 Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang members to prison for their roles in a methamphetamine drug distribution network, it marked the end of the gang’s foothold in Central Texas—and also highlighted the extraordinary partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement that brought the criminals to justice.

Methamphetamine—also known as ”meth” and “ice” because it is usually sold in crystallized form—can devastate communities.

Salem Police Conclude Heroin Investigation with Arrest

Heroin use and it's peddlers are a scourge on Salem.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Following weeks of investigation, the Salem Police Department's Street Crimes Unit arrested 50-year old John Wills Jr. for distributing heroin.

Detectives stopped Wills at Lancaster and State St during a traffic stop Thursday at about 8:30 PM and took him into custody. He was armed with a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest.

Sackler Family, Owners of the Maker of OxyContin make List of America`s Richest

Unimaginable wealth funds a pain foundation, which is under investigation.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - As families throughout the U.S. are losing their children to addiction and death because of the criminal lies in the marketing of OxyContin, the Sackler family lives a life style most people could only imagine.

Forbes Magazine recently listed America's richest families and the owners of Purdue Pharma, maker of the highly addictive opioid, OxyContin made the list at a whopping $14 billion net worth.

Target Stores Mock Parents Who have Lost children to the Prescription Opioid/Heroin Epidemic!

It is irresponsible to sell pretend syringes in jest, when IV drug use is killing people more than ever.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Target Stores have been promoting a "Spritz Halloween Syringe Pen" for sale in their "family" stores all over the country. (Photo of syringe pens are shown).

When I learned of Target's outrageous retail practice of profiting from a drug epidemic which is resulting in deaths and addictions in the tens of thousands, I emailed the following to John Mulligan, Executive VP...

Breaking the Stigma of Addiction - Matt`s Story

The speeches and news coverage came too late for this family.

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - On January 3, 2015, Matthew Klosowski died from a prescription drug overdose. Matt had become addicted to prescription opioids after suffering a back injury and resulting surgery in Delaware. He was 37 years old when he died in a hotel room in Florida.

I connected with Matt's mom, Marybeth Cichocki shortly after his death. Marybeth wanted to tell Matt's story and I wanted to hear it.

U.S. Senators are Outraged by FDA Approving OxyContin for Children!

Your voice counts. Change this sad future for ill children.

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - In 2009 and 2011, I warned that the maker of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma was positioning to have their killer opioid marketed for pain in children as well as something they called "pregnancy pain."

After I made a complaint to the FDA, Purdue Pharma was advised by officials from the "watchdogs of America" (FDA) via conference call to cease and desist any and all marketing of OxyContin for "pregnancy pain."

Where is the Outrage? FDA Approves OxyContin for Children and I warned you in 2009 and 2011!

Drugging America's children is apparently one of the easiest things to do.

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - In April 2011, I wrote an article for Salem-News.com (shown below in its entirety with comments from contributors to OxyContin being prescribed to children as guinea pigs).

Today, the FDA announced that Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin has been given the green light to prescribe the killer drug to children. The news has caused a frenzy of outrage from organizations and individuals fighting the prescription opioid epidemic in the U.S. and Canada.