A study of drug overdose deaths finds there several different simultaneous opioid epidemics in the country rather than just a single crisis. Iowa State University associate sociology professor David Peters says one crisis is driven by heroin."Where most overdoses are driven just by deaths from … [Read more...]
Two statewide officials trained to respond to opioid overdoses
A representative of the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition was at the Iowa capitol today to train two state officials how to administer Naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. State Auditor Rob Sand said in late October of 2018 he attended the funeral of a woman who was the sister of one … [Read more...]
Convicted Iowa drug dealer’s execution put on hold
A judge has temporarily halted plans to execute a north-central Iowa drug kingpin for the 1993 murders of three adult witnesses and two children. Dustin Honken of Britt was convicted of the July 1993 murders of 34-year-old Greg Nicholson, 31-year-old Lori Duncan, as well as Duncan’s two children, … [Read more...]
Meth use in Iowa surges; all-time high number seek treatment
As South Dakota officials attract national attention for their anti-meth campaign, the drug is a growing problem in Iowa as well. "We've seen an increase in the use of methamphetamine, the availability of methamphetamine, the purity of methamphetamine," says Dale Woolery, director of the Iowa … [Read more...]
Man sentenced to federal prison for sending marijuana to Iowa
A Las Vegas man who was convicted of sending marijuana plants to Iowa has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison. Sixty-two-year-old Oliver Maupin was found guilty in June by a jury of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. Court records show Maupin created two separate … [Read more...]
Men from Waterloo and Marion sentenced to federal prison on drug/gun charges
A Waterloo man is facing nearly two years in prison after posting pictures of himself with guns online. Eighteen-year-old Jumonie Wilson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a drug user and admitted that he was using marijuana twice in January after police say they saw him on social media … [Read more...]
It’s National Drug Take Back Day
Today is another chance for you to get rid of your unused medication. West Des Moines Police Chief Chris Scott says you should use the National Drug Take Back Day as an opportunity to dispose of leftover medications so they don’t become a source of addiction. "Prescription drugs in our medicine … [Read more...]
Reynolds not afraid to use executive power to respond to vaping epidemic
The use of electronic cigarettes and "vaping" products are unsafe at any age, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and Iowa's governor is exploring her policy options to respond to the problem. Governor Kim Reynolds and her top staff will meet today to review ideas -- including an … [Read more...]
E-cigarettes, pods to be included in Saturday’s drug take back day
The nine dozen sites around Iowa accepting unused prescription drugs this Saturday also will let Iowans turn in electronic cigarettes and the liquid pods that are vaporized. "There are some Iowa schools, in particular, that have collected quite a few of these," said Dale Woolery, director of the … [Read more...]
U-I research seeks ways to reduce opioid use, find triggers for chronic pain
A University of Iowa pain researcher has won two grants as part of a national effort to improve treatments for pain and cut the use of opioids. Professor Kathleen Sluka says one grant funds research into why 40 to 50 percent of people develop acute pain after surgery or following a broken bone. … [Read more...]