addiction Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

StoryCorps Northwest: Taylor Helmstadter & Naomi Love – Addiction, Recovery, And Re-Learning To Love Yourself

By Connor Henricksen September 7, 2022

Addiction is a hard cycle, and recovery is a long, rewarding journey. Taylor Helmstadter of Moses Lake knows this. In this edition of StoryCorps Northwest, she talks with producer - and new friend - Naomi Love about the 12-step program and re-learning to love yourself. Read More

StoryCorps Northwest: Finding Self Worth, Higher Education And Dealing With Addiction

By Sueann Ramella October 28, 2020

Nez Perce tribal member Mary Jane Miles was two when her mother died. That was the start of a series of difficult events in Mary Jane’s life. But she persevered to earn an education and come to terms with alcohol addiction. She spoke with her friend and colleague, Kayeloni Scott, for StoryCorps Northwest. Read More

Changes In Opioid Supply Create New Risks As Stay-At-Home Rules Ease

By NPR News May 18, 2020

A patient arrives to pick up medication for opioid addiction and is given hand sanitizer at a clinic in Olympia, Wash. The pandemic is changing the distribution networks and supplies of street drugs across the United States, authorities say.

The disruption in the illegal opioid trade had varying impacts around the country. As stay-at-home orders lift, that creates different risks of overdose that public health is trying to manage. Continue Reading Changes In Opioid Supply Read More

The Kratom Debate: Helpful Herb Or Dangerous Drug?

By NPR News January 13, 2020

Kratom, an herb that's abundant, legal in most states and potentially dangerous, is the subject of an ongoing debate over its risks and benefits. Continue Reading The Kratom Debate: Helpful Herb Or Dangerous Drug?Read More

In 2019, The Legal Fight Over Opioids Unraveled Into Confusion And Infighting

By NPR News December 28, 2019

Millions of Americans sank into addiction after using potent opioid painkillers, such as acetaminophen/oxycodone, that companies churned out and doctors freely prescribed over the past two decades. CREDIT: Eric Baradat /AFP via Getty Images

This was meant to be the year we answered a big question about the deadly opioid epidemic: Will drug companies that make and sell prescription pain medications be held liable? That clarity never came. Continue Reading In 2019, The Read More

Teen Vapers Who Want To Quit Look For Help Via Text

By NPR News October 23, 2019

Though there are websites, hotlines, therapists and coaches to help teens manage nicotine cravings, there's been little research to show what works best. Recently, some programs have turned to texting to help kids find resources specific to vaping cessation.

Starting to vape is easy, but quitting a nicotine habit can be tough, teens are finding. Some vaping cessation programs have begun to reach out to teens where they live — on their phones. Continue Reading Teen Vapers Who Want To Quit Look For Help Via Read More

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Idiot Wind’ Tells A Personal Tale Of Journeying From Addiction To Recovery

By NPR News July 30, 2019

Book image blurb - Idiot Wind - Canongate Books

Even if we weren't in need of another road-trippy-addiction memoir, Peter Kaldheim's book recounts his very human efforts to swim to shore with compassion and gratitude. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: ‘Idiot Read More

Report Says Locking Up Mentally Ill, Drug-Addicted People Results In Jail Deaths

By Austin Jenkins May 21, 2019

Jail cell in Cowlitz County, Washington. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS/N3

The practice of locking up people who are chronically sick, mentally ill or drug addicted in under-resourced city, county and regional jails in Washington is resulting in inmate deaths and a failure to “treat all people humanely, respectfully, and safely,” according to a new report by the statewide nonprofit law firm Columbia Legal Services. Read More

Technology Is Taking On Addiction. Now There Are Smartphone Apps To Help Prevent Relapse

By Tom Banse February 7, 2019

Daniela Tudor and Murphy Jensen co-founded WeConnect Health in Seattle, which developed an addiction recovery app. TOM BANSE / N3

Every week, tens of thousands of Americans complete intensive drug and alcohol rehab programs. The next months, however, are fraught with risk of relapse. A treatment counselor or supporter can't monitor you around the clock. But now your always-on smartphone can watch you, coach you, alert your mom and even give rewards. Read More

Washington’s Snohomish County Is Treating Opioid Addiction Like A Natural Disaster

By Anna Boiko-Weyrauch October 28, 2018

Social worker, Lauren Rainbow (right), meets a man illegally camped in the woods in Snohomish County. They are part of a new program in the county that helps people with addiction, instead of arresting them. CREDIT: Leah Nash for Finding Fixes Podcast

Washington's Snohomish County declared the opioid epidemic a life-threatening emergency. They use a multi-agency coordination group straight out of FEMA's playbook to respond to the crisis. Continue Reading Washington’s Read More

Does Washington Need New Guardianship Rules For Adults With Severe Mental Illness Or Addiction?

By Austin Jenkins October 4, 2018

Western State is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals west of the Mississippi River. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

A Washington state senator who says he’s heard from “literally hundreds of parents” of adult children who are struggling with mental illness or addiction wants to allow families to petition for temporary guardianship. Read More