Addiction

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Seattle doubles down on diversion — not charges — for public drug use

This year, Seattle officials are putting a stronger emphasis on services for people arrested for public drug use. Supporters of “diversion” away from courts and jail call it a hopeful moment. Skeptics worry that the city’s so-called “hot spots” for drug use and disorder will continue to suffer.
- Amy Radil
Sara Nelson, Dionne Foster differ on how to tackle substance use in Seattle City Council race

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson is facing a tough race to keep her at-large seat this November. Nelson has made addressing substance use disorder a central issue in her campaign — and while she and her challenger Dionne Foster aren't polar opposites on the issue, there are some clear differences between the candidates.
- Amy Radil
The grim reason fentanyl deaths are falling in King County

Fatal fentanyl overdoses may have reached a peak in Washington state. But that's not all good news.
- Ann Dornfeld
Mayor Harrell wants to triple Seattle's spending on opioid treatment

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled his public health priorities for the 2025 budget. He proposes tripling the amount of money the city is spending on opioid treatment: from $5.33 million to $14.57 million.
- Eilís O'Neill
Despite opioid epidemic, drug court enrollment is down. King County hopes to change that

King County’s Drug Diversion Court is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was one of the first programs in the nation to help people clear their criminal records, if they enter treatment and stop using drugs. But amidst the opioid epidemic, drug court enrollment has actually shrunk in recent years.
- Amy Radil
Fatal drug overdoses declining slightly in King County after 2023 surge

Officials in King County say after a bleak year of increased drug overdoses in 2023, they are starting to see signs of hope. At the county’s fourth annual conference on substance use Thursday, officials said fatal drug overdoses are trending down slightly in 2024.
- Amy Radil
Seattle will soon have a place for people to go after surviving an overdose

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced millions in funding Thursday to create a post-overdose recovery center that will provide a space for people to stabilize following a non-fatal overdose.
- Kate Walters
Blinken warns deadly fentanyl crisis will spread globally

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken says the U.S. is "a canary in the coal mine" as deadly synthetic street drugs spread.
- Brian Mann
How Portugal eased its opioid epidemic, while U.S. drug deaths skyrocketed

Portugal cut drug deaths by 80%, using free health care and addiction treatment. The U.S., meanwhile, focused on drug busts and tough crime laws. Overdose deaths keep rising catastrophically.
- Brian Mann
In 2023 fentanyl overdoses ravaged the U.S. and fueled a new culture war fight

Fentanyl fueled unprecedented carnage with 112,000 fatal overdoses. The nation is increasingly divided over how to respond.
- Brian Mann

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