opioid crisis

Narcan is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Here’s what you need to know about this life-saving drug.

Two teenagers overdosed Sunday evening in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Two teenagers overdosed Sunday evening in Fairfax County, Virginia.

A powerful animal sedative in the illicit drug supply is complicating the U.S. response to the opioid crisis. It’s called xylazine (pronounced ZY’-lah-zeen).

As fentanyl overdose deaths rise nationwide, law enforcement agencies face challenges tracking and identifying the drug. News4’s Mauricio Casillas reports on an opioid roundtable in Prince William County.

A federal court cleared the way for the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, to settle thousands of claims over the toll of opiods, seemingly without the threat of civil lawsuits.

High school students in Arlington County are now allowed to carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone in school. The new policy follows a deadly overdose at Wakefield High School. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

Alexandria City Schools plan to train counselors, nurses, social workers and students on how to spot and help save someone who is having an overdose. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

Six hundred posters, each representing a life lost to addiction or overdose, made an emotional display on the National Mall on Saturday, as family members described their lost loved ones as so much more than the drugs that killed them. w

News4’s Jackie Bensen spoke with local family members who described their loved ones as so much more than the drugs that killed them.

The FBI recognized a Northern Virginia woman Tuesday for her tremendous work and dedication to fighting the opioid crisis with compassion and dedication. More than a decade ago, Katrina King had a corporate job, two beautiful kids and an injury she nursed with opioid prescription pills. “Then I was up to 40, 50 pills a day of the 80 mg…

The FBI recognized a Northern Virginia woman for her tremendous work and dedication to fighting the opioid crisis with compassion and dedication. She told Northern Virginia Bureau Reporter Drew Wilder her drive to help others stems from her own struggle with opioid addiction.

Students at American University are arming themselves with Narcan kits in the fight against deadly overdoses.

Students at American University are arming themselves with a critical weapon in the fight against deadly overdoses. A Narcan giveaway and training effort was held on campus Thursday. “It’s a painful experience, an experience I carry with me often, right,” said graduate student Adam Ropizar, lost his partner Austin Codorniu to a fentanyl overdose. “Austin was a very critical...

ACPS and the DEA held a workshop to educate parents and students about the dangers of fentanyl, opioids and counterfeit pills that are finding their way into schools. 

The Alexandria City Public Schools system along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a warning to parents Wednesday night at a local high school about the deadly consequences of drug use and overdoses. 

Opioid-related emergencies among young people in Montgomery County are almost 90% higher than this time last year, according to the county executive.

Opioid-related emergencies among young people in Montgomery County are almost 90% higher than this time last year. News4’s Erika Gonzalez reports on what leaders are trying to do about it.

Prince George’s County Public Schools had students star in a PSA to warn their peers about the dangers of fentanyl. News4’s Molette Green, working for the community, talks to the students about what it means.

Montgomery County is making a new push to combat fentanyl abuse among MCPS students. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.