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Seven people connected to a private social media drug network serving Rutgers University students were arrested in New Jersey. The operation, 'Operation RU Pharm,' led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force, recovered drugs, cash, and a firearm. The network, operated by a former Rutgers student, allowed students to browse drug menus and negotiate purchases.

Jahzadd Ryan, 25, jailed for 14 years for brandishing a sword at nightclub staff, possessing firearms, and running a drug line. Found with cocaine, cash, and linked to the Major drugs line, Ryan was deemed dangerous and sentenced for drug and firearm offenses.

Kyle Shepherd, 32, faces seven felony charges including drug trafficking and unlawful weapon use after detectives found 45 grams of fentanyl, believed Xanax, cocaine, and oxycodone, $3,500 in cash, and four firearms in his residence, which is near a daycare.

Dallas County saw a 58% increase in opioid overdoses in 2023, leading to the launch of a prevention hotline. The rise is attributed to synthetic drugs like fentanyl, affecting all age groups. The hotline, staffed by doctors and nurses, aims to connect individuals with treatment resources and prevent future overdoses.

FDA warns of fake online pharmacies selling oxycodone and Xanax through Google, exploiting search engine loopholes to mimic legitimate pharmacies.

The Anxiety Disorders and Depression Treatment Market was valued at USD 12.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 16.65 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.53%. This growth is driven by the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression, advancements in pharmaceutical therapies, and increased awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues.

Online pharmacies pose risks as DEA warns of pills laced with fentanyl and meth sold as legitimate meds. Many are based in India and the Dominican Republic, deceiving customers into buying counterfeit drugs. DEA's Operation Press Your Luck targets these illegal operations, highlighting the dangers of fake pills leading to addiction and death. Consumers should be vigilant, looking for red flags such as low prices, foreign currency, broken seals, and sites without valid prescriptions or licenses.

A study warns doctors may be overprescribing benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium to stroke survivors, often for longer than a week, potentially hindering recovery and increasing addiction risk. Researchers analyzed Medicare claims data from over 120,000 stroke victims aged 65 and older, finding 5% were prescribed benzodiazepines within 90 days of their stroke, with 75% of prescriptions lasting over seven days. The American Geriatrics Society advises avoiding benzodiazepines in older adults due to risks like cognitive impairment and falls.

A compound developed at the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery (MIDD) is set to enter clinical trials at the FDA, aiming to treat depression and Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-Damonia, shows promise in restoring brain cell growth in mice, with no toxicity observed. If successful, it could lead to a new treatment option, though the path through FDA trials is challenging and costly.

Health systems urge federal government to extend telehealth waivers, which are set to expire at year-end, to continue remote prescription of controlled substances like Oxycontin and Xanax. The American Hospital Association (AHA) and American Telemedicine Association (ATA) advocate for a two-year extension, citing patient access issues and the need for permanent rules. The DEA aims for a balance between access and safety in remote prescriptions.