Metamfetamine

Hundreds of pets unintentionally poisoned by cocaine and methamphetamine in U.S. homes, with high risk of toxicity and death. Study shows 433 dogs and 63 cats affected from 2019-2023, with cocaine more common for cats and meth for dogs. American West and South hardest hit. Rise in cocaine poisoning noted, highlighting human and animal health relationship.

Two men, Johnwill Ceasar and Miguel Benavente Camacho, were arrested after a traffic stop revealed drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. Both denied ownership, but Ceasar admitted to the glass pipe. They were charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

U.S. life expectancy rose to 78.4 years in 2023, up from 77.5 in 2022, driven by a decline in drug overdose deaths and COVID-19 fatalities. Synthetic opioid-related OD deaths decreased for the first time since 2013, while overall OD deaths fell from 32.6 to 31.3 per 100,000. Infant mortality rates remained unchanged.

UNMC College of Medicine received over $5 million in new funding in October, including grants for studies on COVID-19 testing, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, staphylococcus aureus, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes distress, and more. Industry-sponsored grants supported studies on cancer treatments, neuroHIV, epilepsy, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Scientists at Brown University's Carney Institute use a powerful super-resolution microscope, SoRa, to study addiction, memory, reward, brain development, and function. The SoRa, funded by the Center for the Neurobiology of Cells and Circuits, allows high-resolution imaging within neurons, aiding research on dopamine circuits and drug effects in fruit flies, which share similarities with human brains.

Winnipeg police seek Cory Kozmenski, 47, and Kevan Anderson, 41, linked to drug trafficking, firearm seizure, and $200,000+ in drugs. The suspects, considered armed and dangerous, face 36 charges. Investigation began in November, leading to multiple seizures and four arrests. Public warned not to approach the suspects.

The IRS updated its Strategic Operating Plan, recovering $4.7 billion through initiatives like targeting high-income non-filers and criminal investigations. Key areas include $1.3 billion from high-wealth individuals, $2.9 billion from criminal investigations, and $475 million from whistleblower information. The IRS also improved taxpayer services and digital tools, expanding online self-service options and launching more digital tools in the last two years than in the previous 20.

The S-Check app, launched by NCCRED, helps methamphetamine users track usage, monitor health impacts, and seek early treatment. Based on the Stimulant Check-Up service model, it aims to reduce harm and encourage treatment before use becomes problematic. A 28-day trial showed increased professional help-seeking among immediate app users, with each minute spent on the app increasing the likelihood of seeking help by 8%.

NCCRED launched S-Check app to help methamphetamine users track use, monitor health impacts, and seek treatment earlier. Based on SVHS's Stimulant Check-Up model, it aims to reduce harm and encourage treatment before use becomes problematic. A 28-day trial showed immediate app access doubled professional help-seeking rates by day 28, with each app minute increasing likelihood by 8%.