It takes just a quick scan of the headlines to see the consequences of drugs and alcohol. Every five minutes, someone in the United States dies from a drug overdose or poisoning, according to recent congressional testimony from Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Averhealth is proud to be your knowledge hub, providing you with resources and education on the latest drug trends affecting lives across the country.

At the end of June, members of the Averhealth team headed to the Lone Star State for RISE23, the world’s premier conference on addiction, mental health, and justice reform.

Support from other people is fundamental to any recovery process. Achieving certain goals on our own can feel impossible, so we rely on the connection, accountability, and encouragement of others. Peer Recovery Support Specialists are professionals who provide strength-based, wellness-focused, and trauma-informed supportive care to help those in recovery regain a sense of agency over their lives.

Averhealth is wrapping up National Treatment Court Month by recognizing just a few individuals who, thanks to the accountability of treatment courts and support from dedicated court and probation professionals, turned their lives around to inspire others.

Stress and trauma. We’ve all experienced it in some way. What you may not know is how much they can affect the brain and body.

Just as there’s never a single solution for every individual with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), one size does not fit all when it comes to client case plans.

You don’t have to hide. That’s the message to some probationers in Pima County, Ariz., thanks to a new initiative with nationwide potential.

Our last blog summarized some recent drug trends. Now, we turn our attention to two additional substances posing a public health threat: Isotonitazene and Xylazine.

As your knowledge hub, Averhealth is committed to sharing drug trends with you. This blog summarizes a recent webinar presented by Dominique Delagnes, our Chief Operating Officer, about substances you need to know about.

Neurontin, better known as Gabapentin, is an anticonvulsant/anti-seizure medication that some of us may already as a helpful prescription. Approved for both youth and adults, this drug (aka Gaby or Gabby on the street), is commonly prescribed for seizures, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), and shingles or diabetic nerve pain. It has also been used to treat alcohol withdrawals, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions. 

Operating a high-quality, forensically focused lab is more than simply reporting accurate results. It’s about having the right people, physical requirements, quality management, and administrative details to earn the trust of customers. Averhealth’s own laboratory is certified by the College of American Pathology Forensic Drug Testing (CAP-FDT) program – a mark of excellence reflecting industry best practices. It’s a distinction we’re proud of because it means we’re doing everything possible to ensure consistent processes lead to legally defensible, accurate results.

“Rainbow fentanyl” is the nickname the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has assigned to the brightly colored fentanyl that has recently been making its rounds across the country in the form of pills, powders, and blocks resembling sidewalk chalk. Despite its unassuming vibrant coloration, rainbow fentanyl is just as dangerous as any other, more conventionally colored fentanyl. 

What are synthetic cannabinoids? Read this new blog to learn more about the science behind these synthetic variants.