Opioid Epidemic
Follow the latest Opioid Epidemic news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 4, 2023, 9:14 PM

Supreme Court wrestles with Purdue Pharma settlement and legal shield for Sackler family

A settlement with Purdue Pharma hung in the balance at the Supreme Court as victims of the opioid epidemic urged justices to approve a deal with the company's owners.
December 4, 2023, 9:14 PM
Supreme Court wrestles with Purdue Pharma settlement, legal shield for Sackler family
December 4, 2023, 7:04 PM

Supreme Court reviews opioid settlement

Justices will review a $6 billion bankruptcy settlement between Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and the victims and communities ravaged by the opioid crisis.
December 4, 2023, 7:04 PM
Supreme Court reviews opioid settlement
December 1, 2023, 5:07 PM

Border officials seizing a lot of fentanyl, but say it's a complicated problem to solve

As tens of thousands of Americans die each year from synthetic opioids, namely fentanyl, federal officials say the illicit narcotics trade remains a critical problem
December 1, 2023, 5:07 PM
Border officials seize a lot of fentanyl but say it's a complicated problem to solve
November 23, 2023, 10:30 PM

OxyContin maker's settlement plan divides victims of opioid crisis. Now it's up to the Supreme Court

The OxyContin maker's settlement plan divides victims of opioid crisis.
November 23, 2023, 10:30 PM
November 21, 2023, 2:33 AM

Officials announce 11 new arrests in 'massive' fentanyl investigation

The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia announced that 11 additional suspects, out of 23 total in custody, have been arrested in connection with a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
November 21, 2023, 2:33 AM
 Officials announce 11 new arrests in 'massive' fentanyl investigation
November 20, 2023, 11:07 PM

Probe of 'massive' fentanyl ring leads to 23 in custody and 250K pills seized: Officials

New details of a federal investigation into a "massive" fentanyl ring in D.C. and elsewhere were released Monday with 11 additional arrests -- out of 23 total
November 20, 2023, 11:07 PM
Probe of 'massive' fentanyl ring leads to 23 in custody, 250K pills seized: Officials
November 17, 2023, 8:22 PM

Biden meets with Mexico’s president to discuss fentanyl, migrant crisis

ABC News’ Selina Wang and Mick Mulroy talk about the meeting between President Joe Biden and Mexico’s president and what the leaders will discuss.
November 17, 2023, 8:22 PM
Biden meets with Mexico’s president to discuss fentanyl, migrant crisis
November 16, 2023, 12:19 AM

US and China to discuss solutions to fentanyl crisis

Pres. Biden and Pres. Xi will discuss the escalating opioid crisis while at the APEC Summit.
November 16, 2023, 12:19 AM
US and China to discuss solutions to fentanyl crisis
1 month ago

'It's very challenging': Inside the fentanyl fight at the border

Senior government officials are concerned that Congress may not pass enough funding to secure the border, as federal authorities work to stop illegal narcotics smuggling.
1 month ago
'It's very challenging': Inside the fentanyl fight at the border
1 month ago

The effect of opioid use after surgery

ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton talks about a new study that discovered that limiting the use of opioids after surgery does not impact patient outcomes.
1 month ago
The effect of opioid use after surgery
2 months ago

'We trusted this day care': Father of boy who died from fentanyl speaks out

Two of the three suspects arrested in the death of a 1-year-old boy from fentanyl exposure at a Bronx, New York, day care center pleaded not guilty Thursday.
2 months ago
'We trusted this day care': Father of boy who died from fentanyl speaks out
2 months ago

El Chapo's sons purportedly ban fentanyl in Mexico's Sinaloa state

The machine-printed banners were purportedly signed by a faction of the Sinaloa cartel led by the sons of jailed Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
2 months ago
El Chapo's sons purportedly ban fentanyl in Mexico's Sinaloa state
2 months ago

NYC Health Commissioner says residents should carry Narcan

NYC’s Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan has advised residents to carry lifesaving Narcan and know how to use it as fentanyl deaths are on the rise.
2 months ago
NYC Health Commissioner says residents should carry Narcan
2 months ago

Owner of Bronx day care where baby died pulled her child out over fentanyl concerns: Sources

Felix Herrera Garcia, the husband of the owner of the Bronx day care where a 1-year-old died of suspected fentanyl poisoning, returned Thursday to the United States.
2 months ago
Owner of day care where baby died pulled her child out over fentanyl concern: Sources
2 months ago

Alleged fentanyl drug mill found in NYC apartment

The apartment was just six blocks from the day care where a 1-year-old died, and three other children had to be revived with Narcan after exposure to fentanyl, authorities said.
2 months ago
Alleged fentanyl drug mill found in NYC apartment
2 months ago

Overdose crisis reaches historic levels in New York City

The overdose crisis reaches historic levels in New York City, according to new data from the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
2 months ago
Overdose crisis reaches historic levels in NYC, and fentanyl is to blame
2 months ago

Child exposed to Fentanyl and weapons in NYC: police

Police say the drugs and weapons were discovered in a room across the hall from where a 10-year-old slept.
2 months ago
Child exposed to Fentanyl and weapons in NYC: police
2 months ago

Kilo of fentanyl stored at day care where 1-year-old died

A kilogram of fentanyl was stored on top of children’s play mats used for napping at the New York City day care where a one-year-old boy died from exposure to the drug, a criminal complaint stated.
2 months ago
Kilo of fentanyl stored at day care where 1-year-old died
2 months ago

Day care operator charged in baby's fentanyl death allegedly deleted more than 20K text messages

Two people in custody over the death of a 1-year old boy at a New York City day care are facing federal charges.
2 months ago
Woman charged in baby's fentanyl death allegedly deleted more than 20K messages
3 months ago

DHS looks to combat illicit drugs inside and out of the United States through targeted strategy

DHS looks to combat illicit drugs inside and out of the United States through targeted strategy
3 months ago
DHS looks to combat illicit drugs through targeted strategy
3 months ago

1-year-old dies of suspected opioid exposure at NYC day care, 3 others hospitalized: Police

A 1-year-old boy has died and three other children were hospitalized after apparently coming into contact with an opioid at a day care center, according to the NYPD.
3 months ago
1-year-old dies of suspected opioid exposure at NYC day care, 3 hospitalized: Police
3 months ago

Illegal drugs expected to be top national security threat in 2024: DHS

Illegal drugs are expected to be one of the biggest threats to national security in 2024, according to the Department of Homeland Security's annual threat study.
3 months ago
This could be 2024's top national security threat, according to DHS
3 months ago

Overdose deaths from fentanyl combined with stimulants increased 50-fold since 2010

The percentage of overdose deaths from fentanyl combined with stimulants increased 50-fold between 2010 and 2021, according to a new analysis done by researchers.
3 months ago
Overdose deaths from fentanyl combined with stimulants increased 50-fold since 2010
3 months ago

Inside America’s fight against fentanyl

ABC News’ Mireya Villarreal gets an inside look at “Operation Artemis” as federal authorities scour packages coming into Los Angeles International Airport for signs of the deadly drug.
3 months ago
Inside America’s fight against fentanyl
3 months ago

WYNTK: OTC Narcan will soon be available

From cost, accessibility, and how to find it, Dr. Jen Ashton breaks down what you need to know about Narcan coming to stores across the country.
3 months ago
WYNTK: OTC Narcan will soon be available
3 months ago

Overdose reversal drug Narcan will be available to buy over-the-counter starting in September

The manufacturer of the overdose reversal drug Narcan said it will be available to buy over-the-counter starting in September.
3 months ago
Overdose reversal drug Narcan will be available to buy OTC in September
4 months ago

SCOTUS pauses Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan over whether it can shield founders from opioid liability

The Supreme Court on Thursday temporarily blocked Purdue Pharma’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy that shielded the Sackler families from liability in the opioid epidemic
4 months ago
Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan halted by SCOTUS
4 months ago

Community groups, medical experts work to combat emerging 'tranq' drug crisis

Xylazine, known on the street as tranq, is a cheap and powerful sedative, often used as a horse tranquilizer and is at the center of overdose deaths.
4 months ago
Animal sedative 'tranq' worsening overdose crisis as it spreads across the country
5 months ago

Cocaine, psychostimulants have higher overdose death rates when mixed with opioids: CDC

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that nearly 80% of cocaine-related overdose deaths also involved opioids.
5 months ago
Cocaine, psychostimulants have higher overdose death rates when mixed with opioids
5 months ago

New study on the effect of opioids as pain treatment

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton explains a new study that found opioids not to be helpful in reducing pain severity or physical function for acute neck pain or back pain.
5 months ago
New study on the effect of opioids as pain treatment
6 months ago

Authorities seize enough fentanyl in San Francisco to kill city's entire population

The California Highway Patrol has seized enough fentanyl in San Francisco in the past six weeks to kill the city's entire population nearly three times over.
6 months ago
Authorities seize enough fentanyl in San Francisco to kill city's entire population
6 months ago

California authorities seize enough fentanyl in San Francisco to kill city's entire population nearly 3 times over

The California Highway Patrol has seized enough fentanyl in San Francisco in the past six weeks to kill the city's entire population nearly three times over.
6 months ago
Authorities seize enough fentanyl in San Francisco to kill city's entire population
6 months ago

A look inside the US fentanyl crisis

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer takes “GMA3” inside various ways some school districts are handling this rising epidemic by stocking the life-saving medication Narcan to combat drug overdoses in teens.
6 months ago
A look inside the US fentanyl crisis
6 months ago

Closures of ketamine clinics leave some patients scrambling for treatment

Doctors who run ketamine clinics say that cash-only ketamine clinics face unique economic challenges.
6 months ago
Ketamine clinics closing amid financial pressures
7 months ago

Teen girl charged with murder after classmates die from fentanyl overdose

A 17-year-old girl has been charged with murder in the overdose deaths of two of her classmates. The deceased teens were 16 years old and 17 years old.
7 months ago
Teen girl charged with murder after classmates die from drug overdose
7 months ago

Schools stock Naloxone as student drug overdoses surge

School districts nationwide are scrambling to acquire Naloxone, train people how to use it, and combat stigma from openly acknowledging problems with addiction.
7 months ago
Schools stock Naloxone as student drug overdoses surge
7 months ago

300,000 fentanyl pills, powdered fentanyl smuggled in SUV gas tank: NYC prosecutors

Approximately 300,000 fentanyl pills and more than 11 pounds of powdered fentanyl were recently recovered from the gas tank of an SUV in the Bronx, prosecutors said.
7 months ago
300,000 fentanyl pills found in SUV gas tank: Prosecutors
7 months ago

Department of Justice and FBI announce major operation against fentanyl trafficking

Attorney General Merrick Garland says Operation Spector yielded hundreds of arrests and seized more than 100 illegal guns, more than 850 kilograms of drugs and millions of dollars.
7 months ago
Department of Justice and FBI announce major operation against fentanyl trafficking
7 months ago

Nearly 300 arrested in 'largest international operation' targeting fentanyl and opioid trafficking: DOJ

DOJ and FBI hold a presser at DOJ announcing the results of “the largest international operation” targeting fentanyl and opioid trafficking on the Darknet.
7 months ago
288 arrested in 'largest international operation' targeting Darknet trafficking: DOJ
7 months ago

Nonprofit hits Coachella with lifesaving fentanyl test strips, Narcan

A nonprofit is tackling fentanyl overdoses by passing out test strips and Narcan and educating people on what to do if they suspect someone is having an overdose.
7 months ago
Nonprofit hits Coachella with fentanyl test strips, Narcan
7 months ago

Harm reduction group hits Coachella with Fentanyl test strips and Narcan

While Coachella is all about the music there is also a party scene that’s become increasingly dangerous, with many illegally obtained drugs now laced with fentanyl.
7 months ago
Harm reduction group hits Coachella with Fentanyl test strips and Narcan
8 months ago

Grandmother accused of importing fentanyl and other drugs

Joanne Marian Segovia, who is also a police union official, was charged with importing fentanyl and could face up to 20 years in prison, according to federal authorities.
8 months ago
Grandmother accused of importing fentanyl and other drugs
8 months ago

Bay Area police union leader allegedly smuggled fentanyl into US to sell in bulk

The head of a police union in the Bay Area faces federal charges for allegedly smuggling thousands of synthetic opioids into the U.S. with the intent to distribute them.
8 months ago
Police union leader charged with importing large quantities of fentanyl into US
8 months ago

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan to reduce drug overdoses

The FDA approved the overdose reversal drug Narcan for over-the-counter use Wednesday.
8 months ago
FDA approves overdose reversal spray Narcan to be sold over-the-counter
8 months ago

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan to fight overdoses

Narcan is used to reverse opioid overdoses in patients.
8 months ago
FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan to fight overdoses
8 months ago

What to know about the drug xylazine and why it's making fentanyl worse

DEA issues public safety alert for mixture of powerful veterinary drug with fentanyl
8 months ago
What to know about the drug xylazine and why it's making fentanyl worse
9 months ago

Fentanyl played large role in the more 4,000 overdose deaths in North Carolina in 2021, a record number

New data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows more than 4,000 people -- a record high -- died from drug overdoses in 2021.
9 months ago
Record-high drug overdose deaths in this state
9 months ago

Overdose deaths in North Carolina up 22% in 2021

Deaths among Black Americans rose the most from 2019-2021.
9 months ago
Overdose deaths in North Carolina up 22% in 2021
10 months ago

Families sue Snapchat parent company over drug delivery deaths

Families are suing the company behind Snapchat, alleging the social media giant enables drug dealers to sell lethal drugs to children online.
10 months ago
Families sue Snapchat parent company over drug delivery deaths
10 months ago

Canadian province decriminalizes drugs to fight overdose deaths

The Canadian province of British Columbia said it's decriminalizing small amounts of some drugs to help combat the number of drug overdose deaths.
10 months ago
Canadian province decriminalizes drugs to fight overdose deaths