State of Addiction - special series
State of Addiction:
Oklahoma ranks near the top of the list in several categories of substance abuse and addiction, bringing to light a problem that state and national authorities say is too often overlooked by the public. In this collaborative effort with the Oklahoma Watch, the Tulsa World, OETA and News 9, The Oklahoman presents coverage of our State of Addiction.MARCH 18, 2012
Insurance a major obstacle for private substance abuse treatment centers
Private treatment programs for substance abuse — relatively scarce in Oklahoma — have the potential to be more successful than their state-run counterparts, but some say there's a massive obstacle sitting in the way.
With no insurance, Tulsa woman finds getting treatment isn’t easy
TULSA — About six months ago, Lindsay Arias packed all her belongings into a bag to camp out at the 12&12 front office until she got help.
Substance-abuse programs struggle to keep up with huge demand for services
Recent slashes in publicly funded treatment centers meant that few beds were available when Lindsey Arias finally worked up the courage to seek help for her addiction.
MARCH 17, 2012
Review of one day's court filings in Tulsa, Oklahoma counties tells story of addiction
Of all felonies filed in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties on a single day chosen at random, six out of 10 were linked to drugs or alcohol, a review by the Tulsa World and The Oklahoman shows. The World and The Oklahoman reviewed records of all felonies filed on Jan. 24, 2011, in both counties to determine which cases had some relationship to drug or alcohol abuse.
MARCH 14, 2012
Oklahoma faith communities help those with addiction problems
A colorful banner outside Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond doesn’t promote a new sermon series or an enticing children’s program. Instead, it elevates the needs of the addict. Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-faith-communities-help-those-with-addiction-problems/article/3657652#ixzz1p6RjjKE8
State of addiction: Recovering Tulsa addict praises Drug Court
A second chance at Drug Court saved Marsha Patton's life. Patton, 51, started taking prescription pills for pain and stress and, within a period of five years, ended up a heroin junkie.
MARCH 13, 2012
State of Addiction: Substance abuse is costing employers billions
Drug testing and Employee Assistance Programs are two ways employers help their workers cope with the devastating issue. Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. implemented a companywide program called “Your Life Matters” to help its employees cope with drug and alcohol abuse.
State of Addiction: Former addict now helping others
Days into detox, Sue Henson didn't think she was an addict. "I was not prostituting," she said. "I was not stealing. So I thought I wasn't an addict. That's for people who are criminals." When she entered detox, her plan was to get just healthy enough to return to her old habits. She had pre-paid for her heroin, and the dealer promised to hold the drugs for when she was released.
State of Addiction: Department of Mental Health wish list tops $144 million to fund all needs
The director of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substances Abuse Service's wish list for her agency is contained in an ambitious 10-point budget request that would cost the state an additional $144 million if everything were to be filled.
MARCH 12, 2012
State of Addiction: Genetics plays role in addiction, but it's not the only factor
Genes play an important role in whether a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, experts say, but they don't guarantee anything. Researchers say a combination of gene interaction and environmental factors are at play when an individual becomes addicted to a substance.
State of Addiction: After decades of addiction, Oklahoma City man decides to live sober
After decades of succumbing to addiction, an Oklahoma City man recently made the decision to live a sober life. Forrest Coin, 40, knows it's not going to be easy.
State Of Addiction: Oklahoma's Prescription For Pain
Pain killers like hydrocodone and oxycodone, better known as Lortab and Oxycontin, are killing more than the pain. Pain killers like hydrocodone and oxycodone, better known as Lortab and Oxycontin, are killing more than the pain.
MARCH 11, 2012
State of Addiction: Oklahoma drug agents struggle to stem tide of narcotics in state
Public apathy hampers ongoing war on drugs, Oklahoma narcotics agents say.
State of Addiction: Oklahoma ranked No. 1 state in prescription painkiller abuse
Prescription drugs factor into numerous overdose deaths in Oklahoma, experts say.
MARCH 10, 2012
State of Addiction: Cost of addiction in Oklahoma: An estimated $7.2 billion per year
Drug treatment programs for addicted Oklahomans often are inadequate and overloaded.
OU's Routes Webzine: Series stories
- Struggling with alcohol abuse in college
- Sooners find comfort in caffeine for energy boost
- Energy drink campaigns target college students
- iAddiction: A Generation Hooked on Social Media
Read more Blog — know it: Addiction
Read more Youth in Recovery
