Addiction Policy Forum

A powerful veterinary sedative called medetomidine is rapidly reshaping the overdose crisis in Philadelphia and placing new strain on hospitals and treatment systems, according to the New York Times.   Unlike prior waves of the crisis, this crisis is not defined solely by fatal overdoses but by severe, life-threatening withdrawal. Medetomidine, which is increasingly mixed into the illicit fentanyl supply, causes extreme sedation shortly after use. When it wears off, withdrawal can trigger...

On January 20, 2026, the Senate released a “minibus” legislation appropriation package that included four spending bills, including the  fiscal year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS). The Labor HHS bill provides key funding for substance use and mental health agencies and programs across the country. The Senate proposal reflects continued bipartisan support for community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, with modest...

You are invited to attend Responding to Addiction, an in-person training designed to deepen understanding of addiction and build practical skills to support individuals and families. The training will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Springfield Assembly of God on Canton Road in Akron, Ohio. Created by the Addiction Policy Forum, Responding to Addiction is a comprehensive training that equips participants with evidence-based knowledge and real-world...