substance use disorder
Coverage of substance use disorder in the Nexus archive.
- ‘My thoughts were distorted’: Woman gets at least 10 years in Rutland fatal shooting
Courtney Samplatsky was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for fatally shooting Sincere Johnson during a drug-related dispute in Rutland. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, with the judge citing her substance use disorder and mental health challenges as factors in the plea deal.
- Federal survey shows promising trends for youth mental health and drug use
A U.S. government report found improved mental health and reduced substance use among adolescents and young adults from 2021 to 2025, including declines in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use, as well as fewer suicide-related thoughts. However, challenges persist, with nearly 20% of adolescents experiencing anxiety symptoms and over 45 million people still facing substance use disorders.
- Behavioral Health Overhaul Takes Effect in LA County
Los Angeles County transitioned to California’s Behavioral Health Services Act, a voter-approved overhaul replacing the Mental Health Services Act. The change, approved as Proposition 1 in March 2024, restructures mental health funding and expands substance use disorder treatment.
- Threatened Medicaid funding for addiction treatment throws moms, kids and a town into limbo
Medicaid funding cuts threaten Recovering Hope Treatment Center in Mora, Minnesota, a facility where women with substance use disorder live with their infants and young children. The center, which relies on Medicaid, faces potential closure after failing a state revalidation process amid federal scrutiny over fraud scandals linked to President Donald Trump’s second term.
- Tickets now available to the public for Treatment or retreat? The future of addiction care in Minnesota
Tickets are available for a MinnPost Social event discussing Minnesota's addiction care future, focusing on innovative treatments and concerns over Medicaid cuts. The event features reporter Andy Steiner and Roots Wellness Center founder Katy Armendariz, with non-alcoholic refreshments and a $10 ticket price for non-members.
- Member tickets available for Treatment or retreat? The future of addiction care in Minnesota
Member pre-sale tickets are available for a MinnPost Social event on June 22 discussing Minnesota's future of addiction care, featuring Andy Steiner and Katy Armendariz. The event addresses concerns about Medicaid cuts threatening access to treatment for substance use disorder.
- Proposed Michigan prison diversion program for drug offenses hopes to end re-arrest cycles
A proposed Michigan bill aims to create a prison diversion program for drug-related offenses to reduce re-arrest cycles. Supporters argue the program addresses root causes like substance use disorder and mental health challenges while maintaining law enforcement involvement and public safety.