Since the explosion of the Opioid Epidemic and last November’s announcement that it was a National Health Emergency, local, state, and nationwide lawmakers have been investigating and implementing plans to help cut down on the amount of opioid pills prescribed and overdose deaths. Many states have even taken to legal matters and have begun writing up lawsuits aimed at major pharmaceutical companies, with the intent to get back some portion of the financial reparations they have lost as a result of the opioid epidemic. States such as California, Colorado, New York, Florida, West Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Arizona have all started to compile lawsuits aimed at multiple pharmaceutical companies, and even more counties within those states are filing their own. On the home front, and in states such as Colorado, specifically, Senator Cory Gardner is taking even more steps to ensure the safety of his community. As of July of this year, Senator Gardner announced that Colorado would officially be working with the DEA to slow and monitor the amount of prescription medications that are coming into the state as a major effort to reduce the opioid crisis. The Clearinghouse Act As it now stands, there is no law enforcement agency or private party that has the capability to oversee a nationwide investigation of controlled medications that are prescribed to US citizens. As an effort to begin the process and find a good place to start, the DEA has created what they are calling, “The Clearinghouse Act of 2018”. Colorado is one of the first states that has officially signed up and promoted the act, as it seems, enough is...
Celebrities are often seen in a superhero-esque limelight, often expected to be perfect role models. They have so much fame and fortune that, to the average person, they may seem invincible or immune to normal human compulsions or diseases. This is why the media often portrays extreme shock when they act out, fall ill, or pass away. Many people forget or do not give the benefit of the doubt, that celebrities are just like any other human and are just as vulnerable. This week, Tiger Woods is a prime example of how the power of addiction can touch any person, regardless of economic status, race, nationality, or even fame. From the outside, Tiger Woods seems like a phenomenon and prodigy. From a young age, he was very talented at golf, and by 20 years old he had gone pro. Tiger Woods remains one of the most successful golfers of all time, and currently, has more career major wins and PGA Tour wins than any other active golfer. He has been among the world’s highest-paid athletes for many years. Regardless of his fame, success, and fortune, Tiger Woods has struggled with an addiction just like any other addict or alcoholic. Why Now? Last week, Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge. He was found asleep at the wheel in his Mercedes-Benz, apparently intoxicated. He failed a field sobriety test, which was later confirmed via police dashboard cameras. Reportedly, no alcohol was involved, but Woods was displaying clear signs of being under the influence. Woods made a statement the same day, saying he had “an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications." In...
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