I never set out to become an addict. Like so many people, my path of addiction began with a legal prescription for pain medication after I injured my knee. Every year, an estimated 3 million patients are prescribed post-surgical opioids and become dependent. More than 80% of heroin users trace their addiction to a legal prescription, including me.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the family that owns a major opioid manufacturer from "looting'' company assets.

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Director Jami Snyder approved new treatment options for opioid patients using Medicaid Thursday, after the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee recommended the changes last month.

It’s too late for my brother, but there’s still time for countless other AHCCCS enrollees struggling with opioid addiction. They deserve the best possible chance of recovery. And their physicians are owed the broadest possible arsenal of medications to fight this battle.

The new Mission Possible Cafe is owned and operated by Phoenix Rescue Mission, which is using the restaurant to give clients who are transitioning from addiction or homelessness essential job experience in food service.

Addiction is a complex illness, with biological and psychological components. Medication pacifies the addicted brain’s receptors that produce cravings and rewards, while psychosocial rehabilitation helps the wounded, traumatized individual manage his or her depression and illness. Together, they produce the best outcome.

Faced with an average of two deaths a day, the state's top health official is looking for ways to curb the abuse of opioids, both legal and otherwise. And some of that may involve getting doctors to find alternative relief for patients with chronic pain -- including possibly recommending the use of medical marijuana.

Rep. Noel Campbell's House Bill 2107 in the 2016 legislative session aimed to raise the standard of care at sober living homes in Prescott. This time, it was a clean sweep through the Legislature.

A joint legislative panel today refused to recommend a proposal that would require insurance companies to cover programs to help people stop smoking.