Lev Facher

Pandemic-era rules, set to expire Dec. 31, enabled telehealth prescriptions of controlled medications like buprenorphine, Ritalin and Adderall. Two lawmakers are trying to preserve access.

“GLP-1 medications have transformed the clinical management of type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing associated morbidity and mortality. There is also emerging evidence of their potential in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders,” Volkow said in a statement. “The preliminary findings from this study point to the possibility that GLP-1 medications may have value in helping to prevent opioid overdoses.”

Buprenorphine is relatively safe and reduces the risk of opioid death by 38% compared with those not receiving medication.

The last time Mark Palinski went to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, he was asked to leave and never come back.

"It is a real trend, and that’s great," the CDC director says about a sharp drop in drug overdose deaths. But she also warned, "This can get away from us."

This is an article from STAT, the health and medicine news site that's a partner to the Globe. For related coverage, visit STAT