Nine Stories About the Opioid Epidemic and Potential Solutions

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An opioid epidemic is sweeping across the country and ravaging Denver's drug addicts. It's motivation enough for the Harm Reduction Action Center to push for a safe injection site in Denver, and has staff at the Denver Library, whose Central branch has seen six overdoses this year, training on how to administer Narcan, a medication that treats overdoses. Here are nine stories that dive into drug-related problems — and solutions — in Denver.

Westword

1. Six People Have Overdosed at the Denver Library’s Central Branch in 2017

Pedro Dominguez

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2. Inside Zachary Mueller's Meth-Fueled Body-in-a-Barrel Murder

Opioids such as Oxycontin continue to be abused in Denver and Colorado.

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3. What Opioids Are Killing the Most People in Denver and Colorado

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4. Heroin Deaths in Denver Up 933 Percent in 14 Years, Colorado Numbers Shocking

Keep reading for more stories about drugs.

John Orlando Sanchez, who goes by his middle name, in a Facebook photo.

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5. How Meth, Murder and Gangbanging Earned Orlando Sanchez 100 Years-Plus

Cody Jones in a 2014 Facebook photo.

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6. Why Cody Jones Got 45 Years for Cash-and-Drugs Invasion at Wrong House

Sunset watchers gather on Stoner Hill.

Andrew Kenney

7. Temporarily Banning Suspected Drug Users From Parks Ruled Unconstitutional

Lisa Raville is the Harm Reduction Action Center's executive director.

Courtesy Lisa Raville

8. Harm Reduction Action Center Wants Safe Spaces for Injection Drug Users

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9. Pot Taxes Pay for Public-Health Approach to Drug Use Under "Game-Changing" Plan