The opioid crisis, though widespread, is not without hope. The advent of medications like naloxone has saved thousands of lives, yet the true revolution lies in the development of naltrexone. This pill, a silent hero in the fight against addiction, blocks opioids from attaching to brain receptors, offering protection from relapse.

When I saw the headline “St. Charles County uses millions in opioid settlements to boost jail treatment program,” it highlighted a national issue. Counties are receiving opioid settlement funds, yet many dollars remain unused or poorly allocated. With payments continuing for years, we have a rare opportunity to invest wisely—rethinking correctional treatment and breaking the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and relapse.

A local peer support group made up of individuals who have lost loved ones to overdose visited a recovery house ahead of the holidays, bringing gifts, compassion, and hope. The visit highlighted the power of shared experience, reminding residents that healing is possible and that they are not alone during the season.

St. Louis Author Turns to Film to Expose Overlooked Addiction Treatment

Aaron M. Laxton, Executive Director of ARCA – Assisted Recovery Centers of America, highlights the dangers of methamphetamine use and stresses the availability of treatment resources, following the tragic death of a 3-month-old in Fairview Heights from meth exposure.

When St. Louis journalist Ben Westhoff met pharmacist Percy Menzies, it wasn’t a casual conversation—it was a challenge. That moment sparked Antagonist: How a Wonder Drug Got Sidelined, Westhoff’s debut documentary about Naltrexone, a medication that blocks opioids and curbs alcohol cravings. The film dives into Menzies’ decades-long fight to bring this overlooked treatment into the spotlight, revealing how big money interests and misconceptions have kept it on the sidelines.

Following Missouri’s Dec 1st legalization of sports betting, ARCA Executive Director- Aaron M. Laxton spoke with KSDK’s Brent Solomon about the intersection of gambling disorder (GD) and substance use disorder (SUD), and ARCA’s enhanced, integrated treatment pathways to support impacted patients. If you or someone you know is seeking help, call 314-645-6840 for free treatment.

Behind the Scenes: Our Live Interview on The McGraw Show on YouTube with Percy Menzies and Ben Westhoff, exploring the making of Antagonist, naltrexone’s impact, and community advocacy. Don’t miss the world premiere on Dec 13 at Clark Family Branch in St. Louis. Reserve your tickets now!

Dr. Fred Rottnek highlights key needs in addiction-medicine workforce development, including better training, standardization in a new specialty, and hybrid care models. He discusses the role of agonist medications, harm-reduction approaches to cannabis, and how non-alcoholic drinks affect recovery—underscoring the value of interprofessional, patient-centered care.

Dr. Fred Rottnek joins Percy Menzies on All Things Addiction to discuss alcohol use disorder—its history, stigma, and treatment. They explore how alcohol-related deaths surged during COVID-19, why medications like Naltrexone remain underused, and how shifting from moral judgment to medical care can save lives. This episode offers hope, education, and evidence-based solutions for treating alcohol addiction with compassion and science.

Naloxone reverses overdoses, but lasting recovery requires patient-centered treatment and preparation for emerging threats like nitazines.

The U.S. opioid crisis continues to evolve. After heroin gave way to fentanyl, a new synthetic threat—nitazenes—has emerged, even more potent and deadly. Current responses, like naloxone and test strips, save lives but fail to prevent relapse. True progress demands prevention and awareness of treatments like naltrexone, which can help stop overdoses before they happen. Without prevention, overdose deaths will only rise.

Harm reduction is often associated with opioids, but alcohol misuse remains an even larger public health challenge. In this response to ‘Balance Your Buzz,’ Percy Menzies explores practical strategies for reducing risky drinking—ranging from disposable breathalyzers in bars to FDA-approved medications like naltrexone and The Sinclair Method.

💊 Did you know there’s a medication that can prevent opioid overdoses — and its biggest side effect is prolonging life? 👉 Check out this powerful article by Lantie Elisabeth Jorandby, M.D., DFAPA:🔗 Naltrexone: An old drug with one major side effect

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are known for treating diabetes and weight loss, but they may also reduce alcohol and opioid cravings. This could revolutionize addiction treatment—if history doesn’t repeat itself. Naltrexone, a safe, effective medication for alcohol use disorder, was approved in 1994 but never gained traction. It's time to raise awareness and give these medications the attention patients deserve.

In response to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy's renewal of the opioid public health emergency, Percy Menzies highlights key progress—and urges a bold next step: expanding access to naltrexone. With overdose deaths still claiming 150 lives a day, now is the time for practical, cost-effective solutions that build on what works.

Stigma keeps many from seeking help for substance use—and current treatment approaches may unintentionally fuel it. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine carry stigma due to their opioid nature and tight restrictions. It’s time to rethink treatment by investing in non-addictive, non-abusable options. Real change starts with real alternatives—and that’s how we begin to dismantle stigma for good.

Percy Menzies response to article on MedicalExpress.com :   Fentanyl vaccine heads for clinical trials, with goal of saving lives (...