(NewsNation Now) A few years ago the tobacco companies sold the world on e-cigarettes ability to help people quit smoking. Now, doctors are developing a cocaine e-cigarette to help people do the same for stimulant addictions.<\/p>\n
Dr. Fabian Steinmetz, one of the scientists who invented the device, said alternative solutions are necessary because the war on drugs has not worked.<\/p>\n
Its quite easy to regulate cannabis. But its more difficult how to deal with drugs like crack cocaine or heroin, Steinmetz said on On Balance with Leland Vittert.<\/p>\n
For research, he looked at how several European countries handle drugs and the laws surrounding them. He noted some cities even give heroin to those already struggling with addiction.<\/p>\n
We actually thought about how can we do something similar for crack cocaine which has a very short duration, and then we came up with this type of e-cigarette, he said.<\/p>\n
Steinmetz believes part of the problem with U.S. drug laws stems from prohibition and often results in people trying more dangerous drugs.<\/p>\n
If [people] dont get their pills, they go to the black market and then they poison themselves with illegal fentanyl formulations, he said.<\/p>\n
Some U.S. cities have turned to safe sites for people to use narcotics to prevent overdoses.<\/p>\n
The first officially authorized safe havens for people to use heroin and other narcotics have been cleared to open in New York City.<\/p>\n
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously reported there were about 93,000 overdose deaths in 2020.<\/p>\n
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Could a cocaine vape pen help those struggling with addiction? - NewsNation Now<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" (NewsNation Now) A few years ago the tobacco companies sold the world on e-cigarettes ability to help people quit smoking. Now, doctors are developing a cocaine e-cigarette to help people do the same for stimulant addictions. Dr. Continue reading