Drug Test - Lawrence, KS

Lawrence, KS - Drug Testing

Substance Abuse Trends and Statistics for the City of Lawrence

Like many cities across the U.S., Lawrence is dealing with an escalating fentanyl problem. In May 2021, the Lawrence Police Department issued a warning to citizens about a dangerous drug that was causing overdose deaths in the local area. Seven months later, it appeared that the warnings had gone virtually unheeded. From January to December 2022, the city had seen 15 overdose fatalities.

In 2023, authorities say that the number of overdoses continues to rise, but there are fewer fatalities, thanks in part to the availability of the overdose-reversing drug Narcan. However, in June 2023, the city saw three separate fentanyl overdoses in a matter of six hours. The victims included a 39-year-old male who was pronounced dead on the scene, a 19-year-old female who was placed on life support, and a 39-year-old homeless female, who received seven doses of Narcan and was back out on the streets the next day.

Laws and Regulations Relating to Substance Abuse in Lawrence

Nonviolent drug offenders in Lawrence may receive a second chance, thanks to Douglas County's Drug Court Program. This four-phase program, which was initiated in 2020, is designed to rehabilitate drug offenders and teach accountability. Participants are required to abstain from drug use, follow a treatment plan, and submit to regular drug testing. They must also comply with all court-ordered conditions and attend regular court appearances. After successfully completing the program, the court allows participants to withdraw their guilty plea, and the charges are dismissed.

Local Initiatives to Curb Substance Abuse in Lawrence, KS

In response to the area's growing opioid problem and the increase in overdose deaths, the Douglas County Commission approved a plan to increase distribution of the drug Narcan, which can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. The Lawrence-based nonprofit DCCCA (Developing Caring Communities Committed to Action) will spearhead the project, which will use approximately $59,000 from the county's opioid settlement funds. Initially, there will be five ONEbox devices distributed throughout the county in the cities of Baldwin, Eudora, and Lawrence. A 24/7 Narcan vending machine will also be set up in a central location in Lawrence.

Last updated 8/8/2023