Substance Abuse and Addiction News & Features
Studies: Smoking Pot Affects Driving Longer Than People Think
- Lab Testing Detects Synthetic Pot in ‘Gas Station Heroin’
February 2, 2024 — A new CDC report says synthetic cannabis has been found in some “gas station heroin” products, which are often marketed as mood-boosting supplements that can help with alertness or energy.
- Rise in Overdose Deaths Driven by Drug Combinations
January 4, 2024 — Reports of the use of fentanyl along with the animal tranquilizer xylazine makes preventing substance use disorder and associated overdose deaths even more complicated.
- FDA Approves First Test to ID Potential Risk of Opioid Addiction
December 21, 2023 — The FDA has approved the first test that uses DNA to assess if people might have a higher risk of becoming addicted to opioids.
- Health Risks of Ketamine: What to Know
December 18, 2023 — What to know about the health risks of the drug ketamine following Friends star Matthew Perry's death.
- Small Study Raises Hopes for Semaglutide Treatment of Alcoholism
November 28, 2023 — A small case study of people taking the popular weight loss drug semaglutide showed that they experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of a preexisting addiction to alcohol.
- 'Beer Goggles' a Myth, but Alcohol’s Allure Real and Risky
September 22, 2023 — A couple of drinks does not give you “beer goggles” that make other people look more desirable, a new study found. But being tipsy may make you more eager to approach an attractive stranger.
- Traffic Injuries Grew After Marijuana Legalization: Study
September 7, 2023 — Canada’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2018 is linked to a dramatic increase in marijuana-related traffic injuries resulting in treatment at an emergency department, a new study shows.
- Buyer Beware: Delta-8 is the 'Russian Roulette' of Cannabis
September 6, 2023 — Delta-8 products have spread into vape shops, gas stations and other retailers, but are these products safe for use?
- Overdose Deaths From Counterfeit Prescription Pills Rising: CDC
September 1, 2023 — Overdose deaths from counterfeit prescription pills more than doubled in recent years, the CDC reported.
- Pharmacy Chains to Sell Narcan for Overdoses Over the Counter
August 30, 2023 — Three pharmacy chains will start selling Narcan, without a prescription starting next month, the companies say.
- Gene Therapy Offers New Way to Fight Alcohol Use Disorder
August 21, 2023 — How cutting-edge science is leading the charge against a rising public health crisis.
- Marijuana Use, Binge Drinking Surge to Record Levels
August 18, 2023 — Young adults reported the highest ever rates of marijuana use in 2022, and middle-age adults reported the highest ever rates of binge drinking, according to results from an annual study.
- Fentanyl and Other Opioids Seen as Top Public Health Threat: Poll
August 17, 2023 — Americans are more worried about drug use in the U.S. – specifically, fentanyl and other opioids, according to a new opinion poll.
- Drug Addiction Affects Majority of U.S. Families: Survey
August 15, 2023 — Results from a new survey show that drug and alcohol addiction is commonplace in U.S. families. Two-thirds of people said they or someone in their family has experienced addiction or overdose.
- ‘Smart Drugs’ Underdeliver and Can Bring Trouble
June 23, 2023 — There is no such thing as a "smart pill." In fact, nonmedical use of prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin by people without a prescription can lead to unintended outcomes, including poorer grades and substance abuse.
- Is Naloxone in Your First Aid Kit for Opioid Overdose?
It’s now possible to buy naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal nasal spray medication, without a prescription. Learn why doctors say it should be in your first aid kit.
- Could Weight Loss Drug Treat Addiction as Well as Obesity?
June 13, 2023 — In addition to suppressing appetite, in some people, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide may curb cravings for alcohol or cigarettes, according to reports not yet backed up by research.
- U.S. Overdose Deaths Stabilizing, Leaving Experts Hopeful
May 18, 2023 — The surge in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. during the first 2 years of the pandemic appears to have stabilized. Overdose deaths in 2022 totaled an estimated 109,680 people, which is 2% more than the 107,573 deaths in 2021.
- U.S. Will Fund Study of Safe Injection Sites Despite Pushback
May 17, 2023 — The federal government will, for the first time, bankroll a study on the effectiveness of overdose prevention sites, according to an announcement May 8.
- Marijuana Use Increases Schizophrenia Risk in Men
May 5, 2023 — A new study says as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men could have been prevented if they had avoided marijuana.
- You’ve Quit Smoking With Vaping. Now What?
April 28, 2023 — Many Americans use vapes to quit smoking cigarettes. But because of nicotine levels of e-cigarettes, patients also may need help quitting the unauthorized cessation tools.
- Maker of Opioid Overdose Drug Aiming for $50 OTC Price
April 21, 2023 — Emergent said its goal is to make the OTC retail price “consistent” with the price the company charges public interest groups, which averages less than $50 per package. But the actual retail price will be set by individual retailers.
- White House: Fentanyl-Xylazine Combo an Emerging Threat
April 12, 2023 — The action comes on the heels of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warning about a sharp uptick in trafficking and overdoses of fentanyl combined with what is more commonly known as “tranq” or “zombie drug.”
- Why Are Scientists Getting Mice Drunk?
April 6, 2023 — They may have found a new way to help treat people with alcohol poisoning.
- FDA Approves Overdose-Reversing Narcan for Over-the-Counter Use
March 29, 2023 — The opioid overdose-reversal drug Narcan has been approved for over-the-counter use by the FDA, the agency announced Wednesday morning.
- Psoriasis Drug Shows Promise for Problem Drinkers, Study Shows
February 22, 2023 — Researchers have discovered that a medicine used to treat itchy skin can help control Alcohol Use Disorders, according to a new study.
- Fentanyl Test Strips Are Saving Lives, but They're Just the Start
February 15, 2023 — The strips are simple to use and effective. When dipped in water that contains dissolved drug residue, the strips indicate immediately whether trace elements are contained in a substance, such as heroin, cocaine, or ecstasy.
- A Pill Could Help Tame Binge Drinking, Study Shows
February 15, 2023 — A medicine used to treat people with severe alcohol disorders could also be helpful for others against binge drinking, a study says.
- Mocktails Might Trigger Drinking for People Trying to Give It Up
January 18, 2023 — Drinking “mocktails” and other non-alcoholic beverages might be a trigger for people who have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder and can’t stop or control their alcohol use, experts say.
- Are You Enabling a Loved One’s Addiction?
What does it mean to “enable” someone’s addiction, and are you doing it? Learn the signs and how to stop it, for your loved one’s good.
- Is There a Future for Safe Drug Consumption Sites?
New York City’s two sites have intervened in hundreds of overdoses, but significant challenges confront other locations hoping to provide the same services.
- What Saves Lives in People Addicted to Opioids
Harm reduction is a nonjudgmental approach to protecting people with addiction. These programs give people the tools and support they need to get better. And it can save their lives.
- High on Marijuana Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous is a 12-step program that helps chronic users nip addiction in the bud.
- Managing Pain When You Have an Addiction
How do you manage pain if you've had a problem with addiction? Learn your options and how to work with your doctor.
- Addiction: Choosing the Right Place for Treatment
There are ways to find quality treatment centers for alcohol or drug addiction. Here’s how to get started.
- Getting Sober: Finding Your Way
Getting sober isn't one-size-fits-all. People who've made the decision to quit drinking share what worked for them.
- Life After Opioids
Coping skills and rebuilding relationships after recovering from opioid addiction.
- Life After Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is becoming less of a social norm and more of a lifestyle choice. Learn how others chose to get sober, ways to handle tricky social situations, and find fulfilling new habits.
- Talking to Friends and Family About Your Drinking
It can be scary to share your alcohol use disorder with family and friends. But it's an important step in your recovery. Here’s how to approach these conversations.
- Addiction: Know Your Options for Pain Management
If you’ve battled a drug or alcohol addiction, you may be nervous about taking medications that treat pain, such as opioids. Learn more about the options you might have and how to weigh them.
- Can Medicine Help With Alcohol Use Disorder?
Treatment for alcohol use disorder isn't just 12-step programs. Medication can help people who want to stop drinking or drink significantly less.
- Ways to Celebrate Without Alcohol This Season
Yes, you can celebrate without a drink. How to mark an occasion without popping a cork.
- Do You Have an Addictive Personality?
Find out what an addictive personality is and whether you might have one.
- Is Anyone Really a ‘High-Functioning Alcoholic’?
How can you tell whether regular drinking is actually problem drinking? "High-functioning alcoholics" may not seem to need help at first.
- Life After Rehab
Don't let challenges of daily life derail the hard work you did in rehab. Learn how to build a support network and make wise choices.
- Going to Rehab
When you can’t kick drugs or alcohol, special hospitals -- known as rehabilitation facilities (rehab for short) -- may be your best bet.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
If you have a parent with alcoholism, you may struggle with feelings of sadness, shame, and low self-esteem. Here’s how to get help.
- New Black Market Designer Drugs: Why Now?
New illicit drugs with psychedelic properties seem to pop up every month. Research into legitimate uses for psychedelic drugs may help explain why many people risk their lives to take black-market drugs.
- 20 Questions for Carrie Fisher
Writer and performer Carrie Fisher talks about her experiences with bipolar disorder and addiction -- plus what it's like to reach a happier middle age.