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The Latest News from Our Field

We curate a digest of the latest news in our field for advocates, policymakers, community coalitions and all who work toward shaping policies and practices to effectively prevent substance use and treat addiction. Sign up here to receive weekly updates straight to your inbox.

Kratom exposure reports surge 1200% in the last decade

A CDC report found that kratom-related exposure cases reported to the National Poison Data System increased 1,200% between 2015 and 2025.

Evolving drug crisis challenges public health

While opioid overdose deaths are on the decline, more Americans are now using and dying from stimulants, and new synthetic drugs are being created at a rapid pace, creating new challenges for the public health response.

House tackles illicit drug threats

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing last week on more than a dozen bills to address illicit drug threats.

Meta and YouTube found liable for addictive platforms and mental health harms

Two juries found major social media companies liable for creating addictive products that harm children's mental health.

Research News Roundup: April 2, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including evidence from a study that suggests cannabinoids may help reduce symptoms of cannabis addiction, insomnia, tic disorders or Tourette's syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder — but the research supporting these findings is generally weak. People using cannabinoids were more likely to experience side effects, though serious side effects were not more common. Overall, much better research is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn. Given how limited the current evidence is, using cannabinoids to treat mental health conditions or substance use disorders cannot generally be recommended at this time.

US smoking rates hit historic low, but no CDC report

U.S. smoking rates fell below 10%, but CDC analysis of the survey data is lacking.

Farm bill amendment would boost tobacco aid

The 2026 farm bill includes an amendment that would allow tobacco farmers to receive more disaster and emergency funds, a move critics say is contrary to public health goals.

NIH funding struggles continue into 2026

Following the funding cuts and terminations at NIH last year, the agency and the researchers who rely on it have not recovered, and questions remain about NIH funds going forward.

Research News Roundup: March 26, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how problematic use of mobile phones and social media in early adolescence serves as a significant predictor for the early initiation of substance use. Beyond the expected links to sleep issues and depression, these digital behaviors are tied directly to an increased likelihood of experimenting with drugs or alcohol within a one-year period. While addictive video game habits also contribute to mood and attention challenges, the transition from screen-based compulsions to substance misuse remains among the most pressing concern for long-term behavioral health.

FDA reconsiders flavored vape products

FDA issued draft guidance that opens the door to the agency approving vape products in flavors such as coffees, teas, and spices.

Nicotine pouches spark child poisoning rise

As nicotine pouches have become more popular in recent years, reports of nicotine poisoning among young children have grown.

Medicaid expands reentry services for incarcerated individuals

Some states have started to provide reentry services through Medicaid, ensuring those released from incarceration have connections to insurance, SUD treatment, and other services. But the Medicaid changes enacted last summer put this progress at risk.

Research News Roundup: March 19, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research, including evidence that while Medicaid programs have expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), these gains have not been equitably distributed. Structural differences in how treatment is accessed and sustained help drive these disparities. For example, buprenorphine, which is less restrictive and easier to maintain over time, is more commonly received by White patients, whereas Black patients are more likely to receive methadone, a more tightly regulated treatment. Together, these patterns contribute to persistent racial and ethnic gaps in care and outcomes.

STAT op-ed: Federal funding and coordination needed for prevention

A STAT opinion piece outlines the need for the federal government to prioritize mental health and substance use disorder prevention and provide sufficient funding and coordination.

Concerns rise over USPSTF future

Another meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force was postponed, leaving some concerned that HHS is abandoning the group that provides key recommendations for free preventive care.

SAMHSA unveils $69M mental health grants

SAMHSA announced funding for the Children's Mental Health Initiative, Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems, and Assisted Outpatient Treatment grants and tied them to addressing the root causes of addiction.

FDA seeks input on opioid disposal standards

FDA issued a Request for Information on potential new standards for in-home opioid disposal products.

Survey: Americans trust scientists and professional associations over health agencies

A survey found U.S. adults trust career scientists and professional health associations more than federal health agencies and their leaders, including on guidance concerning safe alcohol use.

Research News Roundup: March 12, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including a study showing a significant shift in addiction treatment centers following their acquisition by private equity firms. While these acquisitions led to an increase in the number of patients receiving care, the quality of that care—specifically the length of time patients remained in treatment—showed a notable decline.

KFF: Opioid and alcohol death trends 2024

KFF released new issue briefs examining trends in opioid overdose deaths and alcohol-induced deaths, showing recent decreases, though levels remain above those from before the pandemic.

Casey Means faces Senate HELP Committee

Casey Means, President Trump’s nominee to be surgeon general, went before the Senate HELP Committee for a confirmation hearing. Among other topics, she touched on psychedelics, maternal mental health, and youth mental health and technology.

Big cities innovate for adolescent health

Boston Public Health Commission partnered with Big Cities Health Coalition members to conduct a national landscape analysis that highlights city and county programs to improve adolescent health, including related to mental health and substance use.

Research News Roundup: March 5, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how billions of dollars from opioid lawsuits are finally reaching states — yet the funding gap in addiction treatment keeps growing. The research shows that these legal payouts are no substitute for federal investment: they are too small, too restricted in how they can be spent, and are arriving just as federal treatment funding declines.

Trump delivers first State of the Union of second term

President Trump delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday. While he touched on health care and addressing fentanyl trafficking, the addiction crisis was not otherwise a central focus.

Overdose deaths decline but new risks emerge as drug supply changes

The illicit drug supply is changing to include lethal combinations of fentanyl with stimulants, sedatives, and novel synthetics, but testing and treatment have not caught up with this reality.
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