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.

New Vaping Cessation Programs Aim to Help Teens Quit E-Cigarettes

National Jewish Health, a hospital in Denver, this summer launched a vaping cessation program aimed at teens. The program includes coaching by text, NPR reports.

Drugs Makers and Distributors in Talks to Settle Opioid Lawsuits for $50 Billion

Three drug distributors and two drug manufacturers are in talks to settle more than 2,000 lawsuits over the companies’ role in the nation’s opioid crisis, Reuters reports.

Public Health Experts Urge Congress to Ban Flavors in Juul and Other Tobacco Products

Public health experts urged Congress this week to pass legislation to ban flavors in all tobacco products, including Juul and other e-cigarettes.

Almost Half of Adults Have Been Affected By Family Problems with Drugs or Alcohol

Almost half of American adults say they have been affected by problems with drugs or alcohol in their families, according to a new Gallup poll.

Lung Injuries Tied to E-Cigarettes May Have More Than One Cause, CDC Says

Lung injuries tied to e-cigarettes may have more than one cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many different substances and product sources are under investigation, the agency said.

Prudential to Increase Life Insurance Rates for People Who Vape

Insurance company Prudential announced it will classify people who use e-cigarettes as smokers when calculating life insurance rates, CBS News reports. Previously, the company charged smokers more than people who used e-cigarettes.

Sesame Street Features New Muppet Whose Mother Struggles With Addiction

Sesame Street is introducing a new initiative to support children affected by parental addiction. The initiative features a Muppet named Karli, whose mother struggles with addiction, The Washington Post reports.

FDA Tells Public to Stop Using THC Vaping Products

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers to stop using vaping products containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Three School Districts Sue Juul, Accusing Company of Endangering Students

Three school districts have sued e-cigarette maker Juul, accusing the company of endangering students, The New York Times reports.

New Rule Lets States Expand Drug Testing as Requirement for Unemployment Benefits

A new rule published by the Department of Labor allows states to expand the number of people who must pass drug tests before they can receive unemployment benefits, Vox reports.

OxyContin Maker Sent Billions to Members of Family Who Owned Company

Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, sent $12 billion or $13 billion in profits to members of the Sackler family who own the company, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Vaping-Related Lung Illnesses May be Linked to Prefilled THC Cartridges

The outbreak of vaping-related lung illnesses may be related to prefilled THC cartridges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Young man holding and vaping an electronic cigarette, e-cig, ecigarette.

Lung Injuries From Vaping Look Like Toxic Chemical Exposure: Report

Doctors who examined lung tissue from patients suffering from vaping-related lung illnesses report the damage resembles exposure to toxic chemicals.

Johnson & Johnson Announces $20.4 Million Settlement Ahead of Opioid Trial

Johnson & Johnson announced it has reached a $20.4 million settlement with two Ohio counties ahead of a huge federal trial to determine responsibility for the opioid crisis, The Washington Post reports.

NIH Awards $945 Million for Research to Reverse the Opioid Crisis

The National Institutes of Health has announced it has awarded $945 million for research to reverse the opioid crisis.

Judge Rules Supervised Injection Site Does Not Violate Federal Law

A judge ruled Wednesday that a Philadelphia group’s plan to run a supervised drug injection site does not violate federal drug laws, The New York Times reports.

Vaping-Related Injuries Continue to Rise, CDC Says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of vaping-related injuries continues to increase, and has surpassed the previously reported estimate of 530, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Juul Suspends All U.S. Advertising

E-cigarette maker Juul Labs announced it is suspending all broadcast, print and digital product advertising in the U.S., HealthDay reports.

hand holding an electronic cigarette

Walmart Announces It Will Stop Selling E-Cigarettes

Walmart has announced it will no longer sell e-cigarettes at its stores in the United States.

Purdue Pharma Settlement a “Stopgap” For Areas Hardest Hit by Opioid Crisis: Report

The proposed settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma is “no more than a stopgap for local and state governments,” which will continue to face costs related to the opioid crisis that far exceed the agreed upon amounts, according to a new report by Moody’s Investors Services.