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.

15 Million People Drive Within an Hour of Using Marijuana: Survey

A new survey suggests 14.8 million people have driven within an hour of using marijuana in the past month. Most impairment occurs within one to four hours of using the drug, HealthDay reports.

Suicide Rate Among Teens and Young Adults at Highest Point Since 2000

The suicide rate among teens and young adults ages 15 to 24 is at its highest point since 2000, according to a new study. The rate increased the most among 15- to 19-year-olds and young men.

Deaths Due to Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Have Soared Among Young Adults

Deaths from alcohol, drugs and suicide have soared among young adults ages 18 to 34, according to a new analysis.

Drug Overdose Death Rate Dropped Slightly Last Year

New government data suggests deaths from drug overdoses decreased slightly between 2017 and 2018, after years of sharp increases, Time reports.

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Does Not Reduce Rate of Fatal Opioid Overdoses: Study

A new study concludes legalizing medical marijuana does not reduce the rate of fatal opioid overdoses.

Many Patients Still Struggle to Get Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Treatment

Many patients still struggle to get insurance coverage for their mental health treatment, despite federal laws designed to bring parity between mental and physical health coverage, NPR reports.

Fun Without Alcohol: Investors Flock to “Sober Curious” Ventures

As more people want to have fun without alcohol, investors are increasingly investing in “sober curious” ventures, CNN reports.

Measure to Classify All Versions of Fentanyl as Illegal Gains Support

A proposed measure that would classify all chemically tweaked versions of fentanyl as illegal received support from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham this week, Reuters reports.

E-Cigarette Maker Juul Considers Opening Its Own Retail Shops

The e-cigarette maker Juul Labs is considering opening up its own retail stores in the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Some Hospitals Giving Fewer Opioids After C-Sections

Some hospitals are beginning to turn to alternatives to opioids for new mothers who have just had a cesarean section, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Patients Seeking Buprenorphine Treatment Face Significant Barriers

A new study using “secret shoppers” found patients who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid often have a difficult time getting an appointment with a doctor who prescribes the opioid addiction medication buprenorphine.

Growing Number of States Raise Legal Sales Age for Tobacco Products to 21

An increasing number of states are raising the legal sales age for tobacco products to 21, according to the American Heart Association.

15 Percent of Teens and Young Adults Prescribed Opioids During ER Visit

Almost 15 percent of teens and young adults are prescribed opioids during an emergency room visit, according to a new study.

Father of Football Player Who Died of Opioid Overdose Testifies in Drug Company Trial

On the second day of trial of a lawsuit against drug company Johnson & Johnson, the father of a college football player who died of an opioid overdose gave emotional testimony about the personal impact of the opioid crisis, Reuters reports.

Many State and Local Officials Say Drug Industry Should Pay for Opioid Epidemic

As lawsuits against opioid manufacturers increase, a growing number of state and local officials say the companies should pay for the costs of the country’s opioid crisis, NPR reports.

Some Schools Respond to Vaping with Treatment Instead of Punishment

Some schools are beginning to rethink their response to students’ e-cigarette use, emphasizing prevention and treatment over punishment, the Associated Press reports.

More Than 60 Percent of Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes Want to Quit

A survey of American adults who use e-cigarettes finds more than 60 percent say they want to quit, HealthDay reports.

Facebook Launches Initiative to Encourage Discussion on Opioid Dependency

Facebook is collaborating with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids + Center on Addiction to launch an initiative to encourage people to discuss their experiences with opioid dependency.

Emergency Rooms Report Decrease in Heroin Overdose Cases in Many States

Emergency rooms in many states reported a decrease in heroin overdose cases between 2017 and 2018, HealthDay reports.

Only Half of College Programs to Reduce Drinking Are Rated “Most Effective”

A review of programs used by colleges to reduce students’ problematic alcohol consumption has found only 49 percent are rated “most effective,” according to UPI.

OxyContin Maker Sued by Six Additional States

Six additional states—Kansas, Iowa, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin—have filed lawsuits against the maker of OxyContin in state courts, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Colorado Increased 10% After Marijuana Legalization

Motor vehicle accidents rose 10 percent in Colorado after the state legalized marijuana, according to a new study.

Volume of Opioids Prescribed in U.S. Declined 17 Percent in 2018

A new report finds the volume of opioids prescribed in the United States last year declined 17 percent, according to Bloomberg.

Black Patients Much Less Likely to Receive Buprenorphine for Opioid Addiction

A study of outpatient treatment for opioid addiction finds white patients are almost 35 times more likely than black patients to have a visit related to the addiction treatment medication buprenorphine, Kaiser Health News reports.

More Than 600,000 U.S. Parents with Opioid Use Disorder Living With Children

An estimated 623,000 U.S. parents with opioid use disorder are living with children, according to a new study.

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