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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.

Policy News Roundup: May 30, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including pushback in several states against safe smoking supplies, despite their proven ability to reduce harm.

Research News Roundup: May 30, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including changes in self‐reported cannabis use in the United States from 1979 to 2022.

Justice Department Makes Formal Move to Reclassify Marijuana as Less Dangerous

The Justice Department has formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, the Associated Press reports. The department sent a proposed rule to the federal register moving marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance.

More Time Spent on Social Media Linked to More Smoking, Vaping in Youth

The more time spent on social media, the greater the chance that children and young adults will smoke and/or vape, according to a new study.

Decline in Fentanyl Overdose Deaths in 2023 May Signal More Lasting Trend

A government report last week showing a decline in overdose deaths last year may signal a more lasting trend, according to The New York Times. The report shows a nearly 4% decrease in deaths from opioids, largely fentanyl.

Policy News Roundup: May 23, 2024

Find more of our must-reads in policy news, including the Department of Justice's formal motion to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III substance.

Research News Roundup: May 23, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including potential associations between college students' first semester experiences with substance use and mental health.

Law Enforcement Seizures of Illicit Fentanyl in Pill Form Increase Dramatically

U.S. law enforcement seized more than 115 million pills containing illicit fentanyl, compared with more than 71 million in 2022, a new study finds.

Advocates Concerned About Local Government Spending of Opioid Settlement Funds

Advocates are concerned that state and local governments are not using opioid settlement funds in ways that make a significant impact on the opioid crisis, the Associated Press reports.

More Companies Offer Recovery-Supportive Workplace Policies

A growing number of companies are offering recovery-supportive workplace policies, Marketplace reports. The initiative received a recent boost from the White House.

Policy News Roundup: May 16, 2024

Find more of our must-reads in policy news, including provisional data from the CDC that shows overdose deaths decreased, but remained high, in 2023.

Research News Roundup: May 16, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including a study assessing the perinatal outcomes associated with combined cannabis and nicotine exposure during pregnancy.

More Than 1 Million Children Lost Parent to Overdose or Gun Violence in Past 20 Years

More than one million U.S. children lost a parent to an overdose or gun violence in the past two decades, according to a new study. Almost 100,000 children lost parents to an overdose or gun violence in 2020 alone.

Teens Less Likely to Use Substances When Parents Monitor Their Activities

Teens are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco or other substances when their parents are monitoring their activities, according to a new study.

Almost All Fake Oxycodone Pills Contain Fentanyl, Study Finds

Almost all counterfeit oxycodone pills tested by police labs in Rhode Island in 2022 contained fentanyl, HealthDay reports.

Policy News Roundup: May 9, 2024

Find more of our must-reads in policy news, including SAMHSA announcing the 2024 State Opioid Response and Tribal Opioid Response Grants, providing up to $1.48 billion to states.

Research News Roundup: May 9, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including the association between delay discounting and addiction and mental health measures.

DEA Will Move to Reclassify Marijuana as Less Dangerous

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, AP reports.

Biden Administration Indefinitely Delays Implementing Menthol Cigarette Ban

The Biden administration said it will indefinitely delay implementing a menthol cigarette ban, NPR reports.

Number of Patients Taking Buprenorphine Stays Steady Despite Easing of Prescribing Restrictions

The number of people filling prescriptions for buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder barely increased despite the federal government making it easier for doctors to prescribe the medication last year, AP reports.

Policy News Roundup: May 2, 2024

Find more of our must-reads in policy news, including the DEA's plan to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III.

Research News Roundup: May 2, 2024

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including a study aimed at understanding the patient and supporter journey in cocaine use disorder.

Many Parents Eligible for Medicaid Coverage of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Not Receiving It

Many parents who are eligible for Medicaid coverage of treatment for mental health or substance use disorders are not receiving treatment, according to a new study.

Just 14% of College Students Know How to Use Naloxone to Reverse Fentanyl Overdose

A new survey finds just 14% of college students are familiar with how to use naloxone to reverse a fentanyl overdose.

Mental Illness Costs U.S. $282 Billion Annually, Study Estimates

Mental illness costs the U.S. economy $282 billion annually – about 1.7% of American annual spending, according to a new analysis by Yale researchers.
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