Journal: Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera .2026.108998
Authors: Oscar Solis, Fallon P. Curry, Zachary J. Frangos, William Dunne, Ingrid Schoenborn, Alyssa Lauer, … Michael Michaelides
Abstract:
Synaptic zinc (Zn2+) modulates dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission by binding to the dopamine transporter and glutamate receptors. Among other neurotransmitters, dopamine and glutamate critically regulate physiological processes and behaviors relevant to substance use disorders (SUDs) and addiction. In addition, Zn2+ interacts with inhibitory neurotransmitter systems, including GABA and glycine receptors, further influencing the excitatory-inhibitory balance within circuits relevant to addiction. Nevertheless, the specific involvement of synaptic Zn2+ in such processes is unknown. We propose that synaptic Zn2+ serves as an environmentally derived factor that can influence the vulnerability to and development of SUDs and addiction via its interaction with proteins that regulate dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission in addiction-relevant brain circuits.
To read the full text of the article, please visit the publisher’s website.
Journal: Cannabis Cannabinoid Research, 2026, doi: 10.1177/25785125251372061
Authors: Conor H. Murray, Joshua Cassarino, & Ziva D. Cooper
Abstract:
Introduction: The effect of cannabis use on health is likely to depend on individual differences. In particular, there is a growing need to understand the impact of cannabis and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on brain and behavioral health across the lifespan.
Materials and methods: We conducted a narrative review summarizing the effects of cannabis and THC across three stages of life: in utero, adolescence, and late adulthood. We also provide an up-to-date report on past 30-day cannabis use and risk perceptions from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH; 2002-2023) during pregnancy, adolescence, and late adulthood. We note that NSDUH data collected during 2020 and since 2021 are not directly comparable to earlier years due to shifts in data collection methods.
Results: Recent epidemiological data indicate a potential reversal of both the escalating rates of cannabis use and low perceptions of risk among pregnant women and adolescents. Findings across preclinical and clinical studies support high perceptions of risk for individuals in utero and adolescence, when alterations in brain development indicate potential for susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. The escalating rates of cannabis use and associated low perceptions of risk have shifted to the late adulthood population, which may face unique health risks associated with cannabis use.
Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the necessity for clinical and policy recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with cannabis use and to enhance public understanding of its implications on neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Continued research and educational strategies are essential to address these evolving trends and reduce harm.
To read the full text of the article, please visit the publisher’s website.
Journal: Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113081
Authors: Emily Waters, Jessica Obeysekare, Snehal Lopes, Irene Pericot-Valverde, Brianna L. Norton, Judith I. Tsui, … Alain H Litwin, & HERO Study Group
Abstract:
Background/aims: People who inject drugs (PWID) have high rates of HCV infection. Concurrent alcohol use is associated with higher rates of HCV and acceleration of HCV-related liver disease. This study analyzed alcohol use among PWID both during and after treatment of HCV with direct-acting antivirals.
Approach/results: We conducted a secondary analysis of the HERO study, a multisite pragmatic randomized trial, in which PWID with active drug use (n = 755) were assigned to either patient navigation or modified directly observed therapy models of HCV care. Alcohol use was measured using the modified Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C). Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze changes in alcohol use between baseline, treatment (weeks 4, 8, and 12), and after-treatment follow-up visits (weeks 24, 72, 120, 168). Overall, there were no significant differences in ASI or AUDIT-C scores by sustained virological response (SVR) or treatment arm. Among patients who achieved SVR, there was a significant reduction in AUDIT-C scores at all follow-up visits compared to baseline (all, p < 0.05). Among those with high AUDIT-C score at baseline, there were significant reductions in drinking at all visits compared to baseline in both treatment arms (all, p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions: Among PWID who achieved SVR or with high AUDIT-C scores at baseline, there was a significant reduction in AUDIT-C scores at all visits after baseline. The treatment period for HCV may represent a unique opportunity to address dual causes of liver disease, especially for individuals with hazardous alcohol use.
To read the full text of the article, please visit the publisher’s website.
Journal: JAMA Health Forum, 2026, doi: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.0012
Authors: Ju-Chen Hu, Shashi N Kapadia, Hao Zhang, Ali Jalali, Kristen Underhill, Christina M. Andrews, & Yuhua Bao
Abstract:
Importance: Buprenorphine is the most commonly prescribed medication for opioid use disorder, but rates of retention in treatment remain low. Prior authorization (PA) has been identified as a barrier to the administration of buprenorphine, and patients may need multiple PAs to continue treatment; thus, many states have passed laws to prohibit the use of PA for buprenorphine in private insurance.
Objective: To examine the association between PA prohibitions and buprenorphine treatment retention overall and by branded vs generic drug status.
Design, setting, and participants: This cross-sectional study used a difference-in-differences design and private insurance claims data from 49 states and the District of Columbia with no PA prohibition for buprenorphine as of January 1, 2015. Patients aged 18 to 64 years who started a new buprenorphine treatment between January 1, 2015, and June 1, 2022, were included in the study. Data were analyzed from June 3, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
Exposure: Prior authorization prohibitions, defined as state laws barring private insurers from using PA for any buprenorphine product.
Main outcomes and measures: The main outcome was buprenorphine treatment retention, measured by a dichotomous variable indicating whether the buprenorphine treatment episode lasted 180 days or longer.
Results: The sample included 22 946 patients (67.7% male) who started buprenorphine treatment; 54.3% started buprenorphine treatment with generic buprenorphine. A total of 30.4% of patients reached the 180-day treatment retention threshold. Adopting PA prohibitions was not associated with significant changes in buprenorphine treatment retention (effect estimate, 0.007; 95% CI, -0.044 to 0.059; P = .78). Stratified analysis by branded vs generic status of buprenorphine at the start of the treatment episode showed no significant association between PA prohibitions and treatment retention among patients receiving either branded (effect estimate, -0.018; 95% CI, -0.075 to 0.040; P = .55) or generic (effect estimate, 0.041; 95% CI, -0.036 to 0.118; P = .30) buprenorphine.
Conclusions and relevance: This cross-sectional study found that state laws prohibiting PA for buprenorphine were not associated with significant changes in buprenorphine treatment retention among privately insured patients. Prior authorization prohibition alone may not be effective in improving buprenorphine treatment retention. Additional interventions appear to be needed to address gaps in opioid use disorder treatment for privately insured patients.
To read the full text of the article, please visit the publisher’s website.
Journal: Addictive Behaviors, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108672
Authors: Emily M. Barros, Anna C. Ferreira, Brian Neelon, Iyonica E. Ravenel, Matthew J. Carpenter, & Tracy T. Smith
Abstract:
Introduction: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges there is a continuum of risk for tobacco products, and that e-cigarettes are generally less harmful than combustible cigarettes. However, most US adults perceive e-cigarettes as more harmful than cigarettes, and negative perceptions have increased over time. Media coverage surrounding e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) may have played a role in the changing relative harm perceptions about e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. The goal of the present study was to compare relative risk perceptions for cigarettes and e-cigarettes before, during, and after EVALI.
Methods: The present paper is a secondary data analysis from a US RCT conducted from May 2018 to March of 2022. Participants self-reported demographic information and perceptions of risk for both cigarettes and e-cigarettes at baseline. Changes in relative risk before, during, and after the EVALI outbreak, were compared using a piecewise constant model.
Results: Relative risk perceptions of e-cigarettes were significantly greater during (p < 0.001) and after EVALI (p < 0.001) compared to before the onset of EVALI. The differences in risk perceptions between cohorts of participants differed by race (p = 0.014), in that there was a significant increase in perceived risk of harm of e-cigarettes (relative risk perceptions) during and after EVALI compared to before EVALI for non-white participants (p < 0.001, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Onset of EVALI may have impacted relative risk perceptions of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes. Non-white smokers were more likely to experience increased perceived risk of harm of e-cigarettes (relative risk perceptions). There is a need to continue monitoring risk perceptions among smokers, as negative relative risk perceptions may hinder switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes.
To read the full text of the article, please visit the publisher’s website.