Journal: Addictive Behaviors Reports, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.abrep. 2026.100759
Authors: Jules Boylea, & Jordan Jurinskya
Abstract:
Introduction: Recovery capital is the availability of resources to support recovery. Prior research suggests a relationship between substances of choice (SOC) and recovery capital. This study explored the relationship between SOC and recovery capital among adolescents attending a recovery high school.
Methods: A secondary data analysis of data from the SEARS project was conducted. Participants (N = 624, agemean = 16.36) completed a modified Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) and responded to the question: “What is your drug of choice? (Please select all that apply)”. Substances were grouped into type of SOC (alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, or other) and number of SOC (one, two, three or more, or “whatever is available”).
Results: A Kruskal-Wallis test to compare recovery capital across number of SOC groups indicated a significant difference, χ2(df = 3, N = 624) = 8.17, p = .043. Post hoc comparisons using Dunn’s test identified that participants who selected “whatever is available” reported lower recovery capital than participants who preferred one SOC, padjusted = .022. There were no significant differences in recovery capital across type of SOC.
Discussion: The current study identified a relationship between number of SOC and recovery capital, suggesting those who prefer “whatever is available” may benefit from additional support. More work is needed to assess the utility and implications of SOC among adolescents in recovery. Researchers who ask participants about SOC may consider allowing participants to select multiple substances and including an option for “whatever is available” to better capture use preferences.
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Journal: Addictive Behaviors, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108878
Authors: Arundhati Nittur, Ava Belzar, & Chandra Rai
Abstract:
Aims: To examine emerging clinical evidence, real-world data, and neurobiological mechanisms supporting the repurposing of semaglutide as a novel treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Methods: Of records identified, articles were selected based on clinical relevance to AUD outcomes and mechanisms of action. Included studies ranged from hypothesis-generating designs to confirmatory randomized controlled trials in non-treatment-seeking individuals and patients diagnosed with AUD, with several cohorts enriched for comorbid obesity.
Results: Randomized controlled trials demonstrated that once-weekly semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol cravings and drinks per drinking day, even in non-treatment-seeking populations. Large-scale cohort studies showed a reduction in AUD-related hospitalizations for patients on semaglutide compared to non-users. Dual agonists like tirzepatide also showed significant reductions in binge drinking odds and AUDIT scores, with reductions in alcohol craving and consumption appearing most pronounced among individuals with comorbid obesity or metabolic disease. Mechanistically, preclinical and early human data indicate GLP-1 receptor activity in the VTA and nucleus accumbens modulates mesolimbic reward circuitry to attenuate dopamine-mediated reinforcement, alongside indirect behavioral and satiety effects.
Conclusions: GLP-1 receptor agonists show early promise in reducing alcohol craving and consumption, particularly in individuals with comorbid metabolic disease. No GLP-1 receptor agonist currently carries FDA approval for alcohol use disorder, and all discussed clinical applications still remain investigational. Definitive randomized trials in AUD-only populations are still needed. Current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, brief follow-up periods, self-reported outcomes, and potential confounding from weight loss.
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Journal: Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep .2026.113389
Authors: Julia Nowicka-Janikm Connor D. Martin, Michelle K. Page, Noel J. Leigh, & Maciej L. Goniewicz
Abstract:
Purpose: To examine the accuracy of self-reported nicotine strength and differences in nicotine strength and flavor preferences between young adults and adults who vape. Accurate assessment of nicotine exposure is essential for understanding vaping behavior and informing public health research, yet the reliability of self-reported nicotine strength remains unclear.
Methods: We recruited 61 young adults (18-26) and 65 adults (27-54). Participants reported the nicotine strength of their vaping products (high vs. low) and provided product samples for laboratory analysis. Nicotine concentrations in the samples were measured using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Participants were asked about their preferred flavor and whether they prioritize nicotine strength or flavor when purchasing a product.
Results: The agreement between self-reported and laboratory-derived nicotine strengths (Cohen’s kappa) was 0.73 for young adults and 0.71 for adults. More young adults used high-nicotine products (≥24 mg/ml) than adults (50.8% vs. 30.8%; p=0.022). Most participants in both age groups used fruit/sweet products more than non-sweet (tobacco/menthol). However, nicotine strength was more frequently identified as the primary factor influencing product choice than flavor.
Conclusion: Among young adults who vaped regularly in this sample, self-reported nicotine strength showed substantial agreement with laboratory-derived low/high nicotine-strength categories, supporting its use for broad classification in research settings. Nicotine strength appeared to be more important for young adults than flavor. This study provides novel evidence that nicotine concentration plays a central role in vaping behavior and highlights the importance of regulating nicotine strength alongside flavors to reduce vaping rates among young people
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Journal: Addictive Behaviors Reports, 2026, doi: 10.1016/ j.abrep .2026. 100761
Authors: Kelly C. Young-Wolff, Catherine A. Cortez, Joshua R. Nugent, Sara R. Adams, Alisa A. Padon, Judith J. Prochask, & Qiana L. Brown
Abstract:
Background: Prior studies have shown associations of prenatal cannabis use with psychiatric conditions and co-occurring substance use, but most characterize cannabis use as binary or frequency-based. To capture heterogeneity in cannabis use patterns, this study examined associations between modes of prenatal cannabis use and anxiety, depression, and non-cannabis substance use.
Methods: Pregnant patients were universally screened for cannabis use during pregnancy in a large integrated health system from January 2021 through December 2024. Cannabis modes included smoking, vaping, dabbing, edibles, and topicals. Prenatal anxiety and depressive disorders were identified using ICD-10-CM codes, and self-reported alcohol, e-cigarette/vaping, and other tobacco use since pregnancy were assessed at entrance to prenatal care. Modified Poisson regression models estimated associations between cannabis modes and psychiatric and non-cannabis substance use outcomes.
Results: Among 179,727 pregnancies, 3.7% reported prenatal cannabis use (2.6% reported smoking, 1.2% edibles, 0.9% vaping, 0.3% dabbing, and 0.2% topicals). Most modes were associated with anxiety and depression, with larger associations observed for edibles, vaping, and topicals. Edibles had the strongest association with alcohol use, while inhaled modes (i.e., smoking, vaping, dabbing) were more strongly associated with e-cigarette/vaping and other tobacco use. In frequency-stratified sensitivity analyses, associations were generally observed across both daily/weekly and monthly-or-less cannabis use.
Conclusion: Modes of prenatal cannabis use were differentially associated with psychiatric disorders and non-cannabis substance use. Assessing mode of administration in addition to frequency may help identify patients who could benefit from further assessment of psychiatric symptoms and co-occurring alcohol or nicotine use.
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Journal: International Journal of Drug Policy, 2026, doi: 10.1016/ j.drugpo.2026.105527
Authors: Leah C. Shaw, Carolyn J. Park, Claire Pratty, Bennett Allen, Alexandria Macmadu, Magdalena Cerdá, & Brandon D.L. Marshall
Abstract:
Background: Understanding the interpersonal and environmental dynamics that drive overdose prevention center (OPC) engagement is critical to inform OPC models in other jurisdictions. We described patterns of connectedness from the perspective of clients attending publicly recognized OPCs in the US.
Methods: We analyzed baseline data from the Study Assessing the Effectiveness of Overdose Prevention Centers through Evaluation Research (SAFER), which recruited OPC clients in New York City and Rhode Island from July 2023 to November 2025. Our analysis was restricted to OPC clients. Participants responded to the following statements about their OPC experience: ‘I am a part of the community,’ ‘I can be myself,’ ‘I can trust the staff,’ ‘I feel safe,’ ‘I feel judged for using drugs.’ We created a composite scale of OPC connectedness, with higher scores indicating greater connectedness. Multinomial logistic regression models identified associations with OPC connectedness.
Results: Among 494 eligible participants (30% cisgender women, 35% Hispanic/Latine), ≥70% reported trusting staff, feeling safe, and being myself ‘all of the time’ while at the OPC. Thirty-seven percent of participants had the highest connectedness score of 20. Cisgender women (aRR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.30), those who keep naloxone nearby while using (aRR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.12), and those who visited the OPC more frequently (aRR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.58) were more likely to report high OPC connectedness.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that US OPCs are successfully fostering environments of safety and belonging for clients. As jurisdictions consider OPC implementation, understanding and actively cultivating connectedness may support OPC accessibility.
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