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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.

New synthetic drugs outpace regulation efforts

Illicit labs are creating new synthetic drugs at a rapid speed, with compounds reaching the market long before health agencies know they exist.

McKinsey contributes $125M to Purdue settlement

McKinsey agreed to contribute $125 million to Purdue’s bankruptcy settlement to resolve potential claims over the consulting firm's marketing advice on how to "turbocharge" OxyContin sales.

GAO report: DOJ struggles to curb illegal e-cigarettes

A GAO report suggests that DOJ enforcement actions related to illegal e-cigarettes do not match the scale of the problem.

BuzzBallz rise in popularity among Gen Z

BuzzBallz alcoholic drinks' marketing tactics and growing popularity among young people raise concerns about underage appeal and use.

Research News Roundup: April 16, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how an increase in E-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) cases was associated with a marked increase in the perceived risk of e-cigarettes relative to traditional cigarettes, both during and after the increase. This shift in perception was particularly pronounced among non-white participants, who demonstrated significantly greater increases in perceived harm. These findings suggest that major public health events can meaningfully shape risk perceptions, with potential implications for smoking behavior.

White House proposes health budget cuts

The White House budget request proposes a 12.5% decrease to the HHS budget, which includes eliminating several mental health and substance use programs and folding SAMHSA into a new agency.

Health alert on medetomidine

CDC issued a Health Advisory to notify public health professionals, clinicians, and the public about increasing reports of medetomidine in the illegal drug supply and the severe withdrawal it can cause.

ASPE: Few behavioral health clinics offer services tailored for older adults

An HHS study found that while most outpatient behavioral health facilities accept older patients, less than half of SUD facilities accepted Medicare, and few offered programs tailored for the population.

Kava exposure reports rise, often combined with kratom

A CDC report found that kava-related exposures reported to poison control centers have been rising steadily, with reports involving combined use of kava and kratom increasing.

Research News Roundup: April 9, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including a study showing a strong link between major depressive episodes (MDEs) and substance use among adolescents. Girls face considerably higher odds of both depression and substance use than boys. Among racial groups, non-Hispanic White youth show the highest rates of depression and marijuana and tobacco use, while living in a rural area is specifically tied to greater tobacco and opioid misuse. Asian adolescents reported the lowest prevalence of marijuana and tobacco use, along with lower rates of MDEs.

Kratom exposure reports surge 1200% in the last decade

A CDC report found that kratom-related exposure cases reported to the National Poison Data System increased 1,200% between 2015 and 2025.

Evolving drug crisis challenges public health

While opioid overdose deaths are on the decline, more Americans are now using and dying from stimulants, and new synthetic drugs are being created at a rapid pace, creating new challenges for the public health response.

House tackles illicit drug threats

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing last week on more than a dozen bills to address illicit drug threats.

Meta and YouTube found liable for addictive platforms and mental health harms

Two juries found major social media companies liable for creating addictive products that harm children's mental health.

Research News Roundup: April 2, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including evidence from a study that suggests cannabinoids may help reduce symptoms of cannabis addiction, insomnia, tic disorders or Tourette's syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder — but the research supporting these findings is generally weak. People using cannabinoids were more likely to experience side effects, though serious side effects were not more common. Overall, much better research is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn. Given how limited the current evidence is, using cannabinoids to treat mental health conditions or substance use disorders cannot generally be recommended at this time.

US smoking rates hit historic low, but no CDC report

U.S. smoking rates fell below 10%, but CDC analysis of the survey data is lacking.

Farm bill amendment would boost tobacco aid

The 2026 farm bill includes an amendment that would allow tobacco farmers to receive more disaster and emergency funds, a move critics say is contrary to public health goals.

NIH funding struggles continue into 2026

Following the funding cuts and terminations at NIH last year, the agency and the researchers who rely on it have not recovered, and questions remain about NIH funds going forward.

Research News Roundup: March 26, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how problematic use of mobile phones and social media in early adolescence serves as a significant predictor for the early initiation of substance use. Beyond the expected links to sleep issues and depression, these digital behaviors are tied directly to an increased likelihood of experimenting with drugs or alcohol within a one-year period. While addictive video game habits also contribute to mood and attention challenges, the transition from screen-based compulsions to substance misuse remains among the most pressing concern for long-term behavioral health.

FDA reconsiders flavored vape products

FDA issued draft guidance that opens the door to the agency approving vape products in flavors such as coffees, teas, and spices.

Nicotine pouches spark child poisoning rise

As nicotine pouches have become more popular in recent years, reports of nicotine poisoning among young children have grown.

Medicaid expands reentry services for incarcerated individuals

Some states have started to provide reentry services through Medicaid, ensuring those released from incarceration have connections to insurance, SUD treatment, and other services. But the Medicaid changes enacted last summer put this progress at risk.

Research News Roundup: March 19, 2026

View our curated digest of the latest research, including evidence that while Medicaid programs have expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), these gains have not been equitably distributed. Structural differences in how treatment is accessed and sustained help drive these disparities. For example, buprenorphine, which is less restrictive and easier to maintain over time, is more commonly received by White patients, whereas Black patients are more likely to receive methadone, a more tightly regulated treatment. Together, these patterns contribute to persistent racial and ethnic gaps in care and outcomes.

STAT op-ed: Federal funding and coordination needed for prevention

A STAT opinion piece outlines the need for the federal government to prioritize mental health and substance use disorder prevention and provide sufficient funding and coordination.

Concerns rise over USPSTF future

Another meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force was postponed, leaving some concerned that HHS is abandoning the group that provides key recommendations for free preventive care.
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