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.

FDA is recommending that 7-OH, a psychoactive compound derived from kratom, be made a Schedule I controlled substance.
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance a funding bill that rejects the White House’s proposals to significantly cut funding for HHS, reorganize the department, and eliminate agencies.
FDA is requiring changes to opioid safety labeling to emphasize the risks associated with long-term use.
Long-time health official Susan Monarez takes the helm at CDC.
View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT4CBT) is beginning to show promise as a treatment tool for substance use disorder. This computer-based training is increasingly being used to help people reduce symptoms, boost their coping skills, and improve their quality of life.
SAMHSA released the findings of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a key national survey that measures the prevalence of substance use, substance use disorder, treatment, recovery, etc.
A new executive order targeting "crime and disorder on America's streets" promotes a punitive response to homelessness, mental health, and addiction focused on involuntary commitment and ending harm reduction programs.
CBO estimates that the reconciliation legislation signed into law will cause 10 million people to lose insurance coverage.
Terry Cole, a DEA veteran, was confirmed and sworn in as administrator of the agency.
View our curated digest of the latest research news, including the fact that in 2022, over 70,000 people lost their lives to unintentional fentanyl overdoses - a 31-fold increase since 2012, when, 2139 deaths occurred. This tragic cost of human lives also represents a massive $57-$67 billion hit to our nation from premature deaths.
The White House has delayed $140 million in CDC Overdose Data to Action grant funding, creating uncertainty for local efforts to address the overdose crisis.
After a yearslong standoff, FDA authorized Juul menthol- and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes to be marketed.
Awareness and use of 988 has increased since its launch three years ago, but crisis response services are facing new risks.
Researchers estimated that the loss of MOUD access resulting from the reconciliation law's Medicaid cuts would lead to approximately 1,000 additional overdose deaths each year.
View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how sexual dating violence is linked to suicide attempts among high schoolers, and the major role that alcohol plays in this. To enhance prevention efforts, it is recommended to prioritize alcohol-specific interventions, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as young men and minorities.
Amid ongoing concerns about the misuse of opioid settlement funds, two research and advocacy organizations launched a database to identify examples of misuse and prompt investigation.
Bills being considered by Congress include provisions to close the loophole that has allowed psychoactive hemp-derived substances to spread unregulated.
View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how a study of 13,677 high school students found a link between sexual identity and tobacco use which varies by race/ethnicity. For example, LGBQ Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino youth had the strongest association with electronic vapor use compared to other groups.
On July 4, President Trump signed into law the reconciliation bill, which includes changes to health care that are estimated to cause around 12 million people to lose insurance coverage.
State attorneys general sued over the cancellation of $1 billion in mental health grants, while three mayors sued over new rules that make changes to ACA enrollment and eligibility.
A federal judge temporarily blocked several parts of HHS's planned reorganization, including layoffs and consolidating agencies.
The Senate passed its reconciliation bill, which includes changes to Medicaid that would lead millions to lose coverage. The bill now heads back to the House, which needs to vote for final passage.
New analyses show that Congress's reconciliation bill, particularly its work requirements, could lead more than 1.6 million people with Medicaid receiving SUD treatment to become uninsured.
The Supreme Court upheld a requirement for insurance to cover certain preventive services at no cost, but the decision could pave the way for changes in what is covered.
View our curated digest of the latest research news, including how even with efforts to expand treatment, major gaps remain in access to medications for opioid use disorder — especially for groups including those without private insurance. Researchers have looked at over 17,600 opioid-related healthcare events and found that racial, ethnic, and insurance-based disparities are still prevalent. The takeaway? We need targeted solutions— like culturally responsive care, more access points, and serious policy changes — to break down these barriers and save lives.
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