The Latest News from Our Field

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died from taking a combination of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, according to the New York City Medical Examiner. Experts say tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in the United States are due to a similar mix of drugs.

A new government report finds 42.5 million American adults, or 18.2 percent of the adult population, suffers from some form of mental illness. About 4 percent suffers serious mental illness that impedes day-to-day activities.

A study of moderate drinkers ages 55 to 65 found those who drink large amounts less often have higher death rates, compared with those who drink small amounts more regularly. The researchers say most studies that examine the potential effects of moderate drinking generally focus on average levels of drinking, instead of overall drinking patterns.

Both supporters and critics of marijuana legalization see 2014 as a key year, which could either slow or hasten their efforts, The New York Times reports.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is cracking down in California on a potent marijuana product called “wax,” according to ABC News. Wax is legal—and popular—in Colorado.

A new study links teen indoor tanning with other risky health behaviors including use of illegal drugs, binge drinking and smoking.

“Study drugs” such as Vyvanse and Adderall are gaining popularity among Florida college students, even though area colleges have a zero-tolerance policy against students using medicines not prescribed for them.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act are tremendous steps toward ensuring that all individuals can access substance abuse treatment. But the laws are not silver bullets that will close the treatment gap or help every individual who needs treatment.

More than 40 addiction treatment, health care and consumer groups are urging the Food and Drug Administration to reverse its decision to approve the prescription painkiller Zohydro ER (extended release), CNN reports.

A survey of high school seniors suggests marijuana legalization will lead to increased use of the drug among teens. The survey found 10 percent of seniors who said they don’t currently use marijuana said they would try it if the drug were legal.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Atlanta is encouraging the public to text or call them to report suspicious activity that may indicate prescription drug abuse, according to CNN.

The arrest on Saturday of the head of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel, Joaquín (El Chapo) Guzmán Loera, will likely be only a minor setback for the operation, experts tell The New York Times.

At least six states are considering joining the 17 states that have passed “Good Samaritan” laws, designed to prevent drug overdose deaths. The laws grant limited immunity to people who seek help for someone who has overdosed, USA Today reports.

The Department of Defense needs to do more to prevent prescription drug abuse among members of the military, according to a new government report. Some branches of the military are doing a better job than others in medication management policies, the report concluded.

Raising the minimum drinking age to 21 has been associated with a reduced rate of drunk driving crashes among young Americans, according to a new review of studies.

Two high-profile public health experts disagree about the impact of e-cigarettes, and whether they will promote smoking cessation, or encourage people to take up regular cigarettes.

A new study found that about one-third of Medicare patients who get prescriptions for painkillers receive them from multiple doctors, which raises their risk for hospitalization, HealthDay reports.

Advocates say the need to curb the abuse of prescription (Rx) opiates is more urgent than ever, due to a growing epidemic of Rx overdoses from pain medication in Massachusetts and across the country, according The Boston Globe.

New research shows that an anti-epilepsy drug may help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption.

A new study from Washington University concludes that people can improve their mental health when they quit smoking.

Top headlines of the week from Friday, February 14- Thursday, February 20, 2014.

Kentucky’s law designed to reduce prescription drug abuse has raised awareness about the problem, but has had some unintended consequences, according to an addiction medicine specialist in the state.

Colorado’s liberal marijuana laws and its market for a strain of marijuana called “Charlotte’s Web” has made it a destination for families whose children suffer with severe epilepsy.

Health officials, led by acting U.S. Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, are confidently looking toward a “tobacco-free generation.”