The Latest News from Our Field

The American Psychiatric Association has approved a new edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders that combines substance abuse and dependence into a single category of “substance use and addictive disorders.”

A new study suggests combining the anti-seizure drug topiramate with amphetamines may help treat cocaine addiction.

Kratom, used as a medicinal plant in some countries in Southeast Asia, is increasingly popular as a drug of abuse in South Florida, the Sun Sentinel reports.

Smokers trying to quit may be helped by receiving supportive text messages, a review of studies suggests.

A scientist at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is developing a vaccine designed to treat heroin addiction while at the same time prevent HIV infection.

Drug abuse or heavy drinking can cause long-term changes in the heart, arteries or blood that increase the risk of stroke in young adults, a new study finds.

Across Colorado and Washington state, communities are taking varying approaches to newly approved laws that legalize small amounts of recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Legislators in Washington, D.C., are proposing a ban on synthetic drugs, The Washington Times reports. More than 40 states have banned synthetic marijuana and/or bath salts.

As Kentucky begins to see results from its crackdown on prescription drug abuse, officials report a rise in heroin use.

Laws that mandate smoke-free workplaces are associated with a significantly reduced risk of heart attacks, according to a new study by researchers at the Mayo Clinic.

The number of NFL players who are testing positive for amphetamines such as Adderall has increased, according to the Associated Press.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates a 50-cent hike in the U.S. cigarette tax could result in a decrease of more than three million smokers by 2085. The tax increase would either encourage people to quit, or would keep people from starting to smoke, the researchers say.

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced it is investigating three Walgreens pharmacies in Florida because of concerns over possible prescription drug diversion.

A federal judge has ordered tobacco companies to pay for corrective statements that disclose the dangers of smoking, the Associated Press reports.

The Canadian government has given approval to six generic drug companies to manufacture oxycodone products. The Canadian health minister had been under pressure to forbid the generic version of OxyContin because of concerns about widespread abuse of the painkiller.

Michael Botticelli has been sworn in as Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, according to UPI. Botticelli, who is in long-term recovery from addiction, is a former director of the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Services Bureau.

The Food and Drug Administration said this week it is likely to seek advice about the potential health dangers of energy drinks, in the wake of reports of deaths and injuries possibly related to the products.

Recovery residences, particularly recovery homes, are understudied in scientific literature and are often regarded with skepticism by community members, say researchers at the Treatment Research Institute.

One-quarter of 12-to-20-year-olds say they drank alcohol in the past month, according to a new government report. Almost 9 percent said they purchased their own alcohol the last time they drank.

Although the Affordable Care Act requires new private health plans to cover several methods of tobacco cessation, many insurance plans are not providing mandated coverage to help smokers quit, a new report concludes.

Hospitals in Tennessee will be required to report babies exposed to drugs prenatally, under a measure that takes effect in 2013.

New Jersey has made its temporary ban on synthetic marijuana permanent, state Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced Monday.

Some inebriated people picked up by emergency medical service ambulance crews can be treated effectively at a detoxification center, instead of an emergency room, according to a new study. Increasing the use of such centers could reduce costs, and lessen crowding of emergency rooms, the researchers note.

A law signed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie bans health care facilities from improperly disposing of prescription medications, by discharging them into public sewer or septic systems.

Vermont officials report an increase in heroin use, as OxyContin abuse decreases, according to the Associated Press.