Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Do Not Influence Veterans’ Alcohol Use Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Recovery Trajectories in a Randomized Controlled Trial: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are elevated among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The highest STB prevalences occur among those with comorbid AUD-PTSD. STB interferes with AUD and PTSD recovery outcomes. However, no research has examined the impact of STB on recovery trajectories among those with dual AUD-PTSD, a comorbidity with a chronic and difficult-to-treat clinical profile. Method: Data from a randomized controlled trial with 141 (84.4% male) treatment-seeking Veterans with comorbid AUD-PTSD were used to compare the 12-week recovery trajectories for alcohol consumption (percent drinking days; percent heavy drinking days) and PTSD symptoms between the following groups: (a) Veterans with (n = 90) versus without (n = 51) lifetime STB and (b) Veterans with (n = 46) versus without (n = 95) current STB. Results: Compared to respective groups without STB, Veterans with lifetime and current STB had similar severity of drinking consumption over 12 weeks and similar reductions in drinking consumption and PTSD symptoms over the study period. Veterans with (vs. without) current STB reported significantly higher PTSD symptom levels throughout the 12 weeks. Conclusions: Results suggest that the presence of lifetime and current STB does increase the severity of PTSD but does not appear to impact the rates of symptom recovery across a 12-week period. Results provide important context for cross-sectional research, underscoring the greater severity of AUD-PTSD. Our longitudinal analyses indicate that Veterans can achieve symptom improvements in AUD and PTSD, even in the context of co-occurring STB. Public health significance statement: Veterans with (vs. without) current suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) had more severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the 12 weeks of a clinical trial testing a medication for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and PTSD. However, lifetime STB and current STB did not impact the rates of AUD or PTSD symptom recovery during the 12 weeks. All groups experienced improvement over time. Veterans may experience AUD and PTSD symptom reductions even with current or past STB. Results imply that Veterans with current or lifetime STB may be safely enrolled in clinical treatment trials for AUD and PTSD.

jsad.com

Fostering Long-Term International Collaborations Through Short-Term Exchange Programs for Early-Career Addiction Researchers: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: International mobility and collaborations are a cornerstone of the academic career trajectory, as well as a pathway to better science. This article aims to advocate for strengthening global connections among early-career investigators to advance science and accelerate discovery in addiction research. Drawing on the authors’ experiences, we offer specific recommendations to help addiction researchers design international exchange programs for early-career investigators. Method: The program consisted of four key components: (a) pre-exchange participant matching of early-career investigators at each institution, (b) individualized goal setting for participants, (c) a structured orientation program on the first day of the in-person exchange, and (d) 2 weeks of research-focused, in-person collaborations and networking activities. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented, including 2-year outcomes from the program (N = 8). Results: The exchange program had both immediate and sustained impacts on professional development and research productivity. Participants reported increased confidence in international collaboration, a broader global perspective, and enhanced scholarly output, and all emphasized the importance of in-person interaction. Two years after exchange, participants reported a more than threefold increase in internationally co-authored publications, a newly awarded international grant, and the establishment of four new formal mentorship relationships. All participants reported changes in their research focus, scientific approach, or lab management practices as a result of the exchange program. Unexpected benefits included strengthened collaboration within home research teams and the emergence of broader institutional partnerships in both the United States and Australia. Conclusions: Understanding and addressing addiction requires a global perspective, and engaging early-career researchers in international exchange programs can foster lasting collaborations and encourage globally focused research. Even short-term exchanges can be cost-effective in promoting long-term productivity in international addiction research. Public health significance statement: This work highlights how short-term international exchange programs for early-career researchers can strengthen global collaboration and lead to more effective addiction research. By building international networks early in their careers, researchers are better equipped to tackle the complex, worldwide challenges of substance use and addiction, ultimately leading to better-informed public health solutions across countries.

jsad.com

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids: Use to Experience Subjective Effects Versus Other Nonmedical Use Among Adults in Ontario, Canada From 2020 to 2024: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol...

Objective: The opioid crisis remains an important public health concern, with nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) playing a significant role. However, limited evidence exists on how adults ...

jsad.com

From Research Influencers to Substance Use Policymakers: Bibliometrics Demonstrate Translation From Research to Policy: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: The public health impact of substance use is substantial, with tobacco use and excessive drinking leading as causes of death in the United States. To address this growing epidemic, governments have implemented a range of substance use–related policies. The National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, which aims to accelerate the translation of research findings into health impact, may advance translation by shaping the policy literature that informs policymakers, health professionals, and the public. Using innovative bibliometric tools, this study evaluates how CTSA-supported research published from 2006 to 2023 has influenced substance use–related policy literature. Method: The authors identified 135,000 publications that acknowledged CTSA support. Those publications were queried in the Overton Policy Database, which indexes references to research publications in global policy literature. Results: Thus far, CTSA-supported publications have been cited in 3,451 policy documents identified as substance use–related according to Overton’s Topics field. Substance use–related Topics were classified into the top categories of Tobacco, Opioids, Cannabis, Alcohol, and General/Other substance use. Policy documents came from 321 organizations across 49 countries—often governments, health agencies, or political think tanks, including the World Health Organization, Guidelines in PubMed Central, and the RAND Corporation. The authors present case illustrations of individual research publications that have had a notable influence on substance use policy. Conclusions: By elucidating how supported publications are applied beyond academia, bibliometrics offer a useful avenue for evaluating the translational impact of programs in specific policy areas. Our findings showcase the impact of CTSA research on the substance use–related policy literature, an important area of health policy. Public health significance statement: This study examined how clinical and translational research publications are used in substance use–related policy literature worldwide. This body of literature plays an important role in informing and influencing stakeholders in a policy area of critical importance to social, economic, legal, and health concerns. Public health concerns like substance use/substance use disorder can be better addressed with an understanding of the role of research in the process of evidence-based policymaking.

jsad.com

Effects of Intermittent Theta Burst on Multiple Measures of Craving in Those With Alcohol Use Disorder: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: Reduction in alcohol craving has often been specified as an outcome for alcohol use disorder (AUD) interventions. This study evaluated changes in multiple craving measures from a double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for the treatment of AUD. We predicted that veterans in AUD residential treatment, who received active iTBS (Active; n = 22), would show greater reductions than those who received sham iTBS (Sham; n = 22). Method: Twenty iTBS sessions (1,200 pulses/session) were delivered over 2 weeks. Craving measures were administered before iTBS sessions (Baseline) and following completion of sessions (Post-Assessment). Craving measures administered were the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire Short Form–Revised Total Score, Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE) Tempted Cravings and Urges subscale, and Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). Results: All craving measures showed reductions in scores (time main effect), collapsed across Active and Sham groups; however, the absence of significant Group × Time interactions indicated that active iTBS did not produce statistically greater reductions than sham. Exploratory post hoc simple effects analyses were conducted to further examine the significant main effect of time. Active participants showed reductions on the AASE Tempted Cravings and Urges and all OCDS measures, whereas the Sham group showed no significant changes on any measure. Conclusions: Active iTBS did not produce a statistically greater reduction in craving symptomatology than sham, as indicated by the absence of significant Group × Time interactions. However, the exploratory post hoc results can guide future larger-scale transcranial magnetic stimulation RCTs for AUD on the utility of the acquired craving measures. Public health significance statement: This study assessed the effects of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex intermittent theta burst, a type of transcranial magnetic stimulation, on measures of alcohol craving. Evaluation for changes in alcohol craving is important because higher levels of craving during and after treatment are linked to a return to heavy alcohol drinking. Twenty-two (22) participants received Active (real) and 22 received Sham (placebo) stimulation. Primary analyses indicated comparable decreases in the Active and Sham groups across craving measures; however, exploratory analyses indicated that only the Active group showed a significantly greater reduction on four of five measures after the treatment sessions.

jsad.com

Randomized Trial Shows Smartphone Support App for DWI Offenders and Their Families Reduced Alcohol Use and Ignition Interlock Device Lockouts: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: Driving while intoxicated (DWI) remains a preventable source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are used to prevent DWI offenders from driving while intoxicated during a mandated installation period and are effective during that time. Once IIDs are removed, DWI rates are similar to levels for offenders who had no IID. This study tested the efficacy of a smartphone app (B-SMART) for DWI offenders with an IID and concerned family members (CFMs), with the goal of reducing IID lockout events and alcohol consumption. Method: Four B-SMART app modules were developed: (a) Life with Interlock, (b) Supporting Changes in Drinking, (c) Doing Things Together, and (d) Effective Communication. Participants (pairs of DWI offenders and CFMs) were randomly assigned to receive the B-SMART app (n = 58) or referral to a state IID information page (usual and customary [UC] condition, n = 65) and followed for 9 months after randomization. IID data (failed tests and lockout events) were obtained from IID providers as the primary outcome variables. Offender and CFM reports of alcohol consumption in the last 30 days before assessment were secondary measures. Results: IID data were collected on 62% (N = 76) of participants. B-SMART participants had significantly fewer lockout events than UC participants. B-SMART offenders and their CFMs reported significantly less likelihood of DWI offender drinking at 9 months. Conclusions: Results suggest that the B-SMART app reduced IID lockout events and DWI offender alcohol consumption. These outcomes are important because fewer IID lockout events predict lower DWI recidivism. Public health significance statement: Use of the B-SMART app reduced IID lockout events and resulted in lower levels of alcohol consumption. These outcomes may predict reduced DWI recidivism, an important public health outcome. Future research should assess whether the use of the B-SMART app reduces DWI recidivism. The app could be used by courts and DWI monitoring programs in the United States.

jsad.com

Community Focus: New study shows one drink a day comes with risks

A new study reveals that the health risks of alcohol begin with just one drink a day.

wpri.com

Lifetime Cannabis Use Is Associated With Brain Volume and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: Cannabis use has increased among older adults, yet the neurocognitive effects in this demographic remain unclear. Prior work has suggested that cannabis may increase brain volume in areas r...

jsad.com

Parents Use Online Communities to Seek Guidance on Child Substance Use, Parental Use, and Family Substance Use Challenges: A Content Analysis of Reddit Posts: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: ...

Objective: Parents play a role in shaping their children’s beliefs and behaviors around substance use. When faced with unfamiliar or challenging situations, many parents turn to peers for advice. This...

jsad.com

Bidirectional Associations Between Vaping and Changing Eating to Manage Weight and Shape in Canadian Adolescents: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: Vaping among adolescents has surged in recent years, underscoring the need to identify intentions and motivating factors behind vaping. Although weight management behaviors have been associated with vaping, the largely cross-sectional evidence precludes understanding of how these behaviors may relate to and reinforce each other over time. This study explored the bidirectional associations between vaping and changed eating to manage weight and shape over 3 years of adolescence. Method: Adolescents from the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Alcohol, Smoking, and Sedentary Behaviour (COMPASS) Study (N = 8,960, M age = 13.8 [SD = 1.1], 55.5% cisgender girls) completed self-report surveys annually for 3 years (Time 1 [T1] = 2020/2021, T2 = 2021/2022, T3 = 2022/2023). Data were analyzed using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models with full information maximum likelihood. Results: Increases in vaping were observed over time (20.9% at T1, 40.0% at T3), and 30% of adolescents changed their eating habits to manage their weight/shape each year. Weak but significant associations were generally observed, such that cisgender girls who changed their eating to manage weight/shape engaged in more vaping the following year (betaT1–T2 = .05; betaT2–T3 = .05). Conversely, cisgender girls and boys with a higher vaping frequency reported more days of changing eating to manage weight/shape 1 year later (betaT1–T2 = .02 and .04, betaT2–T3 = .05 and .06). Conclusions: The bidirectional relationship between vaping and weight-related eating behaviors underscores the value of addressing these habits as interconnected behaviors, informing the development of targeted public health policies, preventative measures, and intervention strategies to support health and reduce the adoption of vaping among adolescents. Public health significance statement: Adolescents who vape more often are altering their food intake to control their weight over time. Girls who alter their food intake to control weight also report higher vaping 1 year later. Discerning the connections between these behaviors is important to understand why adolescents vape and potentially to prevent unhealthy weight control strategies within this high-risk group.

jsad.com

Global, Regional, and National Age-Sex-Specific Burden of Alcohol-Related Diseases, 1990-2021:A Comprehensive Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 87, No 4

Objective: The burden of alcohol-related disease is substantial and varies across regions, age, and sexes. This study used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data to estimate the burden, with emphasis on changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The study analyzed trends in prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALYs of alcohol-related diseases (alcohol use disorder [AUD], cirrhosis attributable to alcohol, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and liver cancer due to alcohol use) across sex, age groups (adolescents, young adults, women of childbearing age, the working-age population, the elderly), and sociodemographic index levels using annual percentage change and average annual percentage change. Results: Globally, the prevalence of AUD increased by 31.44%, whereas the ASPR declined by 0.78% annually. China, India, and the United States bore the higher burden. The prevalence of cirrhosis due to alcohol increased by 73.69%, alcoholic cardiomyopathy increased by 48.24%, and liver cancer due to alcohol use also increased. Working-age populations had the largest absolute numbers of cirrhosis due to alcohol and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, whereas the elderly had higher ASMR of liver cancer due to alcohol use. Following 2019, improvements in most alcohol-related diseases decelerated, particularly in the working-age population, potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted policies on alcohol-related diseases, especially for vulnerable groups, considering regional, socioeconomic, and timely interventions to reduce the long-term health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health significance statement: Regional, demographic, and temporal disparities were identified, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Vulnerable groups require special attention because of their unique disease trends and risk factors. Moreover, the pandemic’s influence on alcohol-related disease trends demonstrates the necessity of resilient health care systems capable of adapting to unexpected global health challenges. These insights align with global health priorities, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, and offer a roadmap for designing targeted interventions and reducing the burden of alcohol-related diseases worldwide.

jsad.com

Comprehensive E-Cigarette Policies Are Associated With Lower Use Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Objective: We aimed to examine the individual and combined associations of e-cigarette policies with e-cigarette use among U.S. adolescents and young adults aged 12-20 years. Methods: We used data fro...

jsad.com

Behaviors and Norms Regarding Sexual Violence and Alcohol Use: How Do Service Members and College Students Compare: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Objective: Sexual violence is a significant public health concern in the U.S. and commonly involves alcohol consumption. Risks for both sexual violence and alcohol misuse are elevated among young adul...

jsad.com

New study suggests impulsivity and poor self-control link alcohol use to suicide risk

jsad.com

Detection of Party Drugs on Mobile Phones in Relation to Self-Reported Use and Oral Fluid Detection Among NYC Nightclub Attendees: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Objective: Self-report and biospecimen testing to assess drug exposure have limitations. Surface testing of personal objects (e.g., mobile phones) may provide complementary information about drug exposure, particularly when there is discordance between biospecimen results and self-report. We examined whether mobile phone swab testing, alongside self-report and oral fluid data, could provide information regarding drug exposure among nightlife attendees—a population with high prevalence of party drug use. We also examined whether detection could inform situations in which a drug is detected in oral fluid but not reportedly used. Methods: In 2025, we assessed self-reported drug use and analyzed oral fluid and swabs of mobile phones from 127 adults attending nightclubs in New York City. We compared the prevalence of detection of cocaine, ketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) across the three modes of collection. Results: Cocaine was detected on 26.8% of phones, followed by ketamine (22.0%), 4-MMC (3.1%), and MDMA (2.4%). When classifying phone detection, reported past-48-hour use and oral fluid detection of cocaine and ketamine demonstrated high specificity (0.85-0.91), but lower sensitivity (0.37-0.73). Among participants with oral fluid positivity after not reporting use, 33.3% and 17.1% of these discordant cases had ketamine and cocaine detected on their phones, respectively. Conclusion: Phone swab results often align with self-reported use and, less consistently with biologically confirmed exposure. However, drugs detected on phones may reflect less recent use or unintentional environmental sources contributing to oral fluid detection, supporting the role of phone swabbing as a complementary tool for detecting possible drug exposure.

jsad.com

Alcohol study discarded by Trump officials is published in scientific journal

A government-commissioned study had been meant to inform new dietary guidelines, and found risks associated with even light drinking.

statnews.com

Towards a Strengthened Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA) Framework: A Perspective on Current Assessment Approaches and The Added Value of Recovery-Inspired Dimensions: Journal of Studies on Al...

jsad.com

A government-commissioned study found drinking risks. US guidelines didn’t feature its findings | CNN

A study commissioned by President Joe Biden’s administration to investigate alcohol-related health harms was released independently on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump’s administration decided no...

cnn.com

Experiences of People Who Use Drugs in Rural Southeastern Ohio During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Harm Reduction, Substance Use Treatment, and Trusted Information Sources: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and...

Objective To describe COVID-19 pandemic experiences among people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural southeastern Ohio in varying geographies and time since start of pandemic. Methods We used two cross-sect...

jsad.com

Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests

A new study suggests that no amount of alcohol is safe, challenging the belief that moderate drinking benefits health. Even one drink raises mortality risk.

foxnews.com

Retrospective Event-Level Patterns of Cannabis-Impaired Driving: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Objectives: Cannabis-impaired driving (CID) is an increasing public health concern, particularly among emerging adults. Despite growing prevalence, little is known about episode-level patterns of use ...

jsad.com

New study recommends 1 alcoholic drink per day. Its researchers want clearer U.S. guidelines on drinking

One of the officials involved in the study commissioned by Biden's Democratic administration accused Trump's Republican administration of “sidelining” the research — an allegation the Trump administra...

pbs.org

Cannabis Use Problems Moderate Daily Associations between Cannabis Consequences and Subsequent Use: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Background: Social learning theory posits that experiencing negative substance use consequences contributes to reductions in subsequent use. However, relatively few studies have examined prospective e...

jsad.com

Rethinking Moderate Drinking

The health benefits of alcohol may be a myth. A review of research found even moderate consumption raised the risk of a range of diseases.

thedoctorwillseeyounow.com

No amount of alcohol is safe to drink, new study says — countering federal guidelines

The research was commissioned to inform the recent update to U.S. dietary guidelines, but the Trump administration is accused of suppressing it.

bit.ly

Substance Use Prevalence and Patterns in Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs: Vol 0, No ja

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and patterns of alcohol and other drug use among vulnerable populations and to assess the quality and certainty of the evidence using PRISMA 2020 reporting standa...

jsad.com