The intersection of substance use with broader public health concerns.
Public Health
Smoking and DNA Changes
Analyses have found a direct link between the number of cigarettes smoked during one's lifetime and the number of mutations in tumour DNA. Commenting on these findings, Prof. Sir Mike Stratton from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute notes...
Combating Alcohol Misuse: Soldiers and the Fight against Addiction
New research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology argues that telephone-based interventions seem an effective way of helping members of the military overcome alcohol addiction. The study demonstrates that such a...
Sexual Abuse, Drugs, Violence and the Generation of Tomorrow
Sexually abused children are almost five times more likely to use drugs intravenously during adulthood, a new study released by the American Public Health Association (APHA) has found. The report also suggests that those who witness...
Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a seven-chapter report covering all forms of drug and alcohol addiction, including public policy recommendations for prevention and treatment. The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and...

Canadian Opioid Conference
The growing number of overdoses and deaths caused by opioids, including fentanyl, is a national concern in Canada. Solutions must be compassionate and collaborative, and address both the immediate crisis of overdose and death as well as their root causes.
Marijuana Linked to Psychosis
The increased use of marijuana as well as the debate over decriminalisation and legalisation has left many with questions about the potential dangers of cannabis. A new study found that people who used marijuana were more likely to develop...
The Lasting Health Effects of Alcohol Dependency
A new study conducted in the United States and subsequently published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs suggests that those who suffered from symptoms of alcohol dependence during their youth may still experience the mental and...
Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference
The 4th Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference will cover topics surrounding prevention,

Fentanyl Deaths Rise as Curbing Supply Proves Difficult
The November 2016 data chart of overdoses in Massachusetts shows a climbing blue line labeled “fentanyl”. Boston's National Public Radio station reports via article and audio clip on some of the challenges faced by law enforcement and...

Smoking to Cancer Death Ratio in the US
Smoking has for a long time been known to be a significant cause of cancer. A new article published by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that the proportion of cancer deaths caused by smoking in the United States is highest in the South of...