Addiction news covering opioids, alcohol, treatment access, harm reduction, overdose trends, and recovery policy.
A new study reveals that certain black market vapes contain as much nicotine as 600 cigarettes. The findings, reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, highlight the extreme potency of illicit vaping products.
This commentary presents Hunter Biden's personal account of his addiction recovery and the challenges of political scrutiny. It argues that his struggles have been unfairly weaponized for political gain, while emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing addiction.
This commentary argues that Laotian authorities have treated the families of Australian backpackers killed by methanol poisoning with contempt, failing to provide updates or condolences. It criticizes the lack of transparency in the investigation and the exclusion of international media from a press conference, highlighting the need for accountability.
This letter argues that contingency management for drug addiction is not bribery but a scientifically grounded application of operant conditioning. The author contends that reinforcement, which follows desired behavior, differs fundamentally from bribery, which precedes illicit acts, and compares it to receiving a paycheck for work.
Six people died from fentanyl-related overdoses in Davidson County on July 15-16, prompting a police warning. All deaths involved fatal amounts of fentanyl. At least 166 suspected overdose deaths have occurred in Nashville in 2026 as of July 16.
This commentary argues that the cumulative trauma from COVID-19, the October 7 attack, and subsequent wars has driven Israelis to increased drug use. It contends that the nation's stress is manifesting as a drug problem, suggesting a need for societal attention to this emerging crisis.
Authorities found a cell phone with a note and a bag of THC edibles near Claude Lemieux's body, but toxicology showed no substances in his system. The incident report states he allegedly told his wife he relapsed after 12 years of sobriety the night before his death.
Daily smoking among Australians aged 14+ fell to 5.6% in 2025, down from 8.3% in 2022-23, nearing the government's 2030 target of 5%. Among adults 18+, the rate was 5.8%, and youth smoking (18-24) dropped to 6.1%. E-cigarette use remained stable at 3.6%, with 2024 vape legislation credited for curbing youth vaping without increasing smoking.
Montreal public health officials issued an alert after a surge in overdoses, with naloxone use on pace to surpass last year's total. Carfentanil has been linked to eight deaths since April. Overdoses are increasingly occurring in public spaces like sidewalks and parks.
Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar ordered a strict crackdown on drug addiction, calling for deterrent action against sale of banned tobacco and narcotics near schools. Police must check shops within 100 meters of schools within 24 hours, and those with e-cigarettes face expulsion.