Addiction news covering opioids, alcohol, treatment access, harm reduction, overdose trends, and recovery policy.
A Washington State judge ordered Albertsons Companies to pay $900 million for its pharmacies' role in fueling the prescription opioid crisis. The judgment includes $800 million for crisis response and $100 million in civil penalties. The company is reviewing options including an appeal against the ruling.
Raamla Mohamed argues that depicting Jax Stewart's addiction in 'Reasonable Doubt' was inevitable given the character's history, contending that such uncomfortable realism fosters empathy. She suggests that showing the gritty details of substance abuse helps audiences understand how trauma can lead to dependency.
Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco report that an herbal supplement derived from kudzu root significantly reduces binge drinking days in patients with alcohol use disorder. The positive effects persisted for three months after the 12-week treatment period concluded.
Ketamine-related deaths in England and Wales doubled to 115 in 2025, marking a 16-fold increase over the past decade. Experts warn of irreversible health consequences including bladder damage and organ failure, while addiction specialists argue against reclassifying the drug to Class A due to potential barriers to seeking help.
Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey announces a webinar on kratom dangers, featuring Dr. Andrew Kolodny, to educate the public on risks associated with emerging kratom-derived products amid rising poison control exposure cases.
This commentary features advice columnist R. Eric Thomas addressing a reader's dilemma regarding estrangement from emotionally abusive, alcoholic parents. The piece explores the psychological complexity of reconnecting with toxic family dynamics while managing the anxiety of potential future regret.
Cocaine was involved in 1,233 fatalities in 2025, accounting for 22% of all drug-related deaths in England and Wales. This figure is four times higher than a decade ago, surpassing heroin as the primary driver of drug poisoning deaths despite a slight overall decline in total fatalities.