Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.
A colleague and I were talking about an assessment process, and someone raised a good question. Are all types of gambling equal? That is, are problem gambling rates the same in BINGO halls as they are for sports betting apps. So we went to the literature and found a semi-recent study from Massachusetts that sheds […]
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The start of a new year often inspires change, and this January, SAMHSA launches its first annual Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month to emphasize hope, recovery, and action. Each week will focus on critical themes: This initiative highlights the importance of addressing substance use, exploring effective treatment options, and creating supportive communities. Tom Coderre, […]
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To kick off Dry January, let’s look at the impact of alcohol. Three million deaths and 131 million years of lost healthy life every year. This is the staggering global toll of alcohol in 2016, according to a new study that examines its disproportionate impact on young people, low-income countries, and vulnerable populations. While many […]
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Imagine a future where every person struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) could be matched with the treatment most likely to work for them—saving lives, reducing relapses, and offering hope to thousands of families. Achieving this vision has long been a challenge for clinicians, but researchers behind a groundbreaking study at the U, Columbia, and […]
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Imagine feeling trapped in a cycle where the harder you try to escape, the more stuck you become. For many people experiencing gambling-related harms, this cycle isn’t just about losing money—it’s also about the crushing weight of stigma. In fact, stigma can be just as harmful as the financial and emotional toll of gambling itself. […]
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2021 marked a record high in firearm-related suicides in the U.S., with service members and veterans profoundly impacted by these numbers. Recent studies have spotlighted the connection between firearm ownership, mental health, and unsecured storage practices within military communities. These findings are more than just statistics—they highlight real, actionable insights that can inform suicide prevention […]
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In a world where screens dominate almost every facet of adolescent life, the 2024 Teens and Screens report offers an insightful look into how American teens and young adults navigate the ever-expanding universe of digital media. From the rise of fantasy content to their desire for more authentic portrayals in media, this report sheds light […]
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Imagine taking a break from your busy day to stroll through the park, play a pickup game of soccer, or even enjoy a quiet moment with a good book. While these moments may seem simple, new research shows that they could have a profound impact on your well-being. In a study conducted in Turkey, researchers […]
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As cannabis continues to shift from its once-taboo status to mainstream acceptance, public health experts are grappling with an important question: What are the long-term health risks of recreational cannabis use? With the liberalization of cannabis laws across the U.S.—now legal for medicinal use in 39 states and recreational use in 24 states—the spotlight is […]
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In the fight against the opioid epidemic, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have emerged as powerful tools to save lives. Yet, for individuals entangled in the criminal justice system, the path to receiving this critical treatment remains riddled with obstacles. Recent research sheds light on the disparities between how often people referred by the […]
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Vaping among teenagers has become a significant public health concern, with over 2.1 million adolescents in the U.S. regularly using e-cigarettes in 2023 alone. While vaping may seem like a “safer” alternative to smoking, the reality is stark: the nicotine found in e-cigarettes can wreak havoc on a developing brain, impacting memory, learning, and attention. […]
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When we talk about public health, one of the most pressing and heart-wrenching challenges we face is the ongoing battle against suicide. With over 700,000 lives lost to suicide each year globally (an amount equal to the population of Denver, Colorado), it’s a crisis that touches communities in every corner of the world. In Australia, […]
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