top of page
Newsroom
Press Releases and Announcements
Addiction Policy Forum Launches Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Awareness Week
The Addiction Policy Forum launched the inaugural Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Awareness Week, April 15-22. The national educational initiative aims to increase public understanding of cannabis use disorder, symptoms of cannabis use disorder, highlight emerging health risks, and promote prevention efforts. As cannabis use continues to rise across the United States, public perception of its risks remains low. However, research shows that an estimated 20.6 million peopl
5 days ago
Ask the Expert: How Is Cannabis Use Disorder Diagnosed and Treated? with Dr. Redonna Chandler
A growing body of research shows the effectiveness of several treatment options for cannabis use disorder (CUD). In this Ask the Expert interview, Dr. Redonna Chandler discusses the evidence surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of CUD. Dr. Chandler previously served as Director of the HIV Research Program and the HEALing Communities Study at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and now serves as a scientific advisor at the Addiction Policy Forum. Dr. Chandler discusses psy
Apr 9
Ask the Expert: What is Cannabis Use Disorder and Who is at Risk? with Dr. Meg Haney from Columbia University
In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Margaret Haney, Professor of Neurobiology and Director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory at Columbia University Medical Center, discusses cannabis use disorder (CUD) and key risk factors. Although cannabis is often perceived as low-risk, an estimated 5.8% of the population meets criteria for CUD, with severity ranging from mild to moderate and severe.1 Research shows that individuals with more severe CUD experience diminished productivity,
Apr 8
Over 100 Organizations Join APF in Urging Congress to Continue Funding for Key Addiction Programs
The Addiction Policy Forum and 146 national, state, and local organizations from across the country sent a letter urging Congress to continue funding for substance use disorder programs in the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill. The national sign-on letter calls on Congress to maintain funding for key federal agencies and programs that address substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders across
Apr 6
April 2026 Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and increase understanding of how alcohol use impacts our health and communities. In the United States, alcohol contributes to more than 178,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death. In 2024 alone, nearly 28 million Americans ages 12 and older (1 in 10 people) met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Excessive alcohol use is also linked to seven different types of cancer and more t
Mar 27
Research and Science Highlights
Alcohol Remains the Primary Driver of Treatment Admissions in the U.S., followed by Methamphetamines and Heroin
A recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a comprehensive look at substance use disorder (SUD) treatment across the United States, including who is entering treatment, what substances are most commonly involved, and what services are being utilized. Drawing on data from the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), the annual report captures admissions and discharges among individuals ages 12 and older receiving treatment a
Apr 7
Study Finds Association Between Chronic Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Dysfunction
In a study published in JAMA Cardiology , researchers found chronic cannabis use—whether through smoking or THC-infused edibles—is associated with impaired vascular function, even among young and otherwise healthy adults. Healthy vascular function allows blood vessels to dilate properly, deliver oxygen efficiently, and help regulate key processes within the circulatory system. When vascular function is impaired, blood vessels are less able to expand, which can reduce blood fl
Mar 30
Treating Depression Early in Treatment May Improve Methamphetamine Use Disorder Outcomes
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) continues to pose a growing public health challenge in the United States. Despite rising rates of use and overdose deaths, there are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating MUD. Prior studies have shown that naltrexone (used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders) and bupropion (an antidepressant) have independently been effective in MUD treatment. In a 2021 landmark clinical trial (ADAPT-2), researchers found that combining t
Mar 24
Adolescent Cannabis Use Associated With Increased Risk of Psychiatric Disorders
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that adolescent cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders by young adulthood. The study included over 400,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who were universally screened for past-year cannabis use during routine pediatric visits between 2016 and 2023. Participants were followed through age 25, and researchers examined clinician-diagnosed psychiatric disor
Mar 4
Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder has Increased, but Access Gaps Persist
Despite growth in the use of medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) – including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone – most people with OUD in the United States still do not receive medication. National estimates show only 25% of individuals with OUD receive medications for OUD (MOUD), underscoring a persistent gap between need and access. Research published in JAMA Health Forum found methadone treatment among Medicaid enrollees increased substantially ove
Feb 26
bottom of page