Addiction remains one of the most pressing health challenges. Across the world, researchers are advancing how we address substance use disorders by understanding risk factors and patterns of use, diagnosing them early with more precision, considering comorbidities, and treating them more effectively. Together, these developments are reshaping community responses and clinical practices by informing evidence-based approaches targeting prevention, treatment, recovery, and policy strategies.

Here are 10 recent scientific developments: 

Advancements in Treatment

1. GLP-1 Agonists Show Promise in Treating Substance Use Disorders

Emerging research suggests GLP-1 agonist medications—such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which were originally developed for type 2 diabetes treatment and weight management—may also help treat substance use disorders. These medications act on the same brain regions involved in reward, motivation, and impulse control, potentially reducing cravings and substance-related behaviors. Large-scale observational studies have found GLP-1 medications are associated with 28-36% lower risks of alcohol-related hospitalizations, 50% fewer alcohol intoxication events, 40-68% lower risks of opioid overdoses, and 32% lower risk of tobacco-related healthcare visits. Researchers believe these effects stem from GLP-1’s ability to regulate the brain’s reward and stress pathways, which are disrupted in addiction. Much of the current evidence comes from large health record studies rather than randomized clinical trials—meaning causation cannot yet be confirmed—but the consistent findings across populations, healthcare systems, and countries provide compelling early evidence that GLP-1 medications could play a valuable role in SUD treatment.

2. Neuromodulation is an Emerging Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

In recent years, the field of neuromodulation has generated increasing interest as a potential treatment option for substance use disorders, offering new alternatives for individuals who do not respond to traditional medications or behavioral therapies. Neuromodulation techniques use electrical, magnetic, or soundwave stimulation to rebalance brain circuits affected by addiction—particularly those involved in craving, reward, and self-control. Research has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can safely reduce cravings for substances such as tobacco, stimulants, opioids, and alcohol, with rTMS showing the strongest evidence to date. More invasive options, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), have shown to reduce cravings and improve length of abstinence—especially in opioid and methamphetamine use disorders—though studies remain small and experimental. Newer noninvasive methods, such as focused ultrasound (FUS) and transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN), have shown early success in lowering opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, with one pilot FUS study showing a 91% reduction in cravings and high short-term abstinence rates.

3. Contingency Management Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder Shown to Reduce the Risk of Death

Contingency management—a behavioral treatment that rewards individuals for meeting treatment milestones—has shown to be associated with reducing the risk of death by 41% among individuals with stimulant use disorder. In a study analyzing records from nearly 3,000 veterans diagnosed with stimulant use disorder receiving care through the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, researchers found contingency management was associated with a substantially lower risk of all-cause mortality, even after accounting for factors such as hospitalization, co-occurring conditions, and housing instability. The researchers also determined the mortality benefits were comparable to those observed with buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. With stimulant-related overdose deaths rising and no FDA-approved medications available for stimulant use disorder, the findings highlight contingency management as a scalable, evidence-based intervention that could significantly improve health outcomes when implemented across public and private health systems.

4. Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction Reduce Overdose Fatalities and Improve Patient Outcomes

A growing body of research continues to show medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)—including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—are among the most effective tools for reducing overdose deaths and improving recovery outcomes. These FDA-approved treatments stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and support long-term engagement in care. A U.S. study of 40,800 individuals receiving community-based treatment found buprenorphine or methadone reduced overdose risk by 76% within three months and 59% within a year, while also lowering emergency and intensive care visits. Recent research also suggests that higher doses of buprenorphine can improve outcomes and reduce relapse risk, which is particularly relevant amid the rise of fentanyl. Among justice-involved populations, initiating MOUD during incarceration and continuing treatment after release dramatically decreases mortality, with studies showing that it can reduce overdose deaths by 52-75% within months of release and increase the likelihood of individuals initiating community-based treatment by 60%.

5. Mindfulness-Based Therapy Paired with Medications Reduces Opioid Cravings

A randomized clinical trial found adding online mindfulness-based group therapy to buprenorphine treatment significantly reduced opioid cravings for people with opioid use disorder. The 24-week study included 196 participants across 16 states and compared a virtual mindfulness program to standard recovery support groups. While both groups had similar outcomes for opioid use and anxiety reduction, those in the mindfulness program reported a 67% reduction in cravings, compared to 44% in the standard care group. Participants described mindfulness as a valuable tool for managing stress and cravings, offering techniques they could continue using outside of sessions.

6. Aerobic Exercise Reduces Craving and Improves Decision-Making for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

In China, researchers from Ningbo University found that even a single session of moderate aerobic exercise—such as running, cycling, or swimming—can reduce cravings and improve decision-making in men with methamphetamine use disorder. In the study, male participants completed both a 30-minute exercise session and a sedentary control session. During and after exercise, participants reported lower craving levels, and cognitive tests showed better performance in impulsive and short-sighted decision-making, which are areas often impaired by methamphetamine use. These improvements suggest aerobic exercise may help strengthen decision-making capacity and reduce the risk of relapse.

Prevalence, Risks, & Comorbidities

7. Over 48 Million People Have a Diagnosable Substance Use Disorder in the United States

In 2024, 48.4 million people aged 12 and older—about 1 in 6 Americans—had a diagnosable substance use disorder, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health released annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For the first time, the number of individuals with a drug use disorder (28.2 million people) surpassed alcohol use disorder (27.9 million people). Marijuana use disorder affected 20.6 million people, while 4.8 million had opioid use disorder and 4.3 million had stimulant use disorder. Despite 52.6 million people needing substance use disorder treatment, only 1 in 5 received any form of care. Most people who did not receive treatment either did not think they needed it or believed they could decrease drug use on their own. The report also found that 23.5 million people consider themselves in recovery from a substance use disorder. Trends from 2021 to 2024 show decreases in alcohol use disorder, cigarette use, and heavy drinking, but increases in drug use disorders, marijuana use, nicotine vaping, and overall illicit substance use.

8. Cannabis Use and Health: Emerging Evidence Shows Significant Associations with Increased Risks of Heart Disease, Psychosis, and Suicide

As cannabis becomes increasingly legalized and socially accepted, emerging research is raising concerns about its impact on both mental and physical health. A systematic review of 25 studies found cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts, even when controlling for depression. Adolescents who use any amount of cannabis had about 46% higher odds of experiencing suicidal thoughts and 85% higher odds of attempting suicide compared to those who did not use cannabis. Among adults who use any cannabis, they had about 78% higher odds of experiencing suicidal thoughts than those who did not. 

In another study, researchers found that individuals under 50 who use low to moderate amounts of cannabis were more than six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. The study also found those who use cannabis are four times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke, three times more likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events, and twice as likely to experience heart failure. 

Findings from these studies suggest cannabis may act as an independent risk factor for both suicidality and heart disease.

9. Even Light to Moderate Drinking Carries Health Risks, Including Increasing the Risk of Cancer and Dementia

New research adds to growing evidence that even light or moderate alcohol use can pose serious health risks, including increasing the risk of cancer, liver disease, and dementia. A federal report from the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking found alcohol contributes to seven types of cancer—such as liver, breast, and colorectal cancer—and increases the risk of liver disease, injuries, and early death. Even one drink per day was linked to higher risks of liver cirrhosis and several cancers. 

Similarly, a large-scale analysis of observational and genetic data found any level of alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia. Analyzing data from more than 550,000 adults from the United States and the United Kingdom, researchers found tripling weekly alcohol intake—whether from one to three drinks or three to nine—was associated with a 15% increase in lifetime dementia risk. The study also showed a higher genetic risk for alcohol use disorder presents a greater risk of dementia. Researchers concluded, contrary to past beliefs, that light drinking might protect brain health; they found no evidence supporting this claim.

10. Nicotine Pouches, Cannabis, Vaping, and Hallucinogen Use Reaching Record Highs Among Adults

Findings from the 2024 Monitoring the Future (MTF)—a long-term national survey tracking trends in substance use and attitudes among U.S. adolescents and adults—report record highs in nicotine pouch, cannabis, vaping, and hallucinogen use among young and midlife adults. Tracking data from over 120,000 participants ages 18-65, researchers found sharp increases in emerging substance use behaviors between 2023 and 2024. Among young adults (aged 19-30), cannabis use (including vaping) remains at or near all-time highs, with daily use and cannabis use disorder rising significantly over the past decade. Vaping cannabis and nicotine both hit record levels in 2024, with past-month nicotine vaping tripling since 2017. Nicotine pouch use also increased significantly across all age groups, while hallucinogen and stimulant use (including methamphetamines and cocaine) reached new highs among adults aged 19-50.