Improving mental health outcomes for people involved in the criminal justice system requires more than access to treatment, it depends on implementing evidence-based practices that connect individuals with the right services at the right time. From diversion and mental health courts to supportive housing, integrated behavioral healthcare, and coordinated reentry services, research continues to identify strategies that can improve recovery while reducing unnecessary involvemen

The demands of working in the criminal justice system can take a significant toll on the mental health and well-being of the professionals who serve within it. Prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals are regularly exposed to traumatic events, high-stakes decision-making, and emotionally challenging cases, increasing their risk for secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. As awareness of these challenges grows, there is increasing recognition that suppor

Despite significant advances in the treatment of substance use disorders, effective treatment options remain limited for certain substances, including methamphetamine and cocaine. As researchers continue to explore new approaches, neuromodulation has emerged as a promising strategy that may complement existing behavioral and medication-based treatments by targeting the brain circuits involved in addiction. In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. James Mahoney, Associate Professor,

Despite decades of research and growing public awareness about substance use disorders (SUDs), stigma continues to affect how people are treated, whether they seek help, and how communities respond to addiction. Stigma occurs when people are viewed as different, less worthy, or defined by their illness, leading to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Stigma can discourage people from accessing treatment, create barriers to recovery, and contribute to discrimination in

Cannabis access has accelerated globally and across the United States, creating substantial variation in regulatory systems, product availability, potency limits, commercialization practices, and public health risks. In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Professor and Elizabeth Garrett Chair in Health Policy, Economics & Law in the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California, examines the evolving policy landscape of cannabi

As cannabis products have evolved, so too have the risks—especially for young people. Today’s cannabis products contain far higher levels of THC than in previous decades, with some products reaching up to 80-90% THC. This shift is raising concerns due to its association with increased risk of addiction, mental health challenges, and psychosis. In this Ask the Expert explainer, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Stanford REACH Lab at Stanfo

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) | Health Risks Explained

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

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,

In this Ask the Expert interview, Dr. Redonna Chandler provides an overview of the HEALing Communities Study (HCS)–the largest addiction prevention and treatment implementation study ever conducted that tested a set of evidence-based interventions and approaches for reducing overdose deaths in communities highly impacted by the opioid crisis. Launched in 2019 through the NIH HEAL Initiative®, the study took place in 67 communities across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and

Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) are a structured, proactive intervention designed to support and monitor the progress of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) throughout their recovery journey. The RMC model offers an innovative approach to ensuring individuals receive ongoing care through regular checkups to help identify signs or risk of relapse early, barriers to continued treatment, and opportunities to re-engage individuals who may have disengaged from care.

In a large-scale effort to make fentanyl and counterfeit pill education resources available to communities, The Addiction Policy Forum...

As fentanyl continues to impact communities at an unprecedented rate, understanding its potency and dangers is critical to reducing harm....

Addiction is a chronic health condition affecting over 48 million people nationwide. Addiction has biological components, such as the...

The video explainer on underage drinking highlights the risks and consequences of early alcohol use.

An alcohol-induced blackout is not just a lapse in memory; it’s a sign of the brain’s inability to function properly due to alcohol

Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. Research shows that excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death.

In this Ask the Expert interview, we hear from Yale University's Brian Fuehrlein about what treatment for addiction involves.

Dr. John Winhusen featured in the Ask the Expert series explainer on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Dr. Alexander Walley answers key questions about naloxone and addresses myths about the overdose reversal medication.