Key Findings
This is a quick summary of the main discovery for each research paper we have published, organized issue by issue. Each key finding is below the article title, with a link to the abstract.
Search key findings View Previous Lists
June 2023
E-cigarette cessation and transitions in combusted tobacco smoking status: longitudinal findings from the US FDA PATH Study
For former smokers, there is a possible risk of relapse to smoking associated with quitting electronic nicotine delivery systems
Changes in HIV incidence in people who inject drugs in Ireland from 2000 to 2018: longitudinal observational study
Since 2000, Ireland has achieved an ongoing reduction in the incidence of HIV among PWID, mainly among young adults.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural support for prolonged abstinence for smokers wishing to reduce but not quit: Randomised controlled trial of physical activity assisted reduction of smoking (TARS)
RCT on behavioural support to reduce smoking and increase physical activity showed short-term improvements in smoking cessation/reduction and physical activity but no long-term effects
Reducing barriers to the hepatitis C care cascade in prison via point-of-care RNA testing: a qualitative exploration of men in prison using an integrated framework
Opt-out point-of-care HCV RNA testing on entry into prison could reduce barriers to HCV testing and treatment
The relationship between problematic gambling severity and engagement with gambling products: Longitudinal analysis of the Emerging Adults Gambling Survey
Among emerging adults who are current gamblers, past year gambling appears to be strongly associated with elevated PGSI scores
The predictive validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for moderate- to high-risk cannabis, methamphetamine and opioid use after release from prison
The ASSIST shows promise as an accurate and potentially scalable tool to help predict return to substance use after release from prison
Comprehensive needle and syringe program and opioid agonist therapy reduce HIV and hepatitis c virus acquisition among people who inject drugs in different settings: A pooled analysis of emulated trials
In the Netherlands, Canada and Australia, comprehensive needle and syringe program and OAT participation appears to substantially reduce HIV and hepatitis C acquisition compared with no or partial participation.
Directional associations between cannabis use and depression from late adolescence to young adulthood: the role of adverse childhood experiences
There is mixed support for both symptom driven and substance-induced pathways between cannabis use and depression.
Obstetric pain management for pregnant women with opioid use disorder: A qualitative and quantitative comparison of patient and provider perspectives (QUEST study)
Patients with OUD and their health care providers prioritize pain management during and after childbirth but have discrepant views on use of opioids and other pain management options.
Striatal dopamine D2 receptor availability as a predictor of subsequent alcohol use in social drinkers
Low striatal dopamine D2 receptor availability may not be a strong predictor in the development of alcohol use disorder.
The impact of COVID-19 on trends in alcohol use disorder treatment in Veterans Health Administration
The percentage of US VHA patients with an AUD diagnosis receiving AUD treatment declined during COVID-19 (March 2020 to February 2021)
Comparative efficacy of psychosocial interventions for opioid-dependent people receiving methadone maintenance treatment: A network meta-analysis
Educational and behavioral counseling and CBT appear to be the most effective psychosocial interventions for opioid dependent persons receiving MMT
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary
Most research on Delta-8 THC is largely anecdotal, not peer-reviewed, and does not involve human subjects
An intensive longitudinal examination of topiramate treatment for alcohol use disorder: a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial
Topiramate is an effective medication for individuals seeking to reduce heavy drinking
Understanding the differential effect of local socio-economic conditions on the relation between prescription opioid supply and drug overdose deaths in US counties
In the US, prescription opioid supply is associated with higher drug overdose deaths. Associations for heroin-related deaths are stronger in areas with lower income inequality.