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Vapes help more people quit smoking than other methods

A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 25, 2026

The stop-smoking medication varenicline may also work for cannabis use disorder

A new study found that varenicline, a medication used to quit smoking, can help men with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis use. However, the same treatment showed no significant effect on female participants. Women who received varenicline reported higher withdrawal and craving scores and lower medication adherence compared t...

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 15, 2026

Yoga for opioid withdrawal and autonomic regulation

This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 7, 2026

Ultra-low-dose ketamine can curb opioid withdrawal

A pilot study found that ultra-low-dose ketamine can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting fentanyl, enabling patients to transition to buprenorphine treatment. The treatment was successful in 16 out of 37 patients who completed the transition, with 92% remaining in treatment for at least 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAddiction Science & Clinical Practice·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

The Lancet Psychiatry: One in six people who stop antidepressants will experience discontinuation symptoms as a direct result, finds most comprehensive study to date

A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients found that one in six to seven patients will experience discontinuation symptoms directly caused by stopping the medication. Severe symptoms occurred in about 3% of patients, with certain antidepressants increasing the risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Faster approach for starting extended-release naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder shown effective

Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard method. This rapid treatment protocol requires closer medical supervision and could make XR-naltrexone a more viable option for treating opioid use disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 8, 2024

Nicotine e-cigarettes, prescription drugs and dual nicotine replacement therapy identified as most effective stop-smoking aids

A comprehensive global analysis found that these stop-smoking aids are nearly twice as effective as single forms of NRT. Dual forms of NRT, such as combining a patch with gum or a lozenge, were found to be nearly as effective as nicotine e-cigarettes and prescription medications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Opioids, methadone and babies

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that methadone use following surgery in infants can increase hospital stay and delay recovery. Babies who required methadone needed to stay in the hospital an average of 21 days longer after surgery, as well as more days on ventilators and IV nutrition.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

Earlier transfer to specialized care associated with better outcomes for neonates with opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)

A new study shows that earlier transfer to specialized care is associated with better outcomes for infants with NOWS, including shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication. The study found that nonpharmacologic interventions, such as swaddling and pacifier use, are critical to clinical outcomes.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalHospital Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2023

Buprenorphine initiation in the ER found safe and effective for individuals with opioid use disorder who use fentanyl

A multi-site NIH study shows that less than 1% of people with opioid use disorder experience withdrawal when starting buprenorphine in the emergency department. The findings provide strong evidence for safe and effective buprenorphine treatment, even for those using stronger opioids like fentanyl.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2023

Half of patients in telemedicine program for opioid use disorder current with medication a month later

A telemedicine program for opioid use disorder patients showed that 55% of patients continued with their medication 30 days after being prescribed buprenorphine. The program received 371 calls and provided 249 buprenorphine prescriptions, filling a significant gap in treatment for this population.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNEJM Catalyst·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise for opioid addiction treatment

A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Targeting dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors reduces working memory deficits in alcohol use disorder

A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAddiction Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Prescribe fewer antidepressants, and for shorter periods, doctors advised

A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2021

Using short-acting opioids in the hospital could improve care for patients experiencing opioid withdrawal without pain

Experts suggest expanding treatment options for hospital patients with opioid withdrawal symptoms, potentially allowing more individualized and patient-centered care. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of short-acting opioids in this context.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 22, 2021

Ease access to opioid addiction medication, new research suggests

A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 28, 2021

Pot withdrawal eased for dependent users

A new drug has been shown to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms and increase abstinence in those trying to quit, according to a Yale-led study. The medication works by inhibiting the enzyme that degrades anandamide, a brain chemical that acts on brain cannabis receptors.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateDec 6, 2018