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Spiritual practices strongly associated with reduced risk for hazardous alcohol and drug use

A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Early puberty may increase the risk of poor mental wellbeing and higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use are positively correlated with problematic pornography use (PPU), though studies saw no significant correlation between use of other substances and PPU, finds scoping review

A recent scoping review found a positive correlation between alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use with problematic pornography use (PPU). The study suggests that individuals using these substances are more likely to exhibit PPU behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 12, 2025

Unravelling the use of non-prescription weight-loss supplements by students in Egypt

A new study by Beni-Suef University in Egypt reveals that nearly half of undergraduate students use non-prescription weight loss supplements without prior medical consultation. The researchers found that many users were aware of potential health risks but continued taking the supplements due to social media and family influence.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2025

Bipolar disorder & alcohol: It’s not as simple as ‘self-medication’

A new study suggests that even temporary increases in drinking can have lasting effects on bipolar symptoms, but the opposite isn't true. The research found that individuals with bipolar disorder who drink more than typical for them are more likely to experience an increase in depressive and/or manic symptoms over six months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2024

Can big cats sing parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme?

A study by Kyoto University found that snow leopards consume the plant genus Myricaria in their feces when hungry. This suggests a link between prey and plant intake in these large alpine cat carnivores. The research provides insight into improved captive environments and suitable conservation plans for snow leopards.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Reservists, especially those with combat exposure, are at risk for alcohol misuse after military deployment: Study

A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Army Guard soldiers who returned from deployment were at risk for heavy drinking. The rate of drinking among deployed Guard soldiers exceeded that of deployed military personnel, with combat exposure being a significant factor.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2022

Salt in soluble paracetamol linked to increase risk of cardiovascular disease and death

A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Stress, by itself, can lead to excessive drinking in women but not men

A study by Arizona State University found that stress alone can lead to excessive drinking in women, while men only drink more when they've already consumed alcohol. The research highlights the importance of studying sex differences in alcohol consumption and challenges existing models developed primarily for men.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

Self-medication misuse is high in the Middle East

A systematic review reveals widespread self-medication misuse in the Middle East, with pharmacies selling up to 97% of antibiotics without a prescription. The study emphasizes the need for improved policies and education to address this issue.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateJun 19, 2017

Women more likely to self-medicate

A research study by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid found that women are more likely to self-medicate than men in Spain. The study, published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, revealed that 20.17% of Spaniards use medication without a medical prescription, with women accounting for 16.93% of those cases.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateApr 14, 2011