Updates
Novel Brain Study Increases Understanding of What Triggers Drug Use Relapse
New research on the biological basis of addiction has found that the critical epigenetic enzyme histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) limits the expression of the gene Scn4b, regulating neuronal activity and thereby the formation of strong drug-related memories, which can...
Nonfatal Pediatric Fentanyl Exposures Reported to US Poison Centers, 2015-2023
Pediatric fentanyl exposures have surged more than 1,100% since 2015, with nearly half resulting in life-threatening effects, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Most exposures involved ingestion, especially among...
Why are Overdoses Down?
Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta and the UNC Opioid Data Lab address reasons why ODs are down: https://opioiddatalab.ghost.io/are-overdoses-down-and-why/
New NC Statewide Overdose Surveillance Reports for February 2025
The Injury and Violence Prevention Branch of the Division of Public Health (IVPB) recently posted an update of suspected overdose deaths, fentanyl-positive deaths, and provisional data on Emergency Department (ED) visits for overdose reports. The IVPB did not post...
Deadliest Phase of Fentanyl Crisis Eases, As All States See Recovery
The deadliest phase of the street fentanyl crisis appears to have ended, as drug deaths continue to drop at an unprecedented pace. For the first time, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have now seen at least some recovery. A new analysis of U.S. overdose...
Nitrous Oxide Misuse On the Rise; FDA Advises Consumers Not to Inhale Nitrous Oxide Products
FDA advises consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from any size canisters, tanks, or chargers. These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food...
Learn more about our conferences and educational opportunities
Addiction Medicine Spring and Fall Conferences provide up-to-date substance use related education, applicable across general medical as well as addiction specialty practices.