Addiction: Latest News & Research
Curated updates on addiction research and treatment, updated monthly. Last updated: October 10, 2026.
This Month’s Highlights
U.S. overdose deaths fell for a third straight year
Provisional CDC data estimate about 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2025, down nearly 14% from 2024. Progress is real, but overdose remains a leading cause of death, and treatment works. (CDC National Center for Health Statistics, May 2026)
Semaglutide (Ozempic) plus therapy reduced heavy drinking
In a 26-week trial of 108 adults with alcohol use disorder and obesity, everyone received cognitive behavioral therapy. Those who also received weekly semaglutide had a significantly larger drop in heavy drinking days, alcohol intake and cravings than those on placebo. (The Lancet, May 2026)
Quitting alcohol may prime the brain for relapse
New research shows the brain undergoes changes after quitting drinking that may raise relapse risk during early recovery, underscoring the value of ongoing support. (ScienceDaily, August 2026)
Cannabis-based medicines: mixed results for addiction
The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date (54 trials) found some promise for treating cannabis dependence, but cannabis-based treatments increased cravings in people with cocaine use disorder, and showed no benefit for anxiety or depression. (The Lancet Psychiatry, March 2026)
This page shares general research news for education only. It is not medical advice and doesn’t replace care from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. For confidential treatment referrals, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.