Addiction Policy Forum
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Addiction Policy Forum today released a spotlight of impactful addiction studies published recently.
The new list – “10 Key Breakthroughs: Recent Studies Advancing our Understanding of Addiction and Treatment” – spotlights significant scientific advancements reshaping the substance use disorder (SUD) field. The piece highlights promising progress in treatment, risk identification, early detection, addressing comorbidities, and emerging substance use trends, offering a clearer picture of the evolving science of addiction.
“There is a tremendous amount of innovation happening in the addiction science field right now,” said Jessica Hulsey, Founder and Executive Director of Addiction Policy Forum. “We created this resource to bring the most promising research directly to families, policymakers, practitioners in health care, criminal justice systems, and community organizations. We want people to see that innovation is happening and ensure that our field is tracking the latest scientific advancements related to addiction.”
“The goal of this resource is to ensure that these groundbreaking findings don’t remain siloed in academic journals, but instead guide how communities respond, how systems adapt, and how individuals get support,” said Dr. Redonna Chandler, Scientific Advisor for the Addiction Policy Forum. “Every breakthrough strengthens our ability to respond more effectively and expands our understanding of the complex nature of addiction.”
Highlights include:
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GLP-1 Agonists Show Promise in Treating Substance Use Disorders
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Neuromodulation is an Emerging Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
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Contingency Management Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder Shown to Reduce the Risk of Death
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Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction Reduce Overdose Fatalities and Improve Patient Outcomes
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Mindfulness-Based Therapy Paired with Medications Reduces Opioid Cravings
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Aerobic Exercise Reduces Craving and Improves Decision-Making for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
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Over 48 Million People Have a Diagnosable Substance Use Disorder in the United States
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Cannabis Use and Health: Emerging Evidence Shows Significant Associations with Increased Risks of Heart Disease, Psychosis, and Suicide
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Even Light to Moderate Drinking Carries Health Risks, Including Increasing the Risk of Cancer and Dementia
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Nicotine Pouches, Cannabis, Vaping, and Hallucinogen Use Reaching Record Highs Among Adults
Read more about this research here: https://www.addictionpolicy.org/post/10-key-breakthroughs-recent-studies-advancing-our-understanding-of-addiction
About Addiction Policy Forum
The Addiction Policy Forum is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem. Our national headquarters are located in Bethesda, MD, with resources and services in every state. Our vision is to eliminate addiction as a major health problem. Our strategic priorities include helping patients and families in crisis, ending the stigma around addiction, expanding prevention and early intervention, increasing the uptake of evidence-based practice, and advancing patient-led research. Learn more at www.addictionpolicy.org.
CONTACT: Media Contact: Jessica Hulsey info@addictionpolicy.org
