Psychoactive Substances

Many people seeking treatment for severe alcohol use disorder begin with a goal of alcohol abstinence. There are also, however, many less severe cases who hope to reduce their drinking rather than stopping altogether, and evidence suggests...

Over the last 3 decades, there have been several fluctuations in opioid use patterns and prevalence estimates in the United States. The predominant opioid involved in overdose deaths shifted from prescription opioids in the 1990’s and early...

ISSUP presents a webinar on Technology Use and Substance Use Disorder Among Youth.

This resource facilitates the examination and comparison of penalties or rehabilitative measures for primary drug-related offenses such as drug use, possession for personal use, and supply-related crimes across European countries...

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) highlights the strong link between drug use and criminal behavior, recognizing addiction as a disease requiring public health and safety interventions. The administration aims to break the cycle of drug use and crime through innovative, evidence-based approaches. These include smart probation strategies, like Hawaii's HOPE program and South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Project, which emphasize swift and certain sanctions for violations, reducing recidivism and saving costs. Drug courts, which combine treatment with judicial oversight, have shown success in reducing substance use and criminal activity. The administration supports expanding these programs to improve public safety and health outcomes while reducing correctional costs.

Background: Since 1996, an urban community-based organization has been providing screening, testing, overdose prevention, referrals, and access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and communicable diseases such as HIV through its...