Cutting Back Doesn't Help Smokers' Health
Even smokers who cut their cigarette consumption in half in a bid to improve their health tend to die early, according to researchers who say that only quitting completely will help smokers live longer.

PTSD Can Lead to a More Severe Course and Worse Outcomes When Coupled With Substance Abuse
The first multi-center study of PTSD among individuals seeking treatment for an SUD has found a greater prevalence of PTSD among those who were drug- rather than alcohol-dependent, and that having PTSD was associated with a more severe course and worse outcome for an SUD.

Alcohol Involved in One-Third of Suicides
A third of suicide victims in a recent study had alcohol in their system, and about 10 percent tested positive for other drugs, such as opiates, cocaine, marijuana, or amphetamines, according to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many Teens Drink, Use Drugs and Drive; Parents Called Effective Deterrent
A new survey finds that 19 percent of teens drive under the influence of alcohol, 15 percent drive after using marijuana, and 7 percent report driving under the influence of other drugs.

Deadly Campus Fires Related to Drinking
Overconsumption of alcohol is a huge factor in fires at off-campus college housing, including most fatal blazes, USA Today reported Aug. 30.

Broad Drug Testing Adopted in Kansas Town
Middle- and high-school students in El Dorado, Kansas are subject to random drug testing when they attend or take part in any extracurricular activity, from sports to clubs, field trips, driver's education, and school plays, the Associated Press reported Sept. 13.

Study Says Marijuana Alters Blood Flow in Brain
Marijuana users' problems with memory and concentration could be related to altered blood flow to the brain, according to new research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

What Effects Do Anabolic Steroids Have On Behavior?
In addition to out-of-control aggression, anabolic steroids have been reported also to cause other behavioral effects, including euphoria, increased energy, sexual arousal, mood swings, distractibility, forgetfulness, and confusion.

Study Examines Alcohol Gene
Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has led to the discovery of another gene suspected of being linked to alcohol dependency.

NIDA Calls for Meetings to Be Held in States, Cities with Indoor-Smoking Bans
With a few exceptions, future meetings sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will only be held in communities that have enacted comprehensive smoke-free policies, the agency said.