06 March 2021

• Pandemic ratchets up pressure on people with substance use disorder
  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect across society, but it has been especially devastating for people with substance use disorder.
• Minimum unit pricing for alcohol targets men's drinking habits more effectively than women's
  Alcohol pricing policies—such as duty increases and minimum unit pricing—appear to be more effective at reducing consumption and harm for men than women, according to a new study.
• Mobile app helps young adults talk with friends about risky drug, alcohol use
  A smartphone app called Harbor, currently under development by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, teaches young adults how to talk to a peer if they are concerned about that other person's drinking or drug use.
• Alcohol withdrawal rates among hospitalized patients rose 34% during COVID pandemic
  During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a 34% increase in alcohol withdrawal (AW) rates among hospitalized patients at ChristianaCare, according to a research letter published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Diagnosis of genetic condition could help patients stop smoking and prevent lung disease
  New research shows that people diagnosed with a genetic condition, called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), are far more likely to stop smoking and therefore prevent the development of lung disease.