Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
Clinicians develop addiction treatment approaches as kratom and 7-OH use increase
A recent analysis article published by WHYY and authored by Liz Tung discussed the growing use of kratom and its synthetic derivatives, particularly 7-OH and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in the U.S. Although national prevalence estimates remain uncertain, clinicians have...
Current evidence on cannabis and health: Analysis
A recent New York Times analysis authored by Roni Caryn Rabin examined the current scientific and clinical understanding of cannabis use, particularly in the context of reduced medical cannabis restrictions in the U.S. Earlier in April, the White House announced it...
B.C. police were skeptical decriminalization would reduce overdose deaths: Study
According to the results of a recent study carried out by Simon Fraser University (SFU) professor Amanda Butler, B.C. police officers were skeptical that the province's drug decriminalization pilot program would be successful. As part of the survey, 30 police officers...
New Canadian guidelines recommend simpler alcohol screening in routine care
An updated clinical practice guideline published in the medical journal Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) recommends that healthcare providers should routinely screen patients for alcohol consumption above Canada’s low-risk drinking thresholds using a...
Moderate alcohol consumption can negatively impact brain health: Study
According to the results of a new study, even moderate alcohol consumption may significantly reduce brain blood flow, especially in older adults. The research study, published in the journal Alcohol, included 45 healthy participants between the ages of 22 and 70 years...
Low to moderate alcohol consumption is linked to health risks: Study
According to the results of a new study, low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with increased health risks depending on the type and amount consumed. The study was conducted by researchers from Central South University in Changsha, China and the findings...
U.S. reclassifies medical cannabis as lower-risk drug
On April 23, Donald Trump’s acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis as a less dangerous drug, resulting in a major policy shift. While this move does not legalize cannabis federally in the U.S., it changes...
Alberta health experts warn of tranquilizer in drug supply that does not respond to naloxone
Earlier in March, harm reduction activists and addiction researchers issued warnings over the growing presence of medetomidine in Alberta’s drug supply. Medetomidine is a strong non-opioid sedative mainly used in veterinary medicine, which has been increasingly...
The link between stress and addiction: Study
According to a new study, stress can directly influence addiction-related behaviours through specific brain circuits. The research study, carried out by scientists from the University of Texas and published in the peer-reviewed journal eLife, used a transgenic mice...