Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
Florida moves to reclassify xylazine as controlled substance
Earlier in August, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the U.S. state has moved to reclassify the drug xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with an exemption for veterinary use. Xylazine is used as a veterinary sedative and muscle relaxant...
Why addiction is often overlooked in women: Analysis
A recent analysis article published by Psychology Today and authored by Dr. Smita Das examined why addiction is often overlooked in women. The article discussed how addiction in women often develops quietly and gradually during stressful life transitions, including...
DOT Proposes Major Changes to Drug Testing Rules
On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, outlining a series of significant updates to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. These proposed changes could impact...
CDC introduces new initiative on youth substance use and mental health
Earlier in August, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the launch of Free Mind, a new national campaign that provides youth aged 12-17 years and their parents and caregivers with “resources and information about substance use, mental...
International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31 is the International Overdose Awareness Day, and is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose, remember the lives lost, and support the affected families and communities. The day serves as an important reminder of the serious and devastating impact of...
Kratom use linked to severe addiction and withdrawal
In recent months, kratom, a natural supplement derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia, has been gaining a lot of attention in the U.S. due to its associated health risks and potential to cause addiction. Currently, the substance is in a legal gray area with...
Trump considers easing federal cannabis rules
Earlier in August, Donald Trump said his administration is now “looking at” reclassifying cannabis as a less dangerous drug, which would bring the U.S. federal government closer to an approach already embraced in many states. According to Trump, he expected to make a...
Winnipeg community group challenges PC leader’s call to halt overdose prevention van
According to a Winnipeg community resource centre, data used by the leader of Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives to argue for the parking of a mobile overdose prevention site is misleading. Earlier in August, PC Leader Obby Khan said in a news release that the...
Alcohol-related liver disease has doubled in 20 years in the U.S.
According to the results of a new study, Americans who drink alcohol heavily are more than twice as likely to develop significant liver disease compared to two decades ago. The study, authored by researchers from Keck Medicine of USC, was published in the...