When Addiction and COVID-19 Collide
The coronavirus outbreak could worsen America’s substance use crisis. USC addiction expert Adam Leventhal explains why it matters to all of us.
Nearly half of teens who vape say they want to quit
A new USC study finds an urgent need for vaping cessation programs similar to those aimed at kids who smoke cigarettes.
Less addictive opioid may slow osteoarthritis while easing pain
A Keck Medicine of USC study reveals that kappa opioids alleviated pain while also preserving cartilage in joints.
Pandemic drives alcohol sales — and raises concerns about substance abuse
As people stay at home and alcohol sales skyrocket, USC experts examine the physical, emotional and mental risks of substance abuse amid the global outbreak.
Using certain e-cigarette devices can lead to smoking more cigarettes
A USC study finds that teens who vape — especially those who use modifiable e-cigarette devices — end up smoking far more cigarettes than those who don’t.
Opioid withdrawal increases the odds of needle sharing or overdose
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC highlights the risks of withdrawal and reinforces the need for medication-assisted treatment.
‘Dabbing’ teens more likely to keep using cannabis and increase its use
USC-led study finds that, although the total number of high schoolers who were dabbing was low, those adolescents had nearly six times the likelihood of continuing to use concentrates.
Trojans asked to drop off extra medication on Drug Take Back Day, Dec. 5
On Dec. 5, students, faculty and staff can safely dispose of any unused or expired prescriptions and other drugs — no questions asked.
Teen vapers choose mint as their favorite e-cigarette flavor
Findings in a new USC study could impact pending legislation intended to reduce the growth of e-cigarette usage among teens.
USC study implicates flavored e-cigs in teen vaping epidemic
Researchers found that 64% of teens using flavored e-cigs were still vaping six months later, compared to 43% who used more traditional flavors.
Kids treated in general ERs are more likely to be prescribed opioids
According to USC research estimates, general ERs that prescribed similarly to pediatric ERs would have given out 28 million fewer opioid prescriptions.
Researchers investigate why certain brains are more vulnerable to addiction
A new USC study examines how to identify the people most at risk of opioid addiction and how to best treat those already addicted.
Efforts to minimize opioid use after surgery appear to be working
A major step in reducing reliance on opioids is empowering surgical patients to make informed, educated decisions about their health, a USC expert notes.
Teens who abuse opioids are more likely to later use heroin, USC study shows
The association between prescription opioids abuse and later heroin use reinforces that adolescents need to be considered in the opioid epidemic discussion.
They’re Cutting Opioid Prescriptions by Stopping Pain Before It Starts
What if you could quickly feel better after surgery just by planning ahead? That’s one way physicians are tackling the opioid crisis.
The USC Experts on the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic
Nearly 400,000 people in America died from opioid overdose from 1999-2017. USC experts believe they can stem the tide.
How tobacco companies use social media to hook a new generation of smokers
USC’s Robert Kozinets documents how Big Tobacco is crafting creative Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns — with dubious motives.
Mindfulness could be a key to recovering from substance abuse, USC experts say
Initial studies with young adults show dramatic drops in stress, cravings, impulsivity and risk of relapse after practicing mindfulness.
Mobile device use: Calling all British parents and teens
Study by USC Annenberg and colleagues compares responses with recent data gathered from Japan and the U.S.
Most teens who tried marijuana used it in various forms, research finds
A USC study raises concerns about adolescent health amid a booming cannabis market that touts sleekly packaged products claiming an array of health benefits.
USC receives $17.8 million grant to research tobacco-related health risks
The funding will be used to promote biomedical and behavioral research to build the scientific underpinning for regulation of tobacco products.
AI tool uses positive peer groups to fight substance abuse
Algorithm created by USC researchers leverages social networks to make the best use of substance abuse intervention groups for homeless youth.
Kids sneak smoking substitute into school, USC researchers find
Social media survey reveals new undetectable device is more likely to hook kids on nicotine than free adults from cigarettes.
Unexpected addiction for minority teens in L.A.: Tanning
USC researchers dispel myth that tanning is a problem only among white, college-age women.