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This issue covers new federal recognition for addiction credentialing standards, alongside a wave of public health data. IC&RC was recognized in a new federal toolkit addressing homelessness and addiction, and the U.S. Attorney's Office marked National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day across Louisiana. A new national survey found marijuana use has overtaken cigarette smoking for the first time, while NPR examined why so many doctors still hesitate to treat addiction directly. The VA has also launched a nationwide trial testing whether a GLP-1 medication can help treat alcohol use disorder in veterans.
IC&RC
The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) has been recognized in a new federal toolkit, Addressing Homelessness and Addiction through Treatment First, for its role in supporting certification and accreditation standards for addiction professionals. The recognition follows IC&RC's advocacy efforts with federal policymakers beginning in 2025. Member boards and partners are encouraged to review the toolkit and learn more about the federal approach to addressing homelessness and addiction through treatment.
KLAX-TV
On Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller of the Western District of Louisiana joined Drug Enforcement Administration and community partners in observing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, joining communities across Louisiana and the country working to confront the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history. The day is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and honoring the lives lost to fentanyl poisoning and overdose.
Lee News Central
Marijuana use surpassed cigarette use in the United States last year, a new study found. In 2025, 43.8 million Americans (ages 12 and up) used marijuana regularly, compared to 36.1 million Americans who smoked cigarettes, according to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Marijuana use was highest among adults ages 18 to 25 (8.4 million people), while cigarette use was highest among adults 26 and up (32.2 million people), the survey, released July 28, shows.
NPR
In the U.S., about a quarter of a million people die each year from alcohol and drug-related illness, despite proven medical treatments for addiction. So why aren't doctors prescribing them more? This episode was produced by Liz Baker and Kathryn Fink, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane.
Addiction Center
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a nationwide clinical trial to determine whether the GLP-1 medication semaglutide can help veterans living with alcohol use disorder, adding to growing interest in whether these medications could become a new addiction treatment option.
Journal of Substance Use
Opioid use among young adults is a global public health issue with an alarming need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies. This study contributes novel insights into the reasons for opioid use across different age and gender groups, and the reasons why opioid users had not sought opioid maintenance treatment.
AIDS and Behavior
Substance use disorders and polysubstance use (defined as co-occurring SUDs involving two or more substances), precursors for high-risk behaviors among key populations like men who have sex with men, may significantly impede optimal engagement in the HIV care continuum.
Louisiana Department of Health
The 988-dialing code is more than just an easy-to-remember number — it's a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free, confidential access to trained helpline staff.
Louisiana has two certified Lifeline centers, — VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling — who are ready to respond to 988 calls. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The fact sheet provides an overview of 988. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis helpline staff member who can help.
MCG
Behavioral health care technology is advancing as new virtual care tools are developed and studied, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has served as a turning point for the use of digital tools to reach patients isolated from care. This evolving technology should help improve the delivery of mental health services by making them more effective and accessible.
In this new white paper, MCG Physician Editor for Behavioral Health, Daniel Bristow, M.D., FAPA, explores:
SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and specifically, its National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory (Policy Lab), is pleased to fulfill the charge of the 21st Century Cures Act to disseminate information on evidence-based practices and service delivery models to prevent substance misuse and help people with substance use disorders, serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbances get the treatment and support they need. Treatment and recovery for SUD, SMI and SED can vary based on several factors, including geography, socioeconomics, culture, gender, race, ethnicity and age. This can complicate evaluating the effectiveness of services, treatments and supports. Despite these variations, however, there is substantial evidence to inform the types of resources that can help reduce substance use, lessen symptoms of mental illness and improve quality of life.