Rutgers Addiction Research Center

10/09/2026

RARC’s Anne Fernandez, Associate Director of Health Services & Policy and Associate Professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, was recently featured in Medscape discussing changing trends in alcohol use and what they mean for clinical care.

Dr. Fernandez highlighted the importance of supporting patients who choose to cut back or abstain from alcohol, recognizing that behavior change and recovery can take many forms, and focusing on outcomes that improve quality of life and reduce harm.

She also discussed shifting drinking patterns among younger generations and the potential long-term impact of delaying or reducing alcohol use.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/4xcoIks

10/08/2026

A new Rutgers Health-led study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that U.S. benzodiazepine prescriptions declined 26.7% between 2013 and 2024, while the average dose per prescription also decreased.

Coauthored by researchers from Rutgers School of Public Health and Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research the findings may reflect more cautious prescribing as awareness grows around the risks of long-term benzodiazepine use and combining these medications with other drugs, including opioids.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/menHybQ

10/07/2026

New this week from RARC researchers 🔬

This week’s research looks at three very different questions across addiction science — from what happens after hospitalization, to how digital tools could support methadone treatment, to what teens are seeing and doing on social media.

Swipe through for quick takeaways on:
• Hospital readmissions among patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders
• How providers view smartphone-based support during methadone treatment
• The relationship between teens’ social media habits and exposure to alcohol-related content

We’re breaking down new research from RARC investigators into the key findings — and why they matter.

10/06/2026

Join us in person at the NEW NJ HELIX Rutgers Health building for the next RARC College Substance Use Scientific Interest Group meeting featuring Jennifer Buckman, PhD.

📅 October 22 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 In person at NJ HELIX, 20 French St., New Brunswick, NJ
💻 Zoom option also available

Dr. Buckman will present “Measuring the Health Risks of Recreational Drug Use for Those at Low(er) Risk of Addiction.”

Her research examines how recreational alcohol and cannabis use may affect physiological health, even among individuals at lower risk for addiction, including how substance use interacts with sedentary behavior and insufficient sleep, with particular attention to health effects in women.

Join us in person for a preview of the new HELIX Rutgers Health building while connecting with colleagues and hearing the latest research.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/09G4aDM

10/05/2026

⚠️ Public Health Alert: Cychlorphine, a highly potent emerging synthetic opioid, has been identified in the U.S. illicit drug supply and may be mixed with fentanyl, stimulants, or counterfeit pills.

It may be up to 10× more potent than fentanyl and is not detected by common fentanyl test strips. If an overdose is suspected, call 911 and administer naloxone — multiple doses may be needed.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/FVpsxOU

Public health and safety partners nationwide are warning about cychlorphine, an emerging synthetic opioid identified in the illicit drug supply across the United States. Cychlorphine belongs to a class of novel synthetic opioids known as “orphines.” It has been found on its own and in combinatio...

10/05/2026

RARC’s new collaboration with Partnership to End Addiction is featured in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly highlighting the shared goal of helping move addiction research into real-world practice.

The article features perspectives from RARC Director Danielle Dick and Partnership President and CEO Creighton Drury on breaking down silos between research and the communities it is meant to serve — and creating new opportunities for joint research, training, public education, and engagement.

Together, RARC and Partnership to End Addiction are working to make emerging addiction science more accessible and useful to families, professionals, and communities.

Read the feature: https://loom.ly/qcanG3I

10/02/2026

A few weeks ago, the Partnership staff had the pleasure of attending the Rutgers Addiction Research Center Fall Symposium.

During the event, Creighton Drury presented our organization’s goals, and RARC Director Danielle Dick announced our new collaboration with RARC to help strengthen the connection between addiction research and the families, professionals, and communities who can benefit from it.

Emily Feinstein also interviewed five Rutgers addiction researchers about emerging trends in addiction science and what families need to know.

We’re looking forward to releasing these informative videos soon and can’t wait for further collaborations with RARC! Rutgers University Rutgers Addiction Research Center

10/01/2026

Our 10-year celebration honored our community of experts, leaders, and dedicated individuals who are helping create pathways to recovery for thousands of individuals every year.

It also reaffirmed our commitment to providing best-in-class addiction care and recovery services because every life matters.

Together, we are tackling addiction!

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Objective: Young adults who report high-intensity drinking (HID; 8+/10+ drinks for females/males) are more likely to experience negative alcohol consequences than those reporting heavy episodic drinking (HED; 4+/5+ drinks for females/males). Identifying for whom and when HID is associated with same-...