February 5, 2026
“The first randomized trial of semaglutide for alcohol use disorder shows medium-to-large effects on craving (beta=-0.39) and drinking quantity (beta=-0.41) — a metabolic drug crossing into addiction medicine with mechanistic plausibility.”
“A meta-analysis of 21 trials finds gaming disorder treatment produces large effects (g=1.38) sustained at 90 days — comorbidity does not reduce efficacy, and adolescents respond best.”
“The intervention with the strongest evidence base for stimulant addiction was the one least available in practice. A 10x funding increase changes that equation overnight.”
“A patient can now receive a buprenorphine prescription through a phone call. No clinic visit. No waiting room. No geographic constraint. The DEA made this permanent on the last day of 2025.”
“Overdose deaths dropped 30% from the 2022 peak. But the system that produced that drop is losing the people who made it happen — 114,000 addiction counselors short by 2037.”
“The Practice Pathway to ABPM addiction medicine certification is closing — if you have been building clinical experience and delaying the exam, the timeline just shortened.”