Alcohol intake and health study: No protective effect at low levels, with mortality increasing to 1 in 25 at 14 Drinks per week

Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

This study used a cause-specific modeling approach to estimate the lifetime risk of alcohol-attributable mortality and morbidity in the United States based on a person’s average lifetime weekly alcohol consumption to assess the impact of per-occasion alcohol consumption on health. Researchers found that alcohol consumption, including at what may be perceived as “moderate” levels, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity risks. These results support tightening alcohol use guidance in the United States, for both males and females, to no more than 1 drink per day.

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Social media use trajectories and substance use experimentation: A prospective cohort study

The American Journal of Psychiatry

An analysis of data from more than 7,000 adolescents over 5 years found significant associations between rising social media use trajectories and substance use. Four distinct social media use trajectories were identified, with greater social media use over time throughout early adolescence being proportionally associated with an elevated likelihood of substance use.

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Benzodiazepine tapering: Evidence limitations and research recommendations Journal of Addiction Medicine

This systematic review of publications (2000-2023) concerning tapering benzodiazepines (BZDs) was used to inform the Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering, published in 2025. Rates of taper were often faster than recommended, such as 25%-50% reduction in the initial 1-2 weeks. There was little information on long-term outcomes such as protracted withdrawal and quality of life, and some studies had high rates of attrition. Patients were often switched from short- to long-acting BZDs; however, there are no data on the effect on withdrawal severity or outcomes. There is little information about adverse events such as mortality and suicidality, despite insurance data associating discontinuing BZDs and mortality. The authors conclude the evidence base for tapering BZDs is deficient and list 10 areas for future research.

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