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Harm Reduction

All articles tagged with #harm reduction

FDA Greenlights Lower-Risk Claims for Zyn Nicotine Pouches
health11 days ago

FDA Greenlights Lower-Risk Claims for Zyn Nicotine Pouches

The FDA has allowed 20 Zyn nicotine-pouch products to market claims that using Zyn instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, based on the totality of evidence. Regulators say the decision helps provide adults who smoke with science-based information about relative harms. The move is a win for PMI and Swedish Match, though critics warn about cardiovascular effects and note many users aren’t former smokers, highlighting ongoing debate about harm reduction and political associations around the product.

via Axios|
#fda#harm-reduction#health
LA County’s Third Consecutive Dip in Overdoses Highlights Prevention Push
science-and-medicine16 days ago

LA County’s Third Consecutive Dip in Overdoses Highlights Prevention Push

Los Angeles County recorded 2,298 accidental overdose and poisoning deaths in 2025, a 6% drop from 2024 and the third straight year of decline, driven by sustained prevention, treatment, and harm-reduction efforts (including naloxone distribution and fentanyl-focused campaigns). While deaths fell across most age groups, older adults rose and disparities persist for Black residents and men, with the 40–64 age group remaining the most affected.

via Los Angeles Times|
#fentanyl#harm-reduction#los-angeles-county
Dallas-Fort Worth Adopts Zebra Striping to Pace Alcohol
health-and-science1 month ago

Dallas-Fort Worth Adopts Zebra Striping to Pace Alcohol

A rising North Texas trend called zebra striping—alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic options—gains popularity, especially among Gen Z and younger Millennials, as a harm-reduction approach to pace drinking and stay hydrated. Bars are expanding mocktails and alcohol-free options, and research suggests the pattern can slow alcohol consumption and reduce dehydration, though it’s not a guaranteed fix if people extend nights or opt for stronger drinks. The trend is also fueling growth in the non-alcoholic beer market and reflects a broader shift toward moderation in social drinking.

via Dallas Express|
#dallas-fort-worth#harm-reduction#health-and-science
Vaping as a Quit Tool: The Power Lies in a Full Switch, Not Dual Use
health2 months ago

Vaping as a Quit Tool: The Power Lies in a Full Switch, Not Dual Use

Vaping can aid quitting, but its real payoff comes when it fully replaces cigarettes rather than being used in addition. Randomized trials show e-cigarettes can outperform single-form NRT with behavioral support, yet population data reveal widespread dual use that limits benefits. Successful quitting is strongest when smokers adopt a complete switch, paired with tailored nicotine strength, behavioral support, and ongoing device adjustments; partial switching sustains nicotine dependence and keeps health risks elevated.

via Iowa Park Leader|
#dual-use#harm-reduction#health
Deschutes County warns of overdose spike tied to adulterated drugs, urges Naloxone readiness
health2 months ago

Deschutes County warns of overdose spike tied to adulterated drugs, urges Naloxone readiness

Deschutes County reports a 24-hour spike in overdoses linked to suspected adulterated cocaine and ketamine, with six cases requiring naloxone and suggesting fentanyl may be present. The public—especially those not regularly using opioids—should carry naloxone, recognize overdose signs, and access local harm-reduction resources to obtain and administer it.

via KTVZ|
#deschutes-county#fentanyl#harm-reduction
Maine Warns of Vet Sedative in Illicit Drugs
health3 months ago

Maine Warns of Vet Sedative in Illicit Drugs

Maine public health officials warn medetomidine, a veterinary sedative nicknamed 'rhino tranq,' is appearing in the illicit drug supply—often with fentanyl—and is far more potent than xylazine, potentially causing severe withdrawals, sedation, and cardiovascular problems. While statewide overdoses declined last year, hotspots like Penobscot County and Bangor remain of concern. Testing is limited, naloxone should be used for suspected medetomidine-related overdoses (even though medetomidine itself isn’t reversed by naloxone), and harm-reduction groups urge drug checking as the drug supply remains unpredictable.

via WGME|
#drug-supply#harm-reduction#health
Maine Faces New Drug Threat as Vet Sedative Medetomidine Surfaces in Street Drugs
public-health3 months ago

Maine Faces New Drug Threat as Vet Sedative Medetomidine Surfaces in Street Drugs

Maine public health officials warn medetomidine, a veterinary sedative nicknamed 'rhino tranq,' has appeared in the state's drug supply—often mixed with fentanyl—and is far more potent than xylazine. It can trigger severe withdrawal and dangerous drops in blood pressure or heart rate; naloxone may not reverse medetomidine on its own, so prompt medical care is essential. Testing is limited, and harm-reduction groups are urging drug checking and awareness as Bangor and Penobscot County report rising overdoses amid an HIV outbreak among people who use drugs.

via Bangor Daily News|
#drug-supply#harm-reduction#medetomidine
health3 months ago

Experts challenge cancer-risk claims in e-cigarette review

Reaction to a Carcinogenesis paper on the carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes drew divided expert opinion. Some scientists say the review wrongly treats any detected trace as cancer-causing and note nicotine itself is not a carcinogen, stressing that vaping exposes far fewer tobacco-related carcinogens than smoking. Others criticize its lack of systematic methodology, opaque data handling, and selective citing, arguing it does not prove vaping causes cancer or quantify risk. Overall, experts agree vaping involves harm but remains a less harmful alternative to smoking for those who switch, and there is no robust evidence that vaping equals the cancer risk of combustion cigarettes.

via Science Media Centre|
#carcinogenicity#e-cigarettes#expert-reaction
Standard THC Unit Could Help Quantify Cannabis Use and Cut Harm
health5 months ago

Standard THC Unit Could Help Quantify Cannabis Use and Cut Harm

A University of Bath–led CannTeen study proposes a standard THC unit to quantify cannabis potency, aiming to provide a metric similar to standard drinks. Analyzing 150 London users over 12 months, researchers found potency has risen and higher-THC cannabis is linked to greater risk of cannabis use disorder; they estimate a strong 0.45 g joint can contain about 12.8 THC units while a weaker variant may have ~3.8 units. They suggest adults should not exceed 8 THC units per week to reduce risk, a guideline welcomed by public health researchers, though cannabis contains many cannabinoids beyond THC. The study is published in Addiction.

via ScienceAlert|
#cannabis#cannteen-study#harm-reduction
Challenges in Quitting E-Cigarettes Despite Safer Perception
health6 months ago

Challenges in Quitting E-Cigarettes Despite Safer Perception

Vaping is considered safer than smoking due to the absence of combustion, but it remains addictive and challenging to quit, especially for young people. While evidence supports vaping as a less harmful alternative, many users struggle to stop due to behavioral and psychological factors, with various support strategies like gradual reduction, professional help, and behavioral therapies showing promise. Public misconceptions about vaping's risks persist, complicating efforts to reduce its use, particularly among youth.

via The Guardian|
#harm-reduction#health#nicotine-addiction
Notable MacArthur 'Genius' Awardees Highlighting Diverse Achievements
health9 months ago

Notable MacArthur 'Genius' Awardees Highlighting Diverse Achievements

Nabarun Dasgupta, a UNC researcher specializing in street drug supply and overdose data, was awarded the MacArthur 'genius' grant for his work in understanding and reducing the U.S. overdose crisis, including early detection of declining overdose deaths and promoting harm reduction programs. His efforts have contributed to saving tens of thousands of lives, despite ongoing challenges with drug-related fatalities.

via NPR|
#drug-overdose-data#harm-reduction#health
Nitazenes, a Synthetic Opioid 20 Times More Potent Than Fentanyl, Drive Rising Deaths
health9 months ago

Nitazenes, a Synthetic Opioid 20 Times More Potent Than Fentanyl, Drive Rising Deaths

Estonia is experiencing a severe opioid crisis driven by the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which have caused a surge in overdose deaths and highlight the challenges of drug policy and social marginalization. The country's history with fentanyl and ongoing struggles with drug demand and supply reflect broader issues that could threaten other European nations and the UK.

via UnHerd|
#drug-overdose#estonia#harm-reduction