Rutgers Addiction Research Center

A Rutgers Health study led by Abanoub Armanious (SPH) and Morgan James (RWJMS) found that patients using semaglutide were more likely to stay on treatment when they believed it was reducing weight, appetite, or cravings. Perceived benefit matters.
Read more: https://loom.ly/BOSvK18

The rising cost of online betting addiction among young people In an era when you can bet on almost any sporting event on your phone, it is no surprise that gambling addiction is on the rise. Young men are particularly likely to get in too deep. WBUR's Patrick Madden reports from Massachusetts.

Rutgers’ Dr. Lia Nower was featured on NPR discussing the rising risks of online sports betting among young adults, including how mobile platforms, nonstop access, and heavy advertising may be driving increases in problem gambling and treatment referrals. Read the feature: https://loom.ly/zXVhGBw

Join our RARC Interest Group on Cannabis with Elizabeth Minott from the Rutgers Office of General Counsel for a clear legal update on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it means in practice for researchers and clinicians.
Learn more: https://loom.ly/x0zcMH0

📅 Feb 24 | 2–3 PM (virtual) Join the kickoff of the RARC Psychiatric & Behavioral Genetics Workgroup featuring Dr. Jared V. Balbona (VCU) speaking on genetic heterogeneity in substance use disorders. Learn more: https://loom.ly/fTiWOLw

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers!

Highlights include updates on #RARC and @rutgersbhi.bsky.social events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ https://loom.ly/2W1SQkE

📅 Feb 24 | 2–3 PM (virtual)
Join the kickoff of the RARC Psychiatric & Behavioral Genetics Workgroup featuring Dr. Jared V. Balbona (VCU) speaking on genetic heterogeneity in substance use disorders. Learn more: https://loom.ly/fTiWOLw

Why Today’s Cannabis Is Dangerous for Developing Brains A Rutgers Health physician shares facts about marijuana she says parents of teens and people under 25 need to know

Jill Williams of @rwjms.bsky.social highlights growing concerns about #cannabis use among #youth. Early, frequent use & higher-potency products are linked to increased addiction risk, mental health impacts, & effects on brain development: https://loom.ly/8-qAZyc

Join our upcoming RARC TARP seminar with Heath D. Schmidt, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) presenting “Targeting Central GLP-1Rs to Reduce Drug-Mediated Behaviors.” Open to faculty, trainees, collaborators, and friends.

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

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New Research Spotlight 🎥 Dr. Kristina Jackson shares findings on alcohol + cannabis co-use among young adults. Higher alcohol consumption — not cannabis itself — drove increased negative consequences, underscoring the value of alcohol harm-reduction strategies. Watch here: https://loom.ly/UjFo-UY

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers!

Highlights include updates on #RARC and @rutgersbhi.bsky.social events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ https://loom.ly/YKIFDNo

New study in JAMA Psychiatry by Dr. Greta Bushnell finds a sharp rise in noncocaine psychostimulant use disorder among young adults using national Medicaid data (2001–2020), with high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions. Prevention & treatment efforts are critical: https://loom.ly/eN3apMM

The Hidden Toll of Sports Betting on Couples In these risk-taking situations, it’s often women who are impacted the most.

Dr. Lia Nower, Director of the Center for Gambling Studies, was featured in ELLE on the growing impact of online sports betting on families. She highlights rising financial strain, relationship stress, and hidden harms.

Read more: https://loom.ly/xHc0Kdk

Call for Abstracts 📣 CAS invites undergrad, grad, and postdoc trainees to submit abstracts for the 11th Annual CAS Scholar Poster Session (April 29, 2026). Showcase research on alcohol, substance use, recovery & related topics. Deadline: March 9, 2026. Learn more & submit: loom.ly/c2W1Q7E

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers!

Highlights include updates on #RARC and @rutgersbhi.bsky.social events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ https://loom.ly/NeKwwHs

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. - YouTube

Can substance exposure affect future generations? Dr. Chris Pierce of #RWJMS shares new research showing paternal cocaine exposure may impact learning and memory in offspring and grand-offspring through epigenetic mechanisms.

📽️ watch the research spotlight: https://loom.ly/38Kopgw

New study in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, co-authored by Angelo DiBello (GSAPP), examines how college students who drink heavily reduce alcohol-related harms. Findings highlight both established & emerging strategies, varying across phases of drinking & social support. https://loom.ly/EbDZbTs

Neuromodulation: Promising New Approaches to Addressing Substance Use Disorders Neuromodulation is gaining attention as an effective approach for treating substance use disorders. These techniques work by using electrical, magnetic, or soundwave stimulation to stimulate brain circuits affected by addiction. Research shows encouraging results in reducing craving and relapse risk.   During this webinar, leading researchers will provide an overview of neuromodulation, including the different techniques and how they work, and what current science shows about their potential rol

Free Webinar alert! Leading researchers will break down neuromodulation techniques, how they work, and what current science suggests about their potential role in addiction treatment—presented in a clear, accessible way for a broad audience.
🔗 https://loom.ly/h2pi8BI

Congratulations to Anna Konova (RWJMS) on her election as a Full Member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). This honor recognizes outstanding scientific contributions and leadership in neuropsychopharmacology, mental health, & addiction research 🔗 https://loom.ly/plIC8jI

New Jersey is removing long-standing barriers to integrated care. New licensing rules now allow physical health, mental health, & addiction treatment under one license. Rutgers CSPHP researcher Ann Nguyen explains why this reform is a major win for patients and providers.
🔗 https://loom.ly/1PSjDAY

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers!

Highlights include updates on #RARC and @rutgersbhi.bsky.social events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ https://loom.ly/MM3pa78

Workgroup leaders will lead a review and open forum on a draft white paper outlining priorities, resources, & actionable steps to advance the translation of addiction research. The session will also gather member input on strategies to increase real-world impact in addiction science: loom.ly/V-p0j_o

Dr. Kleiman’s work focuses on understanding everyday factors relevant to clinical psychology, with a particular emphasis on improving the lives of individuals at risk for suicide through smartphone- and wearable-based monitoring technologies.

🔗 Learn more: loom.ly/OUjqong

This meeting brings together addiction researchers across Rutgers focused on treatment and recovery, with the goal of fostering idea exchange, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

🔗 RSVP by January 19: loom.ly/mqHsw2A

Wishing our RARC/BHI community a holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and meaningful moments. We’re deeply grateful for your support and engagement, and look forward to staying connected and building together in 2026.

Finding work after rehab can be tough. But not at this Michigan wood factory A wood manufacturing company in the forests of northern Michigan is hiring people right out of rehab and running a sober house for employees in addiction recovery.

Recovery doesn’t end at treatment. A recent story highlights how meaningful employment and stable housing can support long-term recovery after rehab. Peggy Swarbrick @rutgersgsapp.bsky.social underscores what research shows: work provides structure, purpose, and stability.
Read more: loom.ly/1gSTydk

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers University.

Highlights include updates on RARC & BHI events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ loom.ly/2Bnvfxk

The clock is ticking! This #GivingTuesday, help fuel the future of addiction research at the Rutgers Addiction Research Center. Every gift drives breakthroughs and brings hope.
💙 Donate: loom.ly/6zNrdrw

#GivingTuesday #AddictionScience #RutgersResearch #RARC

RARC Digital Health Workgroup Meeting featuring Alexis Kuerbis, "Digitally Dividing or Digitally Thriving? Older Adult Responses to Digital Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use" - Rutgers Addiction Res... Join via Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/93713701197?pwd=uvDtxal9SyoAOAw3HTevzEK7RjDr1n.1 Meeting ID: 937 1370 1197 Password: 104898

TODAY at 2 PM ET! Join the RARC Digital Health Workgroup as we welcome Alexis Kuerbis. Her work explores substance use in older adulthood and digital interventions tailored to their needs.

All are welcome to attend: loom.ly/4aqfRD0

This Thanksgiving, we’re filled with gratitude for our incredible community 🦃🍁💛 Your dedication, collaboration, and passion make our work meaningful, and we’re so thankful for each of you!

Stay up-to-date with the latest addiction-related news and events at Rutgers University.

Highlights include updates on RARC & BHI events, funding opportunities, upcoming trainings, resources, and much more ➡️ loom.ly/CBHW5wo