Recovery Research Institute

In psychiatric emergency room patients, cannabis use rises after legalization of recreational sales in Massachusetts, but the largest changes are seen amongst adolescents rather than adults. After legalization, adolescent cannabis use increased from 5% to 17%, and cannabis-related disorders rose from 3% to 12%.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/adolescents-presenting-psychiatric-emergency-departments-more-likely-test-positive-cannabis-after-legalization/

A telebridge online program helps people recently released from incarceration quickly connect to opioid use disorder treatment by linking them to clinicians via telemedicine and coordinating follow-up care.

Notably, over 90% of patients received medication the same day they first engaged with the program, minimizing delays that can lead to treatment drop-off.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/relapse-to-recover-rapid-telemedicine-access-oud-treatment-after-incarceration/

From release to recovery: Rapid telemedicine access to opioid use disorder treatment after incarceration In this geospatial modeling analysis done in Ohio, more than a third of opioid use disorder treatment need was outside a 15-minute drive time of an Opioid Treatment Program to access methadone trea…

Interest in cannabidiol (CBD) as a tool to reduce alcohol use is growing, however, a research study did not find evidence that it helped. Participants improved equally in both the CBD and placebo groups, suggesting that CBD is unlikely to help. Given the study small sample size, further study is needed.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/does-cannabidiol-cbd-reduce-alcohol-use/

In a new study, giving and receiving help in recovery—in sober living homes, 12-step groups, and personal networks—was linked to better alcohol outcomes. Helping others was associated with lower odds of drinking, while receiving help was linked to fewer alcohol-related problems.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/does-helping-others-benefit-the-helper/

A hybrid treatment model, combining one in-person visit with telemedicine follow-up, retains people as well as standard in-person care when starting buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder.

Notably, withdrawal symptoms dropped by about 70% within the first week in both groups, highlighting how quickly this medication can begin to improve symptoms regardless of delivery method.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/is-telemedicine-appropriate-therapeutic-mode-starting-someone-buprenorphine/

Have you submitted your proposal for NCARS yet? Join leading researchers from across the field this September to share your work and connect with the recovery science community.

Submit here: https://redcap.link/2026NCARS

People who have been in recovery for years or even decades reported relapse to alcohol use disorder reported warning signs as long as 6-12 months prior to the relapse event, but do not see the relapse coming.

Some of the most common and potent relapse signs that were reported as definitely contributing to these long-term relapses were losing focus on recovery, mental health symptoms, social isolation, and physical pain. Relapse risk in long-term recovery isn’t about “triggers,” as much as it is about staying vigilant and keeping recovery a priority, as well adequately managing a variety of mostly psychological and social stressors.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/long-term-relapse-what-goes-wrong-after-years-successful-remission/

Young adults have the highest rates of substance use disorder but lowest rates of recovery. About 22% of young adults report having a substance use disorder but only 5% say they are in recovery. In contrast, adults ages 26+ are nearly twice as likely to report being in recovery.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/sud-and-recovery-vary-considerably-across-demographic-groups/


UMass SPARC
Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research

Announcing deadline extension!

You now have until May 25th, 2026 to submit your proposal for NCARS. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your work, exchange ideas, and connect with others advancing recovery science.

We’re looking forward to bringing this community together in September, hope to see your submission!
Submit here: https://redcap.link/2026NCARS

Caregivers who received a brief family meal–based intervention (including conversation prompts and guidance) were more likely to talk with their children about alcohol and drug use, even months later.

Read more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/communication-an-adolescent-substance-use-prevention-strategy-around-family-meals/
Tufts University School of Medicine