Recovery Research Institute

02/18/2026

More frequent and higher-quantity cannabis use is linked to heavier alcohol consumption on days where both are used. Each additional instance of cannabis use or increase in amount —whether flower or concentrates—increases the likelihood of harmful, hazardous forms of alcohol use.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/co-use-of-cannabis-alcohol-characteristics-cannabis-influence-heavy-drinking/

02/16/2026

Defendants referred to a substance use diversion program —a program offering treatment instead of traditional criminal penalties— had better outcomes than those not referred. They were less likely to reoffend or receive a prison sentence, more likely to use hospital services for substance-related reasons, and 33% less likely to die within two years.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/closing-the-revolving-door-how-treatment-diversion-canhelp-end-cycle-substance-use-crime/

02/12/2026

Older adults in recovery report high levels of meaning and purpose in life, regardless of gender, recovery pathway, or when alcohol problems began. Those who developed problems later in life may be more actively searching for meaning, but both early- and late-onset groups feel similarly fulfilled.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/better-with-time-meaning-purpose-among-older-adults-alcohol-use-disorder-recovery/

02/09/2026

Rural recovery community centers run on an annual budget of about $200K, with 5 staff, and a lot of heart. They serve about 500 people each month with mutual-help, family support, and naloxone, and provide real pathways to housing, jobs, and treatment. These centers are the backbone of recovery in rural communities. See the image to find out more about recovery community services offered in-house.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/modest-but-mighty-rural-recovery-community-centers-characteristics-barriers-solutions/

02/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce our working schedule for the 2026 Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery!

Secure your spot at our conference to learn and connect from an array of individuals in the field.

Conference Dates: March 24-26, 2026
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Maryland
Access the schedule here: https://buff.ly/WvJZvzR |

02/02/2026

New research shines a light on why long-term relapse happens in alcohol use disorder, even after a year or more of sustained remission.

This study found that long-term relapse is rarely sudden. Instead, it often follows a gradual shift: reduced recovery focus, growing isolation, worsening mental health, and disengagement from support over time.

These insights can help clinicians and patients spot early warning signs before a recurrence of the disorder, and support more proactive, long-term recovery care.

Read the full press release to learn how this work can change the way we think about relapse prevention:

Mass General Brigham researchers study risk factors of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and precursors to long-term relapse among individuals after one year of complete remission.

01/27/2026

Save the date! We’re excited to gather the recovery science community virtually on September 23–24, 2026 for the third annual National Conference on Addiction Recovery Science!

Join us in driving change through collaborative addiction recovery science. Learn more at our website here:

https://www.recoveryanswers.org/coarsconference/ |

01/26/2026

RRI Director, Dr. John Kelly has been awarded the 2026 R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

He'll be in San Diego this coming April for the ASAM 57th Annual Conference, where he'll be receiving this award. He looks forward to seeing many of his colleagues there. American Society of Addiction Medicine - ASAM

https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2026/01/22/asam-s-2026-awards-honor-outstanding-addiction-medicine-professionals

01/22/2026

01/21/2026

An analysis of widely viewed TikTok videos shows opioid content is shaped by two competing narratives: opioids as dangerous drugs linked to overdose, and opioids as necessary but increasingly difficult-to-access medications for chronic pain. Despite millions of views, educational and harm reduction information, such as overdose response and treatment options, appeared in only a small share of posts.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/analyzing-opioid-content-tiktok-competing-narratives-limited-public-health-messaging/

01/15/2026

Outcomes for individuals in the hospital with alcohol-related liver disease can be lethal – mortality rates are high and follow up with treatment is low. This study showed that, while health risks are indeed dire, at least for some patients monetary rewards may help increase attendance at an Intensive Liver Care program, combining physical and mental health services. See the image for more details about this treatment.

Learn more here: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/severity-illness-makes-difficult-carry-out-study-contingency-management-for-alcohol-related-liver-disease/

01/14/2026

CHEARR and JEAP Invesigators Kristyn Zajac, Ashli Sheidow, and Tess Drazdowski are Guest Editors of a special issue of the journal Emerging Adulthood focused on recovery from substance use disorders. Please consider submitting your manuscripts and sharing with colleagues - the deadline is March 1, 2026. Learn more here:https://journals.sagepub.com/pb-assets/cmscontent/EAX/Special%20Issue%20Call%20for%20Papers_EA%20Recovery%208-25-1754648741.pdf