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Brief of Drug Policy Alliance as Amicus Curiae in Support of Respondent

The brief argues a law prohibiting "unlawful users" of controlled substances from possessing firearms is unconstitutionally vague.

Vague lawsunlawful userfirearm possessioncontrolled substanceseparation of powerscriminalization of drug usemarijuanafelony conviction
(2026)

Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum A Randomized Clinical Trial

A clinical trial found extended-release buprenorphine to be as effective and safe as sublingual buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder in pregnant people. This extended-release option helps improve adherence and reduce misuse risks.

buprenorphineextended-releaseopioid use disorderpregnancyneonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
(2026)

Long-term relapse: markers, mechanisms, and implications for disease management in alcohol use disorder

Research on alcohol use disorder often focuses on short-term relapse. However, factors influencing long-term relapse after sustained remission are largely unknown, despite its importance for ongoing recovery.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)long-term relapse (LTR)sustained remissionrelapse preventionrecoverybio-psycho-social factorsrecovery support services (RSS)risk factorscognitive vigilancemental health symptoms
(2026)

United States v. Hemani

The Supreme Court ruled that disarming a lawful gun owner for regular marijuana use violates the Second Amendment. The government did not show a historical tradition for such a restriction.

Second Amendmentgun ownermarijuana usehistorical traditiondisarm
(2026)

DiFraia v. Ransom

The court ruled prison officials did not violate the Eighth Amendment or ADA by stopping an inmate's Suboxone treatment after suspected misuse. However, his state negligence claim was sent back to a lower court.

Eighth AmendmentADASuboxone treatmentprison officialssuspected diversion
(2026)

Gonzales v. Battelle Energy All.

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a jury's verdict favoring an employee in an ADA case. The court found evidence supported disability and retaliation claims, and the employer forfeited its exhaustion defense.

ADA discriminationretaliationjury verdictdisability claimsemployeremployee ereinstatement
(2026)

United States v. Walton

Walton was denied pretrial release due to charges of sexually exploiting minors while providing them with drugs and alcohol. The court found his actions posed too great a danger for release.

pretrial releasefederal casesexually exploiting minorscocainealcoholdanger to communitydenied releaseWaltonchild exploitationsubstance use
(2025)

James v. State

The Florida Supreme Court upheld James's death sentence. The court rejected arguments that brain damage, mental illness, or substance use made execution cruel and unusual.

Florida Supreme Courtdeath sentenceJamesbrain damagemental illnesssubstance usecruel and unusual punishmentexecutionupheld sentencecapital punishment
(2025)

Matter of SG

The court upheld S.G.'s civil commitment. His mental health and substance use disorders caused repeated overdoses and suicidal behavior, leading to life-threatening harm.

Oregon state casecivil commitmentbipolar disorderschizoaffective disordersubstance useoverdosesuicidal behaviorlife-threatening harmS.G.court upheld
(2025)

Interest of LMS

The court upheld a mother's rights termination after her newborn tested positive for meth. She missed drug tests, failed treatment, and lacked stable housing.

termination of parental rightsmethsubstance usestable housingtreatmentchild welfaremethamphetamine
(2025)

Huffman v. Robey

The court allowed a prisoner's claims of ADA violations and deliberate indifference to proceed, regarding the denial of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. A preliminary injunction was denied.

ADA8th AmendmentMATOUDprisoner rightsMOUDpreliminary injunctiondeliberate indifferencedenial of treatment
(2025)

Pre-Arrest Diversion-To-Treatment for Adults with Substance Use Disorder: Health Outcomes and Predictors of Program Completion

Pre-arrest diversion programs offer an alternative to incarceration for drug-related crimes. These programs show promise in reducing re-arrests and improving health outcomes like overdose rates among participants.

pre-arrest diversioncrimesubstance use disorderopioid use disorderaddictiontreatment
(2025)

Medication for opioid use disorder service delivery in carceral facilities: Update and summary report

Incarceration increases the risk of opioid overdose upon release due to decreased drug tolerance. Providing medication for opioid use disorder during incarceration significantly reduces overdose deaths.

overdosecriminal legal systemMedication-assisted treatment (MAT)MOUDincarcerationBuprenorphineMethadoneNaltrexoneOpioid use disorder (OUD)Recidivism
(2025)

Early Life Stress and Substance Use Disorders: Underlying Neurobiology and Pathways to Adverse Outcomes

Early life stress is a major public health concern impacting over half of adults. It significantly increases the risk for substance use disorders and other mental and physical illnesses, reducing lifespan.

Early Life StressSubstance Use DisordersAddictionNeurobiologyHPA AxisRelapsePrefrontal CortexImpulsivityComorbid Psychopathology
(2025)

US v. Butler

Kevin Butler was found guilty of threatening the U.S. President. The court ruled he was not legally insane because he understood his actions were criminal, despite his delusions and drug use.

legal insanitycocaine use disorderdelusionscriminal threatsthreatening
(2025)
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