American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse最新文献

{"title":"Strategies to address co-occurring behavioral health needs among justice-involved youth.","authors":"Suhanee Mitragotri, Aakash Reddy, David T Zhu","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2516680","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2516680","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visuo-spatial learning and memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice following postnatal ethanol exposure.","authors":"Ilknur Dursun, Birsen Elibol","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2526114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2526114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Postnatal alcohol exposure impairs the development of the central nervous system, including the visual system. The behavioral consequences of such exposure on visual function remain poorly understood.<i>Objectives:</i> In this study, we investigated the effects of postnatal ethanol exposure on visuospatial learning and memory in C57BL/6 mice.<i>Methods:</i> Ethanol (3.0 g/kg) was administered via intubation on postnatal days 3-20. Controls received intubation only or no intervention. Pups were assigned to alcohol-treated (A, <i>n</i> = 11), intubation control (IC, <i>n</i> = 11), or non-intubated control (C, <i>n</i> = 9) groups. At three months, mice underwent the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test and a visual water task. The NOR test measured recognition memory and exploratory behavior. The visual water task assessed visual acuity using sinusoidal gratings presented on monitors. Mice were trained over 17 days to associate a grating with a hidden platform, and visual acuity thresholds were determined based on performance at varying spatial frequencies.<i>Results:</i> Alcohol-exposed mice showed significant deficits in recognition memory and visual acuity. No group differences in body weight were observed. However, alcohol-treated mice displayed reduced exploration of novel objects (<i>p</i> = .0085, R² = 0.29) and lower visual acuity thresholds at higher spatial frequencies (<i>p</i> = .048, R² = 0.24).<i>Conclusion:</i> These findings demonstrate that early postnatal alcohol exposure can lead to lasting impairments in visual-cognitive functions. Given their similarity to deficits seen in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), our results suggest the importance of early behavioral and visual assessments in children with suspected prenatal or early postnatal alcohol exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suicidal ideation in adults with opioid use disorder treated with buprenorphine-naloxone versus extended-release naltrexone.","authors":"Mina M Rizk, Barbara Stanley, Tse-Hwei Choo, Martina Pavlicova, Jennifer M Scodes, John Rotrosen, Edward V Nunes","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2524110","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2524110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Depression and suicidal ideation are prevalent in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).<i>Objectives:</i> This study examined changes in suicidal ideation during OUD treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone or extended-release naltrexone.<i>Methods:</i> 570 adults with OUD (29.6% female) were recruited into a National Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network randomized trial (NCT02032433) comparing extended-release naltrexone versus buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid relapse prevention (X:BOT). Suicidal ideation was assessed at baseline and regular intervals over 24 weeks using continuous self-reported and binary clinician-rated measures from the Concise Health Risk Tracking-Self Report and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. A mixed-effects model was used to assess the association between continuous outcome self-reported suicidal ideation and treatment over time while adjusted for baseline suicidal ideation.<i>Results:</i> Continuous self-report suicidal ideation scores decreased in both groups with a significant time-by-treatment interaction indicating that the treatment effect differed over time (F_{(11, 3497)} = 1.81, <i>p</i> = .0464). Scores were significantly lower in the buprenorphine group only in weeks 1 and 3 and when averaged across weeks 1-4. Binary clinician-rated suicidal ideation dropped from 15 (5.25%) and 12 (4.24%) at baseline, to 5 (1.89%) and 3 (1.49%) at week 1, for buprenorphine and naltrexone groups, respectively.<i>Conclusion:</i> OUD treatment with extended-release naltrexone or buprenorphine-naloxone was associated with suicidal ideation reductions from the first week. Suicidal ideation was lower with buprenorphine-naloxone in the first 4 weeks, with no significant differences thereafter. Despite overall low suicidal ideation scores and modest differences, these findings suggest beneficial effects of both treatments in individuals with OUD and mild baseline suicidality.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259012/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Historical and contextual variation in daily opioid consumption rates: implications for supply control, service delivery, and research.","authors":"Jonathan P Caulkins, Samantha Pérez-Dávila, Beau Kilmer, Justin Poser, Peter Reuter","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2504147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2504147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Illegal opioids can create substantial harms, but the extent depends on multiple factors, including the amount consumed.<i>Objectives:</i> To examine how consumption varies across time and context, with implications for treatment and drug policy.<i>Methods:</i> We searched EBSCOhost and PubMed for literature on individuals: (1) not-in-treatment and purchasing from illegal markets, (2) reporting pre-treatment use at treatment intake, and (3) with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving medically supplied opioids. A total of 135 articles were deemed relevant.<i>Results:</i> Average consumption intensities vary enormously, from below 100 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day for use outside of treatment where prices are high, to ~600 MME in typical illegal markets, and 1,100-1,800 MME per day when supply is free, as in heroin assisted treatment and injectable hydromorphone treatment. MME in methadone programs (190-460) is less than in the traditional British heroin prescribing system (600-1,300). Intensities tended to be higher in recent times, whereas the prices have been lower. Studies during the fentanyl era suggest MMEs per day may be much higher than in the past.<i>Conclusion:</i> The adaptability of consumption has several potential implications. Expansions in supply could have greater effects on quantity consumed than on prevalence. Treatment protocols and overdose prevention strategies may need to adjust for higher baseline consumption. Furthermore, assumptions about health harms from long-term use may need revisiting if they are predicated on lower, historical consumption intensities. These findings are caveated by limitations in reporting of data and variations in methodologies. Hence, greater investments in monitoring consumption intensities are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous affiliation among meeting attendees in Romania: a mixed methods approach.","authors":"Adriana Lavinia Bulumac, Florin Lazăr","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2509106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2509106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> While alcohol use disorder is a significant social problem in Romania, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) affiliation is scarce despite proven benefits.<i>Objectives:</i> To identify differences between highly and low/nonaffiliated individuals and AA affiliation' associated benefits.<i>Methods:</i> A mixed-method research employed in Romania (<i>n</i> = 24,12 males,12 females; length of sobriety in days, M highly affiliated = 3406, M low/nonaffiliated = 220) comprised measures of organizational commitment, spirituality, well-being, mental health, and addiction and in-depth interviews. T-tests and thematic analysis were used.<i>Results:</i> Quantitative findings showed significant differences in affective organizational commitment (d = 1.1, <i>p</i> = .01), number of completed AA Steps (d = 2.5, <i>p</i> < .005), positive religious coping (d = 1.1, <i>p</i> = .01), anxiety (d = - .9, <i>p</i> = .03), craving (d = - 2, <i>p</i> < .005), commitment to sobriety (d = 1.4, <i>p</i> = .005), confidence on staying sober (d = 1.4, <i>p</i> = .005), abstinence self-efficacy (temptation: d = 1.6, <i>p</i> = .001; confidence: d = .9, <i>p</i> = .03) and desire for abstinence (overall: d = 1.3, <i>p</i> = .004; intention: d = 1.4, <i>p</i> = .002; attitude: d = 1.1, <i>p</i> = .01; subjective norm: d = .9, <i>p</i> = .03; perceived control: d = 1.4, <i>p</i> = .002). Interview data revealed two main themes: Characteristics of highly affiliated individuals and Characteristics of low/nonaffiliated individuals.<i>Conclusion:</i> Highly affiliated individuals are more likely to maintain sobriety, obtain spiritual benefits, improve their mental health, and become committed to recovery. Low/nonaffiliated individuals can still receive some benefits from attending AA meetings.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Saliva detection of the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) and cannabinol (CBN) among nightclub attendees in New York City, 2024.","authors":"Nora Satybaldiyeva, Kevin H Yang, Alex J Krotulski, Sara E Walton, Brianna Stang, Joseph J Palamar","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2515360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2515360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill led to a rapid expansion of derived cannabinoid products. Prior studies examining their use rely on self-reported data, which can be unreliable. Nightclubs offer a unique environment for biological surveillance due to their high prevalence of substance use.<i>Objectives:</i> We used biological measures to better understand the prevalence of specific cannabinoids.<i>Methods:</i> Throughout 2024, adults entering New York City nightclubs (<i>n</i> = 1,024; 45.9% female) were surveyed and had their saliva tested for cannabinoids including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) and cannabinol (CBN). We calculated the prevalence and correlates of detection for these two compounds.<i>Results:</i> Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected in 30.8% of the sample, THCA-A in 11.7% and CBN in 8.9%. Compared to males, females had lower odds of testing positive for THCA-A (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.48) and CBN (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.83), and compared to white participants, black participants had higher odds of testing positive for THCA-A (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.12-3.72) and CBN (aOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.94-7.23). Compared to those with a college degree or higher, those with a high school diploma or less had higher odds of testing positive for THCA-A (aOR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.40-6.74) and CBN (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.34-4.63) and those with some college had higher odds of testing positive for CBN (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10-3.72).<i>Conclusions:</i> A sizable proportion of nightclub attendees had detectable levels of THCA-A and CBN, highlighting the need to screen for derived cannabinoids alongside THC. Biological drug testing with self-report may improve public health surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIF-1α/miR-185 axis regulates lipid accumulation and metabolism involved in alcohol-related liver disease in mice.","authors":"Jiye Zhang, Yang Shen, Shichao Xiong, Wenling Mou, Shiru Chen, Zhenting Wu, Haobo Sun, Hang Zhou, Jiehao Zhou, Ying Liu, Yan Zhao","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2507206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2507206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Hypoxia is a major driver of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), with hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) central to this response. Emerging evidence suggests HIF-1α regulates hepatic lipid metabolism via microRNA-185 (miR-185), though the mechanism remains unclear.<i>Objectives:</i> This work aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which the HIF-1α/miR-185 pathway regulates lipid uptake and transport in ARLD, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target.<i>Methods:</i> Male C57BL/6J mice were administered a chronic ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for six weeks to induce ARLD, along with adeno-associated virus-mediated silencing of HIF-1α. Serum levels of liver function markers and lipid profile components were measured for biochemical analysis. ELISA evaluation was carried out for liver inflammatory markers. Liver sections were evaluated with H&E oil red O staining. HIF-1α, miR-185, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expressions were evaluated using RT-PCR and Western Blot.<i>Results:</i> Chronic alcohol exposure to mice was responsible for inducing liver steatosis, inducing HIF-1α, and increasing miR-185 (<i>p</i> < 0. 05, η² = 0.32). In alcohol-fed wild-type mice, the mRNA and protein levels of SR-BI decreased significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05, η² = 0.29), while LDLR levels were enhanced (<i>p</i> < .05, η² = 0.25). HIF-1α silencing downregulated LDLR mRNA and protein expression in alcohol-fed mice (<i>p</i> < 0. 05, η² = 0.23).<i>Conclusions:</i>Alcohol-induced activation of the HIF-1α/miR-185 pathway disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism by modulating SR-BI and LDLR transcription, presenting a potential therapeutic target for lipid disorders in ARLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144310653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interactive effects between pregnancy-related alcohol policies and state spirits availability on infant and maternal outcomes.","authors":"Alex Schulte, Meenakshi S Subbaraman, Guodong Liu, William C Kerr, Pamela J Trangenstein, Sarah C M Roberts","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2503459","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2503459","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Most state policies targeting pregnant people's alcohol use are ineffective, while some broader alcohol availability policies like government monopolies on retail spirits sales are effective. Previous research has not explored interactions of these policies.<i>Objective:</i> Analyze whether there are interactive effects between pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and government monopolies over retail spirits sales on infant and maternal outcomes.<i>Methods:</i> Outcome data were from Merative MarketScan®, a commercial insurance claims database, and included individuals who birthed singletons between 2006 and 2019 (<i>N</i> = 1,432,979 birthing person-infant pairs). We examined interactions between six pregnancy-specific policies and government monopolies. Regression models include (monopolyXpregnancy-specific policy) interaction terms, state and year fixed-effects, state-specific time trends, individual- and state-level controls, and clustering by state.<i>Results:</i> Associations of pregnancy-specific policies were generally stronger, or only present, in monopoly states. However, there was no consistent pattern regarding direction. Conversely, government monopolies consistently related to reduced infant maltreatment, with the largest effect when Priority Treatment for pregnant women policies were also in place [-1.64% (95% CI -1.87, -1.41)]. Protective associations of government monopolies on infant morbidities differed across reporting policies; for example, monopolies were protective without Reporting Requirements for child welfare [-0.28% (95% CI -0.40, -0.17)], but no longer protective with this policy [0.00% (95% CI -0.53, 0.55)].<i>Conclusions:</i> Government monopolies on retail spirits sales generally relate to reduced infant maltreatment and morbidities, although some pregnancy-specific alcohol policies blunt the protective effects of government monopolies. Repealing some ineffective pregnancy-specific policies - e.g. some Reporting Requirements - in monopoly states might improve infant outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144310654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regulation of HDL metabolism in alcohol-associated liver disease: the role of HIF-1α and miR-185 in SR-BI suppression.","authors":"Jiye Zhang, Wenling Mou, Shiru Chen, Zhenting Wu, Shujie Zhang, Ping Liu, Haobo Sun, Hang Zhou, Ying Liu","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2506529","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2506529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) results from excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver damage such as steatosis and inflammation. Hypoxia and altered lipid metabolism contribute to ALD pathogenesis. HIF-1α, a key hypoxia regulator, and miR-185, a microRNA associated with ALD, are potential contributors to the disease.<i>Objectives:</i> To explore how HIF-1α and miR-185 regulate SR-BI and HDL metabolism in ethanol-exposed hepatocytes and their role in ALD-related lipid dysfunction.<i>Methods:</i> HL-7702 cells were treated with ethanol (25-200 mm) or hypoxia (1-2% O₂) for 24-72 hours to identify optimal conditions. miR-185 or HIF-1α inhibitors were used to assess SR-BI expression. Co-localization of HIF-1α and SR-BI was evaluated by immunofluorescence, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which is critical in lipid metabolism, and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured by ELISA.<i>Results:</i> Ethanol exposure reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (200 mm for 72 h reduced viability by 43.7% ± 4.1%, <i>p</i> = .003). Exposure to 1% oxygen for 72 hours was confirmed as the optimal hypoxia model. Ethanol (200 mm) or hypoxia significantly increased HIF-1α (<i>p</i> = .002) and miR-185 expression (<i>p</i> = .001). These changes were accompanied by reduced SR-BI expression and elevated HDL-C and TG levels. miR-185 knockdown restored SR-BI expression (<i>p</i> = .003) and normalized HDL-C (<i>p</i> = .004) and TG levels (<i>p</i> = .005).<i>Conclusions:</i> Ethanol-induced HIF-1α and miR-185 upregulation disrupts HDL metabolism by suppressing SR-BI, impairing hepatic HDL uptake in ALD. Targeting this axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for ALD.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144151707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and kratom related health claims provided by smoke shop employees: a secret shopper study.","authors":"Kirk E Evoy, Sarina Acharya, Michael Bloomfield, Sorina B Torrez, Jordan R Covvey, Matthew Witry","doi":"10.1080/00952990.2025.2502743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2502743","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> US smoke shop prevalence is growing and stores are diversifying products beyond nicotine vape supplies, often selling non-regulated psychoactive substances.<i>Objectives:</i> Investigate health claims and safety information provided by smoke shop employees regarding hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and kratom.<i>Methods:</i> Secret shopper visits were conducted at 100 San Antonio and Austin, Texas smoke shops. Using scripted questions, shoppers assessed whether the shop sold THC and kratom, what these products could be used for, and adverse effects. Shoppers documented product availability, disease states referenced, health claims made, adverse effects mentioned, and guidance for use related to pregnancy. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterize shopper reports.<i>Results:</i> THC (100%) and kratom (94%) were routinely stocked by smoke shops. Most employees made at least one health claim regarding THC (50%) or kratom (81%). Claims regarding pain (50%), insomnia (31%), and mental health disorders (27%) were most commonly discussed for THC, while drug withdrawal/cravings (76%), pain (69%), and mental health conditions (31%) were most frequent for kratom. When specifically asked about adverse effects, 22% and 24% of smoke shop employees, respectively, did not disclose any risks about THC or kratom; most others provided minimal information. The most common risks discussed were sedation (36%) and psychiatric (31%) adverse effects for THC, and dependence (59%) and gastrointestinal (24%) adverse effects for kratom.<i>Conclusion:</i> Efforts to develop evidence-based consumer information regarding kratom and hemp-derived THC, improve health information provided by smoke shop employees, and incentivize store owners to devote resources to employee education are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48957,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}