NBC News (11/13, Sullivan) reports “Ozempic [semaglutide] and Wegovy [semaglutide] may help people cut back on drinking, new research” suggests. In a study of about “228,000 people in Sweden who had alcohol use disorder, researchers found that people who were taking a GLP-1 drug like semaglutide were less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related issues.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Ozempic and Wegovy may help curb alcohol addiction, study suggests,” Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, November 13, 2024

ABC News (11/13, Alfonseca ) reports, “The Rainbow Youth Project, a national LGBTQ advocacy group, typically fields almost 800 calls a month on its crisis outreach hotline.” In only “10 days, as the 2024 presidential election came to a head, the organization told ABC News it received roughly 5,460.” According to organizers, “they were prepared for calls to spike given that the LGBTQ community – and specifically the transgender population – has been a subject of debate in this election cycle.”

However, “they weren’t prepared for the overwhelming call volume.” Nationwide, LGBTQ hotlines “are seeing massive surges amid the fallout of the election, as LGBTQ Americans and their loved ones search for answers, reassurance and guidance about future LGBTQ rights in America.”

Related Links:

— “‘Wake-up call’: LGBTQ crisis hotlines see surge of calls amid presidential election,” Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, November 13, 2024

People Face Higher Risk Of Schizophrenia If They Use Psychedelics, Study Suggests
HealthDay (11/13, Thompson ) reports, “People are at higher risk of schizophrenia if they indulge in psychedelic drugs, a new study warns.” The researchers found that “patients who land in the ER following hallucinogen use have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population.” Study results indicate that “even after controlling for a person’s existing substance use and mental” illnesses, “there remained a 3.5-fold increased risk of schizophrenia after ER treatment for psychedelics use.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Psychedelics Like Psilocybin, MDMA Tied to Higher Odds for Schizophrenia,” Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, November 13, 2024

Healio (11/12, Kellner ) reports, “Nearly half of adolescents who vape nicotine – and almost three-quarters of near-daily users – do so for relaxation, according to study findings.” The researchers said, “Screening for nicotine vaping alongside stress and anxiety may be an important tool for early intervention efforts because using to relax is associated with increased risk of future dependence.” The findings were published in Pediatrics.

Related Links:

— “Teens vape nicotine to help them relax, survey finds,” Sara Kellner, Healio, November 12, 2024

Healio (11/12, Southall ) reports, “Significant barriers to divorce during pregnancy and reproductive health care led to serious health risks among pregnant or recently pregnant women in the U.S. between 2018 and 2021, according to results of a cross-sectional study.” Researchers found “significantly high rates of intimate partner homicide…when state law prohibited divorce finalization during pregnancy.” Investigators “specifically observed high rates of intimate partner homicide among white females aged 10 years to 24 years.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— “Barriers to divorce during pregnancy, reproductive care pose risks for women,” Jennifer R. Southall, Healio, November 12, 2024