Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
@browncaas.bsky.social
Dedicated to advancing research and training that improves the well-being of people and communities impacted by substance use and addiction.
Join us for CAAS Rounds today at 12pm! Dr. Brendan Saloner (he/him) will be presenting research on opioid use disorder treatment.
Rumor has it that there will be donuts 🍩 hope to see you there!
Rumor has it that there will be donuts 🍩 hope to see you there!
January 23, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Join us for CAAS Rounds today at 12pm! Dr. Brendan Saloner (he/him) will be presenting research on opioid use disorder treatment.
Rumor has it that there will be donuts 🍩 hope to see you there!
Rumor has it that there will be donuts 🍩 hope to see you there!
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Wonderful to have @mamlung.bsky.social with us today at @browncaas.bsky.social. He shared not only his outstanding work on behavioral economics and addiction but also highlighted the important contributions of students and trainees at all levels. Thank you, Michael!
January 16, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Wonderful to have @mamlung.bsky.social with us today at @browncaas.bsky.social. He shared not only his outstanding work on behavioral economics and addiction but also highlighted the important contributions of students and trainees at all levels. Thank you, Michael!
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
There are several factors, from muscle loss to medication, impacting how our bodies handle alcohol as we age.
The @nytimes.com spoke to @browncaas.bsky.social Professor Mollie Monnig about why hangovers get worse when we get older.🍷
The @nytimes.com spoke to @browncaas.bsky.social Professor Mollie Monnig about why hangovers get worse when we get older.🍷
Why Is My Alcohol Tolerance Declining With Age?
Worse hangovers, more headaches -- you're not just imagining it. An aging body handles alcohol differently.
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:10 PM
There are several factors, from muscle loss to medication, impacting how our bodies handle alcohol as we age.
The @nytimes.com spoke to @browncaas.bsky.social Professor Mollie Monnig about why hangovers get worse when we get older.🍷
The @nytimes.com spoke to @browncaas.bsky.social Professor Mollie Monnig about why hangovers get worse when we get older.🍷
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Alcohol researchers will need to take the lead to communicate to the public what the risks of alcohol are, what we know with relatively high certainty and what we don't. People can make decisions on risk informed by science, even when that science is imperfect.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
The chaos and confusion of RFK Jr.'s new alcohol policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s team is now advising Americans to "consume less alcohol" for better health. What experts are saying.
www.usatoday.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Alcohol researchers will need to take the lead to communicate to the public what the risks of alcohol are, what we know with relatively high certainty and what we don't. People can make decisions on risk informed by science, even when that science is imperfect.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
A big upside of #DryJanuary?
Professor @sqcolby.bsky.social of @browncaas.bsky.social says that "increasing the ability to refuse drinks is such an important outcome, and probably...leads to people being able to drink less, even after they’re done with Dry January."
Professor @sqcolby.bsky.social of @browncaas.bsky.social says that "increasing the ability to refuse drinks is such an important outcome, and probably...leads to people being able to drink less, even after they’re done with Dry January."
Is giving up alcohol for January worth it? Here's what a Brown University review shows. - The Boston Globe
How much does Dry January boost your health? Does it help you kick drinking for good? Or is it just a respite after a busy holiday season?
www.bostonglobe.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:10 PM
A big upside of #DryJanuary?
Professor @sqcolby.bsky.social of @browncaas.bsky.social says that "increasing the ability to refuse drinks is such an important outcome, and probably...leads to people being able to drink less, even after they’re done with Dry January."
Professor @sqcolby.bsky.social of @browncaas.bsky.social says that "increasing the ability to refuse drinks is such an important outcome, and probably...leads to people being able to drink less, even after they’re done with Dry January."
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
In 2025, @browncaas.bsky.social researchers investigated the “California sober” trend, which involves ditching alcohol in favor of cannabis. Follow the link to learn the results of the first-ever randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test whether #cannabis use directly changes alcohol consumption.
As ‘California sober' catches on, study suggests cannabis use reduces short-term alcohol consumption
A new study led by researchers at Brown University suggests that while other risks remain, smoking marijuana can temporarily cut down how much people drink.
www.brown.edu
January 7, 2026 at 5:10 PM
In 2025, @browncaas.bsky.social researchers investigated the “California sober” trend, which involves ditching alcohol in favor of cannabis. Follow the link to learn the results of the first-ever randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test whether #cannabis use directly changes alcohol consumption.
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
"In our controlled bar lab study, after people smoked cannabis, they drank about a quarter less alcohol over the next two hours," Professor @janemetrik.bsky.social tells Fox News.
Learn more about the @browncaas.bsky.social study!⤵️
Learn more about the @browncaas.bsky.social study!⤵️
Heavy drinkers cut alcohol use by nearly 30% after adopting one new habit, study finds
New research shows that cannabis may reduce alcohol consumption short-term, but experts caution against substitution due to unknown long-term effects.
www.foxnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:13 PM
"In our controlled bar lab study, after people smoked cannabis, they drank about a quarter less alcohol over the next two hours," Professor @janemetrik.bsky.social tells Fox News.
Learn more about the @browncaas.bsky.social study!⤵️
Learn more about the @browncaas.bsky.social study!⤵️
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Collective members Professor Brandon Marshall and Abdullah Shihipar write about viewing the overdose crisis as one driven by material suffering and explain that pursuing economic justice can have a real impact in reducing overdose deaths.
newrepublic.com/article/2031...
newrepublic.com/article/2031...
The Populist Approach to the Opioid Crisis Can Save Millions of Lives
The overdose epidemic is often framed as a public health concern. But what if we treated it as an economic crisis, which policy can alleviate?
newrepublic.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Collective members Professor Brandon Marshall and Abdullah Shihipar write about viewing the overdose crisis as one driven by material suffering and explain that pursuing economic justice can have a real impact in reducing overdose deaths.
newrepublic.com/article/2031...
newrepublic.com/article/2031...
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series on Addiction and Technology, Drs. Molly Maloney and Jennifer Merrill reflect on the strengths of digital interventions and discuss safeguards to ensure they reflect the needs of the people who use them. basisonline.org/2025/11/26/d...
November 26, 2025 at 7:24 PM
New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series on Addiction and Technology, Drs. Molly Maloney and Jennifer Merrill reflect on the strengths of digital interventions and discuss safeguards to ensure they reflect the needs of the people who use them. basisonline.org/2025/11/26/d...
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
New paper with Tayla von Ash and colleagues offering guidance for how researchers can to "contribute to an antiracist public health agenda in pursuit of health equity regardless of content focus." @brownpublichealth.bsky.social @browncaas.bsky.social
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:20 PM
New paper with Tayla von Ash and colleagues offering guidance for how researchers can to "contribute to an antiracist public health agenda in pursuit of health equity regardless of content focus." @brownpublichealth.bsky.social @browncaas.bsky.social
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
We’re thrilled to celebrate our current and past members who have stepped into new editor roles with Addiction. CAAS leadership and expertise continue to shape the field.
👏 Congrats to all — and thank you for advancing rigorous, thoughtful scholarship in addiction science!
👏 Congrats to all — and thank you for advancing rigorous, thoughtful scholarship in addiction science!
November 26, 2025 at 6:28 PM
We’re thrilled to celebrate our current and past members who have stepped into new editor roles with Addiction. CAAS leadership and expertise continue to shape the field.
👏 Congrats to all — and thank you for advancing rigorous, thoughtful scholarship in addiction science!
👏 Congrats to all — and thank you for advancing rigorous, thoughtful scholarship in addiction science!
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
"We're not quite ready to suggest that cannabis is a safe and effective alternative to alcohol." -- @janemetrik.bsky.social, discussing preliminary research that suggested smoking cannabis may reduce the short-term urge to drink.
www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/a...
www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/a...
'California Sober' Trend Gets a Little Support From Trial
Cannabis use linked to reduced short-term alcohol consumption, but clinical implications unclear
www.medpagetoday.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
"We're not quite ready to suggest that cannabis is a safe and effective alternative to alcohol." -- @janemetrik.bsky.social, discussing preliminary research that suggested smoking cannabis may reduce the short-term urge to drink.
www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/a...
www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/a...
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the Society for Neuroscience meeting in San Diego last week. I had the chance to serve on an amazing panel at this year’s ENDURE meeting alongside incredible neuroscientists, and I also presented a poster on our MDMA-assisted therapy work.
November 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the Society for Neuroscience meeting in San Diego last week. I had the chance to serve on an amazing panel at this year’s ENDURE meeting alongside incredible neuroscientists, and I also presented a poster on our MDMA-assisted therapy work.
Congratulations to Lauren Micalizzi, CAAS Assistant Professor, on her election to the Research Society on Marijuana (RSMj) Board! 🎉 @laurenmic.bsky.social @researchmj.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Congratulations to Lauren Micalizzi, CAAS Assistant Professor, on her election to the Research Society on Marijuana (RSMj) Board! 🎉 @laurenmic.bsky.social @researchmj.bsky.social
Exciting new research from CAAS Professor Jane Metrik about "California sober" -- can cannabis use curb short-term drinking? Follow the link to read more!
"California sober"—ditching alcohol in favor of #cannabis—is gaining popularity.🍸
Follow the link for the findings of the first ever, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test whether smoking cannabis directly changes alcohol consumption⤵️ https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-11-19/cannabis-alcohol
Follow the link for the findings of the first ever, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test whether smoking cannabis directly changes alcohol consumption⤵️ https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-11-19/cannabis-alcohol
November 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Exciting new research from CAAS Professor Jane Metrik about "California sober" -- can cannabis use curb short-term drinking? Follow the link to read more!
We are pleased to announce that abstract submissions are now open for Staff Research Day [at CAAS]: A Day to Highlight Staff Excellence!
November 17, 2025 at 4:48 PM
We are pleased to announce that abstract submissions are now open for Staff Research Day [at CAAS]: A Day to Highlight Staff Excellence!
Thanks to all who participated in the inaugural CAAS Connects Trivia. While it was close competition, one team prevailed! Congrats to our winners, “Not that kind of Doctor!” 🎉 And thanks to our incredible hosts - until next time!
November 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Thanks to all who participated in the inaugural CAAS Connects Trivia. While it was close competition, one team prevailed! Congrats to our winners, “Not that kind of Doctor!” 🎉 And thanks to our incredible hosts - until next time!
Join us for the first ever CAAS Rounds Trivia this Friday 11/14! 🤓
Hope to see everyone there!
📍SPH 245
⏰ 12pm EST
Hope to see everyone there!
📍SPH 245
⏰ 12pm EST
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Join us for the first ever CAAS Rounds Trivia this Friday 11/14! 🤓
Hope to see everyone there!
📍SPH 245
⏰ 12pm EST
Hope to see everyone there!
📍SPH 245
⏰ 12pm EST
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Definitely a #phdjourney highlight for me to give @browncaas.bsky.social rounds yesterday! I presented 3 of my xylazine focused studies, two of which informed my dissertation work, and one that is included in my dissertation. Sort of felt like a dress rehearsal for my eventual defense!
November 8, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Definitely a #phdjourney highlight for me to give @browncaas.bsky.social rounds yesterday! I presented 3 of my xylazine focused studies, two of which informed my dissertation work, and one that is included in my dissertation. Sort of felt like a dress rehearsal for my eventual defense!
CAAS Rounds continues tomorrow at 12pm in SPH 245! Join us to hear Patrick Kelly (he/him) present "Healthcare Provider Approaches to Managing the Health Harms of Xylazine." All are welcome.
November 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
CAAS Rounds continues tomorrow at 12pm in SPH 245! Join us to hear Patrick Kelly (he/him) present "Healthcare Provider Approaches to Managing the Health Harms of Xylazine." All are welcome.
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
Brown researchers will conduct an ambitious 5-year study to better understand trends in drug use & barriers to health care services. The team will focus in on how people who use drugs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Vermont are impacted by new state programs to prevent HIV, hepatitis C & overdose.
Brown team to co-lead $12M study to improve well-being of people who use drugs in New England
With a focus on Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, a project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse will analyze trends in drug use and barriers to care with the goal of strengthening treatment.
www.brown.edu
November 4, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Brown researchers will conduct an ambitious 5-year study to better understand trends in drug use & barriers to health care services. The team will focus in on how people who use drugs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Vermont are impacted by new state programs to prevent HIV, hepatitis C & overdose.
Thank you to Alex Gautieri of RICARES for leading Recovery Ally Training for CAAS staff and students yesterday! 🌟 We’re grateful for this chance to learn how to better support people in recovery and look forward to RICARES returning in December to talk with our faculty and trainees.
October 30, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Thank you to Alex Gautieri of RICARES for leading Recovery Ally Training for CAAS staff and students yesterday! 🌟 We’re grateful for this chance to learn how to better support people in recovery and look forward to RICARES returning in December to talk with our faculty and trainees.
Thank you to Dr. Maha Mian @mahiimahii.bsky.social for presenting “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics” at CAAS Rounds this past Friday! This was such an exciting talk, highlighting the many ways we can uphold and honor the humanity of people who use substances.
October 27, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Thank you to Dr. Maha Mian @mahiimahii.bsky.social for presenting “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics” at CAAS Rounds this past Friday! This was such an exciting talk, highlighting the many ways we can uphold and honor the humanity of people who use substances.
Reposted by Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS)
“Kids who experience discrimination are dealing with stressors that others might not face,” @browncaas.bsky.social Professor @rosalesr.bsky.social says. “If a young person lacks coping strategies...they might turn to less healthy ways of coping—such as alcohol or tobacco.”
Discrimination drives up substance use risk among youth of color, new study finds
Amidst a reversal in youth substance-use trends, a new study links experiences of discrimination among young people of color to an increased risk of turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
sph.brown.edu
October 25, 2025 at 8:16 PM
“Kids who experience discrimination are dealing with stressors that others might not face,” @browncaas.bsky.social Professor @rosalesr.bsky.social says. “If a young person lacks coping strategies...they might turn to less healthy ways of coping—such as alcohol or tobacco.”
🧠 CAAS Rounds this Friday!
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Maha Mian titled “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics.”
📅 Friday, October 24
📍 Room 245, 121 S Main St
🕘 12 p.m.
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Maha Mian titled “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics.”
📅 Friday, October 24
📍 Room 245, 121 S Main St
🕘 12 p.m.
October 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
🧠 CAAS Rounds this Friday!
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Maha Mian titled “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics.”
📅 Friday, October 24
📍 Room 245, 121 S Main St
🕘 12 p.m.
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Maha Mian titled “Exploring Safety and Harm Reduction for Community Uses of Psychedelics.”
📅 Friday, October 24
📍 Room 245, 121 S Main St
🕘 12 p.m.