The Connection Between Tobacco, Depression, and Anxiety

• By: Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS Danielle O’Brien, MS, CTTS St. Joseph’s Health
• September 26th, 2025
• anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, depression, Fall 2025 Issue, mental health, nicotine dependence, public health, smoking cessation, tobacco
• 880    0

Despite decades of public health efforts, tobacco use remains a persistent public health issue, especially for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. These two common mental health conditions are closely linked to tobacco use, both in terms of higher smoking prevalence and the emotional...

“Decriminalization” is Misconceived: Towards Improved Drug Policy

• By: Michael B. Friedman, LMSW Public Policy Analyst and Mental Health Advocate
• October 23rd, 2023
• addiction, alcohol, criminalization, decriminalization, drug control, drug policy reform, drug-related violence, Fall 2023 Issue, illicit drug use, medications, overdose deaths, regulation, substance misuse, tobacco
• 1247    0

Recent reports about the problems that have emerged with Oregon’s experiment in the decriminalization of drugs have rekindled debate about this approach to reducing the damage that results from the current policy of criminalizing illegal substances. I tilt against decriminalization as currently...