Alex Whietfield

A groundbreaking wave of research is reshaping our understanding of aging and wellness. Scientists have found that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic “magic mushrooms,” can extend lifespan and improve cellular health in animal studies. As interest in nonalcoholic wellness interventions grows, these findings spark important conversations about how genuine health is achieved—and what substances, if any, should play a role.

When it comes to marking life’s major milestones—weddings, graduations, retirements—few traditions are as universal as the toast. Communications expert Matt Abrahams, known for his work at Stanford and in corporate settings, provides a modern, sober roadmap for making your words stand out. His actionable guidance emphasizes authenticity, humor, and a genuine emotional connection, proving that meaningful toasts don’t require alcoholfueled bravado.

Rob Kent, a respected leader and advocate in the field of addiction recovery, is urging for a paradigm shift in the support structure for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. His recent contributions in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly’s “From the Field” section highlight the critical importance of increased funding and robust policy support dedicated not only to acute treatment, but to comprehensive, longterm recovery infrastructure.

Recent research has brought new attention to the practice of using rice as an adjunct grain in beer brewing. While rice is known for imparting a creamier mouthfeel and lighter flavor to beer, scientists have uncovered a paradox: riceheavy beers, despite having lower overall alcohol by volume (ABV), may contain higher concentrations of potentially harmful compounds. These findings challenge common perceptions about “lighter” beers and prompt deeper questions about the health implications of alcoholic beverages.

New research published in the July 14, 2025, issue of *Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly* reveals a powerful dynamic: college students embedded in supportive friend networks are more likely to reduce their alcohol consumption. This finding runs counter to the commonly held notion that peer groups only promote risky or problematic drinking. Instead, the study demonstrates that social connections can serve as a foundation for healthier choices, accountability, and personal growth.

A new social media trend, the ‘cortisol cocktail,’ is sweeping platforms like TikTok, captivating thousands seeking stress relief. As influencers tout its benefits for lowering stress and enhancing wellbeing, health experts urge caution—reminding the public that, while some ingredients offer nutritional value, scientific evidence supporting the drink’s effectiveness is slim. Yet, the trend is gaining momentum, reflecting broader shifts in attitudes toward stress management and alcoholfree living.

Stella McCartney’s newly launched SWave Sport sneaker signals a bold shift at the intersection of luxury fashion and conscious consumption. Crafted to appeal to ecoconscious consumers who value both style and sustainability, this fully compostable sneaker is more than a fashion statement—it’s a manifesto for mindful living and holistic wellbeing.

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology is overturning longheld assumptions about aging. While it’s widely acknowledged that some physical capacities decline with age, the new research emphasizes that aging is not a story of universal decline. Rather, it involves a nuanced balance of gains and losses, with several aspects of health and wellbeing actually improving as people grow older.

GLP1 medications like Ozempic are creating dramatic, rapid physical changes in users, with many losing 15–20% of their body weight in just a year. These transformations are so striking that friends and acquaintances may find users nearly unrecognizable, sometimes describing them as looking like “their pretty twin versions.” This phenomenon is sparking not only personal milestones but also a wider cultural conversation about body image, attractiveness, and the shifting social dynamics that come with visible change.

As work cultures evolve with hybrid schedules and fourday work weeks, workplace socializing is also changing. Thursdays have become the new Friday, with afterwork gatherings increasingly shifting to the end of the “inoffice” week. For many, these events come with an expectation to drink—an expectation that can create discomfort or social pressure for employees who wish to moderate their alcohol intake or remain sober. This article provides actionable strategies to handle such scenarios, grounded in recent research and a fundamental rethinking of alcohol’s role in professional life.