Director’s Letter: Resilience in a Season of Stress

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we approach the holiday season, we’re reminded that this time of year—though joyful for many—can also bring stress, loneliness, and financial or social pressures that challenge our usual coping strategies and may increase the risk of unhealthy substance use.

If the holidays feel overwhelming, remember that small steps can make a meaningful difference. Take time for self-care and connection--reach out to supportive friends or family, attend recovery meetings, or plan alcohol-free activities. Simple practices like mindful pauses, expressing gratitude, or helping someone else can foster calm and resilience.

At the University of Michigan Addiction Center, we remain deeply committed to advancing research that illuminates how stress, social context, and mental health shape substance use—and to turning that knowledge into practical tools for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Through U-M Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), our clinicians provide evidence-based care for individuals seeking help, especially during times when stress and triggers may feel the strongest such as during the holidays.

As we enter this season, let’s offer compassion--to ourselves and one another—and remember that wellness is not about perfection, but about presence, balance, and care.

Wishing you peace, renewal, and connection in the year ahead.

Frederic C. Blow, Ph.D.

Rachel Upjohn Research Professor of Psychiatry
Director, U-M Addiction Center

Small rewards lead to big wins for saving veterans' lives

A 41% drop in death risk seen in veterans with incentives to stick with recovery from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. Lara Coughlin, Ph.D., led the study.

1 in 4 kids live with parents who have alcohol or other drug problems

Vita McCabe, M.D., co-authored an article showing updated rates of parental substance use and mental health challenges, emphasizing why greater access to treatment is needed.

Study Identifies Early Brain Markers Connected to Teen Substance Use

A study co-authored by Omid Kardan, Ph.D., and several faculty from the U-M ABCD Study team found that certain patterns in early teen brain development can predict which youth are more likely to start using substances early. These brain patterns were also linked to higher exposure to pollution in their neighborhoods.

Mark Ilgen, Ph.D., appointed Albert J. Silverman, M.D., C.M. Research Professor of Psychiatric Disorders

Mark Ilgen, Ph.D., has been appointed the Albert J. Silverman, M.D., C.M. Research Professor of Psychiatric Disorders in the Medical School. This professorship was established in December 2021 through a generous gift from Halina W. Silverman, wife of the late Albert J. Silverman, M.D., C.M., who served as Chair of Psychiatry for a number of years.

A nationally recognized leader in addiction and suicide prevention research, Dr. Ilgen has maintained a long-standing record of NIH and VA funding and has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. Through his leadership, he has fostered an environment that integrates cutting-edge research, clinical care, and mentorship, significantly advancing Michigan’s national prominence in addiction science and treatment innovation.

This honor comes on the heels of Dr. Ilgen receiving the 2025 Clinical and Health Services Award from the U-M Medical School. This prestigious award honors faculty who have made outstanding contributions to clinical and health services research that advance the mission of the Medical School.

Meghan Martz, Ph.D., received Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine’s 2026 Lawrence Neinstein Award in Educational Scholarship to Advance Adolescent/Young Adult Health

Meghan Martz, Ph.D., was honored for her project “Building Brain-Based Resilience (3BR): A Neuroscience-Informed Program for Young Adults who Misuse Substances." The award is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Martz' innovative and scholarly project in adolescent health and medicine.

Katherine McCurry, Ph.D., was awarded a K23 Career Development Award from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to advance her research on youth trauma and substance use risk

Katherine McCurry, Ph.D., will study how different types of childhood trauma affect the brain and increase risk for substance use in teens, with the goal of developing more personalized, neuroscience-informed strategies to help youth before problems begin.

Mind Matters: The Intersections of Substance Use, Suicidality, and Bipolar Disorder

This recording features research, clinical, and lived experience experts Mark Ilgen, Ph.D., Sarah Sperry, Ph.D. and Lillie B., and is moderated by Dr. Jonathan Morrow.

What’s the latest on Cannabis? A Q&A with U-M experts

In this livestream, Erin Bonar, Ph.D. and colleagues shared insights about cannabis use in Michigan and beyond. They also discussed cannabis more generally including the potential risks of long-term use and high-potency products. You can find the report they discussed, titled Impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Michigan, here.

Encouraging trend: U.S. drug overdose deaths decline sharply

Allison Lin, M.D., is quoted in this Good Morning America story about new CDC findings showing that drug overdose deaths fell almost 27% last year—the lowest rate since 2019.

How to help someone, or yourself, in a mental health crisis

Whether it’s suicidal thoughts or actions, an anxiety attack, worsening depression, risky substance use, rage, hallucinations or dangerous impulses, more help is available now.

We invite you to check our new University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) educational patient brochure