Covering Drugs is a media resource guide listing key surveys, reports, data sets, studies, research hubs, and other information useful to journalists reporting on drugs and alcohol.

Organized by topic, each section addresses questions like:

·      How many people have substance use disorders?

·      Who’s tracking what’s in the drug supply?

·      How are treatment outcomes measured?

·      What services help support recovery from addiction?

Developed by Susan Stellin, MPH, this project is supported by a 2025-2026 Reynolds Journalism Institute fellowship. To receive monthly updates about the guide and an alert when it launches in March 2026, sign up below.

Thanks to Wally Krantz at Outside Order for the Covering Drugs logo and design help.

RJI Fellowship Articles

A roadmap to resources for reporting on drugs

Creating a guide to help journalists shift from drug war framing to a health-centered approach (Aug. 12, 2025)

Understanding the difference between substance use disorders and addiction

The distinction is important, but sometimes gets blurred in media coverage (Sept. 3, 2025)

Covering the drug supply, risks and trends

Educating readers, listeners, and viewers about drugs, risks, and their effects — without overstating threats (Oct. 6, 2025)