Research supported by NIDA shows that prevention programs in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural adolescents. The study found significant effects on both lifetime and past-year methamphetamine abuse, with a relative reduction of 65% compared to controls.
A comprehensive scan of the human genome has identified 51 chromosomal regions linked to alcohol addiction. The study provides new tools for understanding the physiological foundation of addiction and identifying individuals at risk.
Researchers found that nicotine receptors in the brain can become saturated with just a few puffs of a cigarette, leading to intense cravings and satiation. This study suggests that effective smoking cessation treatments need to be extremely potent to compete with nicotine's binding power.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has released a landmark scientific report that outlines proven components for successful treatment of drug abusers in the criminal justice system. Effective treatment can save communities money and reduce crime, with studies showing a significant reduction in recidivism rates and arrests.
A study published by the NIH found that US adult marijuana abuse and dependence increased significantly over a decade, with notable rises among young African-American and Hispanic men. The study used the DSM-IV classification system to assess trends in marijuana use, abuse, and dependence.
A study found that adopting the 12-step philosophy and behaviors significantly enhanced drug counseling outcomes for cocaine addiction. Changing beliefs about addiction was more highly correlated with reduced drug use than adopting the 12-step philosophy.
A study found that bupropion significantly reduced daily cigarette smoke among adolescents with ADHD, leading to lower carbon monoxide levels. No change was noted in ADHD symptom scores.
Researchers found that combining counseling with baclofen reduced cocaine use in chronic users, suggesting a potential treatment for cocaine dependence. The medication targets dopamine release in the brain, reducing cravings.
A NIH study found that combination therapy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy improved treatment adherence and reduced depression in injection drug users. The study showed nearly 40% of participants fully adherent to treatment were in remission, compared to 12% without treatment.
Adolescents with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of attempting suicide. The study found that males with hallucinogen or sedative-hypnotic use disorders were more likely to attempt suicide, while females with conduct disorders were at higher risk.
Research suggests that motivational interviewing may not be effective in reducing drug use behaviors, as individuals often resist weaker language during assessment feedback. Therapists should modify their techniques to avoid undermining existing motivation for behavior change.
A study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that bupropion was an effective treatment for women who smoked lightly. Women receiving bupropion were twice as likely to remain abstinent from smoking if they smoked fewer than 20 cigarettes per day, compared to those receiving behavioral counseling alone.
A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.
A study of 59 adolescents aged 12-14 found that those exhibiting aggressive and hyperactive behaviors were more likely to start smoking. The researchers suggest that identifying these behavioral symptoms could aid in the development of effective prevention programs for adolescent smokers.
A new long-acting form of buprenorphine has been shown to provide relief from heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce the effects of test opioids for up to 6 weeks. This breakthrough treatment may increase patient engagement, ease treatment burden, and reduce the risk of misuse.
Research suggests that novelty-seeking teenagers are more vulnerable to cigarette smoking due to common behavioral elements. Anti-tobacco campaigns targeting this trait may prevent these teens from smoking.
A study found that buprenorphine significantly reduced cocaine and heroin use in individuals addicted to both drugs. Participants who received the highest dose of buprenorphine experienced a 95% decrease in cocaine metabolite levels, while those who received the lower dose saw a 92% decrease.
A randomized, controlled study found that a Project ALERT program significantly reduced new cigarette and marijuana use among seventh-grade students. The program modified student attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, resulting in lower rates of binge drinking and overall alcohol abuse.
Researchers discovered that methamphetamine withdrawal is associated with significant brain changes in individuals with mood disorders. The study used PET scans to compare glucose metabolism in the brains of methamphetamine abusers and non-abusers, revealing lower glucose levels in regions linked to depressive disorders.
A preliminary clinical trial found that a small molecule, GVG (vigabatrin), significantly reduced cocaine cravings and improved quality of life in participants. The study's lead author notes that the results provide compelling human data to support the efficacy of GVG for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers used PET scans to study MAO B activity in smokers and nonsmokers. The findings show reduced MAO B activity in peripheral organs by one-third to almost one-half, potentially leading to medical consequences.
A new study found that exposing pregnant rats to MDMA resulted in significant increases in dopamine neuron fibers in the frontal cortex, leading to potential behavioral changes. The study also revealed modest decreases in dopamine metabolism and reductions in serotonin levels, suggesting sex differences in vulnerability to MDMA's prena...
Researchers found that amphetamine and cocaine exposure blocked environmental-induced structural changes in the nucleus accumbens and parietal cortex. Exposure to complex environments increased dendritic branching and spine density in these areas, but was hindered by prior drug exposure.
Researchers have identified a new compound, AM1241, that acts on CB2 cannabinoid receptors and shows promise in alleviating neuropathic pain. The study suggests that this compound may provide pain relief without the debilitating side effects of existing pharmaceuticals.
A study of 487 cocaine-dependent patients found that treatment combining group drug counseling with individual therapy reduced HIV risk. The combination treatment showed the best improvements in reducing cocaine use, resulting in a 40% decrease in HIV risk.
Smoking prevalence varies significantly among immigrant groups and countries of origin. Native-born respondents had higher smoking rates than foreign-born respondents. Including findings on country of origin can enhance the development of culturally sensitive smoking cessation programs.
A study of 53 African-American adults with a history of cocaine use found that 45% had elevated serum CRP levels, associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac abnormalities. Elevated CRP may indicate future cardiovascular events.
A study published in Nature found that behavioral treatment can reverse brain changes caused by cocaine use and prevent relapse. Rats given extinction training during withdrawal showed a significant increase in glutamate receptors, which may help ease cravings and prevent relapse.
A study tracked 148 HIV-infected individuals aged 25-69 to determine factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral medication. Patients over 50 were more likely to adhere to their regimen, with 53% meeting the standard compared to 26% of younger patients.
Researchers found lasting cognitive deficits in individuals who started smoking marijuana before age 17. Those who began using marijuana at a younger age performed significantly worse on tests assessing verbal functions compared to those who started later or used it sparingly.
The study found that lobeline decreases METH self-administration without inducing reward, indicating its potential as a useful pharmacological treatment. Lobeline also did not alter METH-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior or affect dopamine levels in the brains of rats.
Researchers monitored brain activity in rats to understand how cues contribute to drug relapse. They found that rapid dopamine release occurs in response to cues associated with cocaine, initiating drug-seeking behaviors. This study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that cocaine-exposed mice had significantly larger tumors and higher IL-10 concentrations than saline-treated mice. Administration of anti-IL-10 antibody reversed the tumor growth-promoting effects of sigma ligand agonists.
Women who struggled with depression during smoking cessation treatment were more likely to relapse, drop out of treatment, and experience increased depressive symptoms. Research suggests that addressing depression through targeted treatment approaches can help improve smoking cessation outcomes for these women.
The CT1 is a small, wireless device providing pain relief with minimal side effects. It can be used for various conditions such as arthritis, minor cuts, and surgical procedures.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental cues linked to heroin administration reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in rat spleen, lung, and liver tissues. This suggests that environmental cues associated with drug use may contribute to altered susceptibility to infection.
Recent marijuana use was more predictive of continued tobacco smoking than marijuana use months prior. Participants who used daily marijuana were over three times more likely to still smoke tobacco. Approximately 66% of recent marijuana users tried to quit tobacco during the following 13 years.
A study of 50 pairs of twins found that twins with a history of stimulant abuse performed significantly worse on tests of attention and motor skills compared to their non-drug using siblings. However, abusers showed improved performance on visual vigilance, suggesting long-term residual effects from stimulant abuse.
Researchers found cocaine users had lower dopamine and VMAT2 levels in their brains compared to non-users. Additionally, depressed cocaine users had lower VMAT2 levels than those without depression.
A study of chronic drug users in Miami-Dade County found that 67% of women reported having a serious injury or traumatic event sometime in their life. The prevalence of such events was higher among women who abused drugs than those who did not, although treatment rates were similar.
Researchers found that MDMA use can alter cardiovascular function and produce toxic inflammation in the heart. Chronic MDMA binge pattern was shown to change heart rate and blood pressure responses, similar to a vasovagal reflex, increasing risk of cardiovascular damage.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that treating children with ADHD with stimulants significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder. The researchers analyzed data from six long-term studies and found a two-fold reduction in SUD risks among treated youths compared to untreated peers.
Researchers found that quitting smoking has psychological benefits and encourages continued efforts at smoking cessation. However, unsuccessful quitters' declining perceptions of health risk must be changed to help them quit in the future.
Adolescents with two smoking parents are 3.8 times more likely to smoke than those with both non-smoking parents. Quitting smoking by parents can reduce the likelihood of their adolescent smoking, especially when both parents are non-smokers.
Researchers found that both nortriptyline and bupropion, when combined with counseling, helped smokers attain periods of abstinence but had limited effectiveness in quitting for a year. The study showed that antidepressant therapy and counseling can aid in achieving short-term abstinence for cigarette smokers.
Two studies found that bidis and reduced-exposure products marketed as less toxic do not effectively reduce smokers' exposure to lethal constituents of cigarette smoke. Instead, they may promote heavier smoking and introduce new risks.
Researchers found that selegiline hydrochloride significantly increased smoking cessation rates among participants, with 45% quitting after 8 weeks of treatment. This suggests the MAO-B inhibitor may be an effective treatment for nicotine addiction.
Nicotine enhances activation in posterior cortical and subcortical regions of the brain, improving attention in smokers. The study found that nicotine helps focus attention on task demands by shifting cognitive resources from less used parts of the brain.
Researchers found that bupropion significantly reduced negative symptoms of schizophrenia, improving motivation and social relationships, while also aiding in nicotine addiction treatment for schizophrenic patients. The study showed better smoking cessation outcomes with newer atypical antipsychotic medications.
A 22-year study tracked the health histories of 736 youths from childhood into early adulthood, finding that moderate to heavy tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of depression and psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. The study suggests a complex relationship between drug abu...