Scientists have found that cocaine abuse coupled with use of alcohol leads to impulsive decision-making and poorer performance on tests of learning and memory. The negative effects persist for at least a month after substance use stops, according to the study published in Neurology.
Researchers found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) promotes tumor growth by impairing the immune system, increasing IL-10 and TGF-beta cytokine production. Marijuana smoke contains higher carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco, posing a potential cancer risk.
A study combining disulfiram (Antabuse) with buprenorphine found that participants who received both experienced longer periods of cocaine abstinence and achieved continuous abstinence sooner than those receiving only buprenorphine. No significant differences were observed in opiate abstinence between the two groups.
The Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) will convene in Baltimore to share frontline reports on current and emerging patterns of drug abuse. Researchers from across the US will present data on localized drug use problems, providing valuable insights into national trends.
The National Reading Panel concludes that a combination of teaching phonics, word sounds, and providing feedback on oral reading is the most effective way to teach children to read. The panel's rigorous scientific review identifies systematic phonics instruction as a key component of classroom reading instruction.
Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause permanent brain cell damage, similar to Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The study found reduced levels of N-acetyl-aspartate and increased levels of myo-inositol and choline-containing compounds in the brains of abusers.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that longer-term methadone maintenance therapy significantly surpasses short-term detoxification and psychosocial counseling. The study revealed higher treatment retention rates and lower heroin use rates among participants in the MMT group compared to those...
A NIDA-supported survey found that two-thirds of NYC clinicians are willing to provide methadone maintenance treatment in their offices. This could expand access to treatment for the 600,000 diagnosed heroin addicts in the US who currently receive fewer than 20% of treatment.
The conference aims to advance integrated approaches to prevention, treatment, and policy issues for people with drug problems and chronic infections. Over 1,000 experts will attend to share practical strategies for implementing coordinated services.
Two studies found that heavy smoking is linked to increased craving for illicit drugs, including cocaine and heroin. Researchers suggest that smoking cessation programs should be offered as part of other drug treatment programs to combat this trend.
A new nicotine vaccine has been developed to prevent and treat tobacco addiction by blocking nicotine from reaching the brain. The vaccine, which uses antibodies to bind to nicotine, has shown promising results in laboratory studies, reducing nicotine levels in the brain by up to 64%.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced a new national education and prevention initiative to combat the growing use of club drugs. The initiative includes $54 million in research funding and a multi-media public education strategy to alert teens, young adults, and others about the dangers of Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol.
Seven research centers will study tobacco use, prevention, and treatment using a transdisciplinary approach. The centers aim to accelerate development of effective tobacco control interventions and reduce tobacco-related deaths.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse's Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment outline essential components of effective treatment based on 30 years of research. The guide highlights the importance of individualized approaches and treatment effectiveness.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has launched a $55 million clinical trials network to rapidly test promising treatments for drug addiction. The network, which will consist of 20-30 regional research centers, aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by partnering with community-based treatment programs.
Researchers have identified two brain chemicals, delta-FosB and GluR2, as major contributors to the addiction process. The study found that delta-FosB increases sensitivity to cocaine reward by activating genes involved in glutamate receptors, leading to compulsive behavior.
A new study funded by NIDA and NIMH found that boys with ADHD treated with stimulants like Ritalin are less likely to develop substance use disorders. The study showed an 84% reduction in risk among medicated ADHD boys, compared to non-medicated ADHD boys and those without ADHD.
A recent study by researchers at NIDA found that chronic, heavy cocaine users experience prolonged deficits in manual dexterity and problem-solving skills after quitting. The study suggests dose-related effects on cognitive function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is hosting a two-day national conference to discuss the latest scientific research on nicotine addiction. The conference will highlight the behavioral and neurobiological bases of nicotine addiction, as well as state-of-the-art treatment strategies and prevention methods.