Articles tagged with Narcotics
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide reduced both cocaine use and relapse in rats, with motivation to keep taking cocaine decreasing by 52%. The study suggests that semaglutide may blunt cocaine's ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain.
Researchers developed a magnetic resonance technique to detect fentanyl hydrochloride in sealed packages, offering a non-invasive solution. The technique uses Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, which can identify key target nuclei in the drug, allowing for effective detection and potential diversion of large quantities.
Archaeologists have found evidence that Roman-era barbarian warriors used stimulants before battle, including small spoon-shaped objects attached to their belts. The researchers believe that these stimulants may have been widely used throughout history to motivate soldiers and reduce stress and fear during warfare.
Pharmaceutical companies exploited a loophole in the DEA's monitoring system, leading to an oversupply of opioids in communities. The study highlights the impact on Black communities, where overdose deaths tripled from 2014 to 2020. High supply chain complexity played a key role in evading regulations.
Researchers at Linköping University have created a rapid method for measuring the effect of new psychoactive substances, enabling faster narcotics classification. The method was tested on 17 suspected cannabinoid drugs and classified 14 as narcotics.
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
Researchers debunk rock'n'roll myth, finding narcotics have no effect on inspiration. Instead, complex training programs, meditation, and cultural exposure boost creativity. Training that highlights mental techniques has long-term impacts, while mindfulness activities like meditation also improve imagination in the short term.
A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.
A Rutgers University study found that expanding prison opioid treatment programs could reduce the risk of overdose and death among ex-inmates. The researchers suggest that further education on post-release opioid risks is necessary to increase participation in these programs.
A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.
Researchers at NIST have created a faster and safer method to train detection dogs using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) infused with vapors from explosives. This two-temperature method reduces the time needed to prepare training aids, allowing for quicker training of dogs to detect real substances.
Researchers developed a compact Trace Vapor Generator for Explosives and Narcotics, which can accurately generate trace vapors of low vapor pressure compounds. The device is portable and can be used for non-contact sampling, providing a stable vapor for several hours.
A 4-week course of acupuncture significantly increased self-reported relief and improvement of symptoms for patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), a subtype of indigestion. The effects persisted through the 12-week follow-up without symptom relapse or rebound.
Scientists developed a new method to simplify the search for traces of medicines and sports doping drugs in human biological samples. By analyzing the chemical composition of a substance with reduced search space, the method helps detect illicit substances more efficiently.
A new clinical protocol called STOP Narcotics reduces post-operative opioid prescribing by 50%, while maintaining adequate pain control, and increases medication disposal. The study involved 416 patients undergoing general surgery and found significant reduction in opioid use and diversion.
A review of 173 rhinoplasty patients found that most received opioid prescriptions, averaging 28 pills per patient, yet experienced less pain than expected. The study's results highlight the need for more research on optimal postoperative pain management from rhinoplasty
A study presented at the AATS 98th Annual Meeting found that patients used far fewer opioids than were prescribed after open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. The study identified several factors contributing to over-prescribing, including inadequate patient education and improper use of adjunct pain medications.
A multicenter database study of adults undergoing spinal deformity surgery found that daily opioid users had longer ICU stays and more severe postop disability compared to non-opioid users. The study highlights the need for preoperative counseling and alternative pain management strategies for patients at risk of daily narcotic use.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the use of pencil-point atraumatic needles during lumbar punctures significantly reduces the occurrence of headaches and other complications. The research team analyzed data from over 30,000 patients across 29 countries, showing a more than 50% reduction in headaches and readmissions.
A joint project between conservationists and electronics experts has developed miniature radio devices using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to protect endangered cycad plants from poachers. The technology can detect missing plants up to 10 meters away, providing immediate alerts to ranger stations.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic narcotic use is more prevalent in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to children without the disease. The study also identified factors associated with narcotic use, such as psychological impairment and health-care utilization.
A study of 151 adult orthopaedic trauma patients found that one in five obtained narcotic prescriptions from multiple providers, leading to increased drug use and longer prescription durations. Patients who 'doctor shopped' used narcotics four times longer than those with single provider care.
A study found that implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program in a community hospital setting reduced length of stay from 6.7 days to 3.7 days without increasing readmissions. The ERAS program also decreased use of opioid analgesia and intra-abdominal infections, resulting in estimated cost savings.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that 77 percent of super-frequent ED users have a substance abuse addiction. Researchers also discovered that pain-relief narcotics were the most commonly abused substances among women. Implementing case management strategies and funding for substance abuse programs may help alleviate the problem.
A study found that postoperative 'doctor shopping' is associated with longer narcotic use and more prescriptions among orthopaedic trauma patients. The researchers discovered a strong link between preoperative narcotic use and increased doctor shopping behavior.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients undergoing enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) for gynecologic surgery experienced decreased narcotic use, earlier discharge, and cost savings. The ERP standardized postoperative management to reduce complications and improve patient satisfaction.
Researchers found a significant rise in discordant treatments, such as advanced imaging and narcotics, while NSAIDs or acetaminophen use declined. This trend may lead to increased healthcare costs and potential disparities in pain management.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 35% of parents are very concerned about misuse of narcotic pain medicines by children and teens. Despite rising rates of abuse and overdoses, most parents do not support policies to discourage misuse or return unused medications.
A new study published in International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology found that ketorolac is a safe and effective pain medication for patients after sinus surgery, without the side effects of narcotics. The study compared ketorolac to fentanyl and found no significant differences in nasal bleeding or pain relief.
The authors propose transferring the public health responsibility for controlled medicines from the International Narcotic Control Board to the World Health Organization, citing restrictive drug laws as a major barrier to access. This shift would aim to create better legal frameworks that extricate pain treatment from drug prohibition.
The international treaty system has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and failure to address the root causes of drug misuse. Despite eight countries' efforts to introduce supervised injecting centres, UNODC and other agencies continue to argue that these measures contravene existing treaties.
Research found that inhaling low levels of CO reduces the impact of environmental stress, including noise pollution, in city living. The study suggests that CO can have a narcotic effect that counters stress caused by noise and crowd density.
The term euthanasia is being reevaluated due to its broad meaning, which encompasses not only assisted dying but also palliative care. Experts recommend clear definitions and honest discussion to avoid polarization in the end-of-life care debate.
Researchers found sex differences in brain regions responsible for pain transmission, with males and females responding differently to pain stimuli. Persistent pain activates this pathway more strongly in males than females, highlighting the need for tailored pain treatments.
A UMHS study found that heavy drinkers with chronic back pain showed less physical disability than light drinkers on functional tests. Women were underreported for heavy drinking, suggesting doctors should be more vigilant about prescribing narcotic pain relievers.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that two cellular networks collaborate to control breathing, with one system responding to sensory feedback and another controlling stability. This finding has important implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
A six-month study found that 82% of stable methadone patients remained clinically stable under primary care physician treatment. Patients reported higher satisfaction rates and physicians felt confident in providing this type of care.