Opioids
Articles tagged with Opioids
Pediatric surgery program cuts opioid use by 56%
One-year mortality among opioid overdose survivors
Cost-effectiveness of the START hospital addiction consultation service for opioid use disorder treatment
Sanford Burnham Prebys awarded $3.9 million NIH grant to develop first-in-class non-opioid pain treatment
A multi-institutional team led by Sanford Burnham Prebys aims to develop a non-opioid pain therapeutic using lead molecule SBI-810. The effort, funded by a $3.9 million NIH grant, seeks to optimize the compound into a drug that could provide effective pain relief without addiction risks.
How the legal opium market shaped global trade—and led to an opioid crisis
Historian Benjamin R. Siegel's book 'Markets of Pain' explores how opium was used as a commodity to wield power and control supply chains, contributing to the opioid epidemic. India's unique history with opium production, inherited from colonial era systems, is also examined.
Symptom-based dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal
A randomized clinical trial found symptom-based dosing decreases discharge time compared to scheduled opioid taper approaches among infants with opioid withdrawal. This approach, using Eat, Sleep, Console, led to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Opioids for dental pain still more common in US
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
Cascade of care for opioid use disorder among Medicaid beneficiaries
A cross-sectional study found a substantial increase in medication use for opioid use disorder among Medicaid beneficiaries, potentially contributing to reductions in overdose deaths. The study suggests that expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder may be an effective strategy to address the opioid crisis.
Outpatient early methadone dose titration – as recommended in Canadian and US clinical guidance for individuals using fentanyl – is associated with improved treatment retention and lower risk of opioid toxicity, according to new retrospective cohort s
A retrospective cohort study found that outpatient early methadone dose titration is associated with improved treatment retention in individuals using fentanyl. This approach also lowers the risk of opioid toxicity, according to Canadian and US clinical guidance.
Study: Long-term opioid prescribing fell, but millions still receive extended opioid therapy
A recent study found a decline in long-term opioid prescribing in the US between 2015 and 2023, with a 24.3% decrease in patients receiving extended therapy. However, approximately 4.2 million US patients still received opioids for 90 days or longer in 2023, indicating the need for improved treatment models for chronic pain management.
US trends in long-term opioid therapy
Long-term opioid therapy prescription rates declined in the US from 2015 to 2023, despite a growing population of older adults receiving these treatments. Approximately 4-5 million patients were prescribed long-term opioids in 2023, with Medicare covering a larger proportion, raising concerns about safety.
NIH researchers discover pain-relieving drug with minimal addictive properties
Researchers at NIH have identified a novel opioid compound that shows potential as a therapy for both pain and opioid use disorder. The new drug, called DFNZ, has high pain-relieving effects without causing respiratory depression or addiction.
Brain’s reward system may be about energy, not pleasure, study finds
A new study proposes that the brain's reward system is built to optimize energy, not pleasure. Researchers argue that dopamine and opioids function as physiological agents to manage the body's energetic budget, guiding behavior and learning.
Major NIH grant renewal fuels next phase of chronic pain research at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has secured a $9 million NIH grant to develop a targeted, non-opioid treatment for chronic pain associated with muscle and joint dysfunction. Researchers will map the biology of facial pain, identify specialized neurons, and analyze gene expression changes to design effective treatments.
Researchers warn: opioids aren’t effective for many acute pain conditions
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Emergency department–initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
A new study published in JAMA found that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder was well-tolerated and effective, with a low risk of withdrawal. The 7-day extended-release and sublingual buprenorphine groups showed similar treatment engagement rates on day 7.
Opioid use dropped in states that legalized recreational cannabis
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
Penn Nursing study identifies key predictors for chronic opioid use following surgery
A new systematic review and meta-analysis by Penn Nursing researchers has identified four primary patient-related risk factors that predict chronic opioid use after surgery. These include Medicaid enrollment, preoperative benzodiazepine use, mood disorders, and anxiety. The study's findings provide a roadmap for clinicians to implement...
Methadone treatment for opioid use rising, but better access needed to reach more
Research shows that methadone and buprenorphine prescriptions have risen significantly since 2010, reducing opioid-related deaths by half. However, only a quarter of individuals with opioid use disorder receive medication treatment, highlighting the need for expanded access to these life-saving medications.
Shared process underlies oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance
Research suggests that blocking growth factor receptor signaling using cancer drugs may overcome two challenges: managing oral cancer pain and preventing opioid tolerance. This approach could control cancer while addressing pain through a non-opioid, biologically rational approach.
Public views about opioid overdose and people with opioid use disorder
A 2025 survey found that U.S. adults view opioid overdose as a serious problem, with differing opinions on who is responsible for reducing overdose rates. The study suggests varying preferences for future actions to address overdose among conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
The lifesaving potential of opioid abatement funds
Financial settlements from opioid epidemic lawsuits are being redirected to fund potentially lifesaving interventions. These efforts aim to curb overdose deaths and improve public health outcomes.
New TRC4 grant at UT Health San Antonio aims to reduce opioid treatment for burn victims by 90%
Researchers seek to improve burn trauma care by targeting a signaling kinase enzyme with a new-generation inhibitor. The goal is to reduce opioids needed for pain relief and scarring, improving patient recovery from trauma injury.
UTA study focuses on safer opioid prescribing
A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.
An abnormally slow heart rate is associated with xylazine-fentanyl overdose; primarily seen in northeastern United States
Researchers identified bradycardia as a symptom of xylazine-opioid overdose, particularly in the Northeast, where xylazine is more prevalent. This finding may aid emergency medicine physicians in detecting xylazine exposure and providing harm reduction counseling.
Longer treatment with medications for opioid use disorder is associated with greater probability of survival
A new study of over 32,000 US Veterans found that longer treatment with medications for opioid use disorder is associated with a greater probability of short- and medium-term survival. The benefit continues to increase at least for four years of ongoing treatment.
Yoga for opioid withdrawal and autonomic regulation
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
Opioids: clarifying the concept of safe supply to save lives
Researchers distinguish between medical and community-based approaches to safe supply, proposing a framework for better describing care models. The study aims to inform policy changes and improve access to care, decrease overdoses, and reduce stigma around people who use drugs.
Medical cannabis and opioid receipt among adults with chronic pain
A cohort study found that participation in New York's medical cannabis program was associated with lower rates of opioid prescription during a 18-month follow-up. The study controlled for unregulated cannabis use, suggesting that medical cannabis may be an effective alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain.
Why are abstinent smokers more sensitive to pain?
Researchers found that abstinent smokers have altered brain activity linked to increased pain sensitivity and a need for more postoperative pain relief. The study suggests that nicotine withdrawal affects specific brain regions, leading to higher requirements for pain management in surgery.
OYE Therapeutics closes $5M convertible note round, advancing toward clinical development
The company has secured $5 million in funding to support Phase 1 and pivotal trials for its therapies aimed at addressing opioid-induced respiratory depression and improving anesthesia recovery. This financing marks a transformative moment for OYE Therapeutics, positioning the company to enter clinical development with confidence.
High-resolution GlyT2 structures point to non-opioid analgesic options
Researchers have identified a previously unknown sodium-binding site on GlyT2, which supplies the energetic drive required for glycine transport. The study also uncovered a distinctive allosteric binding pocket for lipid-based inhibitors, providing a foundation for rational design of improved analgesics.
Trends in injecting methamphetamine and opioids among people who inject drugs in the US
The prevalence of injecting methamphetamine only or both methamphetamine and opioids increased among people who inject drugs entering treatment in the US between 2012 and 2023. This trend is consistent with prior work showing increases in opioid and methamphetamine co-use before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Increased avoidance learning in chronic opioid users
This study confirms the role of negative reinforcement in chronic opioid use, contributing to addiction development. The findings suggest that this mechanism is present even after regular opioid use, highlighting potential for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Study reveals the role of geography in the opioid crisis
A new study reveals that laws restricting pain clinics, or 'pill mills,' where opioids were often prescribed, reduced risky opioid use by 5 percent. Enacting such laws near the onset of the crisis in the 1990s could have reduced risky use by 30 percent over time.
Parent opioid prescriptions linked to teen and young adult opioid use
A Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
AI can be trained to provide safe advice for treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy: New study
A new study finds that ChatGPT can provide trustworthy information for pregnant women seeking medical advice on treating opioid use disorder, with over 97% of responses scoring as safe and accurate. The researchers used a persona to frame conversations with the AI, which showed consistency with accepted clinical practice.
Cannabis laws and opioid use among commercially insured patients with cancer diagnoses
A recent study found that cannabis may reduce opioid use among commercially insured patients with cancer diagnoses, indicating potential benefits for pain management. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for cancer-related pain.
Older adults with HIV may be facing unequal burden in the opioid crisis
A study published in The Lancet Primary Care found that older adults with HIV are more likely to receive opioids and experience opioid use disorder compared to those without HIV. This disparity highlights the need for tailored strategies to safely prescribe opioids and expand access to treatment.
New study led by OHIO researcher reveals surprising attitudes among Ohio primary care providers toward diabetes vs. opioid use disorder treatment
A recent study found that primary care providers in Ohio perceive and treat opioid use disorder (OUD) differently from other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Despite recognizing OUD as a chronic brain disease, providers were less likely to offer treatment themselves.
Emergency calls for pediatric opioid exposure on rise: New research
Research reveals an increase in emergency calls for pediatric opioid exposure among middle-school aged children, with a national trend of rising calls from 255 in 2019 to 553 in 2023. Teenagers showed a decline after 2022. Demographics varied by age group, with females outnumbering males in the middle school age group.
What are the recent trends in opioid prescribing for patients with cancer?
A recent analysis reveals a modest decline in new and additional opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer from 2016 to 2020. For patients with metastatic cancer, prescribing remained stable for those reporting any pain but declined steeply for those reporting no pain.
Timely pain treatment linked to reduced hospitalizations for children with sickle cell disease
A new study finds that prompt administration of opioid pain relief in emergency departments can reduce hospitalization rates for children with sickle cell disease. Children who received timely first-dose administration within 60 minutes and second-dose administration within 30 minutes showed reduced hospitalization odds.
Prescribed opioid pain medications during pregnancy likely aren’t associated with increased risk of autism, ADHD
A Swedish study of over 1.2 million children found no significant association between prenatal exposure to opioids and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers attributed the observed differences in ASD rates among exposed versus unexposed children to other pre...
Are patients undergoing surgery for early-stage cancer at risk of persistent opioid use?
A new study published in the American Cancer Society's journal reveals that nearly 1 in 10 patients undergoing surgery for early-stage cancer will initiate opioid prescriptions long-term. The research found that those with a prior history of chronic pain, comorbidities, and lower socioeconomic status were at higher risk.
Study proposes new, more personalized methadone restart approach for opioid use disorder
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus introduces a more individualized approach to restarting methadone treatment for people with opioid use disorder. The findings suggest that tailoring methadone doses to each patient's unique circumstances can improve care without compromising safety.
A new alternative to opioids
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a novel analgesic called ADRIANA, which targets the α2B-adrenoceptor and exerts its effect without causing cardiovascular instability. The compound has shown highly promising results in non-clinical studies and early clinical trials.
Searching for a lethal needle in a haystack: synthetic opioid 1000 times more potent than morphine
Researchers detected traces of nitazene in discarded injecting equipment and syringes in Adelaide, Australia. Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths with 84% of patients unaware of the synthetic opioid's presence.
Inappropriate prescriptions for antibiotics, glucocorticoids and opioids common at urgent cares
A study of 22 million urgent care visits found 12.4% of patients received antibiotics, 9.1% glucocorticoids, and 1.3% opioids for generally inappropriate diagnoses. The trends highlight the need for improved clinician knowledge, patient demand, and decision support.
Regular opioid use may increase dementia risk
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular opioid use is associated with a 20% increased risk of all-cause dementia and over 70% increased risk of dementia among those taking strong opioids. Regular opioid use was also linked to reduced brain volume, lower fluid intelligence, and higher risk of vascular dementia.
Increasing contingency management incentives will help more patients recover from addiction
A JAMA Psychiatry study recommends increasing contingency management incentives to improve opioid addiction recovery outcomes. The research team suggests using evidence-based incentive amounts, such as $128 per week for vouchers or $55 per week for prizes over 12 weeks, to effectively reduce stimulant and/or opioid use.
Black emergency department patients less likely to be treated with opioids – and more likely to misuse them later as a result
A new study found that Black emergency department patients are less likely to be treated with opioids, but when their preferences are not met, they are at a higher risk of misusing opioids three months later. Patients who were satisfied with their pain care had lower rates of opioid misuse.
Supportive housing offers high-impact, cost-effective response to homelessness and opioid use
A new study found that providing housing and supportive services without requiring drug treatment is a surprisingly cost-effective approach to helping unhoused people with opioid use disorder. The 'housing first' model output showed that people with stable housing are more likely to enter treatment for opioid use and have a higher like...
Majority of Medicaid managed care plans cover opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone
A new study found that almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
Receipt of buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder by race and ethnicity and insurance type
Access to buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder is affected by race and ethnicity, as well as insurance type. Targeted interventions, including culturally tailored care and expanded access points, are needed to address disparities and reduce inequities contributing to the overdose crisis.
Availability of medications for opioid use disorder in opioid treatment programs
Most opioid treatment programs still do not offer all three forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as of 2023. Government-operated programs and those accepting Medicare are more likely to provide comprehensive MAT offerings.
New ‘designer drugs’ pose growing threat to road safety in the US
A new study found that new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a significant concern in roadway crashes in California. NPS, also known as ‘designer drugs’, were detected in the blood of 17 patients, with most frequent being designer benzodiazepines and fentanyl analogs.
Handy ‘MasSpec Pen’ collection could help detect opioids from the skin
Researchers developed a pen-like tool that can quickly collect molecules from the skin's surface to screen for opioids with mass spectrometry. The 'MasSpec Pen' delivers a droplet of liquid, extracts molecules, and analyzes them using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Innovative toolkit blazes trail for healthcare providers to learn with patients struggling with opioid use, chronic pain
A new online toolkit developed by the University of Ottawa and Health Canada aims to educate healthcare providers on managing opioid-related issues. The toolkit's co-creation model involves patient input, leading to a deeper understanding of chronic pain and opioid use, and a more compassionate approach to care.