Research on opioids, addiction, and treatment. Covers traditional care practices, opioid treatment in pregnancy, illicit fentanyl, and treatment disparities.
This analysis of US outpatient prescribing records reveals a two-to-three-fold variation in opioid prescribing metrics among states, with significant implications for policy and public health. Researchers suggest that this data can inform state-specific laws, policies, and interventions to address opioid-related problems.
A new study found a 54% drop in monthly opioid prescriptions for patients who had never used opioids or been off them for six months. However, some clinicians continued to prescribe at concerning dosages and lengths, raising concerns about undertreatment and high-risk prescribing.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a pain killer that blocks kappa opioid receptors to restore motivation in rodents. The compound dampens the negative emotions associated with pain without causing euphoria, offering a potential approach to less addictive pain treatment.
A study by WVU researchers finds that 70% of West Virginia teachers report an increase in students impacted by substance use at home, but only 10% feel confident in supporting these students. The study highlights the need for additional training and support for teachers to address the downstream effects of the opioid crisis on children.
The opioid crisis is expanding globally, with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark reporting a surge in prescription opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain. The study highlights the need to curtail the use of strong painkillers like oxycodone, which can lead to overdose deaths.
Complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland improved symptoms in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis, including profound fatigue, poor sleep quality, and muscle tenderness. Thyroidectomy also normalized serum antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, providing a more effective treatment option for these patients.
Emergency department visits by people aged 65 and older with opioid misuse more than tripled between 2006 and 2014. Opioid misuse is associated with chronic conditions, increased injury risk, and higher rates of alcohol dependence and mental health diagnoses.
A study of over 467,000 patients found that 30,865 developed persistent opioid use after surgery, while 10,487 experienced prolonged opioid use. Patients filling prescriptions for opioids shortly before or after surgery were more likely to have persistent and prolonged use.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that long-term opioid use by one or more family members was associated with persistent opioid use by adolescents prescribed opioids after common surgical and dental procedures. The research highlights the potential risks of young adults continuing opioid prescriptions long after their surgeries.
A study of over 346,000 patients found that those with a family member using opioids long-term were more likely to develop persistent opioid use after first-time prescriptions for surgical or dental procedures. Persistent opioid use was seen in 4.1% of patients with a long-term family opioid user compared to 2.4% without.
A recent Ohio University study found that American hospitals have seen a decline in opioid abuse treatment programs, despite the growing opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 3,365 acute-care hospitals and found that many hospitals dropped these programs between 2010 and 2015.
Researchers found that most individuals misusing prescription opioids also use cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana or hard drugs. Those who misuse multiple substances have a greater risk of behavioral problems, mental health issues and treatment needs.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the FDA and manufacturers failed to review prescribing records to prevent inappropriate use of potentially lethal fentanyl products. Despite a monitoring program in place, widespread misuse was discovered among cancer patients.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that driving while on prescription opioids significantly increases the risk of fatal motor vehicle crashes. The study analyzed data from over 18,000 fatal car crashes and found that drivers who tested positive for prescription opioids were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in developing a blood test that can objectively determine the severity of pain in patients. The test, led by psychiatrist Alexander Niculescu, uses biomarkers found in the blood to match with potential treatment options.
Four articles examine racial disparities in opioid prescribing and overdose deaths, as well as county-level prescribing patterns in the US. The studies reveal significant differences in prescription rates and overdose fatality rates among various populations, highlighting pressing public health concerns.
A new study estimates that 3.9 million US adults misused prescription opioids annually, with risk factors including co-occurring substance use disorders and psychological distress. Prescribers should be vigilant about potential misuse among patients prescribed potent opioid medications for long-term use.
A Stanford University School of Medicine investigation discovered that common opioids are less effective for patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression. This interaction may lead to reduced pain relief and increased risk of opioid abuse.
The HEROES program, launched in 2018, provides comprehensive treatment for opioid abusers and offers assertive outreach to those struggling with addiction. The program has seen success with nearly 150 patients remaining drug-free for over 30 days.
Researchers found no significant increase in opioid-involved fatal crashes in Maryland from 2006 to 2017. A new approach defined by limiting analysis to those who died at the scene with opioids in their systems versus those who died later revealed this steady trend.
Research from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a significant association between long-term unemployment and higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Rural counties plagued by unemployment had significantly higher rates of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome compared to urban areas.
A study suggests that only about 10 percent of people who had non-fatal opioid overdoses in West Virginia received treatment in the aftermath. This missed opportunity to prevent future fatal overdoses is particularly concerning given the state's high overdose death rate.
Higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) were found in US counties with high unemployment and clinician shortages. NAS rates often peaked in rural, remote areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers studying opioid addiction effects on bones are exploring how it impacts microscopic bone structures used to estimate age-at-death. Opioids upset the balance of bone remodeling towards more destruction and less formation of bone, leading to severely compromised age-at-death estimates.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that prescription opioids are commonly used long-term to treat pain in older patients with severe osteoarthritis. The study also revealed substantial statewide variation in rates of treatment with long-term opioid therapy for osteoarthritis, which was not fully explained by difference...
Researchers discovered a significant rise in infective endocarditis among Ontarians who inject drugs, with hydromorphone prescriptions linked to the increased risk. The study found that reusing injection equipment, common among opioid users, allows for bacterial contamination and increases the chances of heart infection.
A study of people who inject drugs found a significant increase in the risk of infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart lining, possibly linked to increasing use of hydromorphone. The risk rose from 13.4 to 35.1 admissions per three months between 2011 and 2015.
A new US study found that prescription opioids are negatively affecting labor force participation and unemployment rates nationwide. The study discovered a strong adverse effect of opioids on labor markets, with a 10% increase in opioid prescriptions per capita leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in labor force participation rates.
A new 'Cascade of Care' framework aims to address gaps in addiction care and monitor treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The model identifies key stages through which people must progress to increase the chance of reaching remission, and emphasizes prevention services targeting populations by risk level.
The University of Cincinnati design team has created a naloxone-dispensing smart device called AntiOD, which is designed to educate the public on signs of overdose and how to administer naloxone. The device will be installed in semi-public places with step-by-step instructions for bystanders.
Research published in Addiction found that US doctors receiving direct payments from opioid manufacturers prescribe more opioids than those who receive no such payments. The study analyzed data from over 63,000 physicians who received opioid-related promotional payments and compared them to over 802,000 physicians with no such payments.
A study found that increased opioid marketing to physicians was associated with higher prescribing rates and subsequent overdose deaths. The analysis, which analyzed industry marketing data and national opioid prescribing and death data, reported $40 million in targeted marketing efforts across over 2,200 counties.
A new study published in Sleep found a 250% increase in Americans taking opioids with benzodiazepines or Z-drugs between 1999 and 2014. This alarming trend is associated with increased risks of serious adverse outcomes, including breathing problems and death.
The new data reveal an estimated 2.3 million people living with Hepatitis C infection in the U.S. between 2013 and 2016, with a high burden in the West and Appalachian states. HepVu's interactive maps provide a comprehensive picture of the disease's impact on states to inform researchers and public health decision-makers.
CHOP surgeons found that opioids were often overprescribed for children's elbow fractures, with patients using less than 25% of the prescribed amount. Most patients stopped taking opioid medication after a short period, with some opting for over-the-counter pain relievers instead.
A study reveals GPs in poorer areas prescribe more opioids for pain, with smoking, obesity, and depression linked to increased prescribing. Chronic pain management is a challenge, with limited capacity for counseling and potential risks outweighing benefits.
Concurrent tobacco use is associated with a higher likelihood of receiving prescriptions for opioids combined with muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines. This increased co-prescription may lead to prescription drug addiction due to the heightened risk of overdose.
The Second Chance app uses sonar to monitor breathing rate and detect opioid overdose symptoms. It has been shown to accurately identify overdoses 90% of the time and can track movement and breathing from a distance.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that prescribed opioids increase the risk of pneumonia in individuals with and without HIV. Patients taking medium or high doses of opioid painkillers were at greater risk for pneumonia, particularly those with immunosuppressive properties.
The opioid crisis roadmap neglects significant data on sex and gender differences, which are crucial for developing effective interventions. Women experience distinct pain and addiction patterns compared to men, and are more likely to relapse and face greater functional impairment.
Researchers argue that the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach, building on lessons from the AIDS epidemic. A five-point action plan is proposed to address cultural, social, economic, and structural barriers to care.
The study analyzed data from over 69,000 ED visits for patients under 18 and found a decrease in opioid prescribing rates from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. Regional and demographic differences were observed, with higher rates among white patients and those aged 13-17, as well as lower rates among Medicaid recipients.
A new study by Boston Medical Center found that patients are less likely to disclose drug use earlier in treatment, but urine drug testing can help identify and engage patients with positive test results. The study suggests developing interventions for patients with positive urine tests to keep them engaged in care.
A study combining 96 randomized clinical trials found that opioids had small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared to placebo, but also an increased risk of vomiting. Nonopioid alternative pain medications showed similar benefits with lower risks.
A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Duke University finds that early physical therapy can reduce the risk of long-term opioid use by 7-16% for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy is also associated with a 5-10% reduction in opioid dosage for those who do use them.
A study of nearly 89,000 U.S. adults found that early physical therapy was associated with lower opioid use for shoulder, knee, and low back pain, but not neck pain. This suggests that early physical therapy may play a role in reducing the risk of long-term opioid use in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. The vaccine could help combat opioid addiction and reduce overdose deaths by blocking the analgesic effects of these potent drugs.
Researchers are developing a nonopioid drug, ML351, to treat certain types of chronic pain. The drug targets a novel signaling pathway responsible for chronic pain development and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
A new study found that an ultrarestrictive opioid prescribing strategy was associated with fewer pills dispensed after surgery, without changes in postoperative pain scores or complications. The protocol reduced opioid pill dispensing by 72-85% for patients undergoing different types of surgery.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with persistent opioid use have a higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased costs compared to those without opioid use. The study found no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.
Researchers explore novel approaches to monitoring opioid use in municipal wastewater, offering a rapid, cost-effective solution to supplement existing data. The method can identify hot spots of drug use and predict shifts in consumption patterns, aiding in the development of effective intervention programs.
Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.
A study by researchers at Idaho State University found that a quarter of chronic opioid users in Idaho were at risk for overdose from unsafe combinations of prescriptions. Pharmacists are urged to facilitate communication between prescribers and educate patients on the risks of these dangerous drug combinations.
High-dose opioids are widely prescribed for chronic pain, but can cause self-perpetuating therapy and withdrawal. The Canadian government should recall these formulations to regulate dangerous prescribing practices. This would help fuel the opioid crisis, particularly among patients with addiction.
An observational study found a higher risk of subsequent opioid use and abuse among patients exposed to opioids prescribed by dental providers. The study, examining outpatient opioid prescriptions for patients aged 16-25, suggests increased scrutiny is needed during third-molar extractions and postoperative care
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teens and young adults who receive their initial opioid prescriptions from dentists are at increased risk for opioid addiction in the following year. The study, which examined nearly 15,000 patients, found that those who received dental opioid prescriptions were more likely to c...
A new study found that amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade, particularly in rural counties. Amphetamine-affected births doubled, while the rate of opioid use quadrupled, resulting in higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
A study of 73 adults with sickle cell disease found that even high-dose opioid treatment did not effectively manage pain in a subset of patients. The researchers emphasize the need for non-opioid pain relievers to address this challenge.