Research on opioids, addiction, and treatment. Covers traditional care practices, opioid treatment in pregnancy, illicit fentanyl, and treatment disparities.
The grant will train undergraduate and graduate nursing students in substance abuse disorders to address the opioid crisis in Georgia. Researchers aim to equip nurses with the skill and empathy needed to help alleviate the effects of the opioid epidemic.
A new study found that adults with newly diagnosed sciatica who received chiropractic spinal manipulation experienced significantly lower rates of opioid-related adverse drug events compared to those receiving usual medical care. The study highlights the potential benefits of non-pharmacological approaches in managing pain.
Researchers found that fewer veterans reported having access to firearms than expected, with only 5% included in discussions. The study also revealed that most veterans with opioid access did not accept overdose-reversing medication, highlighting the need for improved suicide safety planning.
A recent study found that infant mortality from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) has increased significantly in the US, affecting Black infants disproportionately. The analysis suggests possible explanations for this trend, including COVID-19 and maternal opioid use.
A recent study found that people trying to quit opioids and pain medication experience more relapses compared to others. The research highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches, as some substances require more quit attempts than others.
A support program increased rural primary care clinics' buprenorphine prescribing by fivefold, with clinic completion rates for treatment milestones also showing significant improvements.
A new study reveals that opioid smokers die at two-thirds the rate of injectors, likely due to reduced transmission of HIV and hepatitis C. However, smoking opioids carries a substantial overdose risk and should not be misconstrued as safe.
Non-white communities had significantly less access to opioid medications, despite declines in prescription use across the US. Communities of color may be especially vulnerable to the unintended consequences of efforts to reduce opioid analgesics.
A new study from UC Davis reveals a concerning decline in residents applying to pain medicine fellowship programs, with female physicians dropping 27.5%. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio have won the 2025 Hill Prizes for their groundbreaking work on non-opioid painkillers and emergency airway management. The $500,000 prize funding will support the development of novel analgesics and a new design for endotracheal tubes.
A Weill Cornell Medicine study found that 97% of those who received naloxone kits were at high risk of overdose, with significant racial disparities seen among older Black men and Latino/Latina groups. The city's overdose prevention efforts aim to address these disparities through targeted programs.
The study found that less than 3% of pain medications prescribed to NFL athletes were for opioids, with NSAIDs being the preferred first-line treatment. Most players did not receive any opioid prescriptions, indicating a safer approach to pain management in professional football.
A recent study found that a genetic test for opioid use disorder (OUD) had high rates of both false positive and false negative results, questioning its usefulness. The testing could lead to patients receiving opioids despite low risk or being denied effective pain relief due to high risk.
A recent study found that pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in Medicaid are at a disproportionately high risk of severe maternal morbidity. Targeted interventions, such as early Medicaid enrollment and coverage continuity, may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes in this group.
A Rutgers University study found that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids. Patients who received the non-opioid medication experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction compared to those receiving hydrocodone with acetaminophen.
Between 2020 and 2023, buprenorphine dispensing to adolescents increased, while prescribing declined among young adults. These changes are attributed to improved outreach, telehealth prescriptions, and elimination of waiver requirements.
A randomized clinical study found that an opioid-free treatment pathway is both safe and effective for bariatric surgery patients. The alternative method, which combines three different medicines, significantly reduces the need for opioids during treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating fentanyl overdoses using naloxone methiodide, which blocks peripheral opioid receptors. This therapy reverses fentanyl-induced respiratory depression without causing withdrawal symptoms.
The program aims to decrease opioid use by increasing provider knowledge of integrative therapies and providing sustained outpatient follow-up. University Hospitals will refine evidence-based integrative therapies such as music therapy and acupuncture to address acute pain.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Researchers found that increasing levels of the naturally occurring endocannabinoid 2-AG can counteract the rewarding properties of opioids, reducing addiction-like behaviors in mice. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy to alleviate pain while minimizing opioid addiction risk.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers highlights critical healthcare gaps that hinder long-term recovery for people living with OUD in Philadelphia. The study identifies challenges such as lengthy and restrictive assessment processes, inadequate operating hours, and lack of sufficient withdrawal management as barri...
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that low-dose ketamine is an effective adjunct to morphine for managing acute pain, providing relief to both opioid-tolerant and opioid-naive patients. The study demonstrates significant reductions in pain scores for 30 minutes compared to a placebo.
The 2024 Guidelines for First Aid provide critical updates on recognizing and responding to mild, moderate, and life-threatening emergencies. The guidelines offer enhanced guidance on managing opioid overdoses, bleeding, and other conditions, as well as improved recommendations for emergency care involving children.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC increases dopamine release and rewires the fetal brain, leading to a higher risk of opioid addiction later in life. The research suggests that THC exposure during pregnancy may contribute to neurobiological vulnerabilities, making individuals more susceptible to addiction-like behavior.
A new digital toolkit aims to screen patients for intimate partner violence (IPV) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while providing resources and support for long-lasting recovery. The toolkit prioritizes patient safety and will be beta-tested before being rolled out in a large randomized clinical trial.
A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine found nearly half of opioid overdose patients tested positive for hepatitis C. The infection can cause chronic liver disease and even liver failure or cancer if left undiagnosed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its first pediatric guideline on opioid prescribing in primary care, emphasizing the importance of preventing overdose. The guideline recommends discussing naloxone with families and safe disposal of unused opioids to prevent a tragedy.
A large-scale clinical trial will enroll 644 children across the US to determine if adding acetaminophen or ketorolac to opioid-based pain control reduces pain in critically ill children. The study aims to improve pediatric intensive care worldwide by reducing side effects and increasing long-term patient outcomes.
Research suggests that social support decreases among pregnant and parenting individuals with OUD, but integrating community-based supports like doulas can increase trust and positive outcomes. A peer recovery doula model could provide an authentic bond for new mothers with OUD during the postpartum period.
Researchers analyzed opioid industry documents and found that 15 key articles were cited to support unsubstantiated claims about prescription opioids' safety and effectiveness. The study highlights the need for regulatory safeguards to protect public health, particularly for potentially addictive pharmaceuticals.
The Endocrine Society's new statement highlights research gaps on opioids' effects on the endocrine system, which can lead to conditions like male hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Clinicians need to monitor patients using opioids for signs of these health consequences.
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment found that distributing free naloxone via vending machines in county jails can sharply increase the number of doses provided to inmates at release. This may help reduce overdose deaths, as former prisoners are more vulnerable due to lack of accessible support.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects an overdose, rapidly delivers naloxone to prevent death and alerts emergency responders. The device was tested in animal studies, showing promising results with rapid rescue and full recovery within minutes.
A Scottish study found that treating opioid use disorder significantly lowers the high rate of suicide among people with opioid dependence. The study reported 575 suicides among over 45,000 patients receiving methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
A large federally funded study found a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, primarily fentanyl and methamphetamine. Intervention communities implemented evidence-based practices, including naloxone distribution and education campaigns, which led to lower death rates.
Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.
The study found that individuals receiving methadone had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation compared to those receiving buprenorphine/naloxone. Additionally, the risk of mortality while receiving treatment was similar between medications, with no significant differences observed.
A new study found that people with opioid or alcohol use disorder who take Ozempic or similar medications have a lower rate of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication. The medication, which treats diabetes and weight-related conditions, may also alter the brain's reward-response pathways associated with substance use.
A new study has found that men and women utilize different biological systems to relieve pain. Women rely on non-opioid based pathways, which may explain why they respond poorly to opioid therapies and are more likely to become addicted. The research suggests tailoring pain treatment to an individual's sex may improve patient outcomes.
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Researchers found a significant increase in the use of naloxone by people without medical training to treat opioid overdoses. From June 2020 to June 2022, EMS reported 24,990 patients receiving naloxone from an untrained bystander before EMS arrived, representing a 43.5% growth.
A recent study found that smokers report higher rates of chronic pain, poor mental health, and severe work limitations due to pain. Quitting smoking can reduce prescription opioid use and associated health problems, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment programs.
Researchers have discovered molecules capable of limiting the side effects of opioids by blocking the receptor responsible for their action. The scientists created even smaller molecules that retain the same properties, which could prove far more effective than current treatments in mitigating the harmful effects of opioids.
A new study reveals that etizolam and gabapentinoids contribute to a rising culture of polydrug use and increased drug-related deaths in Scotland. The analysis of 18 studies found a significant increase in gabapentinoid-related deaths, primarily due to concurrent opioid use.
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published its first clinical guideline for pediatricians on prescribing opioids, emphasizing the importance of safe use in treating acute pain. The guideline recommends routine prescription of naloxone alongside every opioid prescription to reverse overdoses.
Children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to receive opioids after a broken elbow diagnosis. The study found disparities in opioid prescriptions based on patient race, age, and geographic location.
A recent study found that naloxone was successful in improving clinical status in 54.1% of pediatric patients who received the antidote, and one-third received two or more doses. Naloxone administrations occurred most often in home settings, and boys were slightly more likely to receive the treatment.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.
A new review of evidence has found that buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal occurs in only 0-13.2% of adults taking their first dose, with symptoms being generally mild. The study calls for better evidence to measure the true risk and encourages doctors and patients to use this effective treatment.
A study suggests that semaglutide may have therapeutic value in preventing opioid overdoses by reducing the associated risk. The results require further validation, but the findings indicate a potential benefit for patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder.
A study by Rutgers Health researchers found that unintentional opioid exposure in children primarily occurs at home, with over 91% of cases involving a child's home. The study highlights the need for proper medication storage and disposal, especially involving grandparents' medications and pet medications.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that patients taking semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of opioid overdose compared to those on other anti-diabetic medications. The research suggests semaglutide could be a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder and preventing overdoses.
Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.
The HOMER study successfully adapted to COVID-19 challenges by incorporating telehealth and accommodating patient preferences. The study has enrolled nearly 300 participants and continues to contribute valuable insights into opioid treatment research.
Prehospital encounters for opioid overdoses increased among US youth from 2018 to 2022, particularly among adolescents aged 12-17, which showed an upward trend both before and during the pandemic. Overall, trends were largely driven by those aged 18-24.
Nonfatal opioid overdoses in youth increased significantly during the pandemic, with a majority (86%) occurring among young adults and adolescents aged 12-17 experiencing a high-risk trend. Keeping naloxone at home is crucial to preventing overdose deaths.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that large language models demonstrated no racial or gender discrimination in opioid treatment recommendations. The results suggest that these AI models have the potential to reduce bias and improve health equity in pain management, which is a critical area where disparities exist.
Prescription volumes for stimulant and antidepressant medications rose, while opioid volumes decreased between 2019 and 2022. Telehealth prescriptions climbed across medications, with a notable increase in opioids.