Articles tagged with Psychoactive Drugs
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.
The UK's response to NPS deaths highlights the importance of international cooperation and domestic legislation in reducing harm. Effective controls implemented in producing countries, such as China, were associated with larger reductions in NPS detections than controls introduced solely within consuming countries.
A study compared four approaches to supporting opioid deprescribing in primary care clinics, finding that clinics with both clinic workflow support and prescriber coaching had the largest reduction in average opioid dose. Clinics that received education alone showed significant increases in urine drug testing and treatment agreements.
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.
A study found that prescription stimulants primarily affect brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than attention circuitry. This leads to improved focus through increased motivation and reduced sleep deprivation effects.
A new study found that annual ADHD prescription rates increased by 157 percent in Ontario from 2015 to 2023, with significant increases in females and younger age groups. The authors suggest a potential rise in true cases of ADHD, improved diagnosis, or misdiagnosis as contributing factors.
A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...
A study published in Pediatric Drugs found that children and adolescents with underweight are more likely to discontinue ADHD medication within a year. The researchers also found clear differences in dosage, gender, and age that can affect treatment outcomes.
Studies found that medical and recreational cannabis dispensary openings led to significant reductions in opioid prescriptions for chronic and acute pain management. The findings suggest a safer alternative to opioids for managing pain, particularly for cancer patients.
A new study from Tulane University found that 22 states have prohibited prior authorization for opioid use disorder medications, making it easier for people to get potentially life-saving treatment. This trend signals a positive shift in state legislative efforts to address the opioid crisis, with more states removing barriers to care.
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.
A systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence on psilocybin's effects on obsessive-compulsive behaviours, revealing consistent anti-compulsive effects in human patients and validated animal models. Single doses of psilocybin led to rapid symptom reductions in clinical populations.
Rates of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use increased among surgical patients from 2016 to 2022, with buprenorphine being the primary driver. MOUD use was highest in debridement and orthopedic procedures, highlighting the need for clinical practice guidelines to coordinate care and pain management.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
Researchers developed a portable sensor to detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, allowing for early intervention and harm reduction. The device shows high selectivity and sensitivity, detecting concentrations as low as 0.2 µM and identifying specific peaks that quantify substances present.
A new U-M study found that xylazine does not amplify the decrease in breathing rate caused by fentanyl use, but reduces heart rate more than fentanyl. This reduction in heart rate may be a more important driver of increased overdose risk, highlighting the need for further research into polysubstance use involving opioids.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
Researchers found that non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic drugs, like tabernanthalog (TBG), promote neuroplasticity through the same biochemical pathway as psychedelics. TBG activates the serotonin 2A receptor, inducing downstream activation of TrkB, mTOR, and AMPA. This is sufficient for promoting neuroplasticity and growth of...
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.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that opioid consumption intensity varies enormously across different populations and contexts. The study suggests that tracking average intensities of use could improve our understanding of consumption patterns and inform drug policy and treatment strategies.
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.
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.
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.
A study of 7,944 ADHD patients found that telehealth-based relationships did not increase the risk of substance use disorder. However, patients aged 26 and above who received initial stimulant prescriptions during telehealth appointments were at higher risk.
Researchers will analyze course of illness, confirm ingested substances, and provide real-time data for better care. The study aims to predict effects of emerging opioids and deliver timely alerts to doctors and public health agencies.
A new study found that chronic cannabis use, whether smoked or consumed as edibles, is associated with significant cardiovascular risks. People who regularly used marijuana had reduced blood vessel function comparable to tobacco smokers.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to detect nitazenes – highly potent synthetic opioids – and xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use, in Australian wastewater. The method achieved up to 1000-fold enrichment and detected trace levels of these substances, posing significant risks of overdose.
University of California researchers developed a new drug, JRT, with reduced hallucinogenic potential compared to LSD. The compound has shown promise in treating the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, including anhedonia and cognitive function.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully synthesized ibogaine and its related compounds using a new, efficient method. The study's findings suggest that these analogues may be useful in treating substance use disorders and other conditions, and highlight the potential for safer and more effective medicines.
A new study published in the COPD Foundation journal found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries when taking commonly prescribed medications. The likelihood of falls increases relative to the number of fall-risk increasing drugs used.
Researchers used a mouse model to study the effects of psychedelics on anxiety and hallucinations, finding that distinct neural circuits are responsible. By targeting specific neurons, they were able to reduce anxiety-like behaviors without inducing hallucinations.
A recent study found that 85% of veterans who used psychedelics reported benefiting from the experience, with many seeking mental health care or returning to VA services. The survey also identified factors that lower the likelihood of negative outcomes, such as being older and using psilocybin.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.
Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an implantable device that monitors vital signs and releases naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. The device has shown success in reversing overdoses in animals, with a 96% recovery rate.
Researchers highlight acute need for mental health services and support for men with prostate cancer. The study found that 15% of prostate cancer patients started anti-anxiety and antidepression medications at diagnosis, while only 6% sought help from mental health services.
A new study finds that psilocybin temporarily desynchronizes the default mode network in the brain, creating a psychedelic experience. The study provides a neurobiological explanation for the drug's effects and lays groundwork for its potential use as a therapy for mental illnesses.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
Researchers have identified three new variants of MDMA as promising alternatives for controlled psychotherapeutic use, retaining therapeutic potential while reducing side effects. The new compounds show a similar effect on clinical target structures in the brain and are broken down more favorably, resulting in fewer toxic products.
A recent study by Bryan Roth and colleagues validated the accuracy of AlphaFold2 in modeling ligand binding sites, leading to promising results for drug discovery. The researchers found that up to 54% of potential compounds interacted successfully with the target proteins, paving the way for new treatments.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reveals that smartphone swabs can successfully detect drugs on phone surfaces. The method, which uses dry swabs, identified MDMA, cocaine, and THC as the most common substances, with other drugs including ketamine, LSD, and heroin also detected.
A new study from Aarhus University investigates 327 deaths related to opioid overdoses in Denmark and finds that being alone increases the risk of fatal poisoning. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep as a precursor to opioid poisoning, particularly among young people.
A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.
Researchers found that a person-centered approach, trusting relationship, and proper training are crucial for effective peer support. Trained peer support can help plug gaps in medication advice and improve patient adherence to treatment.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
A new meta-analysis suggests that high-dose prescription psychostimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can lower cravings and reduce stimulant use in people with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The study analyzed ten randomized controlled trials and found that effects may increase with higher dosage.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
A French study found that recreational drug use was associated with a nearly 9-fold higher rate of death or need for emergency intervention in cardiac intensive care patients. The study detected various substances in 1 in 10 patients, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance.
Most adults commencing treatment with prescription opioids had relatively low and time-limited opioid exposure over a 5-year period. Individuals with sustained or increasing use were older with more comorbidities, reflecting higher pain needs.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
Researchers at UC Davis found that engaging serotonin 2A receptors inside neurons promotes growth of new connections, while the same receptors on cell surfaces do not. This discovery guides efforts to develop new treatments for depression and PTSD.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that high doses of CBD may increase the adverse effects of THC in edible cannabis products. The study showed that CBD inhibits the metabolism of THC, resulting in stronger and longer drug effects.
A new study by UCL and King's College London researchers found that vaporized cannabis has the same short-term effects on adolescents (16-17 years old) as on adults (26-29 years old), regardless of CBD levels. The study also showed that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.