Articles tagged with Addiction
A new study has linked air pollution exposure during fetal life with brain abnormalities, including a thinner cortex, which may contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Exposure to fine particles was associated with difficulties in inhibitory control, related to mental health problems such as addiction and ADHD.
A new study suggests that smartphone addiction taps into the human need to connect with others, rooted in evolution. By turning off push notifications and setting boundaries, individuals can regain control over their smartphone use.
The new Canadian guideline recommends opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone as the preferred first-line treatment to reduce risk of overdose and death. It also identifies common practices that should be avoided, such as withdrawal management alone without transition to long-term treatment.
Researchers observed how the brain learns to repeat patterns of neural activity that elicit a feeling of pleasure in mice, providing new strategies for targeting disorders characterized by abnormal repetitive behaviors. The findings also have implications for treating addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recent studies on medical marijuana laws find no significant link to increased adolescent recreational use, contradicting previous claims. The evidence also suggests that legalizing medical marijuana does not necessarily reduce opioid overdose deaths, as other factors contribute more significantly to the decline in deaths.
A new study found four types of collaborative programs in Massachusetts connecting overdose survivors with addiction treatment, harm reduction, and community support services. Public health and public safety partnerships have been shown to be effective in reaching high-risk populations.
The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge has awarded $10,000 prizes to five innovative concepts addressing drug abuse and addiction. The top ideas include digital therapies, augmented reality coaching systems, and virtual reality prevention tools.
A study of nearly 3,000 drinkers found that only a small percentage successfully reduced their alcohol consumption over six months. Despite good intentions, motivation alone is insufficient for reducing intake, with structural support and tools like smartphone apps potentially being effective.
A large observational study found that the duration of opioid treatment is more strongly associated with misuse than the dose. The researchers suggest that giving moderate to higher doses for shorter durations may be a more effective way to manage pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
A new study by USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics found that doctors' offices are the main source of prescription opioids, accounting for 83% of prescriptions in 2012. This contrasts with emergency departments, which accounted for only 4.4% of opioid prescriptions during the same period.
Ontario students are drinking, smoking, and using drugs at the lowest rates since the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey began. However, new data on fentanyl use raises health risks for this potent opioid drug.
A new study found that e-cigarette users are more than four times as likely to begin smoking tobacco cigarettes within 18 months. The research, published in the American Journal of Medicine, suggests that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to traditional smoking, contradicting their use as a smoking cessation tool.
A new study from Washington State University found that frequent marijuana use can strengthen the relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with opioid addiction. This suggests that marijuana may not be an effective treatment for managing these symptoms.
A recent study found that how children use devices, not hours spent on them, is the strongest predictor of emotional or social problems. Warning signs include interfering with daily activities, conflict, and unhealthy media habits leading to relationship, conduct, and emotional issues.
Researchers found a significant increase in GABA levels and disrupted balance between neurotransmitters in the brains of smartphone- and internet-addicted teenagers. Cognitive behavioral therapy improved these imbalances, suggesting a potential treatment pathway for addiction.
Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.
A new program at Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction has shown promising results in engaging patients with substance use disorders in medication treatment during hospital stays. The study found that 70% of patients initiated methadone treatment and 49% linked to an outpatient clinic were still engaged in treatment afte...
A group statement by three organizations opposes the addiction model in relation to frequent sexual behavior and pornography viewing. The statement cites a lack of scientific rigor and validity in current assessments for these concepts, as well as neglecting important cultural factors.
A study found that young non-Hispanic white women who tan indoors are more likely to be dependent on indoor tanning due to beliefs about physical appearance and depressive symptoms. The research, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, suggests a need for targeted interventions to address this behavior change.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that having a TV or video game system in the bedroom can lead to decreased reading time, sleep deprivation, and an increased risk of obesity. The research also found that children who watched violent programs on bedroom media were more likely to exhibit physical aggression.
A new systematic review of 32 clinical trials found low to medium efficacy in reducing drinking for these medications, but with high risk of bias. Researchers call for better studies to determine the effectiveness of these treatments.
A new study finds that basic primary health care and education are crucial for women leaving provincial prisons, addressing trauma, addiction, and chronic diseases. Researchers suggest partnership programs between the health, education, and criminal justice ministries to improve outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University have pinpointed a single type of neuron, the fast-spiking interneuron (FSI), as the master controller of habitual behavior. Forming a habit makes FSI cells more excitable, and shutting them down with a drug breaks habits in sugar-seeking mice.
A nationwide US study found that over 40% of participants who claimed to have quit smoking failed an objective test for cotinine, a chemical measure of nicotine exposure. The study highlights the importance of verifying claims of quitting using objective measures in clinical trials.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that e-cigarette use among 8th and 9th graders is higher than national samples, closely linked to marijuana and tobacco use. The study tracked usage patterns from 8th grade through 9th grade, revealing high rates of addiction.
A family physician shares her experience with patient denial and anger towards opioid prescription limits, but finds healing through medication-assisted treatment training. She urges healthcare professionals to recognize opioid addiction and support one another in providing treatment.
A study reveals that childhood psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and depression, significantly increase the risk of developing addictions later in life. The research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for mental health problems.
The US has renewed funding for Brown University's addiction center, emphasizing efforts to address the growing opioid epidemic. The $3.8 million grant will support training programs for healthcare professionals and community-based organizations.
Research has shown that playing video games can change the brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills, making them more efficient. Additionally, studies have found evidence of increased brain activity in reward system regions associated with internet gaming disorder.
A Baylor University study finds that frequent prayer among older adults with a secure attachment to God improves their sense of well-being, while those with an average or weak attachment may experience mixed results. For those who perceive God as distant or untrustworthy, prayer is not associated with improved mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use is common among young adults with severe physical pain. Young men with high pain scores are at particularly high risk, while women who use benzodiazepines are also more likely to engage in frequent NMPO use.
New research confirms even mild brain injury can cause impulsivity problems in rats, with levels of inflammatory molecule interleukin-12 linked to impulsivity. The study found that impulsivity persisted eight weeks after injury, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and potential new treatment targets.
A Canadian survey reveals that street racers are five times more likely to have crashed their vehicle within a year. The study found that street racers are more likely to be single, young men who drive after using alcohol or marijuana. This correlation remains true even when adjusting for other variables such as age and driving distance.
A Dartmouth-led study refutes the theory that behavior under uncertainty is optimal, finding that synapses can self-adjust learning rates using metaplasticity. The brain adjusts learning according to the uncertainty about reward in a given environment.
Gambling addiction is characterized by excessive risk-taking despite negative results, according to Kyoto University research. The study found that addicts have a poor ability to assess and adapt to high-risk situations, leading to an unhealthy bent towards risky choices.
A study by Binghamton University found that excessive smartphone use leads to problems such as depression, social isolation and anxiety. Females were most likely to exhibit susceptibility to addiction, accounting for 7% of the 'addict' category.
Colleen LaBelle, director of Boston Medical Center's Office-Based Addiction Treatment program, has been awarded the 2017 Advocate State Award for Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. LaBelle's work on expanding access to substance use disorder treatment through her 'Massachusetts Model' has been instrumental i...
The prevalence of heroin use increased by 87% among white individuals from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013. Nonmedical prescription opioid use preceding heroin initiation also rose among white users only, highlighting a link between the two.
A study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that implementing a completely tobacco-free environment led to positive changes in attitudes and reduced patient agitation. The findings also showed no change in fire-related incidents.
A new UBC study reveals that gamblers who feel immersed in slot machines are more likely to have gambling problems. The research suggests that designing slots with eye-catching messages and disrupting the 'slot machine zone' state can promote more responsible play.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health estimates that nearly 10% of women drink alcohol during pregnancy worldwide, leading to an estimated 119,000 cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome annually. The study also found that nearly 15 people per 10,000 have FAS globally.
Teenagers who play video games for more than four hours a day suffer from symptoms of depression, but frequent use of social media and instant messaging may mitigate symptoms of game addiction. Strong friendships appear to be a key factor in balancing out the negative effects of gaming.
Researchers discovered that immigrant populations have altered brain chemistry, specifically higher levels of dopamine, which can increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests that social stress is a key factor contributing to this increased risk, and targeted interventions may help mitigate it.
Public health experts call for strengthened regulations to address the issue of extensive alcohol marketing targeting youth. Key findings include associations between exposure to alcohol marketing and increased youth drinking, as well as ineffective self-regulatory codes.
A new model developed by researchers at Binghamton University uses cognitive dissonance to help individuals recognize their online addiction and reduce its effects. Increasing users' awareness of the consequences of their behavior can create discomfort, motivating them to exert self-control.
A study by Stacey Sigmon found that an Interim Buprenorphine Treatment regimen significantly reduced illicit opioid use and psychological symptoms in waitlisted adults. The treatment involved daily monitoring calls and bi-weekly clinic visits, resulting in excellent adherence rates.
A widely publicized initiative has placed over 95% of individuals with substance-use disorders into detoxification or treatment programs. The Gloucester Police Department's Angel Program has filled a needed gap in accessing substance-use treatment services, with 376 people seeking help in the first year.
A new Oxford University study found that internet gaming is not as addictive as gambling, with only 2-3% of gamers reporting symptoms of internet gaming disorder. The study suggests that while gamers may experience negative effects, they are not as severe as those experienced by gamblers.
A national survey of state mental health directors reveals poorly organized state agency structures, workforce shortages, limited accessibility, and stigma concerns are hindering improvements in children's mental health care. The survey highlights the need for increased public awareness and understanding to increase access to services.
A new Canadian study found that increasing psychiatrists in Ontario did not significantly improve access to psychiatric care. Despite a 17% increase in practicing psychiatrists, demand for services continued to outpace supply.
Syracuse University researchers Joseph Ditre and Stephen Maisto are exploring the links between chronic pain and alcohol consumption, examining how one affects the other. They will study 280 individuals with moderate to heavy drinking habits, using new technologies to better understand pain mechanisms.
A new review suggests that reducing the alcohol content of beer or other drinks could lower blood alcohol levels in drinkers, leading to fewer injuries and chronic diseases. The researchers found no evidence that drinkers can distinguish between beers of different strengths, making weaker beer a viable alternative.
A new review of epidemiological evidence reveals a causal link between alcohol and cancer at seven sites: oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and female breast. The strongest evidence comes from meta-analyses and dose-response relationships.
A recent survey by CAMH found that 328,000 Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress, with girls twice as likely to experience it. The survey also highlighted concerns around screen time, social media use, and problem gaming, which are contributing to the rising levels of distress.
A strong majority of Ontarians support government-controlled options for producing and selling cannabis, with nearly two-thirds backing sales in government-regulated outlets. The survey also found growing support for liberalizing recreational cannabis use, with over half supporting legalization.
Leading tobacco researchers call for UK government to stop subsidizing films with smoking imagery and increase funding for anti-smoking media campaigns. The current system has led to a significant drop in spending on such campaigns, while providing £473 million in tax breaks to top-grossing films featuring tobacco imagery.
A new study in Australia finds that drinking patterns among younger generations are leading to a decline in overall alcohol consumption. The research shows that Australians born in the 1990s are significantly less likely to drink than previous generations.
Studies find individuals with ADHD or obesity prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger future rewards, leading to potential new treatments for these conditions. The research suggests a connection between the inability to delay gratification and addictive disorders.
Research from University of Kent suggests smartphone addiction causes people to view phubbing as normal behavior, due to experiencing or being ignored in social situations. Factors such as internet addiction, FOMO, and lack of self-control also contribute to this phenomenon.
The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act has been criticized by experts due to its broad definition of psychoactivity and lack of a clear way to establish it. The Act's blanket prohibition on new substances may not be feasible or effective in reducing harm, as judges lack evidence on specific drug harms, making sentencing challenges.