A recent study found that people in poorer areas receive three times the prescriptions for opioids than those in wealthier areas, despite a decline in overall opioid use in Canada. The research highlights the persistence of inequalities in healthcare and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the risks of opioid misuse.
The Be Well Texas initiative, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will expand access to opioid use disorder treatment services and recovery support across rural and urban communities. This major statewide expansion aims to reduce overdose deaths and build a lasting recovery infrastructure.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are using a genetically tractable model organism, C. elegans, to dissect the cellular pathways impacted by amphetamines. The study aims to identify novel regulators of dopamine release and genes that mediate amphetamine's effects independently of traditional dopamine mechanisms.
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.
Researchers found that mice with weakened laterodorsal tegmentum responses exhibited reduced withdrawal symptoms and increased interactions with new objects. The interpeduncular nucleus inhibits the LDTg, suggesting a potential target for nicotine addiction treatments.
A sweeping national study by ICAMH at Hebrew University found substantial increases in substance use, behavioral addictions, and mental health disorders in Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Younger, secular populations were most at risk, with sociodemographic disparities evident across repeated samples.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
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.
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...
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.
The number of people seeking treatment for ketamine addiction has increased eightfold since 2014-2015, with doctors warning of serious health problems and inadequate diagnostic criteria. Doctors call for better screening tools and treatments to address the growing concern of non-prescribed ketamine use.
The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first in Texas to approve use of suzetrigine, a new non-opioid medication for post-surgical pain. This medication targets the peripheral nervous system, avoiding opioid-related side effects.
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.
Researchers at Flinders University found that blue-enriched light can make people less sensitive to losses, leading to riskier gambling behaviors. The study suggests that reducing blue light exposure could be a potential strategy to mitigate impulsive gambling.
A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...
Researchers created genetically modified fruit flies that become addicted to cocaine, revealing a potential model for understanding and treating cocaine use disorder. The study's findings suggest that the key to preventing cocaine addiction lies in the flies' ability to detect bitter flavors, which can be mimicked in humans.
Researchers found that ibudilast works better for women who have lower levels of depression and inflammation. The study, which recruited 102 adults with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, showed that ibudilast did not reduce drinking in most participants, but had a positive effect on female participants.
A new study uses a fruit fly model to investigate the genetic basis of cocaine addiction. By genetically modifying bitter-sensing receptors in fruit flies, researchers found that these flies developed a preference for cocaine over sugar. This study suggests that genes involved in human cocaine addiction may also be active in fruit flies.
Researchers found that e-cigarette warnings are effective in discouraging vaping, with health harm warnings being more effective than addiction warnings. The analysis included 22,549 participants and showed no negative unintended consequences, such as encouraging people to smoke cigarettes instead of vaping.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
A new study found that pod-style electronic cigarette devices are more addictive than nicotine gum, indicating a high potential for abuse. The study used a sample of adult non-smokers and found that vaping devices decreased cravings and withdrawal, but increased satisfaction.
Researchers have gained insights into the brain's locus coeruleus and peri-LC neurons, revealing their role in regulating arousal, attention and response to stress and fear. The study provides a detailed roadmap for studying these key players, potentially opening doors for new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss medications liraglutide or semaglutide can cut alcohol intake by nearly two-thirds in just four months. Patients reported a significant reduction in their drinking habits, with some describing the effects as 'effortless'. The study's findings offer promisi...
A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A new study found that about 5.4% of teens used nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3.0% in 2023, and dual use with e-cigarettes increased. Researchers warn of potential health risks and call for tailored prevention strategies.
A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.
A recent study found that people who use cannabis while drinking alcohol may experience fewer negative effects, potentially fueling more drinking. The study examined 6,334 data entries and found that participants perceived fewer negative impacts when using cannabis simultaneously with alcohol.
The US opioid epidemic has shifted its epicenter from the Northwest to the East, with a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths. The study found that populations affected by substance use disorder have changed over time, with Black communities now disproportionately affected.
A new University of Michigan study will test the best way to help people who smoke menthol cigarettes quit. The five-year study will work with 1,200 adults who smoke menthol cigarettes and compare Tobacco Quitline coaching with an incentive program involving daily breath monitoring.
A new pilot study found that medically supervised cannabis use helped manage pain, anxiety, and sleep issues in people recovering from substance use challenges. Participants reported reduced cravings and improved mental health and sleep quality.
Researchers found females with a history of binge eating start drinking alcohol quicker than males. Increased levels of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) prevent cooccurrence of binging in both sexes of mice.
A recent study investigated the effects of different flavor enhancers on nicotine preference and oral choice behavior in rats. The research found that sweeteners, particularly saccharin, increased nicotine consumption in female rats, while flavors like cinnamon had a greater impact on male rats.
A new study reveals that integrating smoking cessation support into NHS Talking Therapies for depression and anxiety significantly increases quit rates. Patients are more than twice as likely to quit smoking when receiving combined support, improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
A new US study published in JAMA found that vaping does not help smokers quit and may actually hinder the process. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 US smokers and found no correlation between vaping and increased smoking cessation rates.
A new study provides the first nationwide picture of who knows about, carries, and uses naloxone to reverse deadly opioid overdoses. The survey found that people's perception of overdose risk correlates with their decision to carry naloxone, and those with high-risk profiles are more likely to carry the drug.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 3, 2025
A two-month intervention targeting ultra-processed foods resulted in a significant reduction of UPF intake, with participants consuming almost half the amount initially. Participants also experienced weight loss, improved mood, and reduced sugar, saturated fat, and sodium consumption.
A new study in mice found that young adults are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than middle-aged adults, with a greater acute response to nicotine. The effects of nicotine on the body change over the lifespan, affecting how medications and other chemicals are processed.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in sports betting and gambling addiction help-seeking since the Supreme Court legalized sportsbooks in 2018. Online sportsbooks have had a substantially greater impact on this issue than traditional brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, with nationwide searches for help increasing by 23% nationally.
The Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham is awarding the Kraft Prize to recognize transformative organizations or innovations making a measurable impact on community health. The $100,000 prize includes travel accommodations and support from Mass General Brigham's Innovation MESH Network.
Marshall University researcher Brandon Henderson has secured a $1.85 million NIH grant to study the impact of synthetic coolants in vaping products on nicotine addiction. The five-year research project will explore how synthetic coolants influence addiction-related behaviors, particularly among adolescents.
Two organizations, a health monitor developer and an addiction recovery platform creator, are honored for their innovative work supporting equitable health outcomes. The recognition highlights the importance of addressing social and economic barriers to cardiovascular disease.
A new study finds that young people in England broadly welcome the smokefree generation policy, seeing it as a chance to free their generation from harmful addiction. The study, led by the University of Nottingham, involved focus groups with participants aged between 12 and 21, who expressed support for the policy's implementation.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.
A recent study found that U.S. soldiers are 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, which can cause serious health issues, compared to the general population. The study analyzed anonymous responses from 1,957 soldiers and found that 23.8% reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.
A Swedish study found that topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, and itching, often accompanied by sleep problems. The study aimed to understand the phenomenon of TSW, which many patients consider a cortisone dependence.
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that rewards and financial incentives are highly effective in helping people quit smoking, particularly pregnant women. The research showed that for every 100 people who received financial incentives, 10 were likely to successfully quit smoking at six months or longer.
A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.
Two studies suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes for patients with cancer and alcohol use disorder, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts, while also promoting lasting personality changes.
The January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry explores the use of psychedelic medications in psychiatry, addressing basic pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and public health considerations. The series of articles aims to provide sufficient evidence for therapeutic strategies utilizing psychedelic drugs.
Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Peter Kalivas discusses his groundbreaking work on the tetrapartite synapse, a complex cellular structure influencing addictive behaviors. His research has revolutionized addiction treatment by identifying novel therapeutic targets beyond traditional neurotransmitter systems.
A University of Gothenburg study found that people who started playing video games at an early age developed problematic gaming more quickly than those who started later. The study showed that younger gamers (average age 14) exhibited problems sooner than adult gamers (average age 21).
Research from 2008-2020 shows an increase in emotional/mental health and suicide prevention in schools, but a decrease in substance use prevention, particularly among middle schools. This shift highlights the need for targeted teacher training and resource allocation to address emerging trends in school mental health.
Researchers at Drexel University developed an AI tool using large language models to identify and suggest alternative words that stigmatize people with substance use disorder. This framework aims to educate users and preserve supportive spaces in online forums.
A study of over 6,000 adolescents found that those with symptoms of gaming addiction showed lower brain activity in the decision-making and reward processing region. This suggests a link between reduced sensitivity to rewards and problematic gaming behaviors.
A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.
Research reveals that people who use both vapes and cigarettes are less likely to quit smoking compared to those who only smoke or vape. Dual users tend to revert to only smoking cigarettes over time. The study suggests that taking up vaping while continuing to smoke will not help people stop smoking.