Articles tagged with Addiction
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 study found that individuals with gambling addiction are at an 89% higher risk of being on long-term sick leave for six years. Those with female gender, less education, and living in less densely populated areas were more likely to experience this risk.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to find emerging designer drugs in urine samples, uncovering new synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants that evaded initial screening. The approach can support public health and safety by enabling swift identification of new substances.
Researchers found that more young adults are starting to vape than use traditional cigarettes, with 56% of regular vapers having never smoked cigarettes. The trend is particularly concerning among young women, who have seen a slight increase in vaping popularity over time.
A Stanford University study found that mice resolve conflicts between hunger and thirst through indirect modulation of behavior. The researchers used advanced recording technology to monitor individual neurons in the mouse brain, predicting the animal's choice before it was presented with options.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the 'salience network' in the brain is uniquely activated by intravenous drug use, which may be associated with higher addiction rates and faster relief from withdrawal. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies for substance use disorders.
Research found online shopping for cigarettes and vape products increased 194% and 162% respectively after California's flavor restriction. This highlights the need for stronger regulations to include e-commerce retailers within retailer licensing programs.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
A survey of 1,005 parents found that internet use by adolescents has both positive and negative effects, including concerns about addiction and cyberbullying. The study revealed that twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction.
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.
Starting buprenorphine treatment via telehealth was associated with higher treatment retention rates compared to non-telehealth settings. The study found that 48% of Kentucky patients and 32% of Ohio patients remained in treatment for 90 continuous days after starting telehealth-based care.
A new UK study finds that people with eating disorders are 2.11 times more likely to report physical multimorbidity. Anxiety, insomnia, and perceived stress are key influencers in this relationship.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...
An international team of scientists recommends a global shift in food choices due to the potential for addiction. They suggest that certain ultra-processed foods have characteristics similar to addictive substances, which may improve global health.
Researchers created a unique, cell-by-cell atlas of the amygdala to identify potential new treatments for cocaine addiction. The study revealed connections between addiction behaviors and genes involved in energy metabolism, offering a brand-new way of thinking about the molecular biology of cocaine addiction.
The Ohio State University has been awarded a $20 million grant to conduct research on tobacco product regulation and its impact on public health. The center will examine how nicotine levels affect tobacco use, develop strategies to reduce youth appeal, and monitor the tobacco industry's marketing tactics.
Rice University bioengineers Jerzy Szablowski and Julea Vlassakis have received the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for their creative research projects on gene expression and cancer interactions. Szablowski is developing noninvasive methods to map gene expression, while Vlassakis is studying complex single...
A new internet addiction spectrum categorizes users into five groups based on their online behavior and confidence in using technology. The study found that younger generations are more likely to be addicted to the internet, while older generations show less addictive tendencies.
A $3 million grant will support a culturally tailored group-based intervention to prevent alcohol addiction and consequences in Pacific Islander young adults. The study aims to address the extreme risk of alcohol abuse in this population, which has been linked to high rates of alcohol use disorder.
Scientists at The Florey Institute have identified a brain chemical, CART, that affects the taste of alcohol in females. When inhibiting CART, female mice drank less, but consumed more when drinks were sweetened, suggesting a potential treatment for women's binge drinking.
Researchers found that half of patients need only five tablets or fewer of morphine to manage acute pain, varying by condition. The study aims to adapt opioid prescriptions according to patient need and reduce long-term misuse.
Research shows that young people who vape are more likely to experience chronic stress and have poorer quality of life. However, the study did not find a direct causal link between vaping and stress.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
A new study found that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of interacting with attractive people, but doesn't change how others are perceived. When intoxicated, men were 1.71 times more likely to choose one of their top-four attractive candidates to interact with in the future.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
A recent commentary highlights the misconception that vaping is worse for adults who smoke. Experts emphasize the importance of educating adults about relative risks while preventing youth use. For those who can't quit with medications or counseling, transitioning to e-cigarettes may be a less harmful route.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that most vapers believe a 'Swap-to-Stop' scheme providing free e-cigarettes would have helped them quit smoking. However, some respondents prefer to purchase e-cigarettes commercially due to personal preference for specific products.
A new meta-analysis published in Addiction journal found that cannabis legalisation is associated with increased rates of cannabis poisoning. The risk of poisoning was higher among studies focused on children, who are particularly vulnerable to severe toxicity, including coma and neurological effects.
A new study shows that earlier transfer to specialized care is associated with better outcomes for infants with NOWS, including shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication. The study found that nonpharmacologic interventions, such as swaddling and pacifier use, are critical to clinical outcomes.
A Mount Sinai study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to experience tobacco dependence compared to those who use smokeless tobacco or multiple products. The researchers identified three distinct groups of tobacco users and suggested tailored cessation programs for each group.
A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials on cognitive-behavioral techniques for treating gambling problems found mixed results, including potential overstatements of treatment benefits. The analysis highlighted publication bias and limited funding as contributing factors to the shortcomings of existing research.
Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.
ChatGPT consistently provided accurate, evidence-based answers in public health questions, beating rival AI assistants. Meanwhile, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant struggled to recognize or refer users for help.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A new study reveals that over 80% of people who inject drugs in New York City test positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intend to take it intentionally. The research suggests that widespread use of fentanyl among this population may be driving overdose risk and tolerance development.
Researchers found that conveying simple, scientific facts about THC's harm to a fetus reduced intentions to use cannabis while pregnant. Short and simple communications designed to increase media literacy also had an effect.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
A new study found that social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms played a role in changes to an online gaming site's social structure over time. Members who reported more social support and a greater sense of community were more likely to form communication ties and connect with others.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol use and the presence of metabolic syndrome were associated with a higher risk for advanced liver disease. The study suggests an increasing interaction effect between MetS, heavy alcohol use, and a recent surge in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality.
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A new Twitter analysis reveals that medical dramas like New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and Grey's Anatomy influenced hundreds of people's thoughts on vaping dangers. The study found that nearly half the tweets commented on the realism of the storylines, with some even expressing intention to quit vaping.
A new AI stop smoking app, Quit Sense, detected triggers and provided support to help smokers manage urges to smoke in specific locations. The study found that four times more people who used the app quit smoking six months later compared to those only offered online NHS support.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use changes signaling pathways in the brain, affecting cognitive functions like decision-making and impulse control. The mechanism involves the brain's immune system and the molecule interleukin 1β, which regulates inflammation and neurotransmitter release.
Research reveals that individuals with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates when rewards are less than expected, while those with problem gambling display boosted learning from high rewards and blunted learning from low rewards. This study highlights the benefits of using neurocomputational approaches to understand psychiatric ...
A dramatic rise in unregulated amphetamine use has been observed in Ontario's emergency departments, with a nearly 15-fold increase in ED visits between 2003 and 2020. Individuals accessing EDs for amphetamine-related concerns grew from 233 to 4,146 annually by 2020.
A recent study found that promoting physical activity and behavioral support can help smokers reduce their smoking in the short-term, but delivering lasting benefits is challenging. The research, which recruited over 900 smokers, discovered that engaging with motivational support had some initial benefits, but only a small percentage o...
A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
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 of 4,000 twins found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems. Twins in states where cannabis is legal showed fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that recreational runners who use running as a means of escapism, particularly self-suppression, are more likely to develop exercise dependence. In contrast, those who prioritize self-expansion and positive experiences through running tend to have better wellbeing outcomes.
A University of Kansas study found that SMART Recovery holds promise in addressing specific concerns of the LGBTQ population, but improvement is still needed. Participants appreciated being part of an LGBTQ-specific group, but faced challenges such as emotion regulation, coping with stigma, and recalling cognitive tools.
Card game addiction is linked to jerky physical values like unpredictable surprise. Researchers found that certain games balance certainty and uncertainty well, making them fast-paced and rewarding.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
A new national study found that excessive screen time, especially video gaming and watching videos, is linked to an increased risk of developing OCD in US preteens. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that intrusive thoughts about video game content can develop into obsessions or compulsions.
Researchers link loot box purchasing to problem gambling, with 28% of adults who bought loot boxes reporting past-year gambling. The study suggests that loot boxes may prime people to gamble and increase susceptibility to problem gambling.
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
Research finds a strong link between economic inequality and addictive social media use in teenagers, who often escape negative feelings by using these platforms. The study, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren worldwide, highlights the need for new strategies to promote responsible social media use.
A recent study by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found a significant association between vaping and an increased risk of developing cavities. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 patients and found that 79% of vaping patients were categorized as having high-caries risk, compared to 60% of the control group.