Articles tagged with Addiction
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National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
A systematic review found that around 1 in every 400 adults (0.23%) have sought help for gambling problems globally. The prevalence of help-seeking was greater among people with higher gambling severity, affecting 1 in 25 with moderate-risk gambling and 1 in 5 with problem gambling.
Researchers assessed buprenorphine coverage and prior authorization requirements in US commercial formularies from 2017 to 2021. The study found that coverage and requirements changed over time, with more stringent regulations in place by 2021.
The American Heart Association warns that e-cigarette use in adolescents can lead to stunted lung development and altered cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. Long-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been linked to increased blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness.
Research found that food insecure teens are more likely to attempt weight loss, while college students who drink may compensate with unhealthy eating behaviors. Additionally, studies linked sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to higher triglyceride levels in youth and identified potential mechanisms behind this association.
The American Society for Nutrition presents the latest findings on ultra-processed foods, genetic influence on eating habits, and diet quality. Research highlights the risks of ultra-processed foods, the potential impact of genetics on food preferences, and the importance of healthy diets for preventing chronic diseases.
A nationally representative study found that menthol cigarettes increase frequency of smoking among US youth, leading to higher nicotine dependence. The study suggests a strong case for the FDA's proposed ban on menthol flavoring in cigarettes to protect young smokers.
A randomized clinical trial found that smokers who received cigarette packs with graphic warning labels hid their packs 38% more often. However, when they returned to regular packs without the labels, hiding behavior returned to baseline levels. The study suggests that graphic warnings may not be effective in reducing smoking behavior.
Between 2017 and 2019, more than 1 million US youth aged 14 to 17 years became new daily tobacco users, with three-quarters of them vaping e-cigarettes daily. The majority of these young users were introduced to JUUL products, which had high nicotine concentrations and youth-appealing flavors.
A new game called QuitBet is being tested to help people quit smoking by providing a fun and engaging way to adopt healthy habits. Players commit to quitting smoking over four weeks and bet $30, with winners typically doubling their money.
Researchers found that young people aged 12-20 were more likely to become cannabis users in states with legalized recreational use compared to those without. The study also documented an increased likelihood of cannabis use among adults in these states.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.
A new weight-loss intervention has been developed to target the instinctive desire to eat, particularly in individuals who struggle with resisting food cues. The Regulation of Cues program trains individuals to use natural hunger cues, reinforces tolerance of cravings, and inhibits urges to eat palatable foods when not physically hungry.
A global study of over 51,000 adolescents aged 13-15 found that approximately 8.6% reported vaping in the past 30 days, with lower rates for frequent vaping. Countries with higher tobacco taxes tend to have higher adolescent vaping rates.
A new study found that approximately 8.6% of adolescents reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, while only 1.7% engaged in frequent vaping. The researchers suggest that e-cigarettes' novelty and appealing flavors may lead to experimentation but not habit formation.
Researchers at NC State University have created a stem cell-derived model that sheds light on the effect of dopamine on gene activity in neurons, revealing gene desensitization in human cells. The study provides a blueprint for future research into the relationship between dopamine and addiction.
A systematic review found that non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) improves smoking abstinence rates 3 to 6 months after quitting. NIBS methods have shown promising results for tobacco use disorder treatment, but little was known about long-term effectiveness.
Adults exposed to chronic parental domestic violence have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, but many thrive despite their early adversity. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
Researchers found daily e-cigarette use altered inflammatory markers in the brain, colon, and heart, while lungs showed gene expression changes; flavors influenced organ responses to infections like COVID-19.
A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...
Adults who have used psilocybin are 30% less likely to develop opioid use disorder, according to a nationally representative survey. Psilocybin use is also associated with reduced symptoms of opioid dependence and abuse.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that prenatal smoking is associated with offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but does not necessarily cause it. The study, led by University of Bristol researchers, found that shared genetics play a substantial role in the association.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
A study on women-only Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Brazil found that participants experienced rejection and loneliness due to social stigma. The women-only format provided a safe space for self-expression and reclaimed dignity, differing from mixed meetings where men-focused testimonials prevailed.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
A new study published in Tobacco Control found that cities banning flavored tobacco sales have reduced youth tobacco use, particularly vaping and cigarette smoking. In contrast to a previous study, the new analysis supports a ban on flavored tobacco products as an effective measure to prevent adolescent tobacco use.
Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.
A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.
A recent study published in Addiction journal found no association between e-cigarette use and regular smoking among young adults in England. The researchers used time series analysis to assess the gateway effect of vaping on smoking uptake, ruling out substantial increases or decreases in smoking prevalence.
Research reveals that smoking prevalence is significantly higher in underserved communities compared to the national average. Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders in these communities.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open finds that a combination treatment of nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline is more effective for smoking cessation in heavy drinkers, resulting in 44.3% abstinence rate. Participants also showed significant reductions in drinking rates, with 25% decrease in weekly drinking days.
A CAMH-led study found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced self-reported cannabis use by up to 60% among people with schizophrenia and CUD. The treatment was associated with reduced cravings and improved quality of life.
Researchers found that blood pressure medications increase the effect of opioids in the brain, fine-tuning a specific circuit and reducing addiction risk. This discovery suggests a new strategy to boost opioid signaling with minimal dependence on pain treatment.
Oral health disparities persist despite improved overall health trends, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Research and policy initiatives are needed to make oral health care more affordable, accessible, and responsive to communities.
Researchers found that 6.7% of jail detainees threatened SSH in the past three months, and 4.5% attempted SSH in the past year. The study suggests that jails should develop an empirically driven suicidal risk assessment to improve institutional safety and prevent suicide.
Researchers at UC San Diego found a steep rise in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, driven by undiminished drug tourism. The rate of infection is 11 times higher than in San Diego residents who do not cross the border.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.
A comprehensive study by HKU researchers found that digital competence is associated with reduced risk of gaming addiction and cyberbullying among children and adolescents. The study highlights the importance of equipping future generations with better digital skills to promote healthy media use and reduce addictive behaviors.
A new study finds that hospitals in predominantly Black and Hispanic areas have lower rates of offering programs addressing opioid use disorder. The researchers analyzed 446 nonprofit hospitals across the US, finding gaps in hospital-based services that contribute to racial disparities.
Researchers found lower functional connectivity between brain areas involved in social and emotional processing in individuals at risk of developing alcohol use disorder. This impairment may affect their ability to interpret facial expressions and respond to their environment, increasing the likelihood of disordered drinking.
Combining FDA-approved smoking cessation medications with behavioral support programs significantly increases success rates for quitting tobacco. The review recommends varenicline or combination nicotine replacement therapy as the most effective choices.
A US study found that e-cigarettes were less popular as a smoking cessation aid in 2017 compared to FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. However, researchers did not see any reduction in relapse rates among those who quit using e-cigarettes.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes are less effective in helping people quit smoking compared to other methods, with no reduction in the risk of relapse among former smokers. E-cigarette users were found to have a lower success rate in quitting smoking than those using other aids.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers at MU developed a new framework to identify people previously overlooked for AUD, focusing on 13 risk factors such as impulsive behavior and reward sensitivity. The framework aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and connect individuals with tailored treatment options.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a portable brain imaging procedure using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect acute impairment from THC intoxication. The technique shows promise in distinguishing between impairment and mild intoxication, with accuracy confirmed by machine learning models.
A recent study published in Communications Biology found that the presence of the Bmal1 gene in the striatum affects alcohol consumption in both male and female mice, but in a sex-dependent manner. Males without the protein consumed more alcohol, while female mice with it consumed less.
A systematic review of 21 placebo-controlled trials found hangover treatments to be ineffective due to low-quality evidence. Future studies should prioritize validated scales and increased female participation to provide accurate information on remedies.
An analysis of data from 16 US states found that wine and spirit sales increased during the early months of the pandemic, while beer sales declined. Visits to liquor stores increased, but those to bars and pubs decreased.
A new smartphone application, iCanQuit, has been shown to be more effective in helping Black US adults quit smoking and remain abstinent. The app uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help users manage cravings and stay motivated.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a group of neurons in the mouse brain that regulates motivation and prevents addiction. Increasing activity of these neurons enhances task performance, but not to the point of addiction.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found racial disparities in opioid prescribing, with Blacks and Hispanics less likely to be prescribed opioids in the late 1990s. By the mid 2000s, prescription opioid use among Blacks matched that of whites, despite the focus on white populations during the opioid crisis.
A new study found a dramatic increase in people with co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders in B.C. prisons, reaching 75% of the prison population. The study calls for more treatment and efforts to address social and structural inequities.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
A UBCO study found that psychedelic microdosing significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults. The study, which followed over 8,500 participants from 75 countries, suggests that microdosing can be a valuable tool for mental health treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that rideshare density near crash sites is associated with decreased odds of alcohol-involved crashes. An increase in one ride per square mile was linked to a 0.2% decrease in such crashes.
A systematic review of over 500,000 under 18s found that flavoured vapes are an important aspect of vaping enjoyed by young people, potentially encouraging them to switch from tobacco smoking to less harm vaping. However, the study warns that more needs to be done to prevent young non-smokers from being attracted to vaping.