Articles tagged with Addiction
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.
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 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.
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.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
A recent UC San Diego study has found that e-cigarette use does not help smokers stay off cigarettes, but rather increases the risk of relapse. Former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes were more likely to relapse compared to those who remained tobacco-free.
A cross-sectional study found that recent commencement of ART, late HIV stage, and alcohol use are associated with high-risk sexual behavior among HIV patients. The study suggests prioritizing intervention strategies for these individuals to mitigate risky behaviors in HIV-endemic environments.
A systematic review of social media research identified 46 harmful effects, ranging from psychological harms like jealousy and loneliness to security and privacy issues. The study highlights the need for user moderation and software development strategies to mitigate these negative effects.
A new study maps opioid-related incidents and discards to identify high-risk neighborhoods and support targeted interventions. The research team used GIS data to highlight areas with the highest concentrations of discarded syringes and fatal overdoses.
Researchers from UvA's Centre for Urban Mental Health propose a new conceptual framework to understand the dynamic interplay between urban factors and mental health. The framework identifies key factors influencing urban environments and their impact on mental well-being, including air pollution, noise, and social cohesion.
A study examined internet gaming disorder in college students, finding it in 1.25% of participants, and that withdrawal symptoms occur in 59% of gamers without meeting full criteria for the disorder.
Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.
A new study suggests that tobacco and alcohol use may lead to an increased risk of using cannabis and other illicit drugs. The research also found a possible gateway effect between tobacco use and subsequent cannabis use, as well as opioid dependence leading to increased alcohol consumption.
Research in mice reveals that drug withdrawal alters brain activity patterns, causing increased functional connectivity and decreased modularity. This universal effect may be a common trait among different types of addictive drugs.
Researchers found that methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine withdrawal share similar features in mouse brains, including reduced modularity and increased functional connectivity. This reorganization may contribute to the addictive nature of psychostimulants.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that nicotine withdrawal can lead to overeating high-calorie foods, possibly linked to the brain's opioid system. This connection may hinder smoking cessation and increase the risk of relapse, emphasizing the need for better understanding the factors driving cravings for unhealthy food.
A new study found that plain packaging in Canada lowered the appeal of cigarettes, with more smokers reporting a dislike for their pack design. However, the lack of accompanied new warnings limited its effectiveness compared to other countries.
A study published in ERJ Open Research reveals a rise in smoking and vaping among Irish teens, undermining the country's efforts to become tobacco-free by 2025. The research suggests that e-cigarette use is linked to an increased risk of smoking, particularly among teenagers.
The first-in-human clinical trial for a vaccine to treat opioid use disorders has enrolled its first patients. The vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School, aims to selectively prevent the euphoric and toxic effects of oxycodone.
A new review suggests children of parents who drink heavily are at elevated risk of poor outcomes including mental health disorders, hospitalizations and criminal behavior. Register-based studies provide a fuller picture of the harm caused by family members' drinking.
A systematic review found evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation can reduce smoking frequency in nicotine-dependent smokers. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with the greatest reduction in smoking frequency.
A randomized clinical trial found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changed the perception of US smokers, making them more likely to recognize the negative consequences of tobacco use and consider quitting. However, it did not significantly increase quit attempts or reduce nicotine addiction.
Researchers have developed a dual-drug therapy for alcohol use disorder by targeting the mTORC1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme can halt cravings in mice engineered to have AUD, offering a promising alternative to current treatment options.
Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.
A clinical trial by Queen Mary University of London found that e-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine replacement treatments in achieving long-term smoking reduction and cessation. After six months, 27% of participants who used e-cigarettes had reduced their smoking by at least half, compared to 6% of those who used NRTs.
A recent study published in Neuron has identified the anterior cingulate cortex as a key brain region involved in linking actions to their outcomes. The finding sheds light on compulsive behaviors such as OCD and addiction, which are thought to result from impairments in this brain region.
A survey of 32,000 European adults found decreased alcohol consumption in most countries, with the largest declines seen in Albania, Finland, and others. Respondents experiencing financial distress reported less reduction in consumption.
A recent KAIST study revealed that the ventral striatum is a neural basis for our habitual seeking behavior, including addiction. The research found that long-term value memories are retained in the ventral striatum and guide automatic evaluations of objects based on positive values.
Interdisciplinary consultations support primary care physicians in managing complex pain and addiction. PCPs express needs for expertise, safe prescribing, and communication strategies to effectively care for patients with chronic pain and addiction.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a model to understand the brain mechanisms behind video game addiction. They found that games can be designed to promote healthy engagement, while also addressing addictive behavior.
Scientists have discovered a way to control brain circuits using a protein called parapinopsin, found in lamprey. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for mood disorders and unwanted behaviors.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that social media addiction is associated with an increased risk of cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents. Higher scores on social media addiction tests, more time spent online, and identifying as male were linked to a greater likelihood of perpetrating cyberbullying.
A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Open suggests that 80% of children with autism experience growth or proficiency in at least one developmental domain by mid childhood. The study also found that 23% of children are doing well in four or more domains, highlighting a strengths-based approach to autism assessment.
A survey of English smokers found that ethnic minority groups were less likely to use e-cigarettes as a means of reducing cigarette consumption or during temporary abstinence. This disparity may contribute to the higher risk of smoking-related diseases among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A longitudinal study by Anglia Ruskin University found that lockdowns to combat COVID-19 led to an increase in symptoms associated with eating disorders. Participants experienced higher levels of morbid eating behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia, but also increased exercise rates after the first lockdown.
The article provides valuable insights into identifying signs of teen vaping, ways to prevent it, and strategies for supporting addicted teens. Parents can take proactive steps by understanding the warning signs and knowing how to approach their child about this growing concern.
A study of 1,750 Finnish adolescents found that loneliness is a significant risk factor for compulsive internet use. The study suggests that addressing loneliness can help prevent excessive internet use and its negative consequences, such as depression and poor academic performance.
The study describes four processes that lead to ideological obsession, including moral disengagement, hatred, network effects, and psychological reactance. It suggests focusing on individual psychological needs like meaning and belonging to steer people away from ideologically-motivated violence.
A new study found that messages presenting e-cigarettes as a lower risk alternative to smoking can encourage about a third of smokers to try them. Meanwhile, messages highlighting the increased health risks of vaping strongly discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit.
Researchers at the University of Kansas created virtual SMART Recovery groups to provide remote support to individuals struggling with addictions. The program has seen significant growth, with over 20 people attending online meetings and a new telephone service called SMARTline providing additional support.
A national group of pediatric addiction medicine experts developed six principles of care for young adults with substance use disorder, emphasizing compassion, therapeutic optimism, and social justice. The supplement aims to elevate national discussions on addressing these challenges and improve outcomes for this unique population.