Articles tagged with Addiction
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual therapy, allowing clinicians to transition outpatient behavioral-health visits to telepsychiatry. Despite initial concerns about connectivity issues, most patients adapted effectively, with only 10-15% experiencing problems. This expansion may become part of the new normal, ...
Over the past 50 years, cannabis strength has soared, with THC concentrations increasing by 14% in herbal cannabis and 24% in cannabis resin. This rise in potency is linked to an increased risk of problems such as addiction and psychotic disorders.
Treating opioid addiction with buprenorphine in primary care can be financially sustainable, according to a microsimulation model. Physician-led treatment and shared medical visits with nurse care managers yield the greatest net revenue gains.
A new study published in Addiction suggests that cannabis use does not substitute for non-medical opioids among adults with problem substance use. The longitudinal study of 211 participants found that opioid use was at least as high on days when cannabis was used as on days when it was not.
Researchers led by Dr. Alicia Allen will investigate how hormones influence postpartum opioid relapse and explore their potential use as a preventive measure. The goal is to identify protective hormones and develop a hormonally-based intervention to prevent postpartum opioid relapse.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found no connection between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychiatric problems in children. In contrast, children with IGD symptoms showed lower anxiety levels two years later, potentially due to social interactions or gaming as a distraction.
A Rutgers-led national survey found that 83% of doctors strongly believed nicotine contributed to heart disease, despite its primary risk being addiction. The study suggests physicians need better understanding of nicotine risks to assist patients addicted to tobacco products.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $2.5 million grant to improve the training of primary care physicians to treat substance use and mental health conditions in rural and urban underserved populations. The program will incorporate an interprofessional approach, enabling doctors to provide holistic care and address complex...
Researchers at Marshall University found that green apple vape flavor enhances nicotine reward by promoting high-sensitivity nAChRs. This could lead to heightened drug-seeking behavior and addiction risk, particularly among adolescents.
A new AI algorithm can identify environmental and psychological factors that contribute to substance abuse among homeless youth, allowing for personalized rehabilitation programs. The model, developed by Penn State researchers, found adverse childhood experiences and PTSD to be strong predictors of substance use disorder.
The expansion will train 48 fellows in addiction medicine or psychiatry to provide high-quality prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations. This training aims to address access disparities and stigma, with a focus on community-based care.
Researchers at Flinders University warn that family members can be the first to detect early signs of a problem gambler. Chronic hypervigilance, relationship conflict, and exhaustion are common consequences for partners and families.
Experts argue that New Zealand's proposed cannabis legislation lacks clear criteria for minimum price and potency levels, posing challenges in reducing cannabis use over time and taxing products by THC potency. The bill needs strengthening to address these gaps and ensure a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Researchers discover how top leisure brands create 'sticky' customer experiences, using rapid entry, endless variation, and sparking new journeys. These chaotic experiences keep customers hooked, making them more eager for monthly subscriptions.
Researchers used noninvasive pulses of ultrasound waves to control macaque monkeys' choices in an experiment widely used to investigate choice behaviors. The technique successfully influenced which target the monkeys looked at, regardless of reward, suggesting its potential for studying addiction and compulsive behaviors.
A recent six-year study on video game addiction found that about 90% of gamers do not play in a way that is harmful or causes negative long-term consequences. However, a significant minority can become truly addicted to video games, suffering mentally and socially. The study identified predictors such as being male and having low level...
A study published in Advances in Preventive Medicine found that Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence are more likely to have some form of mental illness or substance dependence. Social support and being older were also associated with better mental health outcomes.
Researchers at Ohio State University will investigate the short- and long-term effects of e-cigarettes on youth, including their impact on brain, lungs, and heart. The project aims to provide answers on effective regulations and cessation methods to help youth quit vaping.
A study by CAMH and ICES found that only 2-3% of patients with urgent mental health needs can access publicly-funded psychotherapist physicians. The authors suggest allowing non-physician clinicians to provide CBT as a solution to improve access.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that nearly 94% of defendants in Cuyahoga County drug court have been exposed to trauma, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research suggests a need for increased trauma-informed care and possibly specialized, gender-specific support.
Anna Stöckl, a renowned biologist, has been appointed to the Young Academy for her exceptional research on insect visual recognition and processing. Her work focuses on understanding how hummingbird hawk-moths navigate through colorful patterns.
The University of Tennessee Extension is launching a new effort to address the opioid crisis in rural Tennessee through the PROMPT TN program. The project aims to develop opioid-specific resources and train community members to prevent addiction, focusing on underlying causes and risk factors.
A new study suggests that moral and religious beliefs may exacerbate concerns about porn addiction. Researchers found that individuals who morally disapproved of pornography were more likely to report addiction, even with low or average porn use. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider these factors when diagnosing c...
A recent study found that leading smart device conversational agents, such as Siri and Alexa, are unable to provide meaningful help for quitting substances like opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. However, researchers suggest that updating these devices to promote resources like helplines could prove highly effective in addressing the natio...
A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found exercise addiction is nearly four times more common amongst people with an eating disorder. The research highlights the importance of monitoring exercise levels in individuals with eating disorders, as excessive exercise can lead to serious medical conditions.
Researchers found that motivational interviewing skills increased detainee engagement and information gain, while approaches antithetical to MI had a negative impact. The study suggests creating an environment of personal control and autonomy can encourage cooperation.
Research at Swansea University and the University of Milan found that students with high levels of internet addiction are less motivated to engage in studies, more anxious about tests, and experience increased loneliness. This excessive internet use impairs study skills and motivation.
A new study estimates that daily cannabis users in Australia accounted for over 80% of total cannabis consumption between 2007 and 2016. Prevalence of past cannabis use increased from 8.9% to 10.5% during this period, with 1 in 6 past year users being daily users.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.
A recent study published in Addiction found that eight percent of Chinese men are problem drinkers, with higher rates among men from lower socio-economic status and rural areas. Problem drinking is associated with increased risk of physical and mental health problems, as well as premature death.
A 10-year study found that smokers in England have become less dependent on cigarettes but are less inclined to try to stop smoking. The proportion of smokers trying to quit has declined from 37% to 29.9%, while the number of cigarettes consumed per day has decreased.
A 2018-2019 survey of rural US adults highlighted health care costs and access as major concerns. The study also found a growing addiction to opioids in the region.
A new study finds that 80% of medical students experience a low sense of personal achievement, while 17% report high levels of depersonalization. The study's lead author attributes this to the unique stresses and pressures of each year of medical school.
Four studies involving over 12,000 participants reveal a nuanced link between negative emotion and tobacco use. Sadness is reliably associated with current smoking and relapse rates, as well as impatience and puff volume.
The study found that cannabis use was approximately twice as common among those with depression in 2017 compared to those without. The prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use among those with depression was significantly higher, especially among young adults.
New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL delivers almost three times as much nicotine as most other e-cigarettes, with high concentrations in its pods. The study also found that JUUL is addictive and may be a less harmful alternative to cigarettes for smokers.
Researchers tested a two-step task to train people to rely on goal-oriented behaviors, but found no substantial change in behavior or brain activity. The study suggests that the task's methodological drawbacks make it unsuitable for training purposes.
A new study found that one-third of patients seeking treatment for buying-shopping disorder (BSD) report symptoms of online shopping addiction. Younger patients, those experiencing greater anxiety and depression, and those with more severe BSD symptoms were more likely to exhibit addictive online shopping behavior.
Dr. Daniel P. Alford received the John P. McGovern Award for Excellence in Medical Education and Substance Use Research at AMERSA's annual conference. He is a renowned expert in addiction medicine and has trained over 165,000 healthcare professionals through his SCOPE of Pain program.
A new study highlights the disparities in healthcare access and cost-sharing for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The research found that those with these conditions pay more for out-of-network care and experience higher costs due to limited availability of behavioral health providers.
A new study found that as e-cigarette use in England increased from 2011 to 2017, the success rate of quitting smoking also rose. The research estimated that around 50,700 to 69,930 smokers quit using e-cigarettes in 2017, suggesting a positive link between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation.
The University of Texas at Arlington will train more addiction recovery specialists with a new $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The project aims to provide evidence-based practices for working with opioid users through hands-on training.
Researchers developed a bioelectronic implant that can sense dangerously low oxygen levels and administer naloxone to prevent opioid deaths. The device is small, wireless, and can be implanted just beneath the skin to bypass barriers in current overdose treatment.
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.
A new study found that schools are breeding grounds for teenage vaping, with students accessing devices and peer influence playing a significant role. Schools can be effective in preventing teen e-cigarette use if they implement health education programs and restrict access to devices.
A new study from the University of Arizona has identified a link between smartphone dependency and symptoms of depression and loneliness. Smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms and loneliness, rather than the other way around.
Researchers found that abstaining from cigarettes does not affect the motivation for food and water. In fact, smokers are more willing to spend money on cigarettes than food during abstinence.
Research published in eNeuro found that female mice isolated during adolescence showed atypical brain development and habitual behavior in adulthood. Social isolation was linked to dendritic spine excess and impairment of goal-dependent decision making, highlighting the importance of social experience during adolescence.
Researchers are developing a vaccine to counteract opioid addiction, with the goal of helping people stop the addiction and regain control of their lives. The vaccine, consisting of one shot and two boosters, aims to develop antibodies against opioids, alleviating symptoms and potentially saving lives during overdose.
Post-opioid overdose interventions are emerging in the US to provide support to survivors and reduce future overdose risk. The interventions often involve collaboration between emergency departments, law enforcement, and public health departments.
A review of 52 publications found inconsistent results on the effects of prenatal opioid exposure on childhood outcomes and development. Studies showed some null effects of opioid exposure on cognitive and behavioral outcomes, but behavioral effects emerged as children got older.
Research found that users switch between activities on social media platforms to cope with stress, leading to increased technology addiction. Users often use the same features to divert themselves from stress, blurring the line between stress caused and compulsive use.
Patients who receive addiction medicine consultation in hospital are twice as likely to participate in treatment for substance use disorder after discharge. OHSU's innovative program has significantly increased treatment engagement, leading to better health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a soft neural implant capable of delivering multiple drugs and color lights, which can help speed up the discovery of brain diseases. The device uses replaceable drug cartridges and powerful Bluetooth low-energy technology to target specific neurons for prolonged periods.
Researchers at UNC are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to implement and evaluate two new opioid addiction treatment programs for people in the criminal justice system. The initiatives aim to expand access to substance use treatment and reduce overdose deaths nationwide.
Brown University's new Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation (CADRE) will focus on the intersection of substance use and disease, establishing a clinical laboratory to collect blood samples and measure chemical markers. The center aims to reduce the burden of substance use through innovative research projects.
A study found that raising the age of cigarette sales from 18 to 21 led to a 39% decrease in regular smoking among 18-20 year olds who had tried cigarettes. Peer smoking was a critical factor in this reduction, suggesting tobacco-21 laws may help curb youth smoking.
A study tested a short-term treatment for internet and computer game addiction in 143 men, exploring its effectiveness in addressing addiction. The results of this trial provide valuable insights into potential treatments for these conditions.
The University of Montana has received a $3.3 million contract from the National Institutes of Health to develop an opioid addiction vaccine. The vaccine targets fentanyl and prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier, offering a promising safe and cost-effective strategy to treat opioid use disorders.
A new review finds one in ten UK hospital patients are alcohol dependent, with limited services available. The researchers emphasize the need for routine screening and staff training to address the issue.