Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
A Saint Louis University research review article suggests people are hardwired to fall out of love and move onto new romantic relationships. Brain imaging studies show an increase in neuronal activity in pleasure areas that become active with cocaine use, implying a similar attachment process.
Physicians can identify individuals with harmful drinking habits and offer evidence-based interventions, such as the FRAMES approach. The Canadian guidelines recommend low-risk drinking limits, and policy changes are needed to improve access to alcohol screening and treatment.
A systematic review of 59 studies found that interventions in prisons led to improved health outcomes for prisoners and the general population. The research highlights the importance of providing treatment and access to primary care after release, resulting in reduced substance abuse, mental health problems, and infectious diseases.
A study found that varenicline was effective in helping smokers reduce their cigarette consumption and eventually quit. The medication produced greater reductions in smoking prior to quitting and increased smoking cessation rates at the end of treatment.
Methamphetamine abuse accelerates aging by causing abnormalities in cellular fat metabolism and triggering inflammation. Researchers have identified methods to limit this process using inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa beta signaling.
A study of 198,247 opioid users in England found that they were six times more likely to die prematurely than the general population. The risk of death increased with age, with older users facing a staggering increase in homicide rates.
A harm-reduction approach prioritizes minimizing harm from drug use for individuals and society, rather than solely focusing on punishment. This approach encompasses a range of objectives, including preventing overdose, treating addiction, and reducing the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.
Researchers found that e-cigarettes are less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with higher nicotine concentration and longer use leading to greater dependence. The study suggests that e-cigs may have health advantages over cigarettes due to lower levels of toxic substances.
A study of over 2,700 teens found that those prescribed anti-anxiety or sleep medications were 10-12 times more likely to abuse them than those who never received a prescription. The risk was higher for white, female, and long-term prescribers.
Researchers found that teens prescribed anxiety or sleep medications during their lifetime were 12 times more likely to misuse those drugs than those who had never been prescribed. The study also highlighted the risk of overdose when these medications are mixed with narcotics or alcohol.
Researchers found that memantine, an Alzheimer's drug, reduces binge eating by blocking addictive behaviors in the brain. The study identified the nucleus accumbens as a key area responsible for these behaviors, and applying memantine directly into this area suppressed binge-eating behavior.
Researchers developed a DNA regulatory technique that modifies a single gene to control its expression and behavioral consequences. The study showed that changes in this gene reduced drug and stress responses in mice, indicating a potential new approach to treating addiction and depression.
A study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that people with mental health disorders are twice as likely to develop heart disease or stroke. The study also showed that psychiatric medications and unhealthy behaviors contribute to this increased risk.
A new vaccine is being developed to help smokers quit by blocking the physiological pleasure that nicotine elicits in the brain. The vaccine uses biodegradable nanoparticles to prevent nicotine molecules from entering the brain, reducing cravings and addiction.
Research suggests that effective interventions require a comprehensive approach addressing mental illness, substance abuse, trauma exposure, and social issues. New strategies aim to alleviate overrepresentation of individuals with serious mental health issues in the criminal justice system.
A new study found that a mother's harsh behavior towards her child at 2 years old is a strong predictor of problem behaviors in kindergarten. Maternal harshness can be influenced by drug use and affects parenting, leading to less emotional engagement with the child.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people are more likely to have negative attitudes toward those suffering from drug addiction than those with mental illness. The researchers suggest that society often perceives substance abuse as a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition.
The VCU Center for Medication Development for Cocaine Use Disorder aims to develop safe and effective treatments for cocaine addiction. The center will conduct preclinical and early clinical trials, and provide educational resources to train the next generation of translational scientists.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
Three Clemson startup companies, VRM Labs, ConnectTiss LLC, and Addictive Drug Delivery LLC, have received $25,000 in seed money from the University Sponsored Application Program. The companies are commercializing technologies developed at Clemson to address various industries such as pet food, aging skin, and surgical meshes.
Researchers will study changes in the addicted brain that lead to relapse, with a focus on transforming growth factor-beta signaling. The goal is to identify novel therapies for treating cocaine addiction and other psychostimulants.
A new method developed by researchers from Stony Brook University and the U.S. National Institutes of Health uses optical coherence Doppler tomography to image how cocaine disrupts blood flow in mouse brains. The technique provides high-resolution images of capillary flows, shedding light on the effects of cocaine on brain physiology.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that 8.3 percent of the Norwegian workforce is addicted to work, with no differences between men and women. The study used a nationally representative sample of 2,160 participants and identified seven criteria to measure work addiction.
A University of Cambridge study found that brain activity in people with compulsive sexual behavior is similar to that triggered by drugs in the brains of drug addicts. The ventral striatum, dorsal anterior cingulate, and amygdala regions were more active in individuals with compulsive sexual behavior compared to healthy volunteers.
A study by neuroscientists at Brigham Young University found that addiction starts with an overcorrection in the brain, triggering oxidative stress and a protein called BDNF. This process can lead to withdrawal symptoms like pain and anxiety.
Researchers found that impulsivity plays a crucial role in cocaine addiction, with highly impulsive rats taking longer to develop habits. The study identified specific phases of addiction where dopamine receptor blockers may be effective in treating compulsive cocaine use.
Researchers discovered a new form of neurotransmission involving acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) that influence addiction-related behavior. Targeting ASIC activity may lead to new therapies for treating drug addiction.
Chronic UV radiation stimulates endorphin production, causing physical dependence and addiction-like behavior in mice. This finding could explain why people have an instinctive desire for sunlight despite its health risks. Researchers suggest that a conscious effort to limit sun exposure is needed to mitigate skin cancer risk.
Community opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) have been shown to increase knowledge of overdose prevention and risk factors among bystanders. However, the effectiveness of these programs in reducing deaths from opioid overdose requires further investigation.
A new study has shed light on the role of dopamine-dependent reinforcement signals in the nucleus accumbens, a region connected to pleasure seeking and drug addiction. The research, using optogenetics, reveals how glutamate-dependent signals from other brain regions interact with these signals.
Practitioners can use shared decision making and motivational interviewing to adapt approaches for different clinical situations.
A study published in Neuron reveals that Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) plays a critical role in the development of addiction-related behaviors. FMRP is also linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders and controls brain connections during normal development.
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that impulsivity may be a risk factor for food addiction and eating disorders. The research, led by Boston University School of Medicine, found that individuals with impulsive tendencies were more likely to engage in binge eating behavior.
Vital medications for treating opioid addiction are underutilized in addiction treatment services, but HHS agencies are working to encourage their use. Medications can be used with behavior therapies to help drug users recover and remain drug-free.
A French study found that marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular-related complications, including heart attacks and peripheral artery diseases. Researchers analyzed 35 cases of marijuana-related complications and reported a significant increase in cardiovascular events among young and middle-aged adults.
A Canadian study shows that patient empowerment de-prescribing interventions can help seniors reduce or eliminate sleeping pill use. The intervention involved a 7-page handout providing information on risks and tapering protocols, with 62% of participants discussing medication changes with their healthcare provider.
A new study from the University of Vermont aims to provide timely access to effective treatment for Vermont's waited-listed opioid-dependent individuals. The treatment 'package' involves five key components, including buprenorphine maintenance therapy and innovative technology for safe medication administration.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that adult children with arthritis are more likely to have had a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol during childhood. The study associated parental addictions with a 58% higher odds of developing arthritis, despite controlling for other factors.
A study by the University of Georgia found that people with impulsive personalities are more likely to experience food addiction, a compulsive pattern of eating similar to drug addiction. This is associated with obesity, highlighting the need for new treatments to address compulsive eating habits.
Researchers suggest that rehabilitation strategies combining meditation-like practices with drug and behavior therapies are more effective than drug-plus-talk therapy alone. The study proposes that meditation can aid in cognitive recovery and provide additional benefits for individuals overcoming addiction.
A recent study found that random fluctuations in brain cell activity may influence our choices when faced with equal options. The research suggests that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in decision-making and that neuronal signals can be biased by random noise, leading to close calls.
A new MRI technique found significantly lower brain iron levels in ADHD patients who had never been on medication, compared to those who had been medicated. This discovery may help guide optimal treatment for ADHD and identify potential risks of addiction.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found long-term cocaine abuse linked to deficits in parts of the brain monitoring behavior, suggesting targeted treatments based on quantifiable biological abnormalities. The study's findings challenge clinical assumptions about addicted individuals' motivations and behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that resveratrol may also block the effects of methamphetamine. The study found that resveratrol significantly diminished methamphetamine's ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
A Penn Medicine study finds that sons of cocaine-using fathers are less likely to want the drug and resistant to its effects. The research suggests that epigenetic changes caused by cocaine use can be passed down to the next generation, potentially making them less susceptible to addiction.
Research reveals that regular cannabis users exhibit increased impulsive behavior, impaired critical thinking skills, and reduced executive function, while cocaine users show heightened impulsivity and decreased impulse control. Long-term use of both substances may trigger addictive behaviors due to altered brain function.
Researchers found that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in response to chronic drug use and plays a key role in long-lasting behavioral adaptations. ERK activation can be prevented by pharmacological blockade, suggesting a potential target for treating addiction.
Researchers discovered that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in specific brain areas after exposure to addictive drugs. The study suggests that ERK activation is necessary for long-term synaptic plasticity and may be a suitable target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers isolated and identified a naturally occurring analgesic compound from the root bark of Nauclea latifolia, identical to commercially available Tramadol. The discovery confirms high concentrations of Tramadol in the plant, providing new prospects for local populations and validating traditional medicine.
A new study from the University of Missouri identifies escapism, social interaction, and rewards as key risk factors for addictive video game use among adults. The research suggests that individuals who play games to escape daily life or to socialize with others are more likely to develop problematic gaming behaviors.
Researchers discovered that mothers show increased activation in the dopaminergic system of the caudate nucleus when exposed to newborn odors, a key finding suggesting biological underpinnings for maternal functions. The study's results imply a neural response linked to maternal status.
A study published in Medical Care reports a sharp increase in opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain, while safer alternatives like ibuprofen and acetaminophen have either stayed flat or declined. The study highlights the need for re-evaluation of pain treatment approaches that prioritize non-opioid and non-pharmacologic treatments.
Researchers identified a molecular memory switch in the basolateral amygdala that controls opiate addiction memories. The switch is triggered by exposure to heroin and involves two distinct signaling pathways controlled by ERK and CaMKII molecules.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully erased dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other memories. The study's findings suggest a clear method to disrupt unwanted memories while leaving benign ones intact.
A study of 2380 cases found that unintentional buprenorphine exposure in children under 6 led to lethargy, respiratory depression, and death. The majority of exposures involved tablets, highlighting the need for caregivers to store medications safely.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a promising new compound, 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI), which targets the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to reduce dopamine release and potential side effects. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in developing effective drugs for addiction with fewer side effects.
A study of 12,000 young Swiss men found that those who consume addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis are more likely to seek information on these topics. Despite this, prevention campaigns may not be effective due to the complexity of individual knowledge and behaviors.
A systematic review of 50 studies reveals the prevalence of inhalant use among street children is high, with significant health consequences. The study highlights critical knowledge gaps, including understanding causes, sex-specific data, and the link between drug use and risky behavior.
Researchers found that a single dose of Ritalin improved brain function in cocaine-addicted individuals, strengthening connections between regions involved in regulating emotions and behaviors. The study suggests potential as an add-on treatment for addiction to cocaine and other stimulants.
Researchers identified a key brain enzyme, prohormone convertase 2 (PC2), involved in opioid addiction. PC2 regulates endogenous opioids in the brain, leading to increased mu opioid receptor expression.