Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
Researchers discovered diazepam causes a similar change in the brain's reward-inducing dopamine cells as addictive substances. The study found neural message transmission is reinforced for up to 72 hours after ingestion of diazepam.
A recent study found that cocaine-induced brain plasticity may actually defend the brain during excessive drug use, potentially limiting maladaptive behavioral responses. The research identifies MEF2 as a key regulator of structural synapse plasticity and suggests that increasing spine density in the NAc may be a compensatory mechanism.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that vigabatrin induced satiety in obese animals, leading to significant weight loss and reduced food consumption. The study suggests that vigabatrin could potentially treat severe obesity, including binge eating patterns similar to those seen in cocaine dependency.
Researchers found that dopamine strengthens the 'go' circuit and weakens the 'stop' circuit in the brain, leading to compulsive behavior and addictive tendencies. The study also shows how Parkinson's patients' reduced dopamine levels lead to frozen motor skills.
New research reveals that a specific dopamine pathway is responsible for the rewarding effects of nicotine. The mesolimbic dopamine system is also linked to addiction in other substances like cocaine and alcohol.
Researchers found that genetically tweaking a part of the brain involved in learning and memory in fruit flies allowed them to stay sharp even after being deprived of sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mental acuity, particularly for people who need to stay awake for extended periods.
A new study found that naltrexone significantly reduced the urge to gamble and participation in gambling-related behavior among 77 participants. 40% of those who took the drug were able to quit gambling for at least one month.
Topiramate effectively decreases heavy drinking and associated physical and psychosocial harm, including lower blood pressure and improved liver function. The medication also shows promise in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall quality of life for alcohol-dependent individuals.
The UN's strategy on dealing with HIV and illicit drugs needs a complete overhaul, according to a Comment published in The Lancet. The authors argue that the International Narcotics Control Board undermines recognition of HIV prevention measures for those who use drugs.
Gabapentin has been shown to normalize the action of brain cells altered by chronic alcohol abuse in an area known as the central amygdala. The study found that gabapentin reduced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased the strength of inhibitory synapses in dependent rats, but not in non-dependent rats.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a new window into the brain, revealing how addictive drugs trigger permanent changes in brain cells. The study's findings provide clues for targeting addiction with new drugs.
A study by researchers at the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne found that manipulating the adenosine A2A receptor may contribute to heroin addiction. Mice without this receptor showed reduced desire for morphine and did not develop tolerance or conditioned place preference, suggesting a role in regulating opiate use and abuse.
A new study found that adolescent rats were more likely to prefer the place where they got cocaine, and even after extinction, a low dose of cocaine rekindled this preference. This suggests that younger brains are more vulnerable to addiction due to stronger memories for drug-associated cues.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that increasing dopamine D2 receptor levels can reduce cocaine use in rats by 75 percent. The treatment, which involves injecting a harmless virus carrying the D2 receptor gene into the brain, has potential as an addiction therapy.
Researchers used fMRI to show that cocaine-related images stimulate activity in the limbic system, a brain network involved in emotion and reward, even when subjects are unaware they've seen anything. The study suggests new drug treatment strategies by targeting the brain's sensitivity to conditioned drug cues.
A genetic study of 14,000 people found two genes, alpha 3 and alpha 5 nicotinic receptor subunits, to be associated with an increased risk of heavy smoking. The implicated DNA variants can be used to predict ability to quit using existing medications, potentially leading to more efficient treatment.
Researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB play a crucial role in age-specific responses to stimulants. The study suggests that BDNF/TrkB might be used as a target for new treatments for childhood neuropsychiatric disorders or addiction.
Researchers found that 77% of methadone users with low levels had no significant cardiac abnormalities, while 60% of non-methadone users had identifiable evidence of cardiac disease. The study suggests a link between methadone and sudden cardiac death, potentially necessitating additional safeguards before therapy.
A comprehensive gene atlas has been created to understand drug addiction, revealing five molecular pathways common to four different addictive substances. The atlas is based on an integrative meta-analysis of scientific literature and provides a more complete picture of the genetic factors underlying addiction.
A study by Andrew Chambers found that rats with damaged amygdalas showed abnormal behavior related to fear and fearlessness, as well as greater cocaine sensitivity. This suggests that brain conditions may alter addiction vulnerability independently of drug history.
A study found that state Medicaid policies, such as restricting access to pharmacy networks and preferred drug lists, limit the use of naltrexone, an inexpensive therapy proven to reduce problem drinking. Changing these policies could increase naltrexone's availability and address the huge financial burden of alcohol abuse.
Researchers propose a new approach to treating psychiatric disorders by focusing on an individual's need for internal balance. Studies suggest that decision-making is linked to maintaining homeostatic balance, which can be disrupted in individuals with addictions and psychiatric disorders.
Chilean researchers have identified a brain region that plays a role in drug craving in amphetamine-addicted rats. The insular cortex processes information about the body's physiological states and guides behavior, indicating its potential as a target for treating drug addiction.
Researchers found that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) actually speeds up decision-making in Parkinson's patients, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that DBS affects the brain's ability to deliberate on complicated decisions by interrupting the 'hold-your-horses' signal.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that an initial experience of relaxation in response to nicotine is the strongest predictor of future addiction among sixth-graders. Other factors that predicted addiction include familiarity with cigarette advertising, novelty-seeking personality and depressed mood.
Research reveals a key mechanism by which gene expression is modified in response to addictive drugs, identifying a splicing factor as a critical regulator. This study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of addiction and offers promising avenues for developing novel treatments.
Researchers found that rats most susceptible to addictive drugs had stronger nicotinic acetylcholine receptor responses, which can increase brain excitation and reward. This suggests that targeting these receptors may be a promising approach for treating multiple addictions.
A play about substance abuse was successful in prompting audience members to participate in prevention activities. After seeing the play, participants were more likely to talk about substance abuse, donate money to organizations, and volunteer time.
A recent study found that morphine's effectiveness in pain relief does not correlate with patient survival time. In fact, patients with no opioid experience are at risk of respiratory depression, while those with moderate-to-severe chronic pain are not. This challenges the common misconception that morphine is deadly.
Researchers discovered how nicotine adjusts neuronal wiring to enhance memory, including effects on GABAergic neurons and calcium-mediated signaling. This work provides insights into the mechanism of nicotine's learning-enhancing effects, which may lead to development of new treatments for cognitive deficits.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough in understanding why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction. They found that certain changes in brain chemistry pre-date drug use and are linked to impulsivity. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for addiction with fewer side effects.
A Penn State College of Medicine pilot study found that 89 percent of participants with diagnosed Crohn's disease showed improvement with low-dose naltrexone therapy, while 67 percent achieved remission. This novel approach offers a simple and safe treatment option for the chronic inflammatory disorder.
Researchers found that damage to the insula, a brain region linked to emotion and feelings, enables smokers to quit instantly. The discovery opens new directions for therapies targeting this specific region.
Researchers confirm that tobacco manufacturers have steadily increased the levels of nicotine in cigarettes since 1998, with an average annual increase of 1.6%. This re-analysis also found that design features such as puff count and flavor types contribute to increased addiction.
A new study has identified dihydrocodeine as an equally effective alternative to expensive methadone treatment for heroin addiction. The prescription painkiller is cheaper, safer and less toxic, with estimated annual costs of £713 compared to £1,500 for methadone.
Researchers found that adolescent smokers are more vulnerable to AUDs due to nicotine's impact on the brain's central reward circuitry. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests smoking can make adolescents more susceptible to addictions beyond just alcohol.
Researchers propose a new classification system for addictive drugs based on their effect on dopamine levels in the brain. This new classification may help in directing research towards more effective treatment of addiction.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that the brain chemical dopamine is involved in both pleasure and pain responses, with variations between individuals affecting vulnerability to drug addiction. The research may help explain why some people are more prone to developing addictions during times of stress or chronic pain.
Researchers found PPM abuse varies greatly across US states, differing from traditional illicit drug trends. States with large metropolitan areas often have lower abuse rates despite perceptions of city dwellers being more prone to drug use.
Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that cocaine-addicted individuals have a flattened sensitivity to relative monetary rewards, making it harder to inhibit maladaptive behavior. This altered perception of reward is linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region essential for monitoring and controlling behavior.
Researchers identified brain circuits motivating desire to overeat in obese individuals, linked to the same circuits that cause addicted individuals to crave drugs. The study found significant changes in brain metabolism associated with emotional behaviors and eating habits.
Researchers found that blunt smokers associate clinical symptoms with nicotine rather than marijuana dependence. The study of 92 blunts users in New York City suggests tobacco's presence may foster dependence on blunts.
Scientists create radioactively tagged molecules for positron emission tomography (PET) scans, providing insights into addiction and brain function. The radiotracers help monitor drug distribution and receptor activity in the brain, revealing key factors in addiction.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that drug users who were coerced into treatment had a higher risk of dropping out. The proportion of individuals who completed treatment decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% between 1998 and 2002, while the number of re-presentations increased by 48.6%
Researchers at University at Buffalo found that methamphetamine increases expression of DC-SIGN receptor, allowing more virus to invade the immune system and promote HIV infection. The study suggests that dopamine receptor blockers could be beneficial in reducing HIV infection in high-risk populations.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, significantly reduces hyperactivity and improves attention, concentration, and motor-visual coordination in children with ADHD. The study's findings suggest that Pycnogenol may serve as a safe and effective treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers found increased dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum, a part of the brain involved in desire and motivation, when cocaine addicts watched a video featuring people using cocaine. This increase was associated with craving levels and largest in severely addicted subjects.
Researchers discovered that nicotine activates specific receptors in dopamine-producing neurons, leading to increased responsiveness and triggering exploratory behaviors. The study suggests a hierarchical role of two receptor subunits in regulating the response to nicotine.
A study analyzing data from over 7,250 patients in Zurich found a significant decrease in new heroin users between 1990 and 2002. The incidence of heroin use dropped from 850 to 150, while the overall number of heroin dependents only declined by 4% per year.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that 89% of patients with diagnosed Crohn's disease showed improvement with therapy using naltrexone, while 67% achieved remission of symptoms. The treatment has been shown to be simple, safe, and cost-effective compared to traditional steroid treatments.
A study comparing therapeutic communities in the US, China, and Thailand will examine client and program characteristics to understand treatment effectiveness. The research aims to advance substance abuse treatment services globally by developing a standardized model.
Recent medical advances in drug treatment for alcoholics are seen as positive news, but recovery requires a combination of treatments addressing physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Dr. Marvin D. Seppala emphasizes the need to better define specific subgroups for medication therapies.
A small study found that frequent tanners experience withdrawal symptoms when the 'feel-good' chemicals induced by ultraviolet light are blocked. The researchers tested whether exposure to UV light produces endorphins, brain chemicals linked to pain relief and euphoric feelings.
Pitt researchers identify critical brain area regulating dopamine function, which could explain disruptions in normal behaviors and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and drug addiction. The discovery provides new insights into the brain's reward system and its role in modulating goal-directed behavior.
A University of Minnesota study found that telephone support for smokers was more effective in helping them quit than standard medical care. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that 40% of participants who received telephone support had not smoked in the previous seven days after three months.
Researchers from the UAB have found a direct relationship between morphine addiction and a tendency to explore perseveringly in rats. The study suggests that individuals with a greater propensity to seek new sensations may be more likely to develop an addiction to morphine.
Researchers found that orexin A induces adaptation necessary for drug-craving behaviors in human addicts. The peptide signaling pathways for orexin and CRF may prove fruitful targets in the search for addiction medications.
A team of researchers, led by Xia Zhang, has discovered a potential universal strategy for treating drug addiction. They found that a naturally occurring enzyme called PTEN acts on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, where many drugs of abuse exert their rewarding effects.
A new study finds that the herbal supplement NAC can help reduce cocaine cravings in individuals undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction. The research, conducted at the ACNP Annual Meeting, showed that NAC-treated subjects had reduced brain activity in the prefrontal cortex and reported less craving for cocaine.
A new study using an animal model suggests that anabolic steroids can be addictive. Hamsters showed a marked preference for testosterone, nandrolone or drostanolone, indicating the drugs' potential for addiction. The research highlights the need for awareness among coaches and mental health professionals about this risk.