Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
Researchers discovered a set of genes that respond inappropriately to amphetamine in 'drug-proof' zebrafish mutants, which do not experience the drug's pleasurable effects. This finding suggests a link between adult neurogenesis and addiction, with potential implications for understanding susceptibility.
A group of addiction scientists argue that the death penalty for drug trafficking is ineffective and violates human rights. The editorial cites the UN statement on capital punishment's limited scope and emphasizes the need to abolish this practice. Addiction experts, including lead author Professor Griffith Edwards, call for scientists...
A new brain mechanism involving ghrelin has been discovered, which could lead to the development of new therapies for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking ghrelin's actions in the brain reduces alcohol's effects on the reward system.
Researchers at UBC developed a new method to study gambling addictions by creating an animal laboratory experiment. The study found that rodents' ability to play the odds was impaired with drugs that reduce serotonin levels and improved with those that reduce dopamine levels, providing insights into human gambling behaviors.
The Einstein Proteomics Research Center aims to identify brain proteins responsible for neurological complications in people infected with HIV, particularly those who are also addicted to drugs. The center will investigate the mechanism of HIV infection and develop biomarkers to detect neurological disease.
Researchers have found that injecting BDNF into the brain's reward circuitry can induce drug dependency in rats. This study suggests that BDNF is crucial for inducing a drug dependent state, one important aspect of drug addiction.
A brain-imaging study found that cocaine users show reduced activity in areas involved in monitoring behavior and regulating emotions, suggesting these impairments may underlie addictive vulnerability. Improving these functions could help addicted individuals resist drugs.
A new study using mice found that genes affect impulsivity, which can contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism. The study suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more likely to experiment with drugs and develop a substance-use disorder like alcoholism.
A new study found that Naltrexone significantly reduced stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania. The research suggests the drug may offer hope for those struggling with the condition, particularly when used in combination with individual therapy.
Scientists at UB's Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics have developed a stable nanoparticle that delivers short RNA molecules to silence a gene critical in many kinds of drug addiction. The approach also shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, cancer, and other neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered a tiny genetic mutation that prevents nicotine from binding to muscle cells' acetylcholine receptors. This subtle difference explains why nicotine is virtually powerless in muscle cells despite being highly addictive in the brain.
Researchers at McGill University found that Parkinson's patients who develop addictions have elevated dopamine levels, promoting addictive behaviours. Adjusting medication dosage resolved symptoms, suggesting hereditary factors contribute to addiction vulnerability.
Research reveals that over 90% of detained youths struggle in their lives, with severe impairment affecting up to 20%. Early interventions and comprehensive services are crucial to address psychiatric disorders, education, vocational training, and social skills.
A Princeton University scientist has demonstrated that sugar can be an addictive substance, with lab animals showing signs of craving and relapse. The study suggests that bingeing on sugar can lead to long-lasting effects in the brain and increased motivation for other substances of abuse.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are using MRI technology to investigate whether brain abnormalities can predict drug addiction. The three-year study aims to understand why some people become addicted while others do not, with a focus on the frontal cortex and its role in decision-making.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that methamphetamine's quick entry and slow clearance from the brain contribute to its long-lasting effects. The researchers used PET scans to track the drug's uptake, distribution, and clearance in healthy volunteers.
A brain imaging study found cocaine addicts exhibit reduced cortical thickness in areas responsible for attention and reward-based decision-making. The study suggests a mixture of drug effects and predisposition underlying these structural alterations, with potential implications for prevention efforts.
A study found that male birds' brains are activated in 'reward' areas when they sing to attract females, similar to the brain response to addictive drugs. This suggests that social interactions, like courtship, can activate the same brain reward circuits as natural and artificial rewards.
Research suggests that nicotine's power lies in how it enhances other experiences, such as coffee. This may explain why smoking is hard to quit. Nicotine can make pleasurable activities more enjoyable, increasing its addictive nature.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.