Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
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A small-scale study of GVG, a drug approved for epilepsy in Mexico, found that it can help patients with methamphetamine and cocaine addiction stay abstinent for up to four weeks without visual side effects. The results are promising, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the treatment's efficacy.
An imaging study found a structural difference in the brains of cocaine addicts, with the amygdala being smaller. This could reflect impaired judgement and contribute to the addictive behavior.
Researchers found a significant reduction in amygdala volume in cocaine addicts compared to nonaddicts, suggesting a possible predisposition to addiction. The study's findings indicate that the condition may pre-exist addiction and could be linked to difficulties in identifying potential negative outcomes.
Researchers found GVG effective in reducing drug use in heavy users for up to four consecutive weeks. No subjects developed visual field defects despite high doses used.
A CU-Boulder team found strong evidence that dopamine in the brain helps people implicitly learn to make choices that lead to good outcomes. Dopamine levels can influence how patients with Parkinson's disease make decisions, according to the study.
A UCSF study reveals that long-term medication and counseling can help smokers quit successfully, with 50% of participants abstinent after one year. The treatment program combined antidepressant nortriptyline with counseling for extended periods, showing better results compared to short-term options.
A new study demonstrates that GVG significantly blocks toluene-seeking behavior in rats, suggesting potential hope for treating inhalant abuse. The findings extend the value of GVG as a treatment for addiction and show promise in treating this growing problem among adolescents.
Researchers found that combining counseling with baclofen reduced cocaine use in chronic users, suggesting a potential treatment for cocaine dependence. The medication targets dopamine release in the brain, reducing cravings.
Research reveals that exposure to food stimulates increased brain metabolism in areas affected by drug addiction. The study found higher metabolism in regions responsible for hunger and reward, suggesting a possible link between constant food stimuli and obesity.
A recent study published in PNAS found that single cocaine exposure can increase both morphine preference and kappa-opioid receptor agonist aversion in rats. This suggests the existence of opposing brain circuits involved in drug craving and avoidance, with potential implications for treating addiction by modulating these pathways.
A new long-acting form of buprenorphine has been shown to provide relief from heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce the effects of test opioids for up to 6 weeks. This breakthrough treatment may increase patient engagement, ease treatment burden, and reduce the risk of misuse.
A study found that buprenorphine significantly reduced cocaine and heroin use in individuals addicted to both drugs. Participants who received the highest dose of buprenorphine experienced a 95% decrease in cocaine metabolite levels, while those who received the lower dose saw a 92% decrease.
Researchers have discovered a chemical modification of the dopamine transporter that enables amphetamine-induced dopamine release. This finding may lead to the development of treatments for drug addiction by targeting this molecular mechanism.
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that women who frequent certain kinds of bars and engage in specific behaviors are more likely to experience bar-related aggression. The research, which included 198 high-risk women aged 29, also identified key bar characteristics associated with aggression.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that links drug-induced plasticity in one part of the brain to a mechanism underlying learning and memory in another. The study found that a specific protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in addiction and may also be involved in learning and memory.
Researchers have discovered a brain receptor, GABA-A, that can be manipulated to control the switch between addicted and non-addicted states in the brain. By controlling this switch pharmacologically, it may be possible to take drug addicts back to a non-addicted state in a relatively short period of time.
A recent study found that a new, experimental injectable sustained-release depot formulation of buprenorphine is safe and effective in treating narcotic addiction. The treatment provides long-term benefits, reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms and sensitivity to opioids.
Researchers discovered that methamphetamine withdrawal is associated with significant brain changes in individuals with mood disorders. The study used PET scans to compare glucose metabolism in the brains of methamphetamine abusers and non-abusers, revealing lower glucose levels in regions linked to depressive disorders.
A randomized, double-blind study found that baclofen significantly reduced cocaine use in recovering addicts when used with substance abuse counseling. The study monitored 70 outpatients for 16 weeks and showed a decrease in recent cocaine use compared to the placebo group.
The Lancet editorial calls for a complete ban on smoking in the UK, citing health risks and addiction concerns. If implemented, such a ban could lead to 300,000 quitters and save 150,000 lives annually.
A study combining behavioral family counseling and naltrexone found that men in this group were more likely to take the medication daily, leading to higher success rates. Men in individual-based treatment showed lower compliance with naltrexone, resulting in fewer days of sobriety during treatment.
The study found that eight out of twelve patients achieved periods of abstinence of more than 28 consecutive days, and all eight were drug-free at the time of publication. Patients reported significant reductions in craving and improvements in self-esteem, family relationships, and work activities.
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that epilepsy drug GVG helped hard-core cocaine addicts stay clean for over 60 days. Forty percent of participants achieved sobriety without leaving their environment, gaining weight and living with their families.
Dr. Nora D. Volkow, the first woman to lead NIDA, has made significant contributions to understanding addiction through imaging studies. Her extensive publication record and awards recognize her as a leading expert in the field of drug addiction research.
Researchers at Yale University found that adolescents are more vulnerable to addictions due to brain development changes. Brain circuits involved in motivation and addiction undergo rapid changes during adolescence, leading to impulsive behaviors and increased risk of substance abuse.
The 36th Annual AAS Conference will address key themes such as suicide among adolescents, the 'Graying of America,' and male resistance to seeking help. The conference aims to reduce suicide rates through collaboration and expertise from researchers, clinicians, and specialists across various populations.
Research suggests that the mammalian ventral tegmental area plays a critical role in mediating both rewarding and aversive properties of nicotine. Blockade of mesolimbic dopamine signaling induced by neuroleptic medications may selectively block the aversive effects of nicotine, increasing vulnerability to its addictive properties.
Researchers found a significant increase in Delta FosB protein in the striatum of adolescent mice following chronic exposure to psychostimulants. This adaptation may contribute to increased sensitivity to addiction and therapeutic use of these medications in adolescents.
Buprenorphine, a medication related to morphine, has been approved for treating heroin and prescription painkiller addiction in office-based settings. Physicians will need minimum eight hours of training and obtain waiver to prescribe controlled substances.
Scientists have identified a potential new target in the brain for anxiety-reducing medications, which may provide less disruptive alternatives to existing sedatives. By inhibiting a specific enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-epsilon), researchers hope to develop new treatments that can modulate GABA function without addictive side effects.
A recent survey of over 100 academic medical centers found that anesthesiology faculty members and residents have substance abuse rates of 1% and 1.6%, respectively, during their personal time. The most commonly abused medication is fentanyl, often discovered through overdose or by tracking dispensed drugs.
Researchers found that CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens controls behavioral responses to emotional stimuli, including those related to drug rewards and anxiety. The study suggests a potential link between addiction and depression, implicating CREB's role in brain reward regions.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that rats who binge on sugar exhibited telltale signs of withdrawal, including 'the shakes' and changes in brain chemistry, when the effects of the sweets were blocked. This suggests that sugar may trigger production of the brain's natural opioids, leading to addiction-like behavior.
A team of scientists discovered a brain signal that encourages us to continue working on tasks to receive rewards. Abnormal activity in this signal may contribute to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or drug abuse.
Researchers used PET scans to measure changes in dopamine during food and neutral stimulation. Food stimulation increased dopamine in the dorsal striatum but not in the ventral striatum, suggesting a role in food motivation beyond reward effects.
Researchers found that mere sight or smell of food spikes levels of dopamine in the brain, a key player in addiction. The study also showed that certain medications can amplify weak dopamine signals, potentially helping with weight management.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction, memory formation, and brain plasticity. A key molecule called AP1 has been found to play a crucial role in controlling synaptic changes, which are more extensive than previously thought and resemble those induced by real experience.
A brain-imaging study has shed light on the reasons behind inhalant abuse by revealing how toluene moves into the brain rapidly and affects reward centers. The study shows that toluene spreads more generally to the entire brain before clearing the body, which may explain its addictive potential.
A functional polymorphism within the m-opioid receptor gene has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, including alcohol and other substances. The study found that individuals with this genetic variation were more likely to develop addiction and engage in risky behavior.
Researchers found that certain drugs, including alcohol and cocaine, increase beta endorphin levels in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region influencing addiction. This discovery may lead to the development of medications targeting this system to help individuals overcome addiction.
A University of Michigan study found that female rats exposed to estrogen and cocaine showed increased sensitization, leading to faster craving and lower doses. The effects persisted even after the hormone was removed.
Researchers found that topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, can block nicotine-triggered changes in brain chemistry. The study suggests that topiramate has potential for treating nicotine addiction by reducing the neurochemical activity associated with pleasure and reward.
Researchers report a successful heroin-assisted treatment programme that reduces infections, mental disorders, and crime among chronically addicted heroin addicts. The six-year study found 86% of patients remained in the programme for three months, with improved social functioning and reduced illicit drug use.
A low-dose nicotine patch was found to be effective in controlling the severity and frequency of motor tics in children with Tourette's syndrome. The study showed that patients with active nicotine patches did better than those with control patches, even when receiving reduced doses of haloperidol.
Neuroscientists identified brain regions activated by eating chocolate's rewarding and aversive aspects, offering insights into addiction and eating disorders. The study provides a novel model for understanding addiction using primary reinforcers like fat and sweet.
Researchers found that using rewards with naltrexone significantly improved treatment retention and naltrexone compliance. Patients who earned vouchers for drug-free behavior saw an increase in these outcomes.
A team of researchers at Northeastern University has discovered a specific molecular change in the brain that causes people to crave higher dosages of drugs over time. The finding could lead to more effective treatments for heroin addicts and cancer patients with chronic pain.
A Yale study shows that combining newer antipsychotic drugs with a nicotine patch leads to nearly triple the success rate in quitting smoking for schizophrenic patients. The study found that this combination was particularly effective in reducing carbon monoxide levels, a by-product of cigarette smoke.
Yale researchers found that early life stress enhances vulnerability to drug addiction. Rat pups separated from their mothers experienced increased self-administration of cocaine as adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions for children with early life traumas.
The Walking A Good Path calendar is an inspirational and educational resource developed by NIDA and American Indian organizations. The calendar shares current science-based information on drug abuse, addiction, prevention, and treatment, highlighting the health risks and effective strategies for Native American communities.
A study has shown that two new medications, LAAM and buprenorphine, are effective in treating heroin addiction, with all three medications dramatically reducing heroin use. The research found that patients on these medications had a 90% drop in heroin use and were more likely to stay in treatment.
Researchers discovered that nicotine uses a mechanism responsible for learning and memory to enhance neural connections and induce an enduring memory trace. This finding suggests new targets for drugs designed to block nicotine craving.
A study published by Emory University researchers found that a naturally occurring neurotransmitter called CART peptide produces behaviors associated with cocaine and methamphetamine. The finding suggests a role for the brain chemical in modulating or mediating the actions of drugs and potentially treating addiction.
Researchers discovered a new approach to treating schizophrenia by creating medications that only last intermittently in the brain, reducing prominent side effects. This breakthrough opens doors to significant changes in how schizophrenia is treated and could lead to more effective medications with better tolerability.
A study combining disulfiram (Antabuse) with buprenorphine found that participants who received both experienced longer periods of cocaine abstinence and achieved continuous abstinence sooner than those receiving only buprenorphine. No significant differences were observed in opiate abstinence between the two groups.
A study found that 80% of children with severe explosive temper and mood variations responded positively to divalproex, an anti-convulsant medication. The treatment improved behavior and responses in these children, who are often isolated from peers due to their disorders.
A NIDA-supported survey found that two-thirds of NYC clinicians are willing to provide methadone maintenance treatment in their offices. This could expand access to treatment for the 600,000 diagnosed heroin addicts in the US who currently receive fewer than 20% of treatment.
The UCSF Department of Psychiatry is using a $7.9 million grant to study creative ways to treat complex, substance-abusing patients in community settings. The research will focus on four areas, including computer-based interventions for smokers and HIV-positive heroin addicts.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis reveals a clear tendency among college students to become addicted to more than one common substance or activity, with exercise yielding the highest level of addiction and strong connections between certain activities and self-esteem. The study found large correlations within and betw...
Researchers have identified two brain chemicals, delta-FosB and GluR2, as major contributors to the addiction process. The study found that delta-FosB increases sensitivity to cocaine reward by activating genes involved in glutamate receptors, leading to compulsive behavior.