Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
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.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that bupropion significantly reduced methamphetamine cravings and diminished the 'high' associated with its use. The research suggests that bupropion prevents methamphetamine from entering brain cells, reducing feelings of euphoria.
A new targeted drug has been developed to prevent long-term changes in brain cells that contribute to addiction. The peptide works by tricking cellular machinery into pulling the glutamate receptor back onto the surface, restoring normal communication between neurons.
The NIH has renewed a network focused on understanding how genes influence drug responses, aiming to create personalized therapies with fewer side effects. The network will explore various genetic factors affecting medication efficacy and toxicity across nine NIH components.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that a genetic variation in the mu opioid receptor gene may make brain cells more vulnerable to addictive drugs. The A118G variation resulted in reduced protein production and altered mRNA regulation, potentially increasing an individual's susceptibility to addiction.
Researchers found reduced MAO A levels in smokers' lungs, which may contribute to physiological effects of smoking like changes in blood pressure and pulmonary function. Smokers also retained tracer chemicals longer and had lower delivery into arterial blood supply.
Research by Dr Andrew Lawrence and Cameron McPherson found adolescent rats exposed to amphetamine had a more sensitised reaction when re-administered as adults, increasing the risk of heart attack. The study suggests teenage experimentation with drugs may have long-term effects on brain function.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors suggests that shame, not guilt, is related to substance-abuse problems. The research found that individuals prone to shame may use alcohol and other drugs to cope with feelings of self-blame, while those who experience guilt are less likely to develop substance-use problems.
The study found that gamblers and alcoholics have unique personality traits affecting their cravings, with gambling craving linked to positive emotions and alcohol craving tied to negative emotions. The research suggests that individuals with distinct emotional regulation patterns are more vulnerable to addiction.
A study by Yale University researchers found office-based buprenorphine treatment reaches individuals who are unable to use methadone, with key demographic differences including age, sex, and employment status. The treatment has shown success in reaching patients with lower rates of injection drug use and hepatitis C infection.
A study by Ohio State University found that benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for sleep disorders, with nearly two-thirds of visits resulting in medication prescriptions. The study also showed disparities in prescription patterns based on age, insurance type, and physician specialty.
A new study at Rockefeller University shows that contingency management treatment significantly increases patient success rates and improves the morale of clinic staff and administration. The treatment method uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive actions towards recovery.
A randomized, controlled study evaluated four behavioral drug abuse treatments for reducing methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior among gay and bisexual methamphetamine addicts. Treatment produced immediate, three-fold reductions in both methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic application for the new drug Nifrolidine in treating nicotine addiction and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that Nifrolidine binds to specific brain receptors implicated in these conditions, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a computational model of addiction that connects learning theories with neurophysiological mechanisms. The model uses temporal-difference reinforcement learning to simulate how addictive drugs impact brain function and behavior.
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 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.
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.
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.