Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
Dr. Volkow emphasizes the importance of prevention strategies and research on stress, trauma, and social determinants in substance use disorders. She also highlights promising new directions in treatment, including GLP1 medications, to address the treatment gap in addiction.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that Medicaid waivers for addiction treatment have not led to increased treatment or reduced nonfatal overdoses in 17 states. The authors suggest that while the waivers may be necessary, they are insufficient to address the national opioid epidemic.
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment found that distributing free naloxone via vending machines in county jails can sharply increase the number of doses provided to inmates at release. This may help reduce overdose deaths, as former prisoners are more vulnerable due to lack of accessible support.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects an overdose, rapidly delivers naloxone to prevent death and alerts emergency responders. The device was tested in animal studies, showing promising results with rapid rescue and full recovery within minutes.
A large federally funded study found a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, primarily fentanyl and methamphetamine. Intervention communities implemented evidence-based practices, including naloxone distribution and education campaigns, which led to lower death rates.
Researchers found a significant increase in the use of naloxone by people without medical training to treat opioid overdoses. From June 2020 to June 2022, EMS reported 24,990 patients receiving naloxone from an untrained bystander before EMS arrived, representing a 43.5% growth.
A Canadian study finds that treatment for vulnerable people with endocarditis includes in-hospital addiction support and community care, with special attention to the needs of marginalized young women. Women who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by endocarditis and have higher long-term mortality rates than men.
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.
The UCR medical school is developing a new curriculum to address the substance use crisis in California, which has resulted in over 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. The curriculum aims to promote access to treatment and health equity for substance use care, addressing biases and social determinants of health.
A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.
A new study found that patients who initiated treatment for opioid use disorder through a telehealth mobile app had higher retention rates over six months compared to those in physical clinics. The study's results suggest that telehealth may be an effective alternative to traditional office-based treatment.
A pilot study found that ultra-low-dose ketamine can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting fentanyl, enabling patients to transition to buprenorphine treatment. The treatment was successful in 16 out of 37 patients who completed the transition, with 92% remaining in treatment for at least 30 days.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A major review by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group identifies three effective ways to stop smoking: counseling, bupropion, and nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that combining these strategies with behavioral support yields the best results for quitting smoking.
A major new review of evidence has identified three top ways to stop smoking: combining behaviour support with medication like bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. The Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group's systematic reviews also found strong evidence for behavioural counselling and financial incentives.
A recent study found that Quebec's drug-related mortality rates increased over time, peaking in 2020, due to the contamination of the drug market. Fentanyl and new synthetic opioids are on track to become the most commonly detected substances in opioid poisoning deaths.
A North Carolina State University study found that only 12% of organizations providing residential opioid substance use services are licensed by the state. Only a quarter allow patients to access proven opioid agonist treatment (OAT), which has better outcomes and cuts overdose deaths in half.
Researchers will investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to treat methamphetamine addiction, with a focus on serotonin receptors and potentially leading to new treatments. The project aims to advance psychedelics as a promising option for treating stimulant use disorder.
Researchers found that women with opioid use disorder face structural barriers and stigma that may keep them from engaging with traditional harm reduction practices. Increasing accessibility of harm reduction tools and expanding education are key recommendations to reduce overdose risk for women.
A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.
Research finds that people who use illicit opioids are at risk of developing severe xylazine-related wounds, often due to lack of access to proper wound care. The study highlights the need for comprehensive, low-barrier wound care services and compassionate care without judgment.
Brigham researchers created an implantable device that continuously monitors vital signs and delivers naloxone when detecting opioid overdose. The 'iSOS' device has shown effectiveness in preclinical models, offering a potential solution to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that cocaine triggers a specific protein, NPAS4, which hijacks brain circuitry and promotes further drug use. Inhibiting these cells eliminates drug-seeking behavior in mice.
Researchers discovered how cocaine affects the dopamine transporter, a protein that regulates dopamine levels in the brain. This knowledge could pave the way for medical treatments for cocaine abuse and potentially other addictive substances.
A national research study found that a lack of institutional support is the top reason doctors are reluctant to discuss addiction with their patients. The study also highlighted knowledge and skill gaps as significant barriers to delivering evidence-based interventions.
A new study found that patients in hospitals with specialized addiction consult services were more likely to start and continue lifesaving medication for opioid use disorder treatment after discharge. The CATCH program, a hospital-based intervention, showed promising results in increasing treatment initiation and retention rates compar...
A Madrid study found a significant decrease in active hepatitis C infection among people who use drugs (PWUD) from 23% to 6% between 2017 and 2023. The study attributed this decline to improved access to testing and treatment, as well as public health campaigns.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that medications for opioid use disorder were underused in Massachusetts despite improving outcomes. The study highlighted disparities among patients who received treatment, including younger people and Black patients being less likely to receive medication.
A new study identified the top reasons why physicians may be reluctant to intervene in addiction, with 'institutional environment' being the most commonly reported barrier. The study highlights the need for increased organizational support, leadership buy-in, and education to improve adoption of evidence-based care.
Researchers identified a viable path to developing a novel therapy that would make opioids more effective and safer as a treatment for chronic pain. The study found that selective Hsp90 inhibitors amplified the pain-relieving effects of morphine, reducing tolerance and side effects.
A study published by University at Buffalo researchers found that telemedicine referrals led to increased patient retention in treatment, with 65.1% of telemedicine patients still in care at the 30-day mark versus 22.2% of those referred from an emergency department visit. This suggests that telemedicine can remove barriers to care and...
A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University suggests telehealth may overcome stigma barriers for people seeking opioid use disorder treatment. Patients reported increased autonomy and trust through virtual visits, reducing feelings of judgment.
A national survey found that 61% of Americans are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder. Despite recent policy changes, barriers to accessing these medications remain. Increasing public awareness and education is crucial to improve access to treatment.
The French system provides better access to methadone for people with opioid use disorder, with 87% receiving treatment compared to less than 20% in the US. This disparity highlights an opportunity for US policymakers to reform regulations and make methadone more accessible.
A new RAND study found that only a third of outpatient community mental health treatment facilities in the US offer medication treatment for opioid use disorders. Clinics with integrated mental and substance use disorder treatment were more likely to provide such services. The findings suggest efforts are needed to strengthen these ser...
A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
The NIH-funded HEALing Communities Study found that a data-driven intervention did not significantly reduce opioid-related overdose deaths, despite engaging communities in evidence-based practices. The study suggests that factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing fentanyl presence may have weakened the impact of the intervention.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are developing an AI model to predict opioid addiction in high-risk patients. The model uses generative artificial intelligence to analyze genomic, social determinants of health, clinical, procedural, and demographic data to identify patients at greatest risk.
A clinical trial shows that a combination of injectable naltrexone and extended-release oral bupropion reduces methamphetamine use for up to 12 weeks. The study found a significant increase in methamphetamine-negative urine tests among participants receiving the two-drug therapy.
A survey of over 5,000 smokers found that mental health conditions do not affect the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids. The most effective aids were vaping products, varenicline, and heated tobacco products, with no differences in efficacy between people with mental health conditions.
A recent analysis reveals that Black individuals in Pennsylvania are less likely to receive naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. Hispanic decedents had similar odds of naloxone administration as white decedents.
A new study explores the growing fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco, highlighting individual experiences and local trends. Participants reported fear of overdose and challenges with injecting as motivations for switching to smoking, but some expressed concerns about hygiene and residue risks.
Researchers at UCSF find that smoking fentanyl poses increased risks of fatal overdose, especially among those with opioid tolerance. The study highlights the need for harm reduction-based education campaigns to address this emerging risk.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that less than 15% of US college students can administer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Despite this, nearly 62% of students can identify signs of an overdose and nearly 67% feel comfortable calling emergency services.
A research team developed a fentanyl sensor that can detect the drug at ultralow levels, thanks to the use of carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and fentanyl antibodies. The sensor has a 91% success rate in distinguishing fentanyl from other opioids.
A new OHSU study found that the number of healthcare professionals able to prescribe buprenorphine increased significantly at community health clinics from 2016 to 2021, particularly in rural areas. The study suggests a positive trend amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
University of Birmingham researchers are developing a screening tool to identify patients most susceptible to persistent opioid usage after major surgery. The project aims to combine metabolic, neurobiological and cognitive profiles to predict patient responses to pain management, enabling clinicians to build targeted treatment plans.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems. A largely overlapping population of cells respond to both addictive drugs and natural rewards, leading to behavior directed toward drug-seeking and away from natural rewards.
Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine, has infiltrated the UK's illicit drug market, causing widespread problems. Researchers detected its presence in 16 people, 11 of whom were fatal, and warn that it poses a significant risk to those who use drugs beyond heroin users.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A new study found that over 11% of US 12th graders used delta-8-THC in the past year. The substance's widespread availability and lack of regulation pose significant risks to youth. Delta-8-THC use was highest in Southern and Midwestern states, where it is widely sold.
A recent study by Flinders University found that parents are conflicted and concerned about zero-alcohol drinks due to their similarity in taste and appearance. The research suggests that providing these drinks to adolescents may normalize alcohol consumption, leading to increased risks of harm.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
Pharmacist PDMP use fundamentally changed pharmacy work, interactions with patients and law enforcement, and roles. However, Chiarello argues that PDMPs are enforcement tools rather than healthcare tools, threatening the core of healthcare.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.