Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A study of 274 people with ketamine use disorder found high levels of physical health problems, including bladder issues and K-cramps, as well as psychological symptoms like cravings and low mood. The research highlights the need for improved treatment programs and awareness of ketamine use to support those seeking care.
A new study by Mass General Brigham shows that varenicline is three times more effective than behavioral counseling in helping teens and young adults quit vaping. The FDA-approved pill had a success rate of 51% at 12 weeks, compared to 14% for placebo users.
A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.
A survey of 125 people in Providence, Rhode Island found that 74% supported an overdose prevention center opening in their neighborhood, while 81% supported it elsewhere. The results suggest that community acceptance of OPCs is high and can be built through engagement with local members.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that a specialized hospital service can significantly increase patients with opioid use disorder to start FDA-approved medication treatment. The trial showed that patients receiving the service were twice as likely to begin treatment and 72% more likely to link to post-discharge care.
A clinical trial shows that AI screening for opioid use disorder is as effective as healthcare providers in generating referrals to addiction specialists. The study found a 47% reduction in hospital readmissions among patients who received AI screening, resulting in estimated healthcare savings of nearly $109,000.
A new study found that young vapers who begin using e-cigarettes after graduating from high school tend to progress rapidly to frequent use, reaching it in about one year. This 'late initiation/rapid progression' group showed swift increases in vaping frequency and e-cigarette dependence compared to other groups.
Restricting telehealth prescriptions for opioid use disorder could keep thousands from accessing buprenorphine, a medication that helps people recover from addiction. Researchers found that requiring in-person visits may undo the progress made during the COVID-19 pandemic when telehealth increased access to this life-saving treatment.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
A study found that long-term cocaine use increases impulsivity in healthy rats, contradicting the belief that high impulsivity predicts cocaine use. This contradicts research on impulsive choice and delay-discounting tasks.
The study found that nearly all US states had higher drug-related mortality rates between 2020 and 2023 than their 2019 rates. This decline marks a reversal of the pandemic-induced increase in overdose deaths.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine challenges conventional notions about alcohol's effects in depressed people who drink excessively. Participants with AUD and depression reported feeling acute, sustained positive and rewarding alcohol effects similar to non-depressed counterparts.
A support program increased rural primary care clinics' buprenorphine prescribing by fivefold, with clinic completion rates for treatment milestones also showing significant improvements.
A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.
Researchers are pinpointing areas of high overdose frequency to implement targeted interventions, including naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips. The study aims to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to life-saving resources in underserved communities.
A new study reveals that US methamphetamine mortality rose 61-fold between 1999 and 2021, highlighting a growing crisis in addiction and public health. The study found that women's deaths from methamphetamine are accelerating, while men's rates have plateaued, suggesting a need for targeted harm reduction efforts.
Researchers at Drexel University developed an AI tool using large language models to identify and suggest alternative words that stigmatize people with substance use disorder. This framework aims to educate users and preserve supportive spaces in online forums.
A new study found that rats' responses to cocaine paired with aversive quinine reveal individual susceptibility to addiction. The research suggests that people's reactions to the unpleasant aspects of drug consumption can play a crucial role in determining their risk of developing substance use disorders.
Researchers found that increasing levels of the naturally occurring endocannabinoid 2-AG can counteract the rewarding properties of opioids, reducing addiction-like behaviors in mice. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy to alleviate pain while minimizing opioid addiction risk.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that telehealth and peer-assisted care can significantly improve diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in rural communities. The study, led by Oregon Health & Science University, showed that 66% of hard-to-reach patients were cleared of the virus within six months.
A recent study published by the University of Kansas found that cannabis users tend to consume less when they have responsibilities like job interviews or caring for children. People who rated the suitability of using cannabis in these situations more highly were also more likely to consider using the drug.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.