Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
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.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A tribal confederation in Oregon has launched a mobile medication unit to deliver addiction treatment directly to tribal members. The initiative, part of the Great Circle Recovery program, aims to address the opioid crisis disproportionately affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.
A new study by Staffordshire University has found that stigma in drug and alcohol treatment services can lead to emotional harm for women. The research reveals that women are often stigmatised and shamed when seeking support from professionals.
A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.
Mobile methadone units show significant impact in expanding opioid treatment access in rural areas, with a 13-point increase in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment rates. Adding units exclusively to rural Louisiana provides nearly 20% of beneficiaries within 24 miles of a provider.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that about half of the US's 160 residential addiction treatment centers have wait times over a month. The average daily cost for those who get in is $878, with facilities often requiring upfront payment.
A Cochrane review found that e-cigarettes lead to better chances of quitting smoking than patches, gums, lozenges, or other traditional NRT. Eight to 10 out of 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes quit compared to six out of 100 using traditional NRT.
A new study found that only about half of residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents have a bed immediately available, with the average daily cost per day of treatment being $878. The study also revealed that only seven states have a facility that accepts Medicaid, has a bed open the same day, and offers buprenorphine.
A Mount Sinai study found that human beliefs about nicotine can modulate brain activities in a way comparable to pharmacology, with potential implications for addiction treatment. The study used fMRI to explore the relationship between subjective beliefs and biological substrates in the human brain.
Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
A UCLA study found that substance abuse treatment can lead to reduced methamphetamine usage and longer periods of abstinence. The study, which analyzed responses from nearly 300 men in Los Angeles, suggests that even limited treatment options can be effective in reducing methamphetamine use.
A case series published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveals semaglutide's potential therapeutic applications in managing Alcohol Use Disorder, demonstrating significant reductions in AUDIT scores. Further research is needed to validate these findings through larger clinical trials.
A study published in Nature reveals the molecular mechanism of methamphetamine binding to the trace amine receptor TAAR1, which plays a crucial role in modulating monoaminergic systems. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to determine high-resolution structures of the human TAAR1-Gs protein complex stimulated by methamphetamine.
A new study highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance among medical professionals in addressing chronic pain dependency. Patients describe feeling ignored and misunderstood, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.
A Rutgers study found that states with legalized medical marijuana experience a 0.5 to 1.5 percentage point decrease in regular nonmedical prescription opioid use among people who reported using opioids in the previous year. However, this reduction is concentrated in individuals with cannabis addiction, highlighting the need for compre...
A nationwide study found that nearly half of people who use illicit drugs in rural areas have been recently incarcerated. The study suggests that expanding addiction treatment to individuals while they're incarcerated could benefit communities overall by reducing overdose rates and improving rehabilitation outcomes.
A recent study found that transmucosal dose of buprenorphine followed by extended-release buprenorphine injection significantly reduced Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale scores in individuals using fentanyl. This rapid treatment strategy may be an important potential option for addressing the growing opioid crisis.
A new meta-analysis suggests that high-dose prescription psychostimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can lower cravings and reduce stimulant use in people with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The study analyzed ten randomized controlled trials and found that effects may increase with higher dosage.
Researchers found that people with cocaine addiction have weaker signals when receiving rewards, disrupting the brain's ability to learn from experiences. This dysregulation is linked to reduced activity in the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex.
Rates of opioid prescribing to US adolescents have decreased in recent years, mainly for non-surgical procedures. Opioid prescribing for surgical indications has remained relatively stable during the same period. This analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys data from 2015-2020 reveals a significant shift in prescribing patterns.
Patients prescribed higher doses of buprenorphine (24mg) were more likely to stay in treatment for longer periods compared to those on lower doses (16mg). Higher doses may help address the challenges posed by fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.
A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.
A comprehensive global analysis found that these stop-smoking aids are nearly twice as effective as single forms of NRT. Dual forms of NRT, such as combining a patch with gum or a lozenge, were found to be nearly as effective as nicotine e-cigarettes and prescription medications.
Palliative care and addiction experts agree that clinicians should increase monitoring and continue opioids without tapering in patients with advanced cancer who use stimulants. This approach prioritizes pain control and allows for individualized harm-reduction strategies.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
A new survey by USC Street Medicine found that street medicine programs are helping to fill the gap in access to mental health and substance use treatments for unhoused individuals in California. The study suggests that these programs can serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for people who are unsheltered.
A new study suggests that treating insomnia can prevent opioid relapse in rats, and potentially in humans. The experimental insomnia drug DORA-12 reduced withdrawal symptoms and prevented drug-seeking behavior in rats experiencing oxycodone withdrawal.