Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
Researchers have developed a new method to adapt Ritalin to tackle cocaine abuse, overcoming a chemical hurdle that previously limited the potential of methylphenidate derivatives. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for cocaine addiction.
A new study found that law enforcement's role in post-overdose outreach programs may undermine their effectiveness. The research highlights the importance of law enforcement data and contact information to reach overdose survivors, but also notes challenges posed by police involvement due to lack of training and negative past experiences.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.
Researchers mapped the 3D structure of kappa opioid receptors, discovering how they change shape to bind to opioid drugs. This finding could lead to the development of next-generation pain relievers that target specific opioid receptors and minimize side effects.
Researchers found that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) can restore spatial working memory and reduce withdrawal symptoms in mice exposed to alcohol. KRG suppresses the PKA-CREB signaling pathway and inhibits neuroinflammation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic intervention for treating alcohol use disorder.
Researchers found that individuals with heroin use disorder exhibited a bias towards processing drug cues, while healthy controls showed the opposite pattern. This suggests that efforts to downregulate responses to drug cues may come at the cost of amplifying responses to natural rewards.
A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that restricting sweet flavorings and cooling agents in e-cigarettes could significantly reduce youth vaping rates. Nearly 39% of survey respondents would quit using their e-cigarettes if tobacco-flavored e-liquids were the only options available.
A Rutgers study found that restricting access to prescription opioids can lead people to seek out unregulated opioids, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses. Restoring easier access to opioid pain medications may protect against fatal overdoses, according to researchers.
A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled crucial insights into the brain's ability to regulate fentanyl consumption. The research discovered that claustral neurons can modulate fentanyl intake, suggesting a potential target for intervention in fentanyl addiction.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating produced similar weight loss results to traditional calorie counting in a racially diverse population of adults with obesity. Participants who engaged in 8-hour time-restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A study found that harm reduction treatment reduced substance use, including cannabis and polysubstance use, among people experiencing homelessness. Participants in the treatment group used cannabis 41% fewer days than the control group. The approach led to improved quality of life and basic needs, making it a sustainable option.
Most youths with a diagnosis of AUD do not receive medications as part of their therapy, despite recommendations from national organizations. The study highlights an opportunity to improve medication access to this vulnerable population.
The Better Together trial partners with community organizations and sites to provide buprenorphine treatment, reducing distance for patients and offering peer support in familiar environments. Researchers aim to address barriers such as stigma, misunderstandings about addiction, and bias against certain treatments.
A new study reveals that only one in four adolescent residential treatment centers across the US provides buprenorphine, a proven tool in fighting opioid addiction. The lack of access to this medication undercuts US efforts to alleviate the overdose epidemic, which claimed over 109,000 lives in 2022.
A recent NIH-funded study found that only 1 in 4 residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents under 18 years old offer buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. The study highlights a significant gap in access to evidence-based treatment among young people, with many facilities not offering this life-saving medication d...
Young adults' past-year use of non-LSD hallucinogens increased from 3.4% in 2018 to 6.6% in 2021, raising public health concerns. The study found that male and white young adults used these substances more frequently.
A Phase 2a clinical trial found that AEFO117 significantly reduced the effects of cannabis in daily smokers and decreased both positive mood effects and decision to use cannabis. The drug, developed by Aelis Farma, appears to counteract the high associated with THC without disrupting physiological and behavioral functions.
A new study reveals that over 80% of people who inject drugs in New York City test positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intend to take it intentionally. The research suggests that widespread use of fentanyl among this population may be driving overdose risk and tolerance development.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that state policies requiring additional education for buprenorphine prescribers and continuing medical education related to substance misuse significantly increase the use of anti-opioid medication. This is associated with improved quality of life and decreased fatal overdose rates.
A RAND Corporation study found that methadone use increased sharply among Medicare Advantage enrollees, creating new treatment rather than displacing other medications. The rate of buprenorphine use also rose, particularly among younger enrollees.
New Jersey's Medicaid reforms led to a significant increase in buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid addiction treatment, outpacing national rates. The reforms reduced barriers to medication usage among poor patients, resulting in slower growth of overdose deaths nationwide.
Cocaine use disorder has been rising for over a decade, with no robust treatment available. Researchers are using cocaine contingency management to provide cash or value in exchange for drug-free urine samples, aiming to change an individual's temporal horizon and reduce consumption. The study aims to guide innovative interventions tha...
Physicians at the University of Kentucky call for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower mortality risk. The article highlights the need for physician advocacy to address the moral distress experienced by doctors when patients are denied these treatments.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
A Columbia University study found that casual cannabis use by adolescents raises the risk of depression, suicidality, and problem behaviors. Nondisordered cannabis users were 2-2.5 times more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes and behavioral problems compared to teens who didn’t use cannabis.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' care approach reduces opioid-exposed newborns' hospital stays and medication use. This approach prioritizes family-centered care and non-pharmacological interventions to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
A Mass General Brigham expert calls for additional measures to expand access to lifesaving buprenorphine treatment and harm-reduction services. The federal government's elimination of the X waiver is necessary but not sufficient to achieve overdose-prevention goals, according to the authors.
A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that offering medications for opioid addiction in jails leads to a significant decrease in overdose deaths. Treating opioid addiction during incarceration is also cost-effective and saves lives.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
A novel clinical trial demonstrated that open-label placebo increased patient retention rates by 78% compared to methadone-only treatment. Participants also reported better sleep quality, with no significant differences found in other outcome measures. The study suggests that deception-free placebo treatment can provide valuable benefits.
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
Researchers have discovered that the amygdala uses specialized neurons to learn about threats and rewards, a finding that could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety and drug addiction. By studying how these neurons respond differently to various stimuli, scientists have gained insights into the brain's reward system.
A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...
A study found a common genetic signature that increases the risk of developing multiple substance use disorders. The research identified genes associated with dopamine signaling and could lead to universal therapies for addiction.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found significant increases in overdose deaths from all categories except heroin in 2020. The largest death rate was for black males in the District of Columbia due to fentanyl, with a rate almost 10 times higher than that for white males.
Implementation of post-overdose programs in Massachusetts municipalities associated with a 6% lower annual opioid fatality rate and a 7% lower opioid-related emergency encounter rate compared to non-programmed areas. The study suggests that these programs offer a critical opportunity to address overdose among high-risk individuals.
A new study highlights poor access to US methadone treatment compared to Canada. The average driving distance to the closest clinic was more than three times greater in the US, with rural areas requiring drives of up to 138 miles.
A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.
A new study found that trauma leads to high levels of intergenerational substance use among Black women, with 30% increased odds of drug use and 40% increased odds of Child Protective Services cases. The researchers also highlighted the importance of understanding the prevalence and impacts of these issues among minority populations.
Researchers discovered HDAC5 plays a critical role in limiting heroin-associated memories and drug-seeking behavior. By regulating gene expression, HDAC5 opposes powerful drug cues that trigger relapse.
A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.
Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.
Researchers have discovered that cocaine addiction is associated with faster brain aging, with changes in DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex contributing to this effect. The study, which analyzed cryo-preserved brains of deceased male donors, found that cells in this region appeared biologically older in individuals with CUD.
A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.
A study of 4,000 twins found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems. Twins in states where cannabis is legal showed fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
Panelists emphasize the need for better treatment options and increased access to naloxone as overdoses increase dramatically. Community collaboration, fast-tracking vaccine development, and reducing stigma around people who use drugs are also key strategies.
A study shows that pharmacies can offer a safe starting point for patients with opioid use disorder, leading to higher rates of retention in treatment. The pharmacy-based model increases access to buprenorphine, a lifesaving medication, for diverse patient populations and promotes racial and economic equity.
The university is implementing curricular changes to increase access to early intervention and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. The program will cover 30 hours of instruction and add another tool to the kit of nursing graduates, aiming to provide more treatment options for those struggling with opioid addiction.
Researchers have discovered the positive impact of icaros on men's recovery from drug and alcohol addictions during ayahuasca healing ceremonies. The study, led by UC Riverside doctoral student Owain J. Graham, found that 86% of patients showed statistically significant improvements on the Addictions Severity Index.
The NIH has established a research network to test community-based harm reduction strategies, including naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, to reduce overdose deaths. The network aims to save lives by connecting people who use drugs with services and treatments.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine have developed a handheld ultrasound device to treat neuropathic pain. The device uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to target specific areas of the nervous system, offering a non-invasive and non-opioid-based treatment option.
A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.
A new publication highlights the challenges patients face in accessing effective opioid treatment. Opioid addiction specialists from Oregon Health & Science University argue for a flexible, responsive health system that prioritizes patient needs.
A self-service vending machine filled with harm reduction supplies such as naloxone helped prevent overdoses and contributed to a decrease in Hamilton County's overdose deaths in 2021. Nearly 900 people used the machine since its installation, with nearly 16% of users reporting they had never used harm reduction services before.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that alternatives to menthol cigarettes pose significant addiction and health risks. Mentholated pipe tobacco and tubes were the most appealing and addictive options, suggesting they should be included in the proposed ban.
The prevalence of methamphetamine-associated heart failure is rising worldwide, affecting a wide range of socio-economic and racial groups. Meth users are more likely to develop severe disease, with longer hospital stays and readmissions, compared to non-users.