Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.
Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.
Researchers found that progesterone levels can affect smoking cessation success in women. By timing a quit attempt during the low-to-high increase of progesterone, women may be able to achieve higher abstinence rates and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
A Rutgers study reveals that racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to obtain prescriptions to treat opioid addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is particularly concerning, as minority groups face more barriers to healthcare and are already disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
Using lesion network mapping, researchers mapped addiction remission to entire brain circuits rather than specific regions, pointing to new targets for treatment. The study found a common brain circuit associated with both nicotine and alcohol addiction, suggesting a potentially therapeutic targetable neural pathway for addiction.
A Mayo Clinic study found that disparities in opioid treatment access persist among women, Black and Hispanic populations. Despite increased access, these groups continue to face systemic barriers, including racism, mistrust of healthcare professionals, and lack of clinicians able to prescribe buprenorphine.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a molecular connector, BASP1, that helps cocaine latch on to brain cells, even at low doses. This finding may explain why women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction and could lead to new treatments.
A new preliminary study from the US suggests that aromatherapy can reduce post-surgical opioid use by half in patients with anxiety before their operation. The study found that levels of anxiety, depression, and catastrophising were reduced in the aromatherapy group, resulting in lower opioid consumption.
Researchers found that young people aged 12-20 were more likely to become cannabis users in states with legalized recreational use compared to those without. The study also documented an increased likelihood of cannabis use among adults in these states.
A landmark research article published in Science predicted exponential growth in US drug overdose deaths, which has now come true with over 100,000 annual deaths. The Pitt team suggests that a systems analysis and computational models are necessary to understand the deep causal drivers of the epidemic.
Early treatment with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) by 30-35% for ADHD and major depressive disorder. Longer treatment durations also show positive results, especially when initiated before age nine.
A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on dopamine transporter (DAT) function, which regulates brain reward centre communication. The researchers discovered DAT depends on potassium, not just sodium, rewriting textbooks on its mechanism.
A Rutgers study found that individuals with opioid-use disorder who used non-prescribed buprenorphine before entering treatment were twice as likely to remain in care. Those who used the medication also had significantly lower rates of opioid use during the first six months in treatment.
The OHSU clinic, which provides same-day access to buprenorphine, has successfully served patients in 32 of Oregon's 36 counties. A new study found that many patients prefer the virtual model, with 12 out of 19 participants expressing strong support for its ease of access and critical role in treatment.
A Scripps Research study found that environmental cues learned during withdrawal are more powerful than those learned during the early phases of alcohol use, leading to more irresistible cravings. This discovery could lead to new treatments to minimize cravings in people with addictions.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues and changed drug use behaviors in rural Illinois residents, leading to a higher risk of overdose. The study suggests that structural and community factors during the pandemic increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and altered drug use patterns.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that medication treatment services are often not located in the most vulnerable communities, leaving them at risk of disrupted access to treatment during disasters. The study suggests that preparedness for natural disasters should prioritize those placed at highest risk.
A decision-support framework was developed by management science researchers to help clinicians make informed decisions about opioid prescribing. The framework incorporates multiple factors, including recovery time, pain intensity, and patient history, to provide a quantitative model of the prescribing process.
Adolescent drug overdose deaths nearly doubled in 2020 and rose another 20% in early 2021 compared to the 10 years prior, despite stable drug use rates. The increase is largely attributed to illicit fentanyls found in counterfeit pills, which can be deadly if ingested.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology-developed nasal spray has been tested on over 200 acute overdose patients, restoring breathing in 80% of cases within 10 minutes. The study's findings suggest the nasal spray provides enough antidote for patients to breathe on their own while minimizing the risk of triggering abstinence.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers shows that adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are more likely to develop prescription drug misuse and overdose risks in adulthood. Screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult problems and prevent overdoses.
A new Johns Hopkins study examines the link between psychedelics and consciousness, revealing a significant increase in attributing consciousness to various entities following a psychedelic experience. The study found that participants who reported belief-changing experiences showed substantial increases in attributing consciousness to...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that the poison from the sea snail species Conus rolani can function as a painkiller, blocking out pain in mice for an even longer time than morphine. This discovery offers a potential alternative to addictive painkillers like morphine and opioids.
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
A study found that fewer than one-third of patients who fill buprenorphine prescriptions written by emergency physicians subsequently fill prescriptions from other clinicians. Researchers emphasize the need for improved systems to seamlessly transition patients from emergency settings to community treatment providers.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.
Researchers found that disruption of normal neuronal functions affects metabolic activity, potentially contributing to drug-seeking behaviors. The study suggests that alterations in dopamine signaling may reprogram the circadian liver metabolome, leading to substance use disorders.
The US overdose death rate exceeded the white rate for the first time in 20 years, driven by synthetic opioids and highly toxic drugs. Black Americans and Native Americans had the highest overdose death rates, highlighting deep-seated inequalities in access to treatment and services.
A new study suggests that outpatient treatment for infective endocarditis can reduce mortality rates, extend life expectancy, and be more cost-effective than standard inpatient therapy. The strategy also showed improved cure rates compared to other approaches.
LaTrice Montgomery, a University of Cincinnati researcher, emphasizes the need for more specific data on cannabis use among different racial and ethnic groups. Her research focuses on cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is listed in industry standard handbooks alongside other stimulants.
The Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis recommends banning direct marketing to prescribers and curbing industry influence on medical education. The group also suggests standardizing addiction care within health systems and improving access to medication-assisted treatment.
A 10-year study found that illicit amphetamine users were 5 times more likely to experience psychosis than non-users, with the risk increasing with age, number of arrests, and severity of addiction. Rehab was found to be effective in reducing this risk.
Researchers at UC San Diego found a steep rise in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, driven by undiminished drug tourism. The rate of infection is 11 times higher than in San Diego residents who do not cross the border.
The study found significant gaps in naloxone access and distribution across the US, with state-specific needs varying by epidemic type and distribution pathways. Community-based and pharmacy-initiated access points were more effective in reducing fatal opioid overdoses.
A national study found that states with higher labor underutilization, non-Hispanic white populations, and opioid prescriptions had higher SIM rates. States with centralized medicolegal death investigation systems detected more SIM cases due to toxicologic testing.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that 20% of teens and young adults seeking treatment for addiction had elevated social impairment scores, indicating previously unrecognized autistic traits. These individuals were more likely to experience stimulant and opioid use disorders.
UCLA researchers found that removing brain cells linked to wakefulness and addiction reduces both physical and emotional symptoms of opioid withdrawal. The study suggests that drug therapies regulating hypocretin production may be an effective treatment for opiate addiction and withdrawal.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
Per capita morphine milligram equivalents (MME) volume declined most in metropolitan counties and counties with higher fatal opioid overdoses. Clinical specialties showed significant declines, except for some states' counties with both increases and decreases.
A program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine increased buprenorphine treatment rates in emergency departments by sixfold, from 3% to 23%, and sustained the changes. The program used behavioral design tactics and automated connections to peer recovery specialists to overcome barriers to treatment.
Research reveals that HIV-positive individuals with cocaine addiction struggle to withhold behavioral responses due to distinct brain activity patterns. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address dual diagnosis in recovery programs.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
A Michigan Medicine study found that only 7.4% of patients received naloxone and 8.5% received buprenorphine prescriptions within 30 days of an opioid overdose. The low rates highlight missed opportunities for equipping patients with rescue medicines to use in case of future overdoses.
A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...
A new study found that healthcare providers hold less favorable judgments about patients who inject drugs, leading to potential lack of access to preventive HIV medication. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness and standardizing access to PrEP for all people, regardless of their risk factors.
A survey of opioid treatment program leaders reveals reluctance to allow take-home methadone despite federal guidelines easing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs still require patients to come in for in-person administration, citing stigma and concerns over overdose risk.
A recent study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that people who wake up, smoke, and return to sleep are more likely driven by stress than nicotine addiction. To help these smokers quit, researchers recommend addressing their psychological distress and developing treatments that go beyond nicotine dependence.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people who abstain from alcohol do not necessarily have a shorter survival time than those who consume low to moderate amounts. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 German adults, suggests that factors such as previous substance abuse or poor health are more significant predic...
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
Boston University researchers found that even low levels of physical therapy before or after total knee replacement surgery lower the odds of chronic opioid use. Participation in six or more sessions of physical therapy post-surgery and initiation within 30 days of surgery were linked to reduced chance of chronic opioid use.