Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.
A novel study by Keck Medicine of USC researchers reveals a potential new opioid medication that can slow the progression of osteoarthritis while easing pain. The medication, which activates the kappa opioid receptor, has been shown to preserve cartilage in joints and alleviate pain with reduced risk of addiction.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a complex gene program that regulates brain changes in response to cocaine. By using single-nucleus RNA sequencing approaches, they found that only a small fraction of neurons in the nucleus accumbens were transcriptionally responsive to cocaine administration.
Researchers found that individuals with stronger connections between frontal cortex and striatum in two distinct brain networks were more resilient to drug addiction. These brain circuits are involved in goal-directed behavior and habit regulation, suggesting potential strategies for preventing or treating addiction.
A joint research team has identified dopamine D2 receptors in cholinergic interneurons as a key factor in susceptibility to cocaine addiction. The study found that DRD2 overexpression and reduced cell activation in ChINs contribute to the development of cocaine addiction.
A new study shows that financial incentives can increase the number of emergency department physicians trained to prescribe buprenorphine, a potentially life-saving medication for opioid overdose. By offering reimbursement and a $750 incentive, 89% of physicians were fully trained in six weeks.
Laws punishing pregnant drug abusers are ineffective in reducing substance use during pregnancy, instead decreasing treatment admissions by 29% and referrals to healthcare professionals by 18%. The study found no significant reduction in babies born with withdrawal symptoms or exposed to narcotics.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of teens and young adults use e-cigarettes due to social factors, despite widespread knowledge of the risks. The survey, conducted by the University of Michigan's MyVoice study, also revealed that most respondents believe vaping is dangerous and can lead to substance use.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a key receptor for dopamine called D2R that intervenes in cocaine's modifying functions in the striatum. Disrupting D2R signaling may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cocaine addiction.
A survey of primary care physicians found that one-third did not support the use of medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), despite conclusive evidence. The researchers urge policy changes to increase the acceptance of and willingness to prescribe medications for OUD among primary care physicians.
Researchers at UArizona College of Medicine identified prolactin as a key factor in women's pain sensitivity. The study suggests new therapies targeting the prolactin system could greatly benefit women suffering from functional pain syndromes, such as migraines and fibromyalgia.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that treating opioid use disorder with medications within 30 days of discharge from the hospital due to injection drug use-related endocarditis improves health outcomes. Those who received medication had a reduced risk of overdose and rehospitalization within a year.
A commonly used anti-psychotic medication has been linked to potentially adverse changes in brain structure, particularly a thinning of the cortex. The study found these changes were more prominent in elderly participants and those who experienced relapse of psychotic symptoms.
A new study shows that individuals with opioid use disorder who receive medication and residential treatment after detox have lower mortality rates. The research highlights the importance of ongoing treatment to increase survival chances.
Researchers have re-engineered a plant-derived compound to reduce morphine-seeking behaviors in mice, preventing relapse to opioid addiction. The new molecule inhibits a protein receptor involved in heroin dependence and prevents stress-induced relapse.
Researchers found that opioid dependence leads to permanent neuro-adaptations in the central nucleus of the amygdala, affecting pain transmission and GABA receptor activation. Normalizing nociceptin levels resulted in reduced opioid consumption, suggesting the peptide as a promising target for opioid use disorder treatment.
Buprenorphine use has more than doubled nationwide between 2009 and 2018, with increases seen across most age groups. However, a notable decline was observed among 15-24-year-olds, who experienced a 20% decrease in treatment rates.
A study of over 4 million Medicaid claims records found that less than a third of adolescents and young adults who survived nonfatal opioid overdoses received timely follow-up addiction treatment. Only 1 in 54 youths received standard-of-care counseling and medications recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A new study suggests that targeting astrocyte calcium signaling could decrease amphetamine behavioral effects and potentially develop therapies for diseases with dysregulated dopamine. Astrocytes were previously considered 'support cells', but now shown to actively contribute to brain function.
Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.
A set of four integrated studies by Harvard researchers reveals that sadness plays a strong role in triggering addictive behavior relative to other negative emotions like disgust. The studies show that individuals experiencing sadness are more likely to be smokers and relapse into smoking after quitting.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that fewer than half of California pharmacies provided correct disposal instructions for antibiotics and opioids. Only 10% followed the FDA's recommended takeback programs. Improving disposal practices requires better education and expanded programs to ensure patient safety.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a specific brain chemical, serotonin, responsible for the social behavior-enhancing effects of MDMA. The study suggests that novel treatments targeting this pathway may alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disorders marked by social awkwardness and withdrawal.
A large study of 799 people found that methamphetamine use was associated with more than twice the risk for dropping out of treatment for opioid-use disorder. Meth users often experience challenges in daily life, including homelessness and difficulty saying no to drug dealers.
Researchers developed a computer betting game to predict opioid reuse in addiction patients. The game measures comfort with risk-taking and finds sharp increases in scores are associated with high likelihood of reuse within the next week.
Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.
West Virginia University researcher Shane Kaski found that combining nalfurafine with morphine reduces pain while minimizing morphine's addictive potential. This could lead to lower doses of morphine and reduced risk of addiction, combating the opioid epidemic.
A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people found that refugees and migrants who stay in their host country for longer are more likely to adopt local alcohol and drug behaviors and access healthcare. The study suggests that acculturative processes may lead to an increased risk of substance use disorders over time.
A recent study found that people with obesity share similar personality profiles with those with addictive behaviors, including uncontrolled eating. This suggests that obesity treatments may benefit from adopting methods used in addiction recovery to improve self-control.
Researchers aim to develop a new compound, SBI-553, to treat opioid-use disorders with limited effectiveness. The compound has shown promise in preclinical testing, reducing addictive behaviors and improving safety profiles.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a key brain-cell change that may drive opioid addiction. By reversing this change, they hope to reduce symptoms of addiction and develop new treatments.
A new study found that one in three young adults (18-45 years old) received medication for opioid use disorder within 12 months of a non-fatal overdose. The study shows that age affects the type of medication administered, with younger adults more likely to receive naltrexone and older adults more likely to receive methadone.
Researchers warn of the dangers of digital addiction, citing links to physical dangers like distracted driving and increased anxiety. Experts propose policy changes, including mandatory app labeling, natural breaks in digital offerings, and taxes on addictive services.
A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid expansion improved the health, work, and job search outcomes of low-income adults with behavioral health conditions. Those with these conditions showed significant gains in physical and mental health, as well as better job performance.
A review of medical data on opioid addiction in the US found that medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone, buprenorphine and methadone is effective in treating opioid use disorder. The three drugs have different strengths and weaknesses, and their optimal approach should be discussed with each patient.
A new study suggests that opioid treatment medications can increase the number of teens who remain in treatment and decrease their opioid use. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have shown promise in treating severe opioid use disorder in adolescents.
A study by UMass Amherst researcher Elizabeth Evans found that individuals who perceived buprenorphine as unacceptable were least likely to use the medication during follow-up. The study also identified common reasons people disliking buprenorphine, such as negative physical reactions and side effects.
A new study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment. The growth parameters of newborns were similar in the OMT and comparison groups, supporting the prescription of OMT drugs to pregnant women with opioid use disorders.
A Dutch survey of swingers found that nearly half use recreational drugs during sex to prolong and intensify the experience. Women are more likely to use drugs than straight or bisexual men, but this practice increases the risk of unprotected sex.
Boston University researchers suggest making buprenorphine available behind the counter with age and quantity limitations to increase access for treating opioid use disorder. This could lead to reduced health costs, lower drug-related crime, and more lives saved.
A study of over 3,000 US counties found 412 high-risk areas with high opioid overdose mortality and low treatment capacity. Strategies to increase primary care clinician capacity and employment opportunities in these counties are recommended.
A study examined which conditions were considered illnesses by different groups, revealing a significant difference between psychiatrists and non-medical professionals. The results underscore the importance of understanding societal attitudes towards mental health, as these perceptions influence resource allocation and stigma.
A clinical trial found that galantamine reduced opioid positive urine samples and prolonged abstinence in participants. The medication's dual mechanism of action may offer new strategies for treating opioid use disorder.
Research suggests that most people initiate opioid use through recreational means due to peer influence, rather than medical prescriptions. The study found that 56% of interviewees began using opioids recreationally first.
Researchers aim to develop personalized treatments for addiction by studying mechanisms of control and decision-making. The center will use mobile health technologies, apps, and imaging techniques to analyze cognitive performance and mood states of addicts.
A recent study shows a dramatic rise in opioid overdose deaths among American veterans, mainly caused by heroin and synthetic opioids. The research emphasizes the need to provide care to veterans with non-prescription opioid use disorder, independent of prescription opioid use.
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth found habitual coffee drinkers are faster and more sensitive to coffee aromas compared to non-coffee drinkers. The more they crave coffee, the better their ability to detect its scent.
A new study reveals stark racial and financial divides in opioid addiction treatment, with white patients receiving nearly four times as many buprenorphine prescriptions as black patients. The study also found that three-quarters of buprenorphine prescriptions were given to those who paid cash or had private insurance.
Researchers identified risks associated with popular alternative treatments like kratom, Imodium, and Xanax, which can cause substantial side effects and high abuse rates. The study also found that 'stacks' or kits combining substances are being used to combat withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers report a link between methamphetamine self-administration and imbalance of brain circuits responsible for addiction. Noninvasive brain stimulation may help control compulsive drug use in humans by targeting these circuit imbalances.
A study found that at least six states with high opioid abuse rates have restrictive scopes of practice for nurse practitioners, limiting their ability to prescribe medications like buprenorphine. In less restrictive states, NPs were more likely to receive waivers and access these life-saving medications.
A recent study has found that JUUL electronic cigarette products contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, which can be toxic to living cells. The researchers also discovered that flavor chemicals in JUUL pods may make them attractive to youth and could lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.
A UMass Amherst researcher is teaming up with 2 Western Massachusetts sheriff's offices to design an opioid treatment program for jail detainees. The 3-year project aims to deliver medications to 500 detainees and connect them to follow-up care after release, measuring outcomes to inform a national playbook.
A new study suggests that estrogen plays a crucial role in the brain's response to methamphetamine, with female rats showing a stronger response due to higher levels of estrogen. This finding has important implications for developing more effective male- and female-specific treatments for addiction.
The HEROES program, launched in 2018, provides comprehensive treatment for opioid abusers and offers assertive outreach to those struggling with addiction. The program has seen success with nearly 150 patients remaining drug-free for over 30 days.
A study suggests that only about 10 percent of people who had non-fatal opioid overdoses in West Virginia received treatment in the aftermath. This missed opportunity to prevent future fatal overdoses is particularly concerning given the state's high overdose death rate.
A systematic review of naltrexone found no evidence of serious side effects, contradicting common doctor concerns. The study also highlights the drug's cost-effectiveness and potential to reduce deaths from alcohol-related causes, which remain underutilized due to cultural and prescription biases.
A new clinical review recommends medication-assisted treatment for patients experiencing opioid withdrawal, which can help ease them into longer-term treatment and recovery. Buprenorphine is the preferred medication for most patients, particularly in emergency department settings.
Research from Michigan State University found a correlation between excessive social media use and impaired risky decision-making capabilities. Participants who struggled with poor decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task also displayed more problematic social media use.
Researchers found that alcohol helps synchronize GABA cells, increasing dopamine release and dependency. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of addiction and could lead to targeted pharmacological treatments.