Articles tagged with Drug Addiction
A study by Rutgers Brain Health Institute discovered that the hypothalamus' 'orexin' neurons play a key role in controlling food motivation. Orexin blockers have shown promise in reducing binge-like eating episodes, providing new hope for treatment options.
A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that the Maged1 gene plays a key role in controlling addictive behavior. Researchers found that mice lacking the gene are unresponsive to cocaine and exhibit reduced dopamine release, indicating a promising new entry point for understanding drug addiction mechanisms.
Current opioid epidemic responses neglect to account for gender-specific factors, including pain sensitivity and treatment outcomes. Women are disproportionately affected by opioid addiction, with increased risk of overdose deaths and limited access to effective treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed a treatment that reduces drug-seeking behaviors in rats by restoring serotonin signaling. This finding offers new hope for treating drug addiction and related health issues such as depression and schizophrenia.
A new study by Scripps Research scientists found that activating GPR139, a receptor linked to alcohol addiction, can significantly decrease drinking in alcohol-addicted rats. The researchers also discovered that the drug helps mediate physical pain associated with withdrawal in severe cases of alcohol addiction.
Researchers found that rats who chose alcohol showed similarities to human alcohol addiction diagnostic criteria, including continued use despite negative consequences. The study identified a gene expression change in the amygdala region of the brain as key to understanding this behavior.
A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that patients receiving methadone or buprenorphine had a significantly lower risk of death from opioid overdose. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 adults in Massachusetts who survived an overdose between 2012 and 2014.
Researchers found significant reductions in all-cause and opioid-related mortality among overdose survivors taking methadone or buprenorphine. However, only three out of ten overdose survivors receive these medications.
A recent study found that up to seven percent of patients develop a persistent habit after being prescribed opioids following surgery. To address this issue, experts recommend enhanced care coordination between surgeons and primary care physicians to identify patients at risk of developing opioid addiction.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute will study genetic factors behind oxycodone and cocaine addiction using a unique, genetically diverse rat model. The five-year grants will allow for the creation of shared tissue banks for researchers worldwide to use in addiction studies.
A new study finds that a hospital-based addiction medicine team significantly reduces burnout and frustration among healthcare providers, while improving patient engagement and care. The team's approach fundamentally reframes substance use disorder as a treatable chronic disease.
Researchers used optogenetic tools to activate neurons linked to ejaculation in male fruit flies, revealing a rewarding experience. The study suggests that the brain processes ejaculation as a natural reward, influencing motivation and addiction risk.
A recent review article emphasizes the need for further clinical studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to develop evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines. Non-pharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding and rooming-in have shown positive short-term results, but larger, multi-site trials are necessary.
Scientists developed a potent new medicine to fight addiction by blocking an enzyme, resulting in higher GABA levels and reduced dopamine release. The new compound, CPP-115, is 10 times more efficient than vigabatrin and has fewer side effects.
A study found a 60.5% reduction in mortality among recently released inmates who were on medication for addiction treatment before their release, compared to the previous year. The program, launched in 2016, linked inmates with community centers and supportive care after release.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that symptoms of alcoholism make it difficult for patients to take naltrexone, a medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that ongoing daily contact with the patient is crucial to improving adherence, particularly after heavy drinking episodes or strong cravings.
A new study from UT scientists finds that buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, can impair the ability of obese mice to vary their breathing. This discovery may encourage similar studies in humans, who also need to achieve tasks like climbing stairs and respond to challenges such as disease and surgical stress.
A new Tel Aviv University study published in Addiction found that only eight out of 100 smokers benefit from taking smoking cessation medications after a year. The researchers conclude that policymakers should find better methods to help smokers quit and prevent young people from starting to smoke.
Researchers identified G-CSF as a key player in the development of cocaine addiction, altering mice's desire for the drug but not other rewards. Manipulating G-CSF in the brain's reward center could reduce addiction-like behaviors, paving the way for new treatments.
Recent breakthroughs aim to help those struggling with opioid use disorders by providing interim treatments and safer prescription options. Interim therapies can get people medication sooner, reducing the risk of overdose and infection, while safer opioids may mitigate respiratory suppression and addiction.
A high prevalence of complications related to opioid use disorders has been seen in emergency radiology patients, with skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory issues, and back pain being common. Imaging results often provided critical information to aid management plans and reduce mortality rates.
A recent study found that most smokers feel regretful about their habit and are addicted to cigarettes. The researchers suggest that measures reducing smokers' discontent and improving subjective well-being could be considered in cost-benefit analysis of proposed regulations.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown cellular communication method between neurons and immune cells in neuropathic pain. Blocking this method could prevent neuropathic pain without side effects.
A new rat model of drug addiction, requiring daily puzzle-solving for cocaine reward, still produced substance use disorder symptoms. In contrast to traditional models, the rats relied on flexible problem-solving to maintain their addiction, contradicting the widely-held view that habit is necessary.
A new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center uses a blood test to personalize treatment for smokers. The study found that patients who are 'normal' metabolizers of nicotine respond better to varenicline (Chantix), while those who are 'slow' metabolizers do as well with a nicotine patch.
The American Thoracic Society editorial emphasizes the need for effective tobacco control measures, citing the court-ordered publication of corrective statements by major US tobacco companies. The statements acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the lethal effects of smoking on human health.
A new systematic review of evidence suggests that primary care physicians and their teams can provide effective addiction care using anti-opioid medication. The studies found that patients had the highest chance of successful treatment when working with a team of non-physicians, including nurse case managers.
A new study by Matthew Wanat found that more dopamine is released when waiting for a reward, highlighting the importance of timing in decision-making. The research could provide valuable insights into understanding drug addiction, which hijacks brain regions where dopamine is released.
A study of 11 addiction treatment professionals reflects the increase in prescription drug addictions and staff-related challenges following Hurricane Katrina. The disaster led to the creation of emergency preparedness plans, but participants expressed frustration with federal help conditions.
A Boston hospital is conducting a study on the use of lorcaserin to treat cocaine addiction, targeting serotonin receptors in the brain. The goal is to reduce cravings and rewards associated with cocaine use, with the potential to provide a real game-changer for treatment options.
Chronic cocaine users exhibit impaired learning and memory in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, making it hard for them to form new associations and quit using the drug. This finding highlights potential limitations of extinction-based therapy in treating addiction.
A new study found that opioid prescription use increased significantly between 1999 and 2014, driven by patients taking medication for 90 days or longer. Long-term use was associated with greater risk for addiction and overdose, as well as concurrent use of benzodiazepines.
A six-year Canadian study found that 39% of Ontario adults with IDD were dispensed antipsychotic medication, with 29% not having a documented psychiatric diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better prescribing practices and monitoring to ensure appropriate use in this vulnerable population.
A survey found that many physicians are unwilling to increase their use of buprenorphine, citing lack of time and reimbursement as major concerns. Providing access to counseling services for patients and mentoring for physicians could help boost prescription rates.
A new study reveals that a small group of physicians in Ontario prescribe the majority of medications used to treat opioid addiction. High-volume prescribers see large numbers of patients daily and bill the province hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure alters the brain's reward system, making individuals more susceptible to addiction. The study suggests that endocannibinoids play a critical role in this process, leading to increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse and decreased dopamine neuron function.
Fowler has made significant contributions to brain research, developing the radiotracer F-18-FDG to measure brain glucose metabolism non-invasively in humans. Her work has facilitated advances in the study of the human brain and malignant tumor detection.
The Consensus Document from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) offers practical guidance on drug testing in various clinical settings. It emphasizes that drug testing should be widely used to monitor adherence and abstinence, but also serves as a therapeutic tool rather than a punitive one.
Cuts to addiction services in England have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more training posts and no further cuts to addiction services.
A Penn study found that even small quantities of opioids prescribed for minor injuries increase the risk of long-term use. The research suggests that laws limiting opioid prescription pill amounts may help address the opioid epidemic.
Researchers discovered compounds in areca nuts that target addiction-related brain receptors, potentially treating nicotine cravings without side effects. The new molecules could offer a safer alternative to existing smoking cessation drugs like Chantix.
A review of 13 studies found that mixing energy drinks with alcohol increases the risk of injury due to masked intoxication effects. Researchers warn that this practice poses a serious public health concern, and more research is needed to confirm findings.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that changing dopamine levels can alter upcoming choices, suggesting new avenues for treating Parkinson's and OCD. The study uses advanced techniques to measure dopamine concentration in mice brains, revealing a tight association between brain chemistry and decision-making.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that 63% of patients with medical cannabis used it instead of their prescription drugs. The main reasons for this switch were reduced side effects, better symptom management, and a perception that cannabis is safer than prescription drugs.
A new study suggests that many patients receiving buprenorphine for opioid addiction also continue to receive prescription opioids during and after treatment. The study found that 43% of patients filled an opioid prescription during treatment and 67% did so within 12 months of completing buprenorphine therapy.
Researchers discovered LSD alters perception by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This finding may lead to new courses of treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression, addictions, and phobias by enhancing personal relevance.
A study found that telepsychiatry provides similar clinical outcomes as face-to-face group sessions for patients with opioid use disorder receiving medication treatment with buprenorphine. The pilot study suggests that telepsychiatry may help extend access to medication-assisted treatment, particularly in rural areas.
A study published in The EMBO Journal found that cocaine-induced place preference in mice is independent of lasting NAc neuronal rewiring. Silent synapse formation and unsilencing during withdrawal are essential for many addictive behaviors but not for this specific behavior.
Research by Imperial College London suggests targeting specific brain pathways may lead to future treatments for gambling addiction. The study found connections between the parts of the brain that control impulses are weakened in people with gambling addiction.
Scientists found that Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug, reduces impulsivity in people with food addiction. The study tested 60 men and found that those who took Modafinil had significantly reduced impulsive behavior, which can lead to weight loss.
A new study compared the effectiveness of opioids and NSAIDs in treating persistent pain after car crashes, finding no significant difference in pain risk but a higher likelihood of ongoing opioid use among patients prescribed opioids.
Released prisoners in Sweden who received antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and addictive disorder medications had a 42%, 38%, and 52% lower rate of violent reoffending, respectively. Completion of psychological treatments also showed significant reductions.
Researchers have been awarded a grant to develop a novel medication that can erase memories associated with addiction. The drug candidate, blebbistatin, has shown promise in animal models by producing a permanent loss of meth-associated memories without affecting other types of recall.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for the treatment of compulsive binge eating, targeting the brain receptor TAAR1. Activation of this receptor shows promise in reducing maladaptive feeding behaviors and blocking addiction-like behavior to junk food.
Researchers have crystallized a protein that holds answers to how nicotine addiction occurs in the brain, opening up new possibilities for developing treatments. The breakthrough may also lead to medications for certain types of epilepsy, mental illness, and dementia.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified a novel pain-killing compound, BU08028, that is not addictive and provides safe and effective pain relief without respiratory side effects. The study showed that the compound blocked the detection of pain for up to 30 hours and did not cause physical dependence.
A recent study found that a UB-developed smartphone app can improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV. Participants reported high compliance with daily report completion, citing the app's ease of use and text reminders as key factors.
A new NIH-funded study aims to understand individual vulnerabilities to drug addiction by studying genes that influence brain function. The research team will use mouse models to identify specific genes and pathways contributing to poor self-control and associated addiction risk.
The NIDA grant will fund a new center combining behavioral neuroscientists, computational biologists, and geneticists to study addiction mechanisms. Researchers will analyze mouse populations with high genetic variation to identify predisposing traits, correlating them with human genomes.
A new study shows that a non-drug approach combining behavioral therapy and social support can effectively manage chronic pain in individuals with addiction, improving their ability to function and reducing substance use. The low-cost approach, called ImPAT, has the potential to be widely adopted by addiction treatment centers worldwide.