Articles tagged with Heroin Addiction
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that individuals with childhood trauma experienced a stronger desire for morphine and felt more euphoric after taking the opioid drug. In contrast, those without childhood trauma were more likely to dislike the effects and feel dizzy or nauseous.
A new UCI-led study reveals that early life adversity is directly linked to opioid addiction vulnerability by affecting brain development and function. The research highlights the importance of attention to sex differences in future studies and prevention strategies, which could help address the growing opioid crisis.
The opioid crisis roadmap neglects significant data on sex and gender differences, which are crucial for developing effective interventions. Women experience distinct pain and addiction patterns compared to men, and are more likely to relapse and face greater functional impairment.
A new study found that cardiac surgery was associated with a 56% reduction in mortality, while in-hospital addictions counselling resulted in a 72% reduction. Both interventions showed significant benefits for patients who inject drugs with first-episode endocarditis.
A study found that fixed mindsets can lead to difficulties in solving statistical problems, even when simpler solutions are available. The researchers suggest that a lack of education in natural frequencies may be the cause, and hope to encourage curriculum designers to incorporate this concept into school mathematics and statistics.
The Journal of Addictions Nursing special issue provides a unique nursing perspective on the opioid crisis, highlighting research topics and expert views. The publication presents seven original research papers addressing various aspects of OUD, including medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention, and stigma reduction.
The Stanford model analyzes opioid use and addiction among Americans, projecting a decline in deaths if doctors reduce prescriptions by 25% over 10 years while expanding treatment programs. The researchers aimed to provide policymakers with 'what-if' scenarios to address the crisis.
A new automated text messaging service aims to curb opioid abuse by providing patients with regular check-ins and a panic button for immediate help. The study found that the service reduced substance use among patients, dropping from 43% to 10%, and saved caregivers $19 per patient annually.
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.
A new study provides further evidence for the genetic factors underlying addictions, linking dysfunction of the CSNK1E gene to increased opioid addiction susceptibility and binge eating vulnerability. The findings suggest that shared genetic factors may underlie behavioral traits associated with addictions and eating disorders.
Long-term opioid substitution therapy reduces heroin and cocaine consumption among patients with heroin addiction. However, frequent alcohol consumption among these patients has increased, posing a significant health risk due to liver infections like hepatitis B and C.
A Scripps Florida team has illuminated a key molecular player in the addictive effects of morphine. The protein neurofibromin 1 is also disrupted in an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes chronic pain and other symptoms.
Vaping has become the new drug of choice among teens who are unaware of its dangers and risks, according to UB addictions expert Nancy Campbell-Heider. Screening early can stage interventions before vaping leads to other tobacco products.
The use of prescribed opioids during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and other birth defects. Experts recommend limiting opioid use to severe cases only, with careful monitoring if necessary.
Researchers found that cortisol administration significantly reduced cravings for heroin in addicts, with a 25% decrease seen on average. The study suggests that cortisol may have inhibitory effects on addiction-related memory and behaviors.
A new study published in the journal Addiction reveals that almost 5% of the world's adult population has an alcohol use disorder and more than 20% smoke tobacco. The report highlights regional differences in addictive behaviors, with Eastern Europe having the highest rates of smoking and heavy drinking.
A recent study found that person-specific cues have a stronger effect on craving addictive substances than general substance-specific cues. This discovery has implications for the development of targeted treatment programs to prevent relapse.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
A study found that UV-induced beta-endorphin production causes addiction-like symptoms in mice, including withdrawal symptoms when blocked. The researchers suggest that reducing skin cancer risk may require confronting factors influencing hazardous behavior.
Researchers have successfully conducted lab tests on a new vaccine formulation to combat heroin addiction, showing reduced willingness in laboratory rats to self-administer the drug. The vaccine exploits an individual's immune system to blunt heroin's psychoactive effects, offering a potential tool for combating relapse and overdose.
A phase 3 clinical study found that VIVITROL, a once-monthly opioid-blocking medication, significantly increased opioid-free weeks among patients with opioid dependence. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild adverse events reported. The results suggest that VIVITROL is an important new option for treating opioid dependence.
A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.
A Tel Aviv University study found that nicotine patches and gum are ineffective in combating cigarette cravings, which are instead driven by psychological cues. The research suggests that understanding smoking as a habit rather than an addiction can lead to more successful treatment methods.
A new trial found that supervised injectable heroin leads to larger reductions in street heroin use compared to injectable or oral methadone. The RIOTT trial showed that treatment with supervised injectable heroin resulted in significantly lower use of street heroin within six weeks.
A new study by the American Psychological Association reveals that excessive exercise can lead to physical addiction, causing withdrawal symptoms. Rats given a drug that blocks the action of heroin showed severe withdrawal symptoms after running excessively, highlighting the potential for exercise to become compulsive and addictive.
A new study from British Columbia found that Aboriginal people with heroin addiction are less likely to use methadone maintenance therapy. Compared to non-Aboriginal counterparts, Aboriginal participants were significantly lower rates of methadone use throughout the follow-up period.
A landmark Carnegie Mellon University study found that people who know they are addicted to drugs tend to underestimate the intensity of their cravings. This underestimation can lead to a higher willingness to take risks and engage in behaviors that increase the likelihood of relapse. The study suggests that teaching individuals to ant...
A new study found that effective methadone doses vary widely among patients, with some achieving abstinence on as little as 1.5 mg and others requiring up to 191.2 mg. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or a history of previous detoxifications from heroin tend to require higher doses.
A new study at Rockefeller University shows that contingency management treatment significantly increases patient success rates and improves the morale of clinic staff and administration. The treatment method uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive actions towards recovery.
A new treatment option for heroin addiction has shown a promising 75% success rate in reducing opiate use, according to a recent study. The combination of buprenorphine and intensive psychosocial therapy was found to be effective in preventing relapse and reducing criminal activity among patients.
A six-month study found that 82% of stable methadone patients remained clinically stable under primary care physician treatment. Patients reported higher satisfaction rates and physicians felt confident in providing this type of care.
Researchers report a successful heroin-assisted treatment programme that reduces infections, mental disorders, and crime among chronically addicted heroin addicts. The six-year study found 86% of patients remained in the programme for three months, with improved social functioning and reduced illicit drug use.
A UCSF study compared methadone maintenance with a 180-day detoxification program and found that methadone maintenance resulted in lower heroin use rates and fewer drug-related HIV risk behaviors. The study suggests that pharmacological tools are needed to combat heroin addiction.
The conference will focus on ibogaine's mechanism of action and clinical, cultural, and political issues surrounding its use. Leading experts in neuroscience, ethnography, and sociology will present on the compound's effects and potential applications.
Researchers found that high-dose methadone (80-100mg) resulted in a sharper reduction in illicit opioid use compared to moderate doses (40-50mg), with some patients requiring even higher doses for optimal benefit. The study, conducted at Johns Hopkins Medicine, underscores the need for more consistent treatment dosages nationwide.
A new Johns Hopkins study suggests better ways of taking LAAM, a drug similar to methadone, by increasing dosage frequency and reducing side effects. The study found significant reductions in heroin use among participants, with over 80% staying with the treatment, and increased patient adherence due to its longer-acting benefits.
Researchers identified five variants of the mu opioid receptor gene associated with altered beta-endorphin activity, which numbs pain and creates feelings of euphoria. These findings suggest that certain genetic variations may confer relative protection against opioid dependency in specific ethnic groups.
Researchers at UF have developed a new approach to treating nicotine addiction using antidepressants, targeting long-lasting changes in brain chemistry. The treatment combines nicotine replacement therapy and counseling to help smokers overcome addiction.
The Brookhaven National Lab has been named a Drug Addiction Study Center, focusing on brain chemistry and imaging techniques to develop new treatments. Research will study cocaine, heroin, nicotine, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, aiming to understand the biological bases of addiction.
Research by Oregon State University's John Gillis suggests that drug treatment programs don't work, and instead, motivation for getting clean must come from within. The professor notes that relapses are inevitable unless underlying causes of addiction are addressed in the long term.