Articles tagged with Opioid Addiction
A clinical trial found that weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine treatment resulted in higher rates of illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy compared to sublingual buprenorphine. Serious adverse events were also less common in the extended-release group.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing an AI-enabled virtual reality training program for Crisis Response Teams to manage substance use crises. The program aims to enhance team members' expertise during a crisis response and post-crisis event, aligning with the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority's mission to address the...
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care identified acetazolamide as a potential target for preventing opioid use disorder relapse. The study found that blocking the activity of brain enzyme carbonic anhydrase 4 boosted acid-sensing ion channels, reducing drug-seeking behavior and relapse in mice.
A new study published in JAMA found that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder was well-tolerated and effective, with a low risk of withdrawal. The 7-day extended-release and sublingual buprenorphine groups showed similar treatment engagement rates on day 7.
Researchers found that patients with substance use disorder received life-saving treatments only when addiction consult services were involved. Fentanyl use was associated with dramatically worse visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying conditions alongside acute medical problems.
Research suggests that deaths from synthetic opioids like nitazenes have been underreported, with some studies suggesting a 33% excess in drug-related deaths. The team believes that the non-detection of degraded nitazene breakdown products is to blame for the undercounting.
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
A new national survey found that nearly three-quarters of clinicians encounter obstacles when starting buprenorphine treatment for patients using fentanyl. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines to initiate buprenorphine in light of more potent drugs.
A recent national survey found that 88% of adults view opioid overdose deaths as a serious problem, but political differences over responsibility persist. The study suggests that more people are placing blame on pharmaceutical companies and individuals, rather than those who use opioids.
A 2025 survey found that U.S. adults view opioid overdose as a serious problem, with differing opinions on who is responsible for reducing overdose rates. The study suggests varying preferences for future actions to address overdose among conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.
A new study of over 32,000 US Veterans found that longer treatment with medications for opioid use disorder is associated with a greater probability of short- and medium-term survival. The benefit continues to increase at least for four years of ongoing treatment.
Researchers found that abstinent smokers have altered brain activity linked to increased pain sensitivity and a need for more postoperative pain relief. The study suggests that nicotine withdrawal affects specific brain regions, leading to higher requirements for pain management in surgery.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based program MORE increased interoceptive awareness, reducing the risk of prescription opioid misuse in individuals with chronic pain. Participants who demonstrated lower trust in their body signals and difficulty regulating attention to bodily sensations were at higher risk for opioid misuse.
A US study of over a million Medicaid enrollees reveals major gaps in access to medication-based addiction treatments, particularly for Black patients. Methadone and buprenorphine show significant overdose risk reductions, highlighting the need for policy reforms to ensure timely access.
The University of Houston is part of a statewide effort to fight the opioid epidemic by investigating opioid use disorder among people living with HIV in Harris County. Researchers aim to integrate prevention methods, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), into treatment for those affected.
A new study reveals that laws restricting pain clinics, or 'pill mills,' where opioids were often prescribed, reduced risky opioid use by 5 percent. Enacting such laws near the onset of the crisis in the 1990s could have reduced risky use by 30 percent over time.
Youth opioid use in Canada is increasing, with emergency department visits and deaths rising by 369.2% from 2013 to 2021. Effective treatments such as opioid agonist therapy, psychological therapy, and substance use disorder programs are scarce due to long wait-lists and private funding.
Inpatient care offers a range of supports, from reducing drug use to abstinence, but access is challenging due to long wait-lists. The RE-AIM framework helps evaluate the effectiveness of bed-based care and its capacity to meet population needs.
A new study finds that ChatGPT can provide trustworthy information for pregnant women seeking medical advice on treating opioid use disorder, with over 97% of responses scoring as safe and accurate. The researchers used a persona to frame conversations with the AI, which showed consistency with accepted clinical practice.
The American Heart Association has published updated CPR guidelines that expand recommendations for managing choking and suspected opioid overdose. The guidelines also provide new guidance on treating newborns, with delayed umbilical cord clamping shown to improve blood health and iron levels.
A new multi-institutional study published in Health Science Reports found that adults with newly diagnosed low back pain who received spinal manipulative therapy administered by a chiropractor were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with opioid use disorder over a two-year follow-up compared to those prescribed ibuprofen. The st...
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding is associated with a decrease in medication treatment for opioid use disorder, with the greatest declines seen in states with large disenrollments. The study's findings have relevance for upcoming Medicaid cuts, which may impact access to life-saving medication for individuals battling addiction.
A recent analysis reveals a modest decline in new and additional opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer from 2016 to 2020. For patients with metastatic cancer, prescribing remained stable for those reporting any pain but declined steeply for those reporting no pain.
The University of Arizona and University of New Mexico received a $43.6 million NIH grant to support translational science and training for early-career researchers. The partnership aims to translate research discoveries into improved patient care, with a focus on substance use disorders and rural health initiatives.
A new clinical trial is testing an intervention to reduce staff stress and improve methadone treatment retention for opioid use disorder. The four-year study will examine the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention in reducing work-related trauma and traumatic stress symptoms among methadone treatment staff.
A new study highlights the devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic on certain regions, with some states experiencing a 31-fold increase in overdose deaths. The research estimates that the nationwide toll in 2022 was at least 2 million years of life lost, corresponding to an economic loss of $57 billion to $67 billion.
Nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, have emerged as a major contributor to the overdose crisis. These substances are often undetectable by routine drug tests and can be mixed into counterfeit pills or other street drugs.
Over-the-counter naloxone sales peaked in September 2023 but declined rapidly due to high costs. Despite efforts to increase access, the medication's sales remained limited compared to prescription and free distribution programs.
The study found that buprenorphine produced the greatest health gains and cost savings for mothers and infants compared to alternative treatments. Buprenorphine was shown to be protective against critical outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, despite its association with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
A NIH-funded study found that individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) while incarcerated had higher treatment engagement rates six months after release. The study also showed a significant reduction in fatal and non-fatal overdose deaths, as well as reincarceration rates.
The CA Bridge program successfully implemented opioid use disorder treatment services across over 80% of California's emergency departments, treating 165,000 patients with nearly 45,000 instances of buprenorphine treatment. This initiative demonstrates the potential for emergency departments to serve as critical entry points for addict...
Only 4 in 10 US retail pharmacies carry buprenorphine, a highly effective opioid addiction treatment, with disparities persisting in minority neighborhoods. Tight pharmacy regulations discourage pharmacies from carrying the treatment, limiting access to vulnerable communities.
Dr. Harriet de Wit's groundbreaking research bridges animal and human drug studies, demonstrating that MDMA enhances feelings of social connectedness and challenging addiction treatment strategies. Her discoveries have profound implications for treating trauma-related disorders globally.
Among youth aged 15-24, polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths rose steadily with age, driven by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. By age 21, polysubstance involvement surpassed opioid-only fatalities, primarily due to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that routinely offering and initiating medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder can lead to improved patient outcomes. The program, which expanded access to care in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings, saw over 4,900 medication initiations in its first four years.
A first-in-human study found that naloxone reduces opioid receptor availability by 40-50 percent in brain regions, but shows a greater reduction in women compared to men. This suggests sex-based differences in how men and women respond to opioid overdose treatments.
Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that individuals with substance use disorders are at a higher risk of unplanned hospital readmissions. Specifically, those with opioid use disorder had the highest 30-day readmission rates.
A new study identified key risk factors associated with non-fatal overdoses, including polysubstance use patterns, socioeconomic challenges, and lack of access to harm reduction services. The study found nearly half of participants had experienced a non-fatal overdose in their lifetime, significantly higher than previous rates.
A recent study found that people in poorer areas receive three times the prescriptions for opioids than those in wealthier areas, despite a decline in overall opioid use in Canada. The research highlights the persistence of inequalities in healthcare and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the risks of opioid misuse.
A study found that stimulant use is on the rise, coinciding with an increase in opioid-related deaths. 82% of opioid users also use stimulants, posing a significant public health concern.
Recent studies reveal disparities in access to hepatitis C treatment for children and recently pregnant women, with significant racial and geographic disparities. The studies highlight the need for targeted resources to reach these vulnerable populations.
Black patients were less likely to receive outpatient referrals for opioid use disorder after an overdose. Targeted interventions are needed to address racial disparities in emergency department care for opioid use disorder.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found that hospitals that implemented improved recovery protocols saw a significant decrease in patients' long-term opioid use. The research suggests that minimizing opioid exposure during and after surgery can help reduce the risk of addiction.
Access to buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder is affected by race and ethnicity, as well as insurance type. Targeted interventions, including culturally tailored care and expanded access points, are needed to address disparities and reduce inequities contributing to the overdose crisis.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
Researchers found that urban areas and male middle-aged patients are more likely to receive high-dose opioid prescriptions. The study analyzed over 3 million Medicaid claims in Missouri from 2017 to 2021, identifying risk factors for opioid use disorder.
A new study reveals that synthetic opioid-involved fatal overdoses among youth aged 15-24 in the US were predominantly caused by fentanyl alone. The rates of overdose deaths involving only fentanyl increased significantly across age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with the highest rates found among males and young adults.
The introduction of BC's opioid prescribing standard in 2016 led to a reduction in opioid prescriptions and doses, as well as declines in high-dose prescribing and coprescribing with benzodiazepines. However, this change also resulted in increased aggressive tapering of medications, which can lead to improper pain management.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.
A new study finds that pregnant women treated with buprenorphine have significantly better health outcomes, including reduced preterm birth rates and lower risk of NICU admission. The research highlights the urgent need for expanded treatment access to vulnerable populations.
A clinical trial shows that AI screening for opioid use disorder is as effective as healthcare providers in generating referrals to addiction specialists. The study found a 47% reduction in hospital readmissions among patients who received AI screening, resulting in estimated healthcare savings of nearly $109,000.
Researchers are testing a brain pacemaker to treat severe alcohol and opioid addiction, aiming to develop effective treatments and understand the brain mechanisms driving addiction disorders. The trial, known as Brain-PACER, uses deep brain stimulation to modulate brain activity and cravings.
The grant will train undergraduate and graduate nursing students in substance abuse disorders to address the opioid crisis in Georgia. Researchers aim to equip nurses with the skill and empathy needed to help alleviate the effects of the opioid epidemic.
Researchers found that higher buprenorphine doses (>16 to 24 mg) were associated with lower rates of future behavioral health-related emergency department and inpatient care. Higher doses (more than 24 mg) resulted in an additional 50% reduction in subsequent emergency or inpatient visits.