Opioid Addiction
Articles tagged with Opioid Addiction
Cost-effectiveness of the START hospital addiction consultation service for opioid use disorder treatment
Sanford Burnham Prebys awarded $3.9 million NIH grant to develop first-in-class non-opioid pain treatment
A multi-institutional team led by Sanford Burnham Prebys aims to develop a non-opioid pain therapeutic using lead molecule SBI-810. The effort, funded by a $3.9 million NIH grant, seeks to optimize the compound into a drug that could provide effective pain relief without addiction risks.
Cascade of care for opioid use disorder among Medicaid beneficiaries
A cross-sectional study found a substantial increase in medication use for opioid use disorder among Medicaid beneficiaries, potentially contributing to reductions in overdose deaths. The study suggests that expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder may be an effective strategy to address the opioid crisis.
Kratom use is surging in the US, with life-changing consequences
A new study found that kratom exposures reported to US poison centers increased 6,500% between 2010 and 2023, with severe outcomes rising from zero cases to 158. States with kratom bans had lower rates of exposure and healthcare use compared to those with regulations.
Buprenorphine is a safe treatment for opioid addiction in pregnancy
A large US study found that children born to mothers who used buprenorphine for opioid addiction during pregnancy did not have a greater risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism. Buprenorphine was associated with a slightly lower risk of developmental disorders compared to methadone.
How enriching the environment may combat fentanyl addiction
Researchers found that introducing new objects in a nonsocial environment reduced fentanyl intake over time and helped rats stop seeking the drug faster. Enriched environments also showed lower levels of stress hormones, linked to relapse in standard conditions.
Outpatient early methadone dose titration – as recommended in Canadian and US clinical guidance for individuals using fentanyl – is associated with improved treatment retention and lower risk of opioid toxicity, according to new retrospective cohort s
A retrospective cohort study found that outpatient early methadone dose titration is associated with improved treatment retention in individuals using fentanyl. This approach also lowers the risk of opioid toxicity, according to Canadian and US clinical guidance.
US trends in long-term opioid therapy
Long-term opioid therapy prescription rates declined in the US from 2015 to 2023, despite a growing population of older adults receiving these treatments. Approximately 4-5 million patients were prescribed long-term opioids in 2023, with Medicare covering a larger proportion, raising concerns about safety.
Clinical trial results support use of weekly extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy
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.
George Mason Univeristy and local governments partner to employ VR training for crisis management
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...
Old drug, new target for treating opioid use disorder
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.
Emergency department–initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
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.
Bridging eye disease care with addiction services
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.
UK’s growing synthetic opioid problem: Nitazene deaths could be underestimated by a third
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.
Opioid use dropped in states that legalized recreational cannabis
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.
Fentanyl is changing how doctors treat opioid use disorder
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.
Americans view opioid overdose as a crisis that needs to be addressed
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.
Public views about opioid overdose and people with opioid use disorder
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.
Many drug-use treatment providers in N.C. demand unpaid labor, limit access to evidence-based treatment
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.
Longer treatment with medications for opioid use disorder is associated with greater probability of survival
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.
Why are abstinent smokers more sensitive to pain?
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.
Our bodies 'talk,’ listen carefully: College of Public Health researcher helps chronic pain sufferers reduce opioid misuse
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.
Nearly seven in 10 Medicaid patients not receiving treatment within six months of an opioid use disorder diagnosis, study finds
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.
University of Houston joins $21.2 million statewide effort to fight opioid crisis
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.
Study reveals the role of geography in the opioid crisis
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.
Canada is failing the rising numbers of youth who use opioids
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.
Can inpatient care help address overdose crisis?
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.
AI can be trained to provide safe advice for treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy: New study
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.
Updated CPR guidelines tackle choking response, opioid-related emergencies and a revised chain of survival
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.
New study led by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health shows chiropractic care associated with reduction in opioid use disorder in patients with low back pain
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...
Medicaid unwinding associated with less medication treatment for opioid use disorder
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.
What are the recent trends in opioid prescribing for patients with cancer?
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.
U of A and UNM win joint $43.6M NIH award to help turn clinical research into practical medicine
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.
$4.5M NIDA grant will fund research to improve methadone treatment quality
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.
Researchers: Targeted efforts needed to stem fentanyl crisis
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.
Forgotten opioid has resurfaced as lethal street drug
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 sales of overdose reversal drug naloxone decline after initial surge
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.
Study reveals new evidence, cost savings for common treatments for opioid use disorder in mothers and infants
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.
Treating opioid addiction in jails improves treatment engagement, reduces overdose deaths and reincarceration
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.
California program successfully scales emergency department addiction treatment statewide
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...
Despite relaxed prescribing rules, opioid addiction treatment still hard to find at pharmacies
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.
Psychedelics researcher reveals how MDMA and LSD transform human connectedness
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.
Polysubstance involvement in youth opioid overdoses increases with age
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.
How to treat opioid use disorder in health systems
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.
Sex differences affect efficacy of opioid overdose treatment
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.
People with substance use disorder were 24% more likely to require unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days of previous discharge
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.
Study highlights higher rates, risk factors for non-fatal overdoses
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.
Disproportionately more opioids prescribed in poorer areas
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 “silent epidemic” of stimulant use is shadowing the most recent opioid epidemic
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.
Hepatitis C treatment is not reaching some at-risk populations
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.
Disparities in treatment and referral after an opioid overdose among emergency department patients
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.
Improvements to patient recovery strategies lower long-term opioid usage after colorectal surgery
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.
Receipt of buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder by race and ethnicity and insurance type
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.
US excess deaths continued to rise even after the COVID-19 pandemic
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.
Urban areas have higher rates of high-dose opioid prescriptions
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.
Majority of youth overdose deaths from 2018 to 2022 were driven by fentanyl alone
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.
Opioid prescribing standards changed practices in BC, but with caveats
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.
Medicaid unwinding linked to disruptions in opioid addiction treatment
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.
Study: Opioid use disorder treatment improves pregnancy outcomes
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.