Articles tagged with Opioid Addiction
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 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 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 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.