Articles tagged with Substance Related Disorders
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.
Rates of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use increased among surgical patients from 2016 to 2022, with buprenorphine being the primary driver. MOUD use was highest in debridement and orthopedic procedures, highlighting the need for clinical practice guidelines to coordinate care and pain management.
A study published in CMAJ shows a decline in opioid dispensing between 2018 and 2022, but regional variations remain. The authors highlight the need for coordinated national strategies to address differing implementation of prescribing guidelines.
A Cochrane review suggests that switching to oral nicotine pouches from smoking reduces exposure to harmful substances, but the evidence is not yet clear on whether they can help people quit smoking. The review also notes that other nicotine products, like patches and gums, are beneficial for quitting smoking.
A study of 200 Chilean women released from prison found that those with substance use disorders had higher rates of recidivism, reincarceration, and victimization. The researchers also found that pre-release screening missed many women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for improved mental health care services.
A new study suggests that psychological cessation fatigue is a key factor in smoking relapse among ex-smokers. The study found that exhaustion from constantly trying to remain a non-smoker can overwhelm coping skills and motivation, leading to increased risk of relapse.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
Researchers investigate ADHD medications' impact on serious substance use problems among vulnerable youth and young adults. The study uses nationwide healthcare data to analyze over 3.3 million young people and aims to provide clear, evidence-based answers for families and clinicians.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers shows that a non-drug wearable device can help people with substance use disorders manage stress, reduce cravings, and lower their risk of relapse in real time. The device uses heart rate variability biofeedback to prompt users to practice breathing exercises and regulate their mood.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine conducted a scoping review on AI-driven systems designed to deliver motivational interviewing. The study found that most used AI tools were chatbots, with varying levels of fidelity to core principles like empathy and autonomy.
A new MUSC study found that machine learning can analyze brain activity images to identify smokers most likely to benefit from targeted rTMS sessions, leading to improved effectiveness and reduced side effects. The research uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to detect changes in blood flow and measure brain activity.
Interdisciplinary primary care teams in Oregon's Project Nurture and Nurture Oregon model deliver comprehensive substance use disorder care to pregnant individuals. These teams perform medical, behavioral health, and coordination functions, providing social support, advocacy, and quality improvement activities.
A new study published in PLOS One finds that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate exercise in making adolescent lab animals avoid cocaine. The researchers observed a dose-dependent effect on the brain's reward circuit, leading to increased aversion to the drug.
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.
A new study suggests that contingency management, which uses cash or gift certificate prizes as incentives, can reduce the risk of death among veterans with stimulant use disorder. The study found a 41% lower risk of death in veterans who received contingency management care compared to those who didn't.
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.
Researchers found that state Medicaid policies drive population-level treatment rates for opioid-use disorder. States with expanded Medicaid coverage saw substantial increases in buprenorphine prescribing rates, while those without expansion experienced declining treatment rates after 2022.
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.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus introduces a more individualized approach to restarting methadone treatment for people with opioid use disorder. The findings suggest that tailoring methadone doses to each patient's unique circumstances can improve care without compromising safety.
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 guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care provides a menu of effective options to help people quit smoking, including behavioural and medication options. The guideline aims to address the challenges of nicotine addiction and offers personalized choices for quitting tobacco.
A study investigated approach/avoidance tendencies in male AUD patients through a gait initiation task, using posturography. The findings suggest that analyzing micromovements and reaction times may help predict if individuals will relapse following treatment.
Adults who quit smoking were more likely to achieve sustained remission of substance use disorder symptoms. The analysis found a 42% greater odds of recovery when quitting smoking was combined with addiction recovery efforts.
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
A UTEP study found that drinking coffee at night increases impulsive behavior in fruit flies, particularly females. The researchers discovered that caffeine consumed after dark led to reckless flying despite aversive conditions, suggesting potential negative implications for shift workers and others who consume coffee late.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found that states with flavored e-cigarette ban policies experienced a significant decline in e-cigarette use among young adults and adults, but a slower decrease in cigarette smoking rates. This mixed impact raises concerns about the unintended consequences of flavor bans.
A Rutgers-led study of nearly 12,000 youth found that genetic predispositions, brain structure, personality traits, and environmental conditions contribute to the onset and progression of adolescent alcohol use. The research highlights the importance of early interventions targeting high-risk youth.
Researchers have developed a new measurement method to accurately quantify allergy-triggering proteins (ATIs) in barley. Analyzing over 180 barley accessions from around the world, they identified ten barley-specific ATI types for the first time, revealing varying content between 1.1 and 5.2 milligrams per gram of flour.
Adults with moderate or severe substance-use symptoms have a higher chance of initiating and staying on OUD medication treatment. The study found that most primary care patients with opioid use disorder symptoms did not receive evidence-based treatment, but those who initiated treatment remained engaged.
A national study found that healthcare providers exhibit varying levels of stigma towards patients with substance use disorders (SUD), particularly for opioid and stimulant use. This stigma leads to missed opportunities for care and is often embedded in clinical encounters.
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.
The Be Well Texas initiative, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will expand access to opioid use disorder treatment services and recovery support across rural and urban communities. This major statewide expansion aims to reduce overdose deaths and build a lasting recovery infrastructure.
A randomized controlled trial found that vaporized nicotine products were more effective than nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation in a low socioeconomic status population. The study suggests that Vapes may have a critical role in promoting smoking abstinence among this disproportionately affected group.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a sharp surge in nicotine pouch ingestions among young children, with a 763% increase in rate of reported cases between 2020 and 2023. The ingestion rates for other nicotine products declined during the same period.
A sweeping national study by ICAMH at Hebrew University found substantial increases in substance use, behavioral addictions, and mental health disorders in Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Younger, secular populations were most at risk, with sociodemographic disparities evident across repeated samples.
The latest APA journal issues feature research on high-potency cannabis use, adolescent suicidal behavior, and problematic internet usage. Highlights include a systematic review of cannabis health effects in adolescents and trends in prescription stimulant and opioid use among US teens.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that teens who see cannabis or e-cigarette content on social media are more likely to start using those substances. The study, which surveyed over 7,600 California high school students, also found a link between influencer content and substance use.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
A new online toolkit developed by the University of Ottawa and Health Canada aims to educate healthcare providers on managing opioid-related issues. The toolkit's co-creation model involves patient input, leading to a deeper understanding of chronic pain and opioid use, and a more compassionate approach to care.
A new study identifies critical barriers and promising strategies to scale up low-barrier wound care services for PWUD. The research highlights the urgent need for accessible and empathetic approach to wound care, proposing practical steps to reach those who need it most.
A study of 7,944 ADHD patients found that telehealth-based relationships did not increase the risk of substance use disorder. However, patients aged 26 and above who received initial stimulant prescriptions during telehealth appointments were at higher risk.
Researchers have identified a specific group of neurons in the brain responsible for suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol dependency and related health challenges.
A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...
Researchers found that ibudilast works better for women who have lower levels of depression and inflammation. The study, which recruited 102 adults with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, showed that ibudilast did not reduce drinking in most participants, but had a positive effect on female participants.
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
A recent study by the CDC suggests that many youth-serving clinicians fail to screen for substance use disorders regularly. The findings highlight the need for improved education and practice changes to enhance screening rates.
A recent study by UT Arlington researcher Dr. Awua found that social influences and peer pressure significantly impact substance use among young adults College students often misjudge their peers' drinking habits, leading to heavy episodic drinking and negative consequences The study suggests using protective behavioral strategies like...
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 paper proposes targeting domestic vape distributors with state and local lawsuits to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. The strategy could result in stiff financial penalties for lawbreakers, forcing them to stock only FDA-cleared vapes. If successful, this approach may align what's on the shelves with what's legal.
A randomized controlled trial in Switzerland found that legal access to cannabis decreases problematic consumption, especially among individuals using other substances. After two years, participants showed significant improvements in mental state.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
A new study found that about 5.4% of teens used nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3.0% in 2023, and dual use with e-cigarettes increased. Researchers warn of potential health risks and call for tailored prevention strategies.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.
A novel brain study uncovers the critical role of the HDAC5 enzyme in regulating gene expression and neuronal activity, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. The study highlights a new molecular target for developing novel treatments to reduce relapse risk.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new, minimally invasive method called DeepFocus for treating depression and other neural conditions using transnasal electrical stimulation. This technique offers more accurate and efficient targeting of deep brain structures with lower risk.
A new study found that people seeking emergency care for hallucinogen use were at a 2.6-fold higher risk of death within 5 years compared to the general population. The increased risk was highest among individuals with medical comorbidities and those from low-income neighborhoods.
A new study provides the first nationwide picture of who knows about, carries, and uses naloxone to reverse deadly opioid overdoses. The survey found that people's perception of overdose risk correlates with their decision to carry naloxone, and those with high-risk profiles are more likely to carry the drug.
A new study in mice found that young adults are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than middle-aged adults, with a greater acute response to nicotine. The effects of nicotine on the body change over the lifespan, affecting how medications and other chemicals are processed.