Articles tagged with Substance Related Disorders
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
A recent study by UCLA researchers has discovered high amounts of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) in illicitly sold fentanyl. BTMPS is not approved for human consumption and has been linked to serious health effects such as cardiotoxicity and ocular damage.
New research reveals a 18% increase in alcohol-related deaths in Canada during the pandemic, with higher increases in 2020 and 2021. The study also found increased hospitalizations related to alcohol use, particularly among younger adults and females, suggesting potential early warning signs for future liver-related disease.
The prevalence of substance use disorder surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but treatment receipt declined initially due to healthcare disruptions. Treatment rates began to recover in 2022, likely driven by reopened treatment programs and increased telehealth use.
Researchers at MUSC discover an RNA:DNA 'sandwich' plays a key role in how the brain interprets emotional experiences and brings about behavioral adaptations. The discovery could lead to better RNA therapies for treating brain disorders.
Researchers at Drexel University developed an AI tool using large language models to identify and suggest alternative words that stigmatize people with substance use disorder. This framework aims to educate users and preserve supportive spaces in online forums.
The updated clinical practice guideline recommends buprenorphine and methadone as first-line treatments for patients with opioid use disorder. New research and clinical considerations have led to the removal of methadone prescribing restrictions in Canada, but opioid-related harms continue to rise.
The Appalachian Region's mortality rate from diseases of despair decreased by 4% between 2021 and 2022, while remaining virtually unchanged outside of Appalachia. However, the region still experiences higher rates of mortality from these diseases across all age groups, particularly among those in their prime working years.
Researchers found a significant increase in the use of naloxone by people without medical training to treat opioid overdoses. From June 2020 to June 2022, EMS reported 24,990 patients receiving naloxone from an untrained bystander before EMS arrived, representing a 43.5% growth.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
Research from Trinity College Dublin found that lower sustained attention in adolescence can predict a larger increase in cigarette and cannabis use by age 23. The study suggests using early biomarkers like sustained attention to identify vulnerable adolescents and guide targeted interventions.
Researchers found that serotonin release scales with the value of rewards, indicating its role in monitoring reward quality. The study used a new biosensor to measure serotonin levels in mice receiving varied concentrations of evaporated milk as rewards.
The UCR medical school is developing a new curriculum to address the substance use crisis in California, which has resulted in over 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. The curriculum aims to promote access to treatment and health equity for substance use care, addressing biases and social determinants of health.
A major new review of evidence has identified three top ways to stop smoking: combining behaviour support with medication like bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. The Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group's systematic reviews also found strong evidence for behavioural counselling and financial incentives.
A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.
A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.
A North Carolina State University study found that only 12% of organizations providing residential opioid substance use services are licensed by the state. Only a quarter allow patients to access proven opioid agonist treatment (OAT), which has better outcomes and cuts overdose deaths in half.
Researchers found that women with opioid use disorder face structural barriers and stigma that may keep them from engaging with traditional harm reduction practices. Increasing accessibility of harm reduction tools and expanding education are key recommendations to reduce overdose risk for women.
A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.
Brigham researchers created an implantable device that continuously monitors vital signs and delivers naloxone when detecting opioid overdose. The 'iSOS' device has shown effectiveness in preclinical models, offering a potential solution to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
Researchers found that witnessing community members engage in prosocial behaviors increases policymakers' willingness to support pro-social policies, such as syringe service programs. The study suggests that communities can exert a positive influence on authorities and contribute to the greater good.
A new study identified the top reasons why physicians may be reluctant to intervene in addiction, with 'institutional environment' being the most commonly reported barrier. The study highlights the need for increased organizational support, leadership buy-in, and education to improve adoption of evidence-based care.
Researchers found that medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, and behavioral health supports significantly reduce the risk of dying from an overdose. However, significant gaps in care were noted, with only 4% of beneficiaries receiving medications after experiencing a nonfatal overdose.
Researchers have found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who continue taking their ADHD medications are more likely to adhere to treatment and experience fewer overdoses. Patients who stop taking ADHD medications, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of overdose and emergency room visits.
A study by UCLA researchers found that one in six primary care patients reported cannabis use, with most using it for symptom management despite identifying as recreational users. The study suggests the need for routine cannabis screening in healthcare settings.
Research by Stanford Medicine scientists reveals that adaptive myelination in the brain can contribute to drug addiction, with a single dose of morphine triggering maladaptive myelination and reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.
Researchers found that exercise increased neuron growth in the hippocampus, rewiring neural circuits to help mice forget strong, traumatic memories. This approach may offer new treatments for PTSD and drug addiction.
A UC San Diego study found that people injecting drugs in San Diego and Tijuana often lacked access to drinking water, toilets, handwashing facilities, and showers. The study highlights the need for improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in both cities to reduce health disparities.
Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard method. This rapid treatment protocol requires closer medical supervision and could make XR-naltrexone a more viable option for treating opioid use disorder.
A new study suggests that parents' monitoring of their teenagers can reduce substance use by making them think twice about it. The research found that kids are less likely to try alcohol or drugs if they believe their parents know their whereabouts.
A study evaluating contract treatment in Sweden found that this sanction significantly reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events compared to community sanctions or prison sentences. Providing treatment yields better results than punishment, addressing the root causes of criminality often linked to substance misuse.
University of Birmingham researchers are developing a screening tool to identify patients most susceptible to persistent opioid usage after major surgery. The project aims to combine metabolic, neurobiological and cognitive profiles to predict patient responses to pain management, enabling clinicians to build targeted treatment plans.
A new study found that maltreated children are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital for alcohol and substance use disorders by the age of 40. The likelihood of hospital admission was higher among those with substantiated notifications for sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers sheds light on the interactions between genetic variants and their impact on smoking behaviors. The study found that certain gene variants can interact with each other and with Mr. Big, a widely replicated genetic variant associated with smoking behaviors.
A new study found that both starting smoking and lifetime smoking may increase abdominal fat, especially visceral fat. Visceral fat is hard to see but raises the risk of serious illness. Researchers used genetic studies to determine whether smoking causes an increase in abdominal fat.
A University of Kansas study found that creating visual art may be an effective strategy to reduce delay discounting, a concept related to self-control and the ability to defer gratification. The research suggests using art as a delivery method for episodic future thinking could support improved treatment outcomes.
A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.
Adult cancer survivors are at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD), especially those with certain types of cancer; the study suggests integrated care could benefit these patients. The research highlights the need to address comorbid SUD in cancer populations with high SUD prevalence, prioritizing high-risk cancers.
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
Mobile methadone units show significant impact in expanding opioid treatment access in rural areas, with a 13-point increase in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment rates. Adding units exclusively to rural Louisiana provides nearly 20% of beneficiaries within 24 miles of a provider.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.
A new study by Columbia University researchers indicates that patients with expanded methadone access during the COVID pandemic are not more likely to overdose or drop out of care. The findings suggest that more flexible policies could help improve access to this life-saving treatment and close gaps in care.
A UCLA study found that substance abuse treatment can lead to reduced methamphetamine usage and longer periods of abstinence. The study, which analyzed responses from nearly 300 men in Los Angeles, suggests that even limited treatment options can be effective in reducing methamphetamine use.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
A new NIH study reveals a substantial increase in overdose mortality among pregnant and postpartum women, with the largest spike observed among those aged 35 to 44. The study highlights significant barriers, including stigma and limited socioeconomic resources, that hinder access to care.