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.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
A Stanford University study found that mice resolve conflicts between hunger and thirst through indirect modulation of behavior. The researchers used advanced recording technology to monitor individual neurons in the mouse brain, predicting the animal's choice before it was presented with options.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that drug overdose deaths have surged among Americans without a college education, nearly doubling over a three-year period. The findings highlight the potential association between the rise in overdose deaths and barriers to education access, a social determinant of health.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a common brain network associated with substance use disorder, regardless of the substance used. The finding could lead to targeted neurostimulation therapies for addiction, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
A new study suggests that treating insomnia can prevent opioid relapse in rats, and potentially in humans. The experimental insomnia drug DORA-12 reduced withdrawal symptoms and prevented drug-seeking behavior in rats experiencing oxycodone withdrawal.
Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed
A new study found that law enforcement's role in post-overdose outreach programs may undermine their effectiveness. The research highlights the importance of law enforcement data and contact information to reach overdose survivors, but also notes challenges posed by police involvement due to lack of training and negative past experiences.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that most vapers believe a 'Swap-to-Stop' scheme providing free e-cigarettes would have helped them quit smoking. However, some respondents prefer to purchase e-cigarettes commercially due to personal preference for specific products.
An Oregon State University study found that young adults not in college became more frequent users of cannabis and met criteria for cannabis use disorder after state legalization. The prevalence of frequent cannabis use increased by 5 percentage points among non-college young adults, while college students saw a smaller increase.
Researchers are exploring psychedelic-based treatments as a potential game-changer for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Studies have shown improvements in symptoms of both conditions, offering new hope for those who have struggled with treatment-resistant disorders.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that substance use impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting specific neurons. Chronic cocaine or alcohol use alters the local inhibitory brain circuit, leading to decreased cognitive flexibility and increased risk of academic deficits and lower quality of life.
Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.
The Better Together trial partners with community organizations and sites to provide buprenorphine treatment, reducing distance for patients and offering peer support in familiar environments. Researchers aim to address barriers such as stigma, misunderstandings about addiction, and bias against certain treatments.
A new study reveals that over 80% of people who inject drugs in New York City test positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intend to take it intentionally. The research suggests that widespread use of fentanyl among this population may be driving overdose risk and tolerance development.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
A recent NIH study reveals that young men with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study analyzed health records data from over 6 million people in Denmark and found that as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting cannabis use disorder.
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A new Twitter analysis reveals that medical dramas like New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and Grey's Anatomy influenced hundreds of people's thoughts on vaping dangers. The study found that nearly half the tweets commented on the realism of the storylines, with some even expressing intention to quit vaping.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
Researchers find that patients with destructive nasal lesions may be suffering from cocaine-induced granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a condition often misdiagnosed. Cocaine use can trigger production of antibodies leading to symptoms similar to idiopathic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use changes signaling pathways in the brain, affecting cognitive functions like decision-making and impulse control. The mechanism involves the brain's immune system and the molecule interleukin 1β, which regulates inflammation and neurotransmitter release.
A recent study has found a significant link between fibromyalgia and increased odds of exacerbation in pain-related opioid use disorder. Researchers surveyed 125 individuals living with both conditions, revealing that those with fibromyalgia were more likely to report worsening addiction symptoms due to chronic pain.
A new study finds that smokeless tobacco products increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease by two-fold compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from 14,344 participants and found a significant association between smokeless tobacco use and PAD, with a rate of 4.4 cases per 1,000 person years.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2023
A new NIH study has identified common genetic markers underlying various substance use disorders, suggesting a link to dopamine signaling regulation. The findings may lead to more effective treatments and prevention strategies for multiple substance use disorders, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions.
A novel community-focused strategy implemented in Pennsylvania counties led to a 30% reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The approach, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, prevented 1,818 opioid-related deaths over two years.
A study found that long-acting injectable ART suppressed HIV in people with unstable housing, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders. The treatment improved outcomes in underserved patients, overcoming daily treatment barriers such as housing insecurity and untreated mental illnesses.
A study of 1,463 combat-deployed soldiers found significant associations between bullying/hazing and major depressive disorder, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorder. The findings highlight the need for efforts to prevent and address mental health problems among service members.
A study shows that pharmacies can offer a safe starting point for patients with opioid use disorder, leading to higher rates of retention in treatment. The pharmacy-based model increases access to buprenorphine, a lifesaving medication, for diverse patient populations and promotes racial and economic equity.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
The NIH has established a research network to test community-based harm reduction strategies, including naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, to reduce overdose deaths. The network aims to save lives by connecting people who use drugs with services and treatments.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
US adults with mental health and substance use disorders saw significant reductions in smoking, while those without MH/SUD did not experience comparable changes. The study attributed these disparities to increased health insurance coverage under the ACA.
A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.
Researchers have isolated an effective monoclonal antibody that targets heroin, blocking its painkilling effect and overdose deaths in mice. The findings suggest that targeting heroin itself is more effective than its metabolites, paving the way for a new therapy.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a virtual reality therapy to aid in substance use disorder recovery, using 'future-self avatars' to help people choose long-term rewards over immediate gratification. The technology has shown promising results in lowering relapse rates and increasing future self-connectedness.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have identified a precise neural circuit in the brain that controls long-term alcohol consumption in mice. Inhibiting the transmission of serotonin to a specific receptor has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption.