Articles tagged with Heroin
A recent study published by the University of Glasgow found that heroin use among Scots aged 15-54 has declined significantly, from 55,800 in 2000 to 51,582 in 2003. Additionally, the number of people injecting drugs also decreased nationally, while 18,737 still engage in injection drug use.
A study found that cities with predominantly black tar heroin use had lower HIV infection rates among injection drug users compared to those using powder heroin. This is due to the properties of black tar heroin, which makes it difficult to transmit HIV through needle sharing.
A study combining behavioral family counseling and naltrexone found that men in this group were more likely to take the medication daily, leading to higher success rates. Men in individual-based treatment showed lower compliance with naltrexone, resulting in fewer days of sobriety during treatment.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental cues linked to heroin administration reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in rat spleen, lung, and liver tissues. This suggests that environmental cues associated with drug use may contribute to altered susceptibility to infection.
A new treatment option for heroin addiction has shown a promising 75% success rate in reducing opiate use, according to a recent study. The combination of buprenorphine and intensive psychosocial therapy was found to be effective in preventing relapse and reducing criminal activity among patients.
A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal investigation found that a massive heroin seizure had no impact on drug prices or overdose rates. Heroin prices actually decreased after the shipment was intercepted, raising questions about the effectiveness of supply-side interventions in controlling Canada's illicit drug epidemic.
Buprenorphine, a medication related to morphine, has been approved for treating heroin and prescription painkiller addiction in office-based settings. Physicians will need minimum eight hours of training and obtain waiver to prescribe controlled substances.
Researchers found four characteristics independently associated with recent overdoses in a San Francisco Bay Area population: homelessness, lengthy prison sentences, and sex work. Targeted interventions to decrease overdose risk are urgently needed, according to the study's lead author.
Researchers report a successful heroin-assisted treatment programme that reduces infections, mental disorders, and crime among chronically addicted heroin addicts. The six-year study found 86% of patients remained in the programme for three months, with improved social functioning and reduced illicit drug use.
This year's Monitoring the Future study found a significant rise in ecstasy use among American adolescents, with proportions increasing by 50-100% across all grade levels. In contrast, inhalants, LSD, and crystal methamphetamine use have declined substantially since their peak levels in the mid-1990s.
The Monitoring the Future study found that overall illicit drug use among American teens remained steady in 1999, with only modest changes in various drug categories. Inhalant use continued its gradual decline, while crack cocaine use decreased significantly among younger teens. Conversely, MDMA use increased among older teens.
A study by American Academy of Neurology finds that 'chasing the dragon' heroin use can produce a progressive brain disorder leading to permanent damage and death. Antioxidant therapy shows promise in treating the condition, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
A new report reveals that many heroin overdose deaths can be prevented with prompt medical attention and treatment. The study highlights the effectiveness of methadone maintenance programs in reducing overdose-related deaths. By increasing access to these programs, the US can combat its heroin epidemic.
Research by Oregon State University's John Gillis suggests that drug treatment programs don't work, and instead, motivation for getting clean must come from within. The professor notes that relapses are inevitable unless underlying causes of addiction are addressed in the long term.