Articles tagged with Illicit Drugs
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A recent study has found that rates of opioid use during pregnancy have risen two-fold over the past decade, with significant increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study emphasizes the urgent need for accessible, wraparound health care for mothers and families affected by opioid addiction.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals who received emergency or hospital care for hallucinogen use are at a higher risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder. The study revealed a six-fold increased risk of mania diagnosis within three years for those who received such care.
A new study found that nearly half of patients discharged with take-home methadone successfully connected to treatment within 72 hours. The likelihood of successful follow-up increased if patients were already enrolled in an OTP or received higher methadone doses.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.
A new survey found that the high cost of legal cannabis products is a significant barrier for many participants, while access to unbiased information helps people avoid illicit products. Understanding patients' difficulties in accessing safe products can guide strategies to make the process easier.
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.
Nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, have emerged as a major contributor to the overdose crisis. These substances are often undetectable by routine drug tests and can be mixed into counterfeit pills or other street drugs.
A study by Oregon State University found that magic mushroom edibles sold in smoke shops and convenience stores likely contain no psilocybin, instead having a range of undisclosed active ingredients. The researchers detected compounds such as caffeine, hemp extracts, and synthetic psychedelics.
Semaglutide significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by 26%, with a 62% drop in seeking after abstinence. This finding suggests semaglutide's potential as a treatment for human cocaine dependency, currently lacking effective pharmacological options.
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 research team has created a database of predicted chemical structures for improved detection of designer drugs. The Drugs of Abuse Metabolite Database (DAMD) uses computer modeling to identify potential metabolites and mass spectra, which can help law enforcement detect new psychoactive substances.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
A recent University of Michigan study found that nonmedical use of prescription ADHD drugs among adolescents has dropped from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023. Lifetime medical use also increased slightly during the same period, but overall trends suggest a decrease in misusing these prescriptions.
Researchers detected traces of nitazene in discarded injecting equipment and syringes in Adelaide, Australia. Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths with 84% of patients unaware of the synthetic opioid's presence.
Researchers created a semi-permanent tattoo sticker that can detect low concentrations of GHB within seconds. The sticker's technology is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, making it potentially commercially available soon.
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 recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
A JAMA Psychiatry study recommends increasing contingency management incentives to improve opioid addiction recovery outcomes. The research team suggests using evidence-based incentive amounts, such as $128 per week for vouchers or $55 per week for prizes over 12 weeks, to effectively reduce stimulant and/or opioid use.
A new study found that new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a significant concern in roadway crashes in California. NPS, also known as ‘designer drugs’, were detected in the blood of 17 patients, with most frequent being designer benzodiazepines and fentanyl analogs.
Researchers will analyze course of illness, confirm ingested substances, and provide real-time data for better care. The study aims to predict effects of emerging opioids and deliver timely alerts to doctors and public health agencies.
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 new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.
A new study estimates that 2.7% of NYC electronic dance music-nightclub attending adults used Tusi in the past year, with risks of adverse or unexpected effects due to its often adulterated nature. The use of Tusi has been reported in Latin America and Europe since the past decade.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that psychedelic experiences can enhance participants' perceptions of their relationship quality, attraction to their current partner, and sexual activities. Additionally, approximately 10% of participants reported influences on their gender identity and expression.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of xylazine in Tijuana's illicit drug supply, posing severe health risks due to sedation, withdrawal syndromes, skin infections, and wounds. The study highlights the need for public health intervention and expanded surveillance to mitigate the spread of xylazine in the region.
Researchers found that digital games effective in reducing drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use among adolescents when personalized to individual players, had social components, and included content encouraging behavior change.
Fentanyl poisoning among US children has surged by 924% and 1,506% for teens aged 13-19 over the past eight years. Parents are advised to be vigilant about hidden fentanyl risks and know the signs of overdose symptoms to save their children.
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 representative study of adults experiencing homelessness in California found a high proportion of current drug use and unmet need for treatment. Improving access to treatment tailored to their needs could improve outcomes.
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.
Experiments found DNA accumulates differently depending on involvement in the process, aiding identification. The study also discovered DNA from capsules can be transferred to ziplock bags, providing a complete profile with minimal contact.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that 71% of respondents had brokered a drug transaction in the past month, highlighting the importance of social networks in facilitating access to illegal substances. Peer-brokered sales are also linked to increased demand and expansion of the narcotics trade.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that telehealth and peer-assisted care can significantly improve diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in rural communities. The study, led by Oregon Health & Science University, showed that 66% of hard-to-reach patients were cleared of the virus within six months.
A new study by Nemours Children's Health researcher finds that caregivers of prenatally exposed infants are twice as likely to be impaired at the time of death. Targeted efforts to prevent SUID in these infants are needed, with clear messages delivered to parents and caregivers emphasizing safe sleep practices and substance use prevent...
A large federally funded study found a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, primarily fentanyl and methamphetamine. Intervention communities implemented evidence-based practices, including naloxone distribution and education campaigns, which led to lower death rates.
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.
A study by Brown University researchers found that fentanyl's introduction into Oregon's unregulated market contributed to the state's overdose rate increase. Decriminalization of drug possession was not linked to an rise in fatal overdoses.
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.
Pharmaceutical companies exploited a loophole in the DEA's monitoring system, leading to an oversupply of opioids in communities. The study highlights the impact on Black communities, where overdose deaths tripled from 2014 to 2020. High supply chain complexity played a key role in evading regulations.
The number of calls to US poison centers has increased sharply, with a 233.9% rise in intentional exposures among adults. The severity of unintentional exposures also increased, with 37.4% more cases resulting in severe harm and 65.3% more deaths.
Drug-involved infant deaths in the US increased by 120% from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022, with the highest proportion occurring in 2021. The most common causes of death were assault, poisoning, and psychostimulants.
Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between 2017 and 2023, with 115 million pills seized in 2023 compared to 49,657 in 2017. The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures quadrupled, posing significant risks to public health.
A comprehensive analysis of seized counterfeit pills found that 99.3% contained fentanyl, with 67% also containing para-fluorofentanyl. The study highlights the importance of understanding the contents of counterfeit prescription pills for effective treatment approaches.
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 new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
Seizures of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, have surged by 369% across the US since 2017, according to a new study. The highest number of seizures were recorded in the Midwest and West regions, with nearly quadrupled amounts of seized drugs.
Between 2017 and 2022, US law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms increased dramatically, with the total weight seized peaking in 2021. This trend reflects growing interest in psychedelic use, despite limited self-reported data on prevalence.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
Xylazine, a veterinary medication, has been found in the illicit opioid supply, rendering naloxone ineffective in treating overdose cases. Specialized addictions care remains crucial in addressing underlying substance use disorders.
A tribal confederation in Oregon has launched a mobile medication unit to deliver addiction treatment directly to tribal members. The initiative, part of the Great Circle Recovery program, aims to address the opioid crisis disproportionately affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives.
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.
The use of 'trip-killers' to shorten psychedelic drug trips is a growing concern among doctors, with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics being the most frequently recommended options. However, warnings about their potential side effects are rarely included, highlighting a need for greater awareness.
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 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.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to find emerging designer drugs in urine samples, uncovering new synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants that evaded initial screening. The approach can support public health and safety by enabling swift identification of new substances.
Research reveals fake Australian IDs are widely sold on dark web marketplaces, used by crime rings and terrorists for various illicit activities. The study aims to inform law enforcement and security organisations in targeting specific types of fraud.