Articles tagged with Illicit Drugs
Researchers trained an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict the next designer drugs before they are even on the market, allowing law enforcement agencies to identify and regulate new versions of dangerous psychoactive drugs. The model was tested against 196 new designer drugs and found nearly all were present in its generated set.
Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.
A leading criminologist argues that the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act is outdated and unfairly discriminates against certain populations. Research by independent charity Release shows racial disparities in drug-related arrests and possession, highlighting the need for reform.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that cancer patients reported lower rates of marijuana use between 2013 and 2018, with only 9% using the substance. Higher pain levels and certain demographics were linked to increased marijuana use in this population.
Researchers found that Canadians with a history of illicit drug dependence are more likely to experience mental illness than those without. Excellent mental health was more common among older respondents, those with higher levels of social support, and those without a history of depression or anxiety.
A study by Pavel Horký and colleagues has discovered that low levels of methamphetamine in freshwater rivers can elicit addiction in wild brown trout. The fish exhibited withdrawal symptoms when switched to clean water, suggesting addiction was present. Methamphetamine contamination in waterways poses a significant threat to aquatic life.
A Flinders University study found that guns and drugs are linked to serious crime and that reducing access and value in popular culture can decrease their appeal. Experts say broad social changes are needed to make guns less attractive for criminals.
A new University of Washington study examines the effects of early police contacts on Black and white adolescents, finding that Black youth are more likely to be treated as 'usual suspects' after a first encounter, leading to subsequent arrests. White youth with early police contact are not significantly more likely to be arrested later.
A study of US adolescents aged 15-17 found that those who had not used substances exhibited enhanced neural responses when observing peers making safe choices. Peer influence was associated with safer health risk behaviors in adolescents.
Women who experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, such as domestic violence or physical abuse, were more likely to engage in at-risk drinking and illicit drug use. The study highlights the importance of trauma-informed care for urban ER patients, particularly women from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
A study by UNC Charlotte researchers found that 85% of large pharmaceutical firms had financial penalties for illegal activities, with the top offenders including GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough. The majority of penalties were related to pricing violations, off-label marketing, and kickbacks.
Researchers aim to understand online illicit sales of drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals by studying supply chains and payment systems. They will use rich corporate datasets to develop new models of illicit supply chains and suggest disruption strategies.
A Penn State-developed algorithm can spot illicit online pharmacies that sell substandard medications and potentially addictive drugs without a prescription. The system uses web analytics and predictive models to identify bad sites and alert consumers before they make a purchase.
A toxicology study found that nonprescribed fentanyl and stimulants were the primary contributors to overdose mortality in BC. Only 8.7% of individuals had taken prescribed opioids, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to address the current overdose crisis.
The study assesses the effect of COVID-19 measures on perpetrator behavior, including changes in supply-demand dynamics and shifts towards online markets. It will inform efforts to safeguard vulnerable children and adults during the pandemic.
A new study shows that oral antibiotics can be as effective as IV treatments for patients with life-threatening infections caused by injecting illicit drugs. This change in treatment protocol has led to a significant reduction in hospital readmissions among these patients.
The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in all adult patients, despite limited evidence on its effectiveness. While the practice may have some benefits, such as reducing stigma, it also poses risks, including exposure to stigma and poor counseling outcomes. Dr. Richard Saitz argues that alternative strategies should be d...
The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in adults 18 or older to prevent fatal overdoses, injuries, and disability. The recommendation replaces the 2008 statement finding insufficient evidence, citing a significant cause of preventable death in 2017.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation regarding primary care-based behavioral counseling interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, adolescents and young adults. Illicit drug use contributes to the leading causes of death among young people ages 10...
A new University of Stirling study investigates the health impacts of COVID-19 on people who use drugs in Scotland, exploring how social distancing affects their purchasing and using behaviors. The research aims to inform pragmatic risk reduction messages for this vulnerable group.
A new study by Emory University researchers found a nearly 15% increase in drug abuse treatment admissions and a 6% increase in overdose deaths since Craigslist's founding. Online platforms like Craigslist provide anonymity, driving previously unaffected populations into the market.
A study by David Jancsics found that younger agents are more prone to drug trafficking and veteran officers are more likely to engage in human smuggling. The analysis of 160 cases revealed alarming trends, with 71% of cases originating from the southern border.
A recent study by Yale researchers has identified middle-aged adults as a vulnerable population to serious falls due to medication use. Polypharmacy and the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and prescription opioids increase fall risk.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that cannabis use increased by 9% per quarter and shifted from the illicit market to the legal one since retail sales began in 2014. The research team analyzed wastewater samples from two treatment plants in Western Washington, estimating the size of the legal marketplace.
A new study by Brown University researchers found a 25% increase in fatal opioid overdoses after cold weather snaps compared to days with average temperatures of 52 degrees. The study suggests that agencies should consider scaling up harm-reduction efforts during periods of cold weather.
A recent study has found that treatment with gabapentinoids, a group of drugs used for epilepsy and nerve pain, is associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour and other harms. The risks are strongest among 15 to 24 year-olds, prompting calls for review of treatment guidelines for young people.
A RAND Corporation report outlines how some Asian nations are reforming illicit drug policies, while others adopt harsher approaches. China's role as a focal point in the global supply of fentanyl is also discussed.
A color test developed at University of Technology Sydney can accurately detect all cathinones, a new illicit synthetic drug entering the market every four days. The test is now commercialized and being marketed to police and customs agencies in Europe, offering a solution for detecting new psychoactive substances.
A new study estimates that 3.9 million US adults misused prescription opioids annually, with risk factors including co-occurring substance use disorders and psychological distress. Prescribers should be vigilant about potential misuse among patients prescribed potent opioid medications for long-term use.
Research published in Addiction found that US doctors receiving direct payments from opioid manufacturers prescribe more opioids than those who receive no such payments. The study analyzed data from over 63,000 physicians who received opioid-related promotional payments and compared them to over 802,000 physicians with no such payments.
Experts warn that Brexit will affect the UK's ability to tackle the illicit drugs trade due to exclusion from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The EMCDDA plays a crucial role in surveillance, data exchange, and policy-making, posing substantial risks to public health and safety.
A study of 34,000 patients found nearly 1 in 4 used preoperative opioids, linked to age, tobacco use, illicit drug use, pain severity and depression. Identifying these patients can inform effective pain management plans for complex patient populations.
A new study by FSU Associate Professor Amy Burdette found that religious involvement does not significantly affect women's misuse of prescription drugs, including opioids. Research showed a lower probability of illicit drug use among church attendees compared to those who attend services less frequently.
A study of 90 C-section deliveries found that prior C-sections, smoking, illicit drug use, and higher BMI increased the likelihood of developing a C-section infection. The majority of infections were caused by common commensal organisms like Staphylococcus species and Escherichia coli.
A recent US government regulation change led to a doubling of opioids sold through dark web markets and an increase in more potent opioids being bought. The study suggests that the restricted painkiller may have driven users to seek out stronger opioids online.
A recent study by Colorado State University researchers found that Native American adolescents are more likely to use alcohol and illicit drugs than non-Native adolescents in the US. The study reported significant disparities in cannabis and alcohol use among Native youth, with 8th-grade students showing the greatest disparity.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatal drug overdoses among young non-Hispanic white adults accounted for 62% of mortality rate growth between 1999 and 2015. The study highlights the rapid rise in lost life years and mortality rates for this population, particularly those aged 22-39 years.
An independent review suggests that on-site pill testing could reduce fatalities from 'party drugs' like ecstasy and methamphetamines by providing information on their quality and purity. The author argues that pragmatic initiatives like pill testing are needed to replace criminal justice responses.
A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that individuals resolving cannabis problems do so at younger ages compared to those resolving problems with alcohol or other drugs. They also reported starting regular use at a younger age and were less likely to seek formal treatment, but more likely to participate i...
Researchers developed a one-step, efficient method to remove Diazepam from wastewater using titanium dioxide nanofibers. The process is designed for municipal treatment plants, promising faster, lower-cost treatment.
A new study found that millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, with multinational companies manufacturing nearly 20% of the unapproved formulations. The researchers argue that banning the sale of unapproved FDC antibiotics and improving access to healthcare are crucial steps to controlling antimicrobial resistance.
Research reveals almost 40% of Aussies have used illicit drugs at some stage, with 17% using them in the past 12 months. Recreational users view themselves as different from habitual users, driven by social networking and performance enhancement.
A study found that children aged 12-17 are more likely to contemplate, plan, and attempt suicide when parents do not engage in behaviors demonstrating care. Parents can mitigate this risk by expressing pride, helping with homework, and being emotionally engaged.
Ayahuasca users reported lower problematic alcohol use and higher general wellbeing compared to LSD or magic mushrooms users. The study found that ayahuasca's acute effects lasted six hours and were most strongly felt one hour after consumption.
A University of Kent study has found that women working as drug 'mules' are not victimized by their sex but by the illicit trade and its illegal status. The research highlights a legal bias that distorts sentencing policies, drawing attention away from the negative effects of punitive drug laws.
Researchers at McMaster University developed a new drug screening technique to quickly identify fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. This method, outlined in Analytical Chemistry, addresses the public health emergency caused by opioid addiction and overdose deaths.
The sale of unapproved antibiotics in India is increasing at the fastest rate, driven by fixed-dose formulations and contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance. Researchers urge the Indian government to take effective action to stop the sales and implement regulations.
Scientists couple cell phone data with sewage testing to reveal fluctuations in population size, showing pharmaceutical use remains stable while illicit drug use rises, particularly on weekends
Researchers found that first-time buyers care only about finding trustworthy sellers, with trust remaining their primary concern. The core group of repeat buyers and sellers is harder to shut down, and disrupting it may be the best way to interrupt the cycle.
Leading scientists from around the world gathered to discuss leveraging science to combat illegal wildlife trade. They identified opportunities to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the problem, including using data, collaborating on problem-solving, and assessing interventions.
A study of over 2,000 surgical weight-loss patients found that opioid use increased within 7 years after surgery, surpassing pre-surgery rates. The study highlights the need for alternative pain management approaches in post-surgical patients.
A recent study found that even small daily stressors increase illegal drug use among those on parole or probation who have a history of substance use. The researchers also discovered that treatment helps limit substance use over time, and that prevention programs may be more effective with consideration of treatment history.
Researchers at Penn State have received a $9 million NIH grant to investigate malaria transmission in Southeast Asia and work toward the disease's elimination. They will examine how environmental changes affect disease transmission, genetic resistance to insecticides, and counterfeit drugs.
Smokers in recovery from illicit drug use disorders face a higher risk of relapsing three years later compared to non-smokers. Quitting cigarettes may help adults stay sober and improve substance treatment outcomes.
Experts warn that rising inequality is a major contributor to global problems such as populism, climate change and social instability. Decades of research have shown that tackling structural determinants of health can reduce health inequalities, but progress has been slow.
A study by Stacey Sigmon found that an Interim Buprenorphine Treatment regimen significantly reduced illicit opioid use and psychological symptoms in waitlisted adults. The treatment involved daily monitoring calls and bi-weekly clinic visits, resulting in excellent adherence rates.
A novel technique using Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS) can identify NBOMe compounds on blotter paper in under 15 seconds. This method will help forensic laboratories efficiently analyze growing caseloads of designer drugs, potentially reducing the risk of fatalities and severe injuries.
A study by Michigan State University found that adolescent exposure to illicit substances increases the likelihood of substance abuse in early and late adulthood. White males are more likely to engage in such behavior, with Hispanic and Asian participants showing higher availability but lower rates of use.
A new study found that Zika warnings significantly increased demand for abortions in Latin America, particularly in countries with restrictive laws. The number of requests for medical abortion through Women on Web, a non-profit organization, nearly doubled in some countries following the health alert.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Lancet report finds that harsh drug control policies increase the risk of death from overdose, restrict access to medications, and undermine public health. Decriminalization of minor and non-violent drug offenses is a key recommendation.