Articles tagged with Illicit Drugs
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.
A new report by The Lancet and Johns Hopkins University calls for decriminalizing non-violent minor drug offenses, strengthening health and social services for drug users, and implementing evidence-based approaches to drug policy. The report finds that the 'war on drugs' has harmed public health, human rights, and development.
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.
Research by the University of Kent finds that illegal wildlife trade is facilitated by the global internet, but trade on the darknet is surprisingly low. The study suggests that poor enforcement and easy access to online platforms have led to a negligible amount of trade on anonymous networks.
A recent study from Sam Houston State University highlights the difficulties in detecting synthetic cathinones in biological samples due to their thermal degradation and instability. The researchers emphasize the need for a systematic approach to understanding the structural facets of these compounds to improve detection methods.
Research suggests that prescription medication can impair drivers' abilities, with Benzodiazepines increasing the risk of crashes. The symposium aims to address the issue through increased awareness and testing procedures.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research reveals that adults with a history of problem drinking who continue smoking are at a greater risk of relapsing to alcohol dependence. Quitting cigarettes is crucial for maintaining sobriety, according to the researchers.
A new study found that 77% of dentists ask patients about illicit drug use and 54% believe screenings should be their responsibility. Dentist attitudes toward substance misuse screening vary by age, gender, and prior training, but more educated and younger dentists are more likely to accept such screenings.
A study of 1159 males who illicitly used amphetamines found that half reported no impact on sexual functions, while the other half experienced reduced erectile rigidity, enhanced orgasmic intensity, and delayed ejaculation. Amphetamine users were also twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to matched controls.
A new NYU study found that rave attendees are more likely to use various illicit drugs, including ketamine and GHB, with rates 2-6 times higher than non-attendees. The study also revealed that 7.7% of students reported attending raves at least monthly.
A nationwide survey of over 190,000 US adults found that lifetime use of nonaddictive psychedelic drugs was associated with a reduced likelihood of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that these substances may hold promise for treating depression, warranting reconsideration of their restricted legal status.
A new report by an independent panel found that evidence-based approaches to treating chronic pain are lacking, with no existing algorithm for determining the best treatment approach. The panel recommends multidisciplinary care incorporating patients' perspectives and emphasizes the need for more research on opioids and other treatments.
The study will enroll 200 Rhode Island Family Court-involved girls between 12-18 in either VOICES, a gender-responsive program or other community-based services. Researchers aim to identify the program's effect on reducing drug use and sexual risk behaviors.
A large meta-analysis shows that frequent cannabis use during adolescence is associated with reduced educational attainment, increased risk of depression, suicide, and cannabis dependence. The study found that daily users are seven times more likely to attempt suicide and 18 times more likely to experience cannabis dependence.
A federal law aimed at reducing the use of 'club drugs' has failed, and instead put users at greater risk due to reduced access to safety measures like medical help and free water. The RAVE Act, enacted in 2003, targeted club owners but hindered their ability to provide necessary services.
Researchers estimate that at least 60% of sildenafil consumed in the Netherlands is not from prescribed sources, with potential for widespread misuse of rogue online pharmacies
A CDC report documents outbreaks of infections caused by health care providers stealing or tampering with patients' medications. Over 100 infections and nearly 30,000 patients have been potentially exposed to bloodborne or bacterial pathogens over the past decade.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that among active-duty Army personnel who use illicit drugs, synthetic marijuana is the most abused substance. Synthetic marijuana, also known as Spice, contains chemicals that mimic THC and can have unpredictable health effects.
A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.
A Sam Houston State University study found that parents' substance use significantly increases the likelihood of their children using drugs. The study tracked 655 parents and 1,227 offspring over 27 years, revealing patterns of intergenerational drug use.
The USPSTF published its final recommendation statement on primary care interventions to prevent or reduce illicit drug and nonmedical pharmaceutical use in children and adolescents. Nearly one in 10 American adolescents use illegal drugs, with serious health consequences.
New research questions the effectiveness of increased enforcement measures against poaching, citing a potential increase in organized crime involvement. The authors argue that addressing the root causes of poaching, such as growing wealth gaps between African supply areas and Asian demand centers, is crucial to conservation efforts.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Richard Saitz found that a single screening question may detect unhealthy substance use, including 88% for alcohol dependence and 97% for drug dependence, outperforming longer screening tools.
The Endocrine Society's new statement highlights the prevalence and medical consequences of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use among non-athlete weightlifters. PEDs can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular, psychiatric, metabolic, renal, and musculoskeletal disorders.
A new University of Michigan study finds that 10.4% of teens and young adults treated in the emergency room admitted to misusing prescription painkillers or sedatives at least once in the last year. The study suggests that emergency departments could be an effective setting for screening and intervening early before problems arise.
Scientists identified high amounts of N,α-DEPEA in Craze, a widely sold US and international workout supplement. The compound has not been safely tested for human consumption and may have stimulant and addictive qualities.
A new study reveals that 10-20% of people with substance abuse problems also have significant gambling issues, which often go untreated due to lack of targeted programs. The review highlights the need for unique approaches to encourage participation in research and treatment.
A new study found that individuals with high levels of negative emotionality may be more prone to problem drinking when sensitive to the stimulating effects of alcohol and other drugs. The research suggests that people who experience powerful negative moods may be motivated to drink excessively in search of immediate reward.
A new system can identify a single target molecule from millions of water molecules within milliseconds by trapping it on gold nanoparticles. The technology has potential uses in detecting illegal substances and pollutants, offering a compact, reusable, and easy-to-assemble solution.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are creating a laboratory test to detect key components of bath salts in biological samples. The new test will target eight common synthetic cathinones found in the substance, which poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and forensic toxicology labs.
A study by international researchers found that only one in seven authors involved in off-label marketing activities fully disclosed their conflict of interest in published articles. The analysis examined 26 whistleblower complaints and identified 91 doctors and scientists recorded as being involved, with 39 having authored publication...
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that most teenagers who use alcohol and drugs start using them during adolescence, with the median age of onset at 14 years old. By late adolescence, nearly three-quarters of teens reported having consumed alcohol, and one-fifth had met criteria for lifetime abuse.
A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that supervisors play a crucial role in reducing employee substance use and intoxication. The study suggests that supervisor training is essential to improve employee productivity and reduce stress.
Research on 850 participants found frequent house moves during childhood were associated with poorer overall health and psychological distress. Illicit drug use during adolescence and adulthood was independently linked to childhood house moves.
The authors argue that Internet pharmacies play a substantial role in prescription drug abuse due to their ease of access and lack of regulation. Increasing physician awareness and education on the dangers posed by these pharmacies is crucial to addressing the issue.
A recent survey of Italian high school students found that both underweight and overweight teens consume more illegal drugs than their normal-weight peers. The study suggests that social factors such as self-esteem and friendships play a key role in the relationship between abnormal weight and substance abuse.
Researchers developed a novel indirect screener to detect recent drug use in at-risk post-partum women, proving more sensitive than alternatives. A brief, computer-delivered intervention aims to motivate behavioral change without presuming drug use, showing promise for improved detection and treatment.
The Joint Interagency Task Force South is installing a new software technology developed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to eliminate illegal drug trafficking. The Command and Control Rapid Prototype Continuum (C2RPC) system provides continuous rapid delivery of warfighter capability to support time-sensitive decision making.
The International AIDS Society will launch a Virtual Knowledge Centre to improve knowledge and strengthened operations research capacity for HIV/OST programmes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The centre aims to create an increased Russian-language evidence base around OST, harm reduction, and HIV.
Isoscapes, a mapping technique using isotopes as 'fingerprints,' helps track the geographical origins of illicit goods, human remains, and even luxury items like whiskey and cheese. By analyzing isotope ratios in tissue samples and objects, scientists can pinpoint their origins and aid in investigations.
A recent study found high rates of injection drug use among urban Canadian Aboriginal youth, particularly women, with 70% of hepatitis C virus and 60% of HIV infections attributed to this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for prevention programs tailored to this population, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and its...
Girls with ADHD symptoms are more predictive of adverse substance use outcomes, including alcohol abuse and dependence. Parents' reports of inattentiveness in daughters at age 11-12 can predict illicit drug use across adolescence.
A study published in Drug Testing and Analysis found that many 'legal highs' sold online do not contain advertised ingredients, with some containing controlled substances instead. Dr. Mark Baron's research highlights the need for consumers to be aware of the dangers of purchasing products from unregulated online retailers.
A study of Aboriginal youth in Canada found they use tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol at higher rates than non-Aboriginal youth, leading to increased health risks. The research highlights the need for culturally appropriate smoking cessation and substance prevention programs targeting Aboriginal youth.
A study published in The Lancet found a significant reduction in overdose deaths in the vicinity of North America's first supervised injection facility. Insite, located in Vancouver, saw a 35% decline in overdose mortality, while the rest of the city experienced only a 9% decrease.
A new study published in The Lancet found that Illicit drug overdose deaths in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside dropped by 35 per cent after the establishment of Insite, North America's first supervised injection facility. The facility has been shown to save lives and reduce harms associated with illicit drug use.
Illicit drug users are more susceptible to serious infections due to exposure to microbial pathogens. Unsterile injection practices, contaminated needles, and the use of cutting agents can facilitate the spread of bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections.
A study presented at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting found that excessive texting among teens is linked to poor health behaviors. Hyper-texting, defined as texting over 120 messages per day, was associated with a 40% higher risk of trying cigarettes and a 90% higher risk of having multiple sexual partners.
Research from the University of New Hampshire suggests that marijuana use may not lead to illicit drug abuse in young adulthood as previously thought. The study found that life factors such as employment status and stress play a stronger role in determining illicit drug use. In fact, the strongest predictor of illicit drug use is race/...
Georgian leaders sign Vienna Declaration to strengthen call for science-based drug policy, emphasizing harm reduction and evidence-based treatment. The declaration aims to improve community health and safety by incorporating scientific evidence into illicit drug policies.
Positive family relationships and religious affiliation can counteract risk factors associated with drug use, including addicted family members, exposure to violence, and deviant peers. This study suggests that intervention programs should focus on creating supportive family environments.
Three former Latin American presidents have signed the Vienna Declaration, calling for the incorporation of scientific evidence into illicit drug policies. The declaration aims to improve community health and safety by reducing consumption and harm caused by drugs.
The Vienna Declaration urges governments and international organizations to adopt evidence-based approaches to illicit drug policy, recognizing addiction as a medical condition. This declaration aims to reduce harms deriving from current policies and redirect resources towards prevention, treatment, and harm reduction interventions.
A study by OHSU Emergency Department found that Oregon's law prohibiting the sale of pseudoephedrine products led to a significant decrease in methamphetamine-related emergency room visits. The number of such visits dropped by 35% over a one-year period, from an average of 18 per week to 11.3.
The US plan prioritizes prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, focusing on reducing youth drug use and prescription abuse. In contrast, the UK is facing criticism for its drug policy, which has been influenced by media pressure and ideological opinions, leading to a lack of evidence-based decision-making.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins scientists suggests that repeated ecstasy use significantly raises the risk of developing sleep apnea in otherwise healthy young adults. The researchers found that the more participants had used MDMA in the past, the more severe their apnea was likely to be.
A community-based policing effort launched in 2001 has been largely successful in reducing violent crime by an average of 13% in 26 cities. The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative also received $1 million in stimulus funding to help fight illegal drugs.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that approximately 3.4 million UK children live with at least one binge drinking parent, while 2.6 million have a hazardous drinker. The research aims to raise awareness of the risks of parental substance use on child care and development.