Articles tagged with Illicit Drugs
Three cases of patients with liver injury and renal failure have been reported due to steroid-enriched dietary supplements. Researchers warn that even low doses of anabolic steroids can cause severe health consequences.
The counterfeit drugs market is expected to be worth £55 billion by 2010, with nearly 62% of prescription-only medicines being fakes. Harmful ingredients found in counterfeit medicines include arsenic, boric acid, and leaded road paint, which can have devastating consequences for patients with potentially fatal conditions.
A report highlights the growing trend of US healthcare consumers purchasing unapproved prescription drugs online, driven by high prices and limited access to affordable treatments. This phenomenon carries significant social and policy implications, particularly in a period of economic recession.
Off-label prescription of a drug is generally legal, but promotion of off-label uses by drug manufacturers is illegal. Drug companies employ techniques such as the 'decoy indication' and using unlicensed representatives to promote off-label use, potentially putting patients at risk.
Researchers found that modern club culture offers a more contained, regulated experience compared to underground raves. The emphasis on dancing and Ecstasy use has survived into the new era, but with increased regulation making it a more publicly acceptable form of partying.
The article highlights the alarming growth of the human growth hormone (hGH) industry, worth $2 billion annually. Deceptive marketing by anti-aging clinics and compounding pharmacies has led to increased distribution of hGH for non-approved uses, posing significant health risks, including cancer.
The illegal distribution of growth hormone (hGH) by distributors has grown worse despite overwhelming evidence of its risks and dangers. Researchers call for measures to address the issue, including accurate public information and revocation of organizations promoting hGH use.
The FDA's proposed guidelines would reduce oversight of off-label drug use, allowing companies to market more drugs for unapproved uses. Stanford researcher Randall Stafford criticizes this move, arguing that physician judgment is critical and that evidence-based practice should be prioritized.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a $4M grant to study the effects of chronic marijuana use on cognitive function, withdrawal symptoms, and stress systems. The research center aims to develop effective treatments for marijuana addiction by pooling expertise in tissue analysis, imaging, animal models, and human clinical tr...
A Swiss study finds that teens using only cannabis tend to be male, socially driven, and have fewer psychosocial issues compared to those who use tobacco or neither substance. They also report better academic performance, relationships with friends, and sports participation.
A CAMH study reveals that Ontario and Quebec have lower concentrations of people with alcohol and drug problems, while provinces like Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have higher rates. Regional differences were attributed to factors such as immigration patterns, local culture, and policies.
Recent Hispanic immigrants in the US are more likely to use illegal drugs as they adopt white American cultural beliefs, with acculturated Hispanics nearly 13 times as likely to report using illicit drugs. The study also found that acculturated Hispanics were more likely to engage in binge drinking and bender drinking.
Severe human bite wounds are 12 times more common in men, with most injuries occurring during brawls on weekends or public holidays. Eighty-six percent of cases involved alcohol, and 65% of facial injuries were to the ear.
A new nine-category matrix of harm ranks drugs by their physical harm to users, dependence potential, and societal impact. Alcohol and tobacco are found to be more harmful than previously classified substances like LSD and cannabis.
A 12-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that marijuana use at a young age is not a predictor of substance abuse. Instead, environmental factors such as neighborhood exposure and parental involvement play a stronger role in determining drug use patterns.
A new study found that individuals who had tested positive for hepatitis C but later tested negative were significantly less likely to become infected again compared to those who had never been infected. This suggests that previous exposure to HCV may be protective against reinfection, possibly on an immunologic basis.
A study published in Child Development found that children's behavior from age 3 can predict their likelihood of using alcohol and illicit drugs in adolescence. Lower levels of behavioral control and slower increases in resiliency are associated with early drinking and drug use, while higher resiliency is linked to reduced risk.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers suggests that approximately 61.8% of sexual assault subjects have drugs in their system, with 4.2% reporting being drugged without knowledge. The study also found that voluntary drug use impairs decision-making, increasing the risk of sexual assault.
A study of 545 adolescents found that parental alcoholism was associated with early onset and persistent drug use throughout young adulthood. Marriage was also linked to lower levels of drug use, but its effect was limited by the lower marriage rates among children of alcoholics.
A study found that lifetime illegal drug use accounts for nearly a third of patients visiting an inner city hospital emergency department. Recently used drugs significantly increase the risk of requiring emergency care, with possible 1 million ED attendances and 40,000 acute admissions annually in England.
A recent study reveals that human growth hormone (HGH) is illegal for off-label anti-aging use and can accelerate aging. The researchers warn that many people are unknowingly receiving the drug, which has high rates of serious adverse effects and may increase cancer risk.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for open discussion to understand the true extent of drug use, its risks, and effective management strategies. Doctors are lacking essential knowledge due to a lack of transparency and open debate.
A study found that 57% of end-of-life decisions in neonates and infants involve withdrawing or withholding treatment, with lethal doses administered in 9 cases. Doctors support legalizing termination in some cases due to the expected poor quality of life and lack of survival chances.
A Vancouver study found significant reductions in public injection drug use and litter after the opening of a medically supervised safer injecting facility. The clinic saw an increase of 500 daily users, consistent with previous feasibility studies.
A recent study found that sex and drug use behaviors are associated with higher levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among teenagers. Girls who engage in high-risk behaviors are more vulnerable to poor mental health than boys.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
A review of general population longitudinal studies found consistent associations between cannabis use and lower educational attainment and increased use of other illicit drugs. However, the evidence was less clear on psychological health problems and problematic behavior. The authors emphasize the need for more research to better unde...
A new global study on HIV/AIDS indicates the effectiveness of needle and syringe exchange programmes for preventing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs. Distribution of sterile needles and syringes helps reduce HIV infection rates, with cities introducing exchanges seeing a 19% decrease in prevalence.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 53% of computer searches for 'no prescription codeine' lead to illegal opiate sales sites. The sites often require minimal information and can be accessed from outside the US, posing a significant risk to public health.
A 22-year study tracked the health histories of 736 youths from childhood into early adulthood, finding that moderate to heavy tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of depression and psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. The study suggests a complex relationship between drug abu...
Research reported in this supplement describes how marijuana affects nearly every organ system, including cognitive function, heart rate, and respiratory health. The findings add to evidence that marijuana use is linked to various health hazards.
Researchers propose individualized risk-benefit assessment to determine treatment for illicit drug-using patients. They argue that withholding treatment is unfair and ineffective, citing success stories from AIDS treatment.
A three-year study by OHSU researchers shows a team-centered model program reduces drug use and improves nutrition behaviors among male high school athletes. The ATLAS program integrated education on substance abuse, nutrition, and strength training, resulting in decreased substance use and improved self-esteem.
A new study found that adolescents from different ethnic groups share similar levels of illegal drug use with their friends. The study suggests that historical and cultural circumstances may influence the selection of friends, but not to an extent that identical friends are avoided.
Research funded by NIDA explores how craving tobacco increases urge to use illicit drugs. Studies found that smokers who use illegal drugs have a harder time quitting their drug habit than nonsmokers.
A study found that only 5% of rural adults seeking treatment for illegal drug use have adequate resources. Rural drug users often hesitate due to cost, lack of insurance, and concerns about maintaining anonymity at treatment centers. This gap highlights the need for targeted interventions in rural areas.