Articles tagged with Recreational Drugs
Research found that individuals with low risk of cocaine dependence have an abnormally large frontal lobe, associated with self-control. This region is smaller in those who develop addiction. The study suggests that certain personality traits and brain structure can predict addiction risk.
Research of almost 4000 teens in Quebec, Canada found that secondary school kids using speed and ecstasy are prone to subsequent depression. The findings were independent of previous bouts of depressive symptoms or other drug use, suggesting additive or synergistic adverse effects of concurrent use.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that opioid addiction is associated with the highest risk of death, with a 5.71-fold increased risk compared to healthy individuals. The study tracked over 800,000 hospital records and found that alcohol dependence was related to the highest number of deaths overall.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with chronic changes in the human brain, leading to a lasting loss of serotonin. The study used PET imaging to examine brain regions and found increased levels of serotonin-2A receptors in users, correlated with higher lifetime use.
Researchers report a significant spike in bath salt-related poisoning incidents, with over 1,700 cases since 2011. The substances' stimulant content can cause violent behavior, hallucinations, and paranoia, highlighting the need for federal regulation.
Research suggests that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with chronic changes in brain function, particularly increased brain activation in visual processing areas. The study's findings may have implications for the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of Ecstasy use, as well as its impact on mental health over time.
The Penn State researchers will implement HealthWise, a curriculum that teaches youth how to utilize their free time, and provides information on safe sexual practices. The program aims to reduce substance use, risky sexual behavior, and violence among South African youth.
A new scale of drug harm assesses both individual and social harms, ranking alcohol as the most harmful, with heroin and crack in second and third place. The analysis suggests that a classification system based on overall harm scores could be more effective than current systems.
A 10-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that 79% of participants reported infrequent drug use, with three distinct subgroups emerging. The study aimed to understand how drug use changes among older gay and bisexual men and its implications for HIV prevention and treatment.
A Concordia University study evaluated the effect of drugs on sexual behavior, finding that many recreational drugs can cause a loss in libido. The study, which reviewed data from over 100 studies, suggests that drugs and sex don't mix well.
The UK's ACMD faced criticism for banning mephedrone without sufficient evidence, prioritizing politics over science. The council's other report on hazardous drug use was ignored, highlighting a flawed approach to tackling substance abuse.
Recreational ecstasy users may be at a higher risk for sleep apnea due to the damage caused by the drug on brain neurons related to serotonin. The study found that ecstasy users had over eight times the risk of sleep apnea compared to non-users, with longer use associated with increased episodes.
A large-scale study of ketamine users found that heavy users experienced impaired verbal memory, forgetfulness, and difficulty recalling conversations. The study also revealed that occasional ketamine use does not lead to prolonged harms to cognitive function, but frequent use can have negative effects.
A study of 234 male college athletes found those using performance-enhancing substances were more likely to admit to heavy drinking and recreational drug use. They also experienced elevated rates of substance-related problems, including missing classes or getting into fights.
Researchers found a significant increase in gastroschisis births in Washoe County from April 2007 to April 2008, with case mothers more likely to report infections and recreational drug use before pregnancy. The cluster appears to have subsided, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying causes.
Researchers found that recreational cocaine users took longer to inhibit responses than non-users, suggesting an impairment in controlling unwanted actions. This impairment has serious implications for personal and societal functioning, including the potential emergence of addiction.
A teenage girl in London collapsed in a nightclub after taking 1-benzylpiperazine tablets, highlighting the dangers of this new drug. Analysis revealed the presence of the substance in her blood and seized tablet, which was linked to similar symptoms in seven other patients.
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 Mayo Clinic study found that patients with well-controlled epilepsy have a very low risk of injury from seizures. The study examined records of 247 patients and found that 80% of injuries were cuts or bruises that did not cause serious health consequences.
Meth abuse has increased in the past decade, with admissions to treatment programs more than doubling in the US from 1992 to 1999. Researchers recommend a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment for meth users to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills.
A study of 1782 first-year university students in Auckland found a high prevalence of recreational nitrous oxide use. The survey revealed that many students were unaware of the potential health risks associated with this substance.
Researchers found that cannabis compounds have previously unknown qualities, potentially enabling the discovery of new treatments for neurological disorders. The study suggests that tailored varieties of cannabis may be used to prevent neurodegeneration and manage conditions such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases.
Researchers found that MDMA use can alter cardiovascular function and produce toxic inflammation in the heart. Chronic MDMA binge pattern was shown to change heart rate and blood pressure responses, similar to a vasovagal reflex, increasing risk of cardiovascular damage.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that Ecstasy use can cause severe brain dopamine deficits and potentially lead to parkinsonism in humans. The researchers administered MDMA to squirrel monkeys and observed significant neuronal injury.
A recent study published in Heart journal has found that recreational cocaine use promotes the formation of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. The research, which monitored 14 young adults after they received a dose of cocaine, showed that even occasional use can have significant effects on cardiovascular health.