Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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The UK's response to NPS deaths highlights the importance of international cooperation and domestic legislation in reducing harm. Effective controls implemented in producing countries, such as China, were associated with larger reductions in NPS detections than controls introduced solely within consuming countries.
A new study from UT Arlington reveals that one in four US adolescents experience neighborhood trauma, leading to increased substance use. Cyberbullying is more strongly linked to substance use than traditional school bullying, and team sports participation can also contribute to increased alcohol use.
A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.
Researchers propose threshold levels for safe cannabis use, aiming to guide consumption and reduce harm. The recommended limit is 8 THC units per week, above which the risk of developing cannabis use disorder increases.
A new study by the University at Buffalo found that 12th graders who use two or more cannabis products are more likely to engage in binge drinking. The study suggests that certain modes of cannabis consumption, such as smoking and vaping, may be linked to higher risks of binge drinking.
Researchers distinguish between medical and community-based approaches to safe supply, proposing a framework for better describing care models. The study aims to inform policy changes and improve access to care, decrease overdoses, and reduce stigma around people who use drugs.
A new study suggests that prevention campaigns for cannabis-related vehicle crashes should target middle-aged and older adults, who are at risk of driving after using the drug. Adults over 50 who use cannabis daily or have mental health reasons are most likely to drive after using THC-containing products.
Young sexual minority men with ADHD symptoms are more likely to begin using substances at an earlier age. The study found inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms predicted earlier use across all substances assessed.
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
A UK report highlights gender inequities in drug and alcohol services, with women often experiencing adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The study recommends improving treatment and support for women, including women-only spaces and holistic multi-agency approaches.
A study of 200 Chilean women released from prison found that those with substance use disorders had higher rates of recidivism, reincarceration, and victimization. The researchers also found that pre-release screening missed many women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for improved mental health care services.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
Death rates from unintentional injury related to drug use increased by nearly 60% from 2018 to 2023. Middle-aged adults, particularly those aged 35-44, were found to be at higher risk of death from drug-induced accidental injuries.
A recent study found that despite a slight decline in DUD prevalence, the global mortality rate and number of deaths have more than doubled over the past three decades. The increase is largely attributed to systemic gaps in harm reduction and access to treatment.
The 'Benadryl Challenge' has resurfaced on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and is encouraging adolescents to ingest high doses of over-the-counter antihistamines. This trend can lead to severe health consequences, including heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.
A new clinical trial is testing an intervention to reduce staff stress and improve methadone treatment retention for opioid use disorder. The four-year study will examine the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention in reducing work-related trauma and traumatic stress symptoms among methadone treatment staff.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
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 new study published in JAMA found that the August 2023 Maui wildfire led to a 46% increase in statewide suicide and overdose death rates, with a 97% increase in Maui alone. The researchers suggest direct exposure and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, contributed to the rise in deaths.
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
Research from the University of Birmingham finds that party tourism creates an environment for sexual assault by normalizing extreme behavior and prioritizing economic revenue over women's safety. The study highlights how destinations silence victims to protect their reputation, reinforcing a culture of silencing survivors.
A new study found that heavy drinking among women with a high desire to avoid becoming pregnant increased their risk of undesired pregnancy by 50% compared to moderate or non-drinking levels. In contrast, cannabis use did not elevate the risk of undesired pregnancy.
A new study has found that US nitrous oxide deaths have increased by more than 500% between 2010 and 2023, primarily driven by recreational misuse. The researchers warn of the dangers of inhalant use, particularly among young people, highlighting the need for public awareness and intervention to prevent harm.
A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.
Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that individuals with substance use disorders are at a higher risk of unplanned hospital readmissions. Specifically, those with opioid use disorder had the highest 30-day readmission rates.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that opioid consumption intensity varies enormously across different populations and contexts. The study suggests that tracking average intensities of use could improve our understanding of consumption patterns and inform drug policy and treatment strategies.
A new study found that 8.9% of workers in their 30s use substances on the job, with higher risks in food preparation/service industry and safety-sensitive occupations like construction and transportation. Comprehensive substance use policies and supportive interventions could improve safety and reduce misuse.
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 almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
Researchers developed a pen-like tool that can quickly collect molecules from the skin's surface to screen for opioids with mass spectrometry. The 'MasSpec Pen' delivers a droplet of liquid, extracts molecules, and analyzes them using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that teens who see cannabis or e-cigarette content on social media are more likely to start using those substances. The study, which surveyed over 7,600 California high school students, also found a link between influencer content and substance use.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
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 new NIH grant will aid researchers at Wayne State University in studying the effects of fentanyl during pregnancy. The two-year study aims to determine the impact of gestational fentanyl exposure on morbidity and mortality, developmental milestones, and brain development in offspring.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a method to analyze airborne DNA, tracking species and pathogens in the air. This technology has vast potential applications for studying wildlife, human health, and environmental monitoring.
Individual incarceration is strongly associated with increased mortality in the US, as well as higher all-cause mortality among people living in counties with high incarceration rates. Incarcerated individuals face a 39% higher risk of dying from any cause and are three times more likely to die from drug overdose.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.
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 reveals that synthetic opioid-involved fatal overdoses among youth aged 15-24 in the US were predominantly caused by fentanyl alone. The rates of overdose deaths involving only fentanyl increased significantly across age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with the highest rates found among males and young adults.
A recent study by UT Arlington researcher Dr. Awua found that social influences and peer pressure significantly impact substance use among young adults College students often misjudge their peers' drinking habits, leading to heavy episodic drinking and negative consequences The study suggests using protective behavioral strategies like...
A national survey found that 11.0% of adults reported using illicit opioids within the past year, with even higher rates of fentanyl use, indicating a pressing need for improved data collection efforts to inform policy and intervention strategies.
A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.
A portable device can instantly detect dangerous street drugs at extremely low concentrations, highlighting their dangers. The device, being trialled by drug-checking services in the UK, Norway, and New Zealand, allows for cheap and on-the-spot analysis of substances.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
Research finds that comprehensive drug policies, including harm reduction measures, are positively associated with perceptions of governmental support and trust in local government. In rural US communities, residents' trust in their local government increases when they perceive the government as supportive of these policies.
A novel brain study uncovers the critical role of the HDAC5 enzyme in regulating gene expression and neuronal activity, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. The study highlights a new molecular target for developing novel treatments to reduce relapse risk.
Researchers from Yale University found that participation in faith-based or community-based extracurricular activities can increase U.S. adolescents' awareness of the dangers of binge drinking. The study suggests that these types of activities could play a crucial role in preventing excessive alcohol consumption among young people.
A cross-sectional study reveals significant racial disparities in unintentional overdose mortality, with Black individuals facing an increased burden of mortality. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach targeting social, physical, economic, and policy risk environments.
A study by the University of the Basque Country has detected potential biomarkers in the blood that could help predict the risk of developing schizophrenia due to cannabis use. The researchers found significant differences in fatty acid content between cannabis users, individuals with schizophrenia, and those with dual diagnoses.
A recent study found that nearly one-tenth of US adults using prescription stimulants have a prescription stimulant use disorder. Additionally, one-fourth of users reported misuse, suggesting potential progress in addressing the mental health care gap for middle-aged women.
A new rat study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that biological differences in males and females may contribute to the gender disparity in opioid misuse. Female rats with chronic pain showed no increase in opioid intake, whereas male rats increased their fentanyl consumption over time.
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.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that a proposed US Drug Enforcement Administration rule could prohibit more than 4,500 tele-buprenorphine initiations for patients with opioid use disorder. The rule requires an in-person visit with the tele-initiating clinician prior to or within 30 days after tele-initiation.
Researchers found accelerated decreases in stigmatizing terminology after high-level federal guidance and continued decreases after NIDA issued similar guidance. Despite progress, one in four abstracts still contained stigmatizing language in 2023.
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.
The grant will train undergraduate and graduate nursing students in substance abuse disorders to address the opioid crisis in Georgia. Researchers aim to equip nurses with the skill and empathy needed to help alleviate the effects of the opioid epidemic.