Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
A recent study by USC researchers found that nearly everyone who used heroin transitioned to drug injection in about six months, contributing to the hepatitis C epidemic. The trend is largely driven by heroin's potency and affordability, making it a more attractive alternative to opioids.
Researchers have been working on optimizing and reformulating vaccines to target specific immune responses in individuals prone to relapse. Recent clinical trial data suggests that these new formulations may be effective in preventing opioid relapse.
Researchers found that gabapentin is being mixed with other substances to produce euphoria, and some users are turning to it after crackdowns made it difficult to obtain opioid prescriptions. The medication's low cost and increasing popularity have contributed to its misuse, highlighting the need for further study on its abuse potential.
Middle-aged white Americans and rural communities are disproportionately affected by the alarming drop in US life expectancy. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as social mobility decline, economic hardship, and distress over losing stability, highlighting the need for policymakers to address these conditions.
A new study from UT scientists finds that buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, can impair the ability of obese mice to vary their breathing. This discovery may encourage similar studies in humans, who also need to achieve tasks like climbing stairs and respond to challenges such as disease and surgical stress.
The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge has awarded $10,000 prizes to five innovative concepts addressing drug abuse and addiction. The top ideas include digital therapies, augmented reality coaching systems, and virtual reality prevention tools.
The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU Anschutz Medical Campus receives a $1.5 million grant from the Colorado Health Foundation to advance its mission to reduce misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in Colorado.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that the duration of opioid treatment is a more potent predictor of abuse and overdose than dosage among patients with no history of recent or chronic opioid use. Longer treatment spells increase the risk of dependence, abuse, or overdose by up to 20% each additional week.
A new study finds that surgery patients taking opioids for extended periods are at higher risk of abuse and overdose, while the duration of treatment is a more potent predictor than dosage. Researchers analyzed over half a million records to quantify opioid misuse following surgery.
A new study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that tamper-resistant oxycodone tablets had no significant effect on rates of opioid use or harms at a population level. However, the study did find that people who inject drugs were less likely to tamper with the tablets, suggesting a potential benefit for this group.
A new patient education brochure has been shown to increase proper disposal rates of unused opioids among surgical patients, with adults receiving the brochure disposing of their medications at a rate of 22 percent compared to 11 percent among those who did not receive it.
The 2017 NIH Monitoring the Future survey shows that nearly one in three 12th graders use some kind of vaping device, with significant declines in hookah and cigarette use. Meanwhile, teen opioid misuse has reached historic lows, with past year misuse of Vicodin dropping to 2% among high school seniors.
Researchers used brain scans to analyze how people at risk of drug use process anti-drug messages. They found that certain neural connections in the brain predicted which messages were most persuasive, improving accuracy for high-risk participants.
A new intervention by Dr. Stacey Sigmon reduces illicit opioid use and injection drug use among waitlisted patients by providing daily medication via a computerized dispenser. This regimen allows patients to start potentially life-saving treatment immediately, while waiting for access to comprehensive counseling services.
Two studies comparing buprenorphine and naltrexone found that both medications are equally effective in preventing relapse and reducing illicit opioid use. However, naltrexone can be more difficult to initiate due to the 'detox hurdle' faced by many patients.
A new study found that under 5% of those referred for opioid treatment from the criminal justice system were directed to medication-assisted programs, while 40% of clients referred by other sources attended these programs. This referral gap highlights a missed opportunity for effective treatment among at-risk groups.
Researchers found that fasudil, a drug that inhibits Rho kinase, promotes goal-directed behavior in mice by pruning dendritic spines, a process involved in learning new behaviors. The treatment showed promise in reducing cocaine self-administration and could be an effective adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for treating drug abuse.
A California survey found that physicians and pharmacists significantly increased their use of the state's prescription drug monitoring program, CURES, following a law mandate update and registration requirement. The study suggests that education and outreach efforts can drive greater compliance with the law.
Research reveals that online products sold as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may contain unapproved substances or incorrect amounts. Most products did not match label information, highlighting the need for greater regulatory oversight of these appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs.
A critical review of existing literature reveals that social media big data can be used to monitor and intervene on behalf of people with drug addiction and abuse problems. Researchers have developed an evidence-based framework to inform future social media-based substance use prevention and recovery programs.
Researchers are developing abuse-deterrent opioids with special coatings or infusions to make them harder to misuse, but at a higher cost. Novel painkillers and powerful opioid detectors are also being developed to help combat the crisis.
A study of 9,588 VA patients found that heart failure linked to meth use increased from 1.7% in 2005 to 8% in 2015, with notable differences in ejection fraction and coronary artery disease between users and non-users.
A new study concludes that extended-release naltrexone and buprenorphine-naloxone are equally safe and effective in curtailing opioid use, relapse, treatment drop-out, and overdose. Researchers found similar 24-week relapse rates for both medications, with craving for opioids lower in the naltrexone group.
A study comparing buprenorphine/naloxone and extended release naltrexone found similar outcomes among patients who initiated medication. However, initiating treatment with naltrexone was more challenging due to detoxification hurdles.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy that lasts for over eight months, reducing methamphetamine in the brain and its stimulant effects. The therapy generates antibodies against meth, preventing it from reaching the brain.
Researchers found that neurons in the brain's 'reward center' fired more rapidly in response to alcohol when estrogen levels were high. This increased sensitivity may play a role in the development of addiction in women, particularly during certain stages of their menstrual cycle.
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.
Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.
Researchers found significant decreases in both substance-use disorders and delinquent behaviors among teens from 2003 to 2014. The study suggests that changes in adolescent behavior are driving these declines, rather than policies alone.
A study by NYU Meyers College of Nursing found that over a quarter of teens taking Adderall on their own do not report using amphetamine. This underreporting may lead to an underestimate of the actual prevalence of nonmedical amphetamine use.
A new study found that nearly 9% of bariatric surgical patients continue to use prescription opioids one year postoperatively, compared to 6% in general surgical populations. Surgeons must identify high-risk patients and adjust prescribing practices to prevent addiction.
A national analysis shows that opioid abuse remains disturbingly high, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans abusing prescription opioids. Experts urge caution and education to combat the epidemic.
A new tool developed at the University of Michigan provides guidance on prescribing powerful opioid pain medications to surgery patients. The Opioid Prescribing Recommendations for Surgery are based on data and surveys from surgery patients across Michigan, aiming to prevent chronic opioid use and addiction.
Research at Sam Houston State University found that home-brewing techniques using unwashed poppy seeds can produce lethal doses of morphine. The study reveals the potential danger of consuming moderate volumes of poppy seed tea, which can lead to overdose or death.
A recent study led by Stanford Medicine researchers found a significant decrease in hospital admissions for prescription opioid overdoses, but an increase in heroin and synthetic opioid poisonings. This shift suggests that individuals misusing or addicted to prescription opioids are switching to these alternative drugs.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded UCLA a $5 million grant to create a resource center for researchers studying the effects of substance abuse on HIV/AIDS. The Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities will connect researchers with access to millions of pieces of research data and lab samples.
Researchers have developed a wireless sensor and smartphone app that can detect amphetamines in human urine in seconds, with unprecedented sensitivity and low risk of false-positive results. The prototype device is portable enough to be worn as a bracelet and costs around $50 to produce.
Scientists have developed a new sensor that can detect minute concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine, allowing for real-time drug screening. The sensor uses a pumpkin-shaped molecule to bind with the drugs, triggering an electrical signal that appears on a smartphone screen.
A new class of medicine may help treat cocaine and nicotine addiction by reducing glutamate neurotransmission in the brain. The grant will allow researchers to further characterize their lead compound and complete preclinical studies prior to clinical trials.
Researchers warn of the dangers of cannabinoid abuse, particularly seizures, caused by synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-018. A potential treatment with CB1R antagonist AM-251 has been proposed for cases of cannabinoid overdose.
A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a significant rise in pediatric patients testing positive for opioid addiction or dependency in US emergency departments. The number of ED visits by children aged 21 and younger increased from 32,235 in 2008 to 49,626 in 2013.
A review suggests using a holistic and multimodal approach to treat acute pain in patients with opioid dependence. The recommended strategies include education for healthcare providers and patients, screening tools to assess risk factors, and psychological tools such as relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new study finds that brief interventions in a primary care clinic can reduce patients' risky substance use by 40%, with the greatest impact on Latino patients. The intervention, which included advice and counseling, resulted in two fewer weekends of drug use per month.
A recent study found that while marijuana use amongst youth has remained relatively unchanged, admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities have increased. Researchers attribute this rise to a heightened perception of high-risk behavior among young people, particularly as states legalize marijuana.
A new study by Drexel University found that opioid users are 50% more likely to receive treatment and have it paid for by insurance under Obamacare. The study analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, showing a significant increase in access to care and insurance coverage since the ACA's implementation.
A survey found that many physicians are unwilling to increase their use of buprenorphine, citing lack of time and reimbursement as major concerns. Providing access to counseling services for patients and mentoring for physicians could help boost prescription rates.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ADHD medication use is associated with a lower risk of substance abuse in adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from nearly 3 million people with ADHD and found a 35% lower risk in men and a 31% lower risk in women.
A national survey of rural physicians found significant barriers to prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, including time constraints and lack of mental health support services. The study calls for tailored strategies to address these barriers and support physicians in providing Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment.
A systematic review reveals widespread self-medication misuse in the Middle East, with pharmacies selling up to 97% of antibiotics without a prescription. The study emphasizes the need for improved policies and education to address this issue.
A new review investigates the relationship between pain and opioid misuse, revealing that pain can drastically change the brain's natural opioid system. The study aims to understand how pain affects addiction treatment, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective treatments for chronic pain.
A new study estimates that heroin users have a significant impact on society due to premature death, lost productivity, and chronic infectious diseases. Heroin use was estimated to cost US society over $51 billion in 2015, with the cost per user exceeding $50,799 per year.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched an initiative to tackle the opioid crisis, focusing on developing better overdose reversal and prevention interventions, finding new medications and technologies to treat addiction, and creating safe strategies for managing chronic pain.
A new study found that participants in the PROSPER program showed a significant reduction in lifetime use of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. The program also reduced prescription drug misuse and reported lower levels of drug-related problems among young adults.
A systematic review finds that criminalizing drug use has negative health effects, including increased HIV transmission and overdose rates. The study suggests that alternative strategies and policies are needed to address the harms associated with drug use.
A recent study found a substantial correlation between increased prescriptions for pregabalin and gabapentin and rising overdose deaths. These drugs have become abuse-prone when used with heroin or other opioids, especially due to their association with feelings of loss of control and enhanced heroin effects.
A new USC-led study suggests that the prescription opioid epidemic is creating a heroin epidemic, which may lead to an injection drug use epidemic. The study found that individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s are more likely to progress from first illicit drug use to drug injection than previous generations.
Cornell researchers find that state databases tracking opioid prescriptions lead to a decline in abuse among Medicare recipients. Doctor shopping and excessive prescription refills also decrease in states with stricter laws.
A national survey by Michigan State University found that less than half of Americans can recognize anxiety, and nearly 8 in 10 do not recognize prescription drug abuse as a treatable problem. The survey aims to educate health officials and policymakers on where to target prevention efforts for major societal issues.
New research examines how genetics contribute to the metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids, increasing risk for severe effects. Understanding this connection could lead to targeted treatments and antidotes.
A new study found that patients with opioid use disorder in general healthcare settings are more than 10 times as likely to die as those without substance abuse problems. The mortality rate was also higher among older patients and those with comorbid health conditions.