Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Researchers at Washington State University found that offering prizes can be an effective, low-cost treatment for alcohol abuse among individuals with serious mental illness, reducing tobacco and drug use. The study's findings could expand treatment options for millions of Americans, particularly those from native populations.
A growing global concern, nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young people is linked to increased deaths from opioids and stimulants. The misuse of these medications can cause serious health problems and even lead to overdose.
Researchers found that cocaine users are more likely to engage in risky sex when under the influence, citing 'sexual impatience' as a key factor. The study suggests providing condoms to drug users is crucial in preventing the spread of STIs.
The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that black and Hispanic patients, as well as unemployed individuals and those with hepatitis C, are more likely to disengage from treatment programs for opioid dependence. Long-term engagement in therapy is crucial for treating this chronic condition, similar to hypert...
A study by Stacey Sigmon found that an Interim Buprenorphine Treatment regimen significantly reduced illicit opioid use and psychological symptoms in waitlisted adults. The treatment involved daily monitoring calls and bi-weekly clinic visits, resulting in excellent adherence rates.
A UCLA study found high rates of moderate-to-high drug use in East Los Angeles (19.4%) and Tijuana (5.7%). Screening could steer people away from risky drug use with just a few minutes of counseling.
A recent study found that less than half of Mount Everest climbers report using medications on climbs, with acetazolamide being the most commonly used to prevent altitude sickness. The research suggests that rumors of widespread drug abuse among climbers are unfounded and that medication use is primarily for legitimate health purposes.
The 2016 Monitoring the Future survey reveals a significant decline in teen substance use, particularly among eighth graders, with past year use of any illicit drug at its lowest ever. Marijuana use also shows a promising trend, with past month rates dropping to 5.4% among eighth graders.
A Colorado study found that self-harm was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths from 2004 to 2014. Researchers urge more mental health care for new mothers after delivery to reduce such deaths.
Researchers found unemployed workers had the highest risk of misusing prescription opioids, while those out of the workforce entirely were most at risk for misusing prescription stimulants. Nonmedical prescription opioid use costs the US $42 billion in lost productivity annually.
A Washington State University-led study explores the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, with the goal of developing new treatments. The research aims to understand which comes first: pain or poor sleep, and whether improving sleep can alleviate pain symptoms.
A new study found nearly five deaths per 1000 employed Australian health care professionals were caused by drugs from 2003-2013. The majority of these deaths involved females in their mid-40s with a mental health condition and the intent to self-harm.
A study found that only about 5% of collected controlled medications were susceptible to abuse, while the majority consisted of non-controlled substances. The research suggests that these programs may not be as effective in reducing the availability of controlled medications as initially thought.
A study found hospital admissions for heart attacks in New Orleans were three times higher after Hurricane Katrina compared to before the storm. The study identified additional health problems among post-storm patients, including increased risk of drug abuse, psychiatric diseases, and poor medication adherence.
Researchers led by Mark Greenwald will explore whether buprenorphine can decrease stress responses in recovering addicts, potentially helping avoid relapse. The four-year study aims to identify new therapeutic features of the medication and its impact on stress reactivity.
A new study reveals the detailed structure of the human CB1 receptor, a key target for cannabinoids. The findings provide clues to mechanisms by which certain chemicals produce longer-lasting effects and offer guidance for designing novel medications that specifically target portions of the receptor.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that non-medical use of prescription drugs, particularly anxiolytics/sedatives, can lead to negative sexual events among college students. Over 14% of students who misused these drugs experienced regretted sex, and 7.1% reported being victims of sexual assault.
Researchers have been awarded a grant to develop a novel medication that can erase memories associated with addiction. The drug candidate, blebbistatin, has shown promise in animal models by producing a permanent loss of meth-associated memories without affecting other types of recall.
RTI International is studying Appalachian states' opioid prevention and treatment policies to develop evidence-based recommendations. The study will analyze existing public health policies, identify best practices, and inform practical strategies for improving opioid-related programs and services.
A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics finds a significant link between mental illness and genetic risk for substance involvement. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to mental illness are also more likely to develop problematic usage patterns of licit and illicit substances.
A study found that men who gamble are more likely to act violently towards others, with the most addicted gamblers at greatest risk. The research also showed a strong association between gambling and violence, even after adjusting for other factors.
A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive paper-based device to screen suspicious medications, detecting signs of adulteration or degradation. The device uses a $1 paper card with 12 lanes of reagents to identify potential quality issues, offering a cheap alternative to expensive analytical instrumentation.
A study found that regulating sodium permanganate and closing a chemical company in Mexico led to large reductions in cocaine users and methamphetamine users in the USA. These impacts have lasted for approximately eight years, with little recovery in numbers.
A study of Chinese adolescents found a strong association between nonmedical use of prescription drugs and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The researchers also discovered that misuse of opioids and sedatives was linked to subsequent suicide attempts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant racial disparity in opioid prescriptions for black patients with vague pain-related conditions, suggesting discrimination and potential unintended consequences. Researchers used the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine five-year data from 2007-2011.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that college students who misuse prescription stimulant medications are more likely to exhibit clinically relevant psychiatric dysfunction. The report also highlights immediate-release stimulants as a particular risk factor for misuse.
A comparative study found nonmedical prescription drug use in Europe, particularly among men and those with unemployed status. The study also discovered poly-drug use involving sedatives or opioids, especially among women with psychological distress.
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 University of Illinois research project is examining the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) in helping young adults stay sober after substance use treatment. MBRP targets negative emotions and cravings, fostering greater tolerance of stress and reducing relapse.
Research by Princeton University found that ADHD medication can reduce risks such as sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and injuries in children and teens. The study analyzed Medicaid claims of nearly 150,000 children with ADHD in South Carolina between 2003 and 2013.
A new probe allows for pinpoint brain temperature measurements in moving lab animals, precision measured to a fraction of a degree. The probe's small size enables spatially precise temperature readings from small brain areas, paving the way for real-time monitoring of brain temperature after traumatic brain injury or stroke.
Researchers found that subdermal buprenorphine implants maintained low to no illicit opioid use among currently stable opioid-dependent patients. The study showed that 72% of participants who received buprenorphine implants and 64% of those who received sublingual buprenorphine maintained opioid abstinence over six months.
A study found that over half of elderly adults take five or more chronic medications daily, with underuse occurring in 67% and misuse in 56%. This can lead to increased risks of mortality and hospitalization.
Researchers argue that MDMA's molecular targets could lead to new treatments for disorders like autism and PTSD with less abuse liability. Studies have shown some promise in treating PTSD, aiding patients in forming a stronger bond with a therapist.
A study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Maine's pharmacists were not utilizing its prescription-monitoring program, which could increase patient safety. Meanwhile, a second study suggests that local 'drug take-back' programs can increase public awareness and usage.
The federal government restricts externally valid scientific research on Cannabis sativa due to its Schedule I classification. This limits the potency and variability of THC in approved products, hindering studies on its therapeutic benefits and risks.
A new study found that state laws restricting prescription opioids had no measurable effect on opioid use among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. The analysis revealed no significant association between state laws and hazardous prescribing patterns.
Researchers found that wearable biosensors can detect opioid use by tracking physical changes such as decreased movement and rising skin temperature. The devices may be useful for monitoring developing opioid tolerance and detecting relapse in rehab patients.
A new study published by University of Toronto researchers found that childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse are associated with twice the odds of drug dependence. Chronic parental domestic violence exposure also remained significantly associated with both drug and alcohol dependence.
A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nonmedical prescription opioid use more than doubled among US adults from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013, affecting nearly 10 million Americans. This increase is linked to a substantial rise in opioid use disorder, with symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and im...
A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.
A national sample of 10,000 US adolescents found that exposure to abuse and domestic violence before age 11 increased the likelihood of drug use in adolescence. Childhood trauma was particularly harmful, with a greater number of traumatic experiences associated with an increase in risk for marijuana and other drugs.
A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.
Millions of Americans take long-term opioid medications to manage chronic pain, but transitioning away can be complex and anxiety-provoking. However, study participants reported improved quality of life after the transition, highlighting the importance of intensive support from family and healthcare providers.
A recent Georgia State University study found that e-cigarettes are not living up to their promise as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes. Most former cigarette smokers who tried e-cigarettes continued to use them, but nearly 58% reported e-cigarettes were unsatisfying and stopped using them.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that 87% of patients misusing drugs and alcohol suffer from chronic pain. Many use substances to alleviate physical pain, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that loperamide, a key ingredient in Imodium, is being abused by people seeking to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms or euphoria. The medication's safety is compromised when used in high doses, leading to cardiac dysrhythmia and death.
Experts weigh the benefits of expanding buprenorphine prescribing, citing its effectiveness in reducing opioid mortality rates, but also raising concerns about misuse and diversion. Proposed strategies aim to ensure safe and effective use while promoting quality care.
Researchers found a 72% increase in opioid-related hospitalizations between 2002 and 2012, with serious infections rising 91% and health care costs nearly quadrupling to $15 billion. The study highlights the significant impact of opioid abuse on the US hospital system and health care costs.
A UBC study found that taking psychedelic drugs like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA reduced the rate of domestic battery among released inmates. The observational study followed 302 inmates for six years, suggesting a potential public health benefit.
Dr. Lyons-Weiler examines successes in biomedical translational success, including breast cancer receptor research and individualized treatments, as well as problems with modern healthcare. He also critiques examples of 'Shamwizardry' in the pharmaceutical industry.
A University of California, Berkeley study found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a 10.6 times higher mortality rate than their peers, mostly due to suicide and substance abuse. The study's main author notes that stigma kills and highlights the need for on-demand access to substance abuse treatment.
Researchers found that individuals who inject drugs are more likely to relapse during treatment, while those starting opioid abuse at an older age have a lower risk. The study suggests tailoring treatment to each patient's needs and targeting aggressive therapies for high-risk patients.
A world-first study by QUT finds that drugs used to treat nicotine addiction can also reduce sugar cravings and consumption. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating our relationship with sweetened food, and may represent a novel new treatment strategy for obesity.
Common Parkinson's disease medications can cause impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling, compulsive buying and binge eating in some patients. Alternative treatment strategies include adjusting medications, deep brain stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Researchers at UTA have discovered a new approach to alleviate chronic pain by stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain with wireless devices. This breakthrough reduces pain signals in the spinal cord and triggers the release of dopamine, which may help reduce emotional distress associated with long-term pain.
A study published in the Endocrine Society reveals that anabolic steroid abuse is associated with severe blood pressure increase and hypertension. The research found that daytime and nighttime blood pressures were higher among ongoing AAS abusers compared to former abusers and non-users.
A Scripps Research Institute team has received a $3.4 million grant to develop new therapeutics for addiction and mood disorders. The project focuses on the kappa opioid receptor, which helps regulate dopamine release, aiming to create potent new compounds with minimal side effects.