Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Researchers found that targeting high prescribers of Schedule II controlled substances with informative letters did not significantly reduce overprescribing, but the study's findings still have important implications for policymakers aiming to curb prescription drug misuse.
A University of Florida Health study found that 88% of teens who misused prescription stimulants got them from someone else. The study also highlighted differences in behavior and friend networks between those who exclusively used stimulants non-medically and those who reported both medical and non-medical use.
A study by Eva Cuypers and colleagues found that washing away external contaminants from hair samples can cause cocaine to migrate into the hair shaft, leading to false positives in hair analysis. This new insight could have implications for future hair analyses.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that monthly monitoring and support from pain specialists increased PCP confidence in prescribing opioids, improved patient compliance, and enhanced communication between practitioners. The research highlights the benefits of careful monitoring and pain management support within primary c...
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that healthcare providers' concerns about prescription drug abuse can lead to changes in prescribing and dispensing practices. The survey of nearly 6,000 health professionals revealed a majority were very concerned, but some dentists were relatively unconcerned.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that adults who use marijuana are five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder compared to those who do not. The study also suggests that marijuana use can increase the likelihood of existing alcohol use disorders persisting over time.
A new study found that while prescriptions for Adderall remain unchanged among young adults, non-medical use and emergency room visits have risen significantly. The majority of non-medical use comes from family or friends, with 60% of cases occurring among 18-25-year-olds.
A clinical trial found that modulating the endogenous opioid system improves serotonin-targeting antidepressant therapy effectiveness in patients with persistent depression. The combination drug ALKS-5461 produced significant symptom improvement, with lower doses showing stronger effects.
MIT neuroscientists identify the brain region responsible for feelings of loneliness and increased sociability after isolation. This discovery provides a starting point for studying loneliness-like states and their neural mechanisms.
A recent survey found that almost 20% of respondents reported some form of non-prescription medicine misuse or abuse over their lifetime. The study also highlights the risk factors associated with such behavior, including younger age and long-standing illnesses.
A new study in veterans found that the threshold for safe prescribing may be lower than most people think, with overdose victims receiving higher doses on average. Lowering top prescription strengths below a 100 MEM threshold could benefit those at risk of an overdose while affecting few patients who aren't at risk.
A new study has developed a painkiller that targets the same opioid receptor as morphine but with fewer side effects. The peptide-based drug produced longer pain relief without respiratory depression and impaired motor coordination, unlike morphine.
A recent study found that medical provider training, new clinic policies, and tapering opioid use can significantly reduce the level of opioid medication used by patients. However, women had less success with the tapering approach. The research also highlighted the need for close collaboration between doctors, pharmacists, and patients...
A new study found that prenatal methamphetamine exposure can lead to targeted behavioral issues, but a supportive home environment significantly decreases their severity. The study surveyed 290 children and found strong relations between prenatal methamphetamine exposure and rule-breaking behavior.
A new randomized controlled trial at Brown University found that combining the drug topiramate with psychological counseling significantly reduced marijuana use among young smokers. However, many participants struggled with the medication's side effects, leading to dropout rates of 60%. The study suggests that medications can help redu...
A Temple University study found that an opioid prescribing guideline significantly decreased prescription rates for minor conditions and chronic noncancer pain in acute care settings. The guideline was implemented in January 2013 and resulted in a high degree of statistical significance across all age groups and complaint categories.
A Michigan State University study reveals that 14- and 15-year-olds are at a higher risk of becoming dependent on prescription drugs within a year after using them beyond the prescribed amount. The research also confirms that peak risk for starting to use prescription painkillers is seen at 16 and 17 years old.
Researchers have identified a key brain circuit involved in ketamine's antidepressant effects, offering hope for the development of fast-acting and sustained treatments for depression. The discovery could potentially reduce the risk of suicide among patients and provide a safer alternative to current medications.
The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey found decreasing use of illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids and heroin, among teens. Marijuana use remained stable, but perception of its harms continued to decline. Prescription opioid abuse and tobacco product use also decreased, while e-cigarette use remained a concern.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the majority of opioid prescriptions are distributed by large numbers of general practitioners, not just a small group of specialists. The top 10 percent of opioid prescribers account for 57 percent of prescriptions, similar to the overall prescribing pattern for all drugs.
Researchers at University at Buffalo find that motivational interviewing significantly reduces the risk of opioid misuse and abuse among older adults with chronic pain. The intervention increases motivation, self-efficacy, and confidence in changing behavior, while also decreasing depression and anxiety.
The University of Kentucky has received $6 million in funding to further develop a potential treatment for cocaine abuse. The project, led by Professor Chang-Guo Zhan, aims to create a novel enzyme that can neutralize cocaine in the bloodstream using molecular modeling technology.
A new University of Michigan study found that kids and teens taking ADHD medications are twice as likely to be bullied by peers than those without ADHD. Middle school students who sold or shared their medications were four-and-a-half times more likely to be victimized.
Unused prescription drugs contribute to water pollution and drug abuse when flushed down toilets or left in medicine cabinets. Local governments are creating take-back programs to collect pharmaceuticals, requiring drug companies to install containers at pharmacies.
Experts warn that easily accessible online prescription sleeping tablets pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The BMJ report highlights the need for regulatory authorities to ensure websites comply with medicines regulations.
A University of Georgia study finds that tobacco addiction in adolescents is often overlooked due to lack of stigma. Researchers recommend treating tobacco cessation treatments for adolescents with substance abuse issues and implementing more counselor training.
A survey of 15,000 patients at treatment centers found that many drug abusers use both heroin and prescription painkillers. The study suggests that regional variations exist in the use of these substances.
Researchers found significant variation in opioid prescription rates across BC health areas, with highest volumes correlating to overdose deaths. The study suggests that changing prescribing practices and monitoring sales can help address the issue.
Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...
The prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription opioids decreased among adults in the US from 2003 to 2013, while the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorders and related deaths increased. The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address nonmedical use of prescription opioids and heroin abuse.
A recent study reveals that Android root exploits are easily abused and can be repackaged in malware. The researchers found that few exploits can be detected by mobile antivirus software, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Treatment for opioid use disorders remained low in the US during 2004-2013, with only 18.8% of individuals receiving care. Inpatient and office-based treatments increased significantly over the decade.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the percentage of people getting treatment for opioid abuse and dependence has remained stagnant, despite a significant rise in overdose deaths. The researchers found that only 20% of individuals with a drug use disorder were in treatment during this period.
Dr. Yan Dong receives the $25,000 award for his contributions to understanding how drugs of abuse alter brain communication and mediate relapse behavior. He has identified key brain regions and mechanisms involved in motivation and reward.
A majority of Americans support policies to control opioid painkiller abuse, including better medical training, patient verification, and treatment. The study found that most people blame doctors and abusers for the crisis, with broad backing for most policy recommendations.
Risk assessments can help identify patients most likely to abuse opioids by reviewing family history, lifestyle, and environment. Clinically useful guides like the Opioid Risk Tool offer good predictive value for physicians.
A primary care-based program has been shown to lower patients' substance dependence and encourage treatment engagement. The program's success was attributed to medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine, and addressing underlying depression.
The National Practice Guideline offers specific guidance on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of opioid use disorders. Medication options include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with recommendations for patient monitoring and follow-up.
Research finds that rural adolescents are 35% more likely to abuse prescription painkillers in the past year compared to urban teens. The study suggests that limited medical care and emergency room prescriptions contribute to this issue.
Research shows that long-term abstinent heroin users experience persistent brain dysfunction in the nucleus accumbens region. This altered activity may trigger intense cravings for drugs in response to stressors or environmental cues.
A new NIH-funded study reveals a possible link between e-cigarette use and initiation of tobacco use among teenagers. Students who used e-cigarettes by the time they started ninth grade were more likely to start using combustible tobacco products within the next year.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
A recent study analyzed prescription claims data in Florida and Georgia, finding modest decreases in opioid prescribing and use after implementation of the state's pill mill law and prescription monitoring program. The reductions were most pronounced among patients and providers with high levels of opioid use at baseline.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that areas with a higher density of marijuana dispensaries experience a greater number of hospitalizations involving marijuana abuse and dependence. Hospitalizations with marijuana abuse or dependence codes increased from 17,469 in 2001 to 68,408 in 2012.
Research reveals that wastewater discharge concentrations of cocaine, morphine, and oxycodone remain relatively consistent downstream, indicating ineffective removal by treatment plants. The findings emphasize the importance of improving wastewater treatment to protect potable water sources.
A new study found that long-term stimulant abuse had more significant effects on brain volume in women compared to men. Women who were previously dependent on stimulants showed significant loss of gray matter volume and vast changes in brain structures important for decision making, emotion, and reward-processing.
A new study published in Radiology found that substance abuse has long-term effects on brain volume in women, with significant reductions in gray matter volume in several brain areas. In contrast, men showed no such brain changes after abstinence from stimulant use.
Researchers say combining educational messages about naloxone with sympathetic narratives can increase public support for its wider availability. The study found that people who heard humanizing stories of addiction were more likely to support policies for naloxone distribution.
Researchers identified nicotine use and substance abuse as top risk factors for long-term opioid use. Patients with these histories should proceed with caution when offered opioid prescriptions, says lead author W. Michael Hooten.
A commentary in CMAJ argues that tamper-resistant opioids will not address the root causes of opioid addiction and overdose. Experts call for an evidence-based, multifaceted strategy to curb opioid-related harms.
A new NYU study reveals that using marijuana to alleviate boredom increases the risk of reporting powder cocaine or hallucinogen use, while 'experimentation' is associated with lower risk. Infrequent use does not increase risk, and most teens who use marijuana do not progress to using other drugs.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded six researchers $300,000 per year for five years to support innovative studies on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. The Avenir Award Program supports creative individuals who wish to pursue research approaches for improved prevention and treatment.
Primary care physicians incorrectly thought that abuse-deterrent pills were less addictive than standard counterparts, despite evidence showing they are equally addictive. The study highlights the importance of patient and provider education regarding abuse-deterrent products.
American physicians with buprenorphine waivers can increase access to effective medication-assisted treatment for heroin and prescription painkiller addiction. The study found a 74% increase in potential access to treatment from 2002 to 2011, reducing rural disparities.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that clinicians are hesitant to prescribe naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, due to concerns about its effects and potential risks. Despite its promise as a tool to prevent deaths, logistical challenges and clinician reluctance hinder widespread adoption.
A study suggests that consumers often ignore active ingredient labels on OTC medicine boxes, leading to potential overdoses. Participants with medical expertise correctly weighed the risks of combining medications, while those without did not.
A national study of over 240,000 teens found that prescription stimulant misuse peaks between 16-19 years old. Education programs should start in middle school to prevent such misuse.
A new national poll finds that more U.S. adults are concerned about prescription painkiller abuse than heroin, with nearly four in ten knowing someone who has struggled with addiction. The poll also reveals differing views on government action and treatment coverage, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address the crisis.
A high school student's project identifying novel compounds for pain relief won the top NIH Addiction Science Award. The project also analyzed the toxicological effects of e-cigarettes on lung cell viability and the impact of smartphone dependence on stress and anxiety in developing adolescents.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have been awarded a $2.4 million grant to expand development of new pain medications that utilize the same biological target as morphine but with fewer side effects. These new compounds aim to reduce respiratory suppression and persistent constipation associated with current opioid drugs.