Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A multicenter clinical trial found that long-acting naltrexone injections significantly reduced opioid relapse and overdose risk compared to counseling alone. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of extended-release naltrexone as a treatment option for individuals with opioid addiction.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found that extended-release naltrexone significantly prevented relapses in men with previous criminal justice system involvement. The study showed a significant reduction in heroin and opioid use, as well as no overdoses during the six-month treatment period.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Lancet report finds that harsh drug control policies increase the risk of death from overdose, restrict access to medications, and undermine public health. Decriminalization of minor and non-violent drug offenses is a key recommendation.
A new report by The Lancet and Johns Hopkins University calls for decriminalizing non-violent minor drug offenses, strengthening health and social services for drug users, and implementing evidence-based approaches to drug policy. The report finds that the 'war on drugs' has harmed public health, human rights, and development.
New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.
Research by University of York scientists shows how ketamine causes inflammation and cell death in the bladder, leading to cystitis. The studies found that direct contact with urinary ketamine is critical to the toxicity, ruling out systemic factors.
A comprehensive study of delinquent youth found that non-Hispanic whites are 30 times more likely to abuse cocaine than African Americans. Substance use disorders were common among both males and females, with marijuana being the most prevalent substance use disorder during young adulthood.
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.
Researchers report unusual rugby injuries, including acetabular fractures and hip dislocations in young players. A man also developed distorted vision after inhaling poppers for the first time. Additionally, a patient developed a rare liver abscess after routine dental cleaning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.