Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new online training module improved medical student clinical skills in evaluating chronic pain, with 93% of exposed students passing an exam compared to 60% of non-exposed students. The module is the first curriculum resource created through the NIH Pain Consortium's Centers of Excellence in Pain Education program.
The NIH has awarded $500,000 per year for five years to Drs. Stephen Waggoner, Heinrich Gottlinger, and Melanie Ott to research strengthening the immune system's ability to fight HIV infection and improving long-term immune health in HIV-infected drug users.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that 77 percent of super-frequent ED users have a substance abuse addiction. Researchers also discovered that pain-relief narcotics were the most commonly abused substances among women. Implementing case management strategies and funding for substance abuse programs may help alleviate the problem.
A high school student's project found significant increases in nicotine on surfaces after vaping, even if the user wasn't exposed to the e-cigarette. The study also explored cognitive control in multitaskers and identified potential medications for various diseases.
Participants in a 12-week pilot program received monthly naltrexone injections and set their own treatment goals, resulting in decreases in alcohol craving (33%), consumption (25-34%), and problems associated with alcohol use (60%). The counseling approach was non-judgmental and focused on participants' individual goals.
Researchers found extended-release Naltrexone to be more effective than other medications in reducing substance abuse and hospital admissions. The medication offers significant savings due to lower healthcare utilization costs.
A recent review warns of the dangers of smart drugs on young people's developing brains, highlighting the potential for long-term impairments and decreased brain plasticity. Methylphenidate and modafinil, two popular smart drugs, have been found to cause these effects in young brains.
A study found that parental disapproval is associated with lower rates of prescription drug misuse, particularly in African American and Hispanic teens. Strong parental disapproval of substance use was a stronger factor for these groups than peer attitudes.
A study of over 80,000 patients found that antipsychotic medication reduced violent crime rates by 45%, while mood stabilisers lowered rates by 24%. The findings suggest that these medications can help prevent violence in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Vital medications for treating opioid addiction are underutilized in addiction treatment services, but HHS agencies are working to encourage their use. Medications can be used with behavior therapies to help drug users recover and remain drug-free.
The report highlights the importance of sharing prescription monitoring data with third-party payers to detect inappropriate prescribing and dispensing, ultimately reducing opioid abuse and deaths. The recommendations aim to enhance insurer capabilities in monitoring prescribing patterns and improving patient safety.
A recent study published in The ANNALS found that more than 30% of undocumented migrant laborers are victims of labor trafficking, while 55% experience other forms of labor abuse. The research highlights the importance of improving working conditions for vulnerable workers and addressing the root causes of exploitation.
A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.
A new study from the University of Vermont aims to provide timely access to effective treatment for Vermont's waited-listed opioid-dependent individuals. The treatment 'package' involves five key components, including buprenorphine maintenance therapy and innovative technology for safe medication administration.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute receive $472,500 grant to study impact of pain medication exposure in womb on developing brain. The two-year study will use rodent models to understand how subtle changes in brain wiring might lead to later changes in behavior.
A Wayne State University professor has received a nearly $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate proteasome and parkin as potential pharmaceutical drug targets for treating methamphetamine-abuse related neurotoxicity.
Researchers found that joining a gang in adolescence significantly increases risk of incarceration, receiving illegal income, and struggling with drug abuse in adulthood. Former gang members were also more likely to have lower education levels and poorer health.
Researchers found that opioid prescriptions stabilized after tripling between 1999 and 2008, but the impact of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) varies significantly by state. Nine states showed significant decreases, while eight experienced increases in MMEs dispensed per capita.
Two studies found that homosexuals and bisexuals are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with a risk compounded by childhood abuse. Non-heterosexual victims were also more likely to experience substance abuse and health issues compared to heterosexual victims.
Research examining opioid painkiller use reveals that individuals initially obtain medications from friends and relatives, but as usage increases, prescriptions from physicians become a common source. The study emphasizes the importance of judicious prescribing practices to curb serious health issues.
A study by New York University finds that high school seniors, normally at low risk for marijuana use, reported intention to try marijuana if legal. The researchers anticipate a 5.6% absolute increase in lifetime prevalence among this age group.
A new study of 11,000 teenagers found that combining school-based Life Skills Training with home-based Strengthening Families program significantly reduced prescription drug abuse rates by 10%. The six-year study also identified the most cost-effective programs, with Life Skills Training costing just $15 per child.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a wide range of dangers associated with synthetic marijuana use. The substance has been linked to altered mental status, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties, resulting in over 263 emergency room visits in Colorado alone.
A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that heavy marijuana users had abnormal changes in their brain structures related to working memory, performing poorly on memory tasks. The study suggests that chronic marijuana use may contribute to changes in brain structure associated with schizophrenia and potentially impair motivation.
The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that one in eight students took prescription opioids recreationally, while 14% reported driving under the influence of cannabis. Hazardous drinking among youth remains a concern, with 8% reporting injuries or harming others while intoxicated.
A new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that smokers addicted to cocaine or methamphetamine can quit smoking while being treated for their stimulant addiction. The study showed that treating tobacco addiction may reduce negative health consequences and improve substance use disorder treatment outcomes.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that police activities in Thailand, including urine drug testing and coercive tactics, may lead to riskier behaviors among people who inject drugs. The study, conducted in Bangkok, highlighted the need for better integration of public health policy with policing activity.
The American College of Physicians recommends clinical and administrative changes to deter prescription drug abuse while maintaining patient access to treatment. The guidelines advocate for physician, patient, and public education on the harms of medical and nonmedical use of prescription drugs.
Researchers found that oxycodone is the most popular drug due to its high quality, while hydrocodone remains a favorite despite lower euphoric qualities. Hydrocodone's popularity stems from its affordability, ease of access, and perceived safety, making it an attractive option for risk-averse users.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found long-term cocaine abuse linked to deficits in parts of the brain monitoring behavior, suggesting targeted treatments based on quantifiable biological abnormalities. The study's findings challenge clinical assumptions about addicted individuals' motivations and behaviors.
Research suggests that nicotine withdrawal is driven by a specific group of neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus. Therapies targeting these cells may help people quit smoking. The findings also hint at potential interactions with other substance-use disorders.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Josѐ A. Vazquez emphasizes the need for improved education on antibiotic use to combat multidrug-resistant organisms. The overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and communities contributes to resistance, which can spread through casual encounters.
A survey of 6,725 Swiss university students reveals that around 13.8% have tried neuroenhancement with prescription medication or drugs at least once during their degrees. The most commonly used substances were alcohol and methylphenidate.
Novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction show promise, while research reveals underlying brain mechanisms driving compulsive disorders like addiction and pathological gambling. Understanding these processes may lead to non-pharmaceutical interventions and new treatment approaches.
Studies suggest novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction are effective, with magnetic stimulation helping smokers quit and reducing rats' motivation to take heroin. Chronic pain also increases the risk of overdose among people with addiction, according to research findings presented at Neuroscience 2013.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people with drug-related criminal records in Norway have a significantly higher mortality rate, up to 15 times higher than those with no record. The study also found that even prisoners without substance abuse problems had nearly twice the mortality rate of non-offender populations.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that access to healthcare in counties with more dentists and pharmacists is associated with higher rates of opioid abuse. The study concludes that the structure of local healthcare systems plays a key role in determining community-level access to opioids.
A study found that teenagers in the child welfare system have a higher risk of abusing marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs compared to their counterparts outside the system. Parental involvement is a key factor in reducing this risk, with youth who feel supported by parents being less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.
A new University of Michigan study finds that 10.4% of teens and young adults treated in the emergency room admitted to misusing prescription painkillers or sedatives at least once in the last year. The study suggests that emergency departments could be an effective setting for screening and intervening early before problems arise.
Researchers discovered that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in specific brain areas after exposure to addictive drugs. The study suggests that ERK activation is necessary for long-term synaptic plasticity and may be a suitable target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in response to chronic drug use and plays a key role in long-lasting behavioral adaptations. ERK activation can be prevented by pharmacological blockade, suggesting a potential target for treating addiction.
A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine finds that doctors abuse prescription drugs primarily for 'self-medication' to manage physical or emotional pain, stress, and psychiatric symptoms. The study highlights the importance of addressing self-medication as a key reason for prescription drug abuse among physicians.
A new study found that even long-term abstinence from cocaine does not result in a complete normalization of brain circuitry. Former cocaine users showed differences in reward processing and impulsivity compared to healthy controls, indicating pre-existing risk factors for addiction.
A study published in Medical Care reports a sharp increase in opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain, while safer alternatives like ibuprofen and acetaminophen have either stayed flat or declined. The study highlights the need for re-evaluation of pain treatment approaches that prioritize non-opioid and non-pharmacologic treatments.
A new study finds no improvement in pain treatment with rising opioid prescriptions, despite efforts to increase awareness and alternative treatments. Non-opioid analgesics have plateaued or declined in many cases.
A new study reveals that 10-20% of people with substance abuse problems also have significant gambling issues, which often go untreated due to lack of targeted programs. The review highlights the need for unique approaches to encourage participation in research and treatment.
Three NIH scientists, Drs. Warner Greene, Richard Sutton, and Timothy Cardozo, receive $500,000 each to support groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research. Their projects focus on modifying the immune response to prevent further CD4 T-cell loss, identifying protective genes against HIV infection, and developing a combined cocaine/HIV vaccine.
Researchers found that food-restricted mice exhibited increased susceptibility to cocaine and other illicit drugs due to heightened dopamine neuron firing in the substantia nigra region. This association may help develop new treatments for psychostimulant abuse by targeting adaptations in brain function.
Research suggests that brain dopamine responses to alcohol ingestion may serve as a neurobiological marker of vulnerability to AUDs. Individuals at high risk showed increased brain dopamine, while those at low risk showed decreased dopamine levels. This finding could help identify individuals at higher risk for developing AUDs.
Researchers found that rats fed high-fat or high-sugar diets during pregnancy weighed more as adults, drank more alcohol, and had stronger responses to abused drugs. Exposure to sugar-rich diets before birth or nursing increased sensitivity to amphetamine and hyperactivity.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a promising new compound, 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI), which targets the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to reduce dopamine release and potential side effects. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in developing effective drugs for addiction with fewer side effects.
Researchers are developing a brain implant that senses dopamine levels and suppresses reward signals to treat and possibly cure drug abuse. The device will be tested on anesthetized laboratory rats next month.
A new study found that childhood abuse can have life-and-death consequences for the rest of a person's life, with severe-to-extreme abuse contributing significantly to future suicide attempts. The study used a longitudinal design and found strong associations between abuse and lasting mental health impacts well into adulthood.
Emergency physicians used a new tool to assess drug-seeking behavior in the emergency department with an accuracy rate of 87%, according to a recent study. The use of prescription monitoring programs data helped reduce changes in prescribing plans from over 35% to less than 10%.
Researcher Thomas Perls warns of Gerovital H3's resurgence in the US due to unregulated internet marketing. Despite FDA ban in 1982, some clinics are now advertising the drug for anti-aging benefits.
Researchers identified a key brain enzyme, prohormone convertase 2 (PC2), involved in opioid addiction. PC2 regulates endogenous opioids in the brain, leading to increased mu opioid receptor expression.
The PROSPER program, a community-based initiative, reduces prescription drug misuse and other substance use among young adults by up to 65% when implemented in middle school. The program's effectiveness is attributed to its timing, which aligns with the developmental stage of early adolescents.
A comprehensive study by UCLA researchers found that children with ADHD who take medications like Ritalin are not at greater risk of using alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, or cocaine later in life. The study analyzed over 2,500 children and concluded that medication use has no significant association with future substance abuse.