Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers highlights the increasing problem of prescription drug abuse among youth, with males and high school students at a higher risk. The study found that pro-social behaviors, such as strong connections with parents and teachers, can reduce the odds of abusing prescription drugs.
A six-month study reveals Adderall mentions spike sharply during final exam periods, with peaks on Dec. 13 and April 30, and peak use among college and university clusters in the northeast and south regions of the US. Tweets also reveal co-ingestion with other substances like alcohol and stimulants.
Researchers from Sweden have successfully identified 12 substances in the breath of patients using a commercially available breath sampler. The study found high detectability for most drugs even 24 hours after intake, suggesting roadside breath testing as a promising alternative to blood and urine tests.
Researchers found that adolescents are less sensitive to the aversive effects of MDPV bath salts and exhibit different physiological responses, such as lower dopamine levels and decreased body temperature. These findings suggest that adolescents may be more vulnerable to the use and abuse of these drugs.
A national study found that one in four teens has misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime, with stimulants contributing to the sustained Rx epidemic. The Partnership at Drugfree.org reports that nearly a quarter of teens mistakenly believe that misusing prescription drugs is safer than using street drugs.
Researchers investigated the recreational use of HIV antiretroviral drug efavirenz, which is commonly used to treat HIV. Studies found that its diversion for psychoactive effects can lead to adverse neuropsychiatric complications and potentially create resistant strains of the virus.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that tasting beer without alcohol stimulates dopamine release in the brain, associated with drinking and other drug abuse. Participants with a family history of alcoholism showed increased responses, suggesting an inherited risk factor for alcoholism.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that varenicline significantly improved abstinence rates compared to bupropion and placebo. Smokers who took varenicline experienced better emotional functioning and lower levels of sadness, regardless of whether they abstained from smoking or not.
A new UBC study reveals that North American service workers are more likely to retaliate against rude customers, while Chinese workers disengage from customer service altogether due to cultural differences. The study suggests that companies must be mindful of these cultural variations when expanding globally.
A recent study by GW researcher Mudit Tyagi explores the impact of cocaine on HIV replication and transmission in brain cells. Cocaine use has been linked to a more severe onset of NeuroAIDS, and researchers believe that gene expression of integrated HIV proviruses are influenced by this type of stimulation.
A study reports a rising rate of propofol abuse among health care professionals, characterized by rapid onset and quick recovery time, with most abusers being women with depression and history of childhood trauma. The study suggests that propofol abuse can lead to unintended side effects, including physical injuries and loss of control.
Clinical guidelines suggest monitoring patients closely for harm using urine drug testing, pill counts, and prescription data. Careful management balances pain relief with the risk of addiction and overdose.
Researchers found that moderate pain can be perceived as comforting when it's the lesser of two evils. The brain processes pain differently depending on context and expectation. This study may lead to new ideas for treating chronic pain and substance dependence.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) was more effective than Counseling as Usual (CAU) in reducing days of substance abuse among highly motivated African-American participants. However, lower-motivated participants showed better outcomes with CAU programs.
Community-based prevention programs implemented during middle school years significantly reduced prescription medication abuse among young adults. The study found reductions of 20-65% compared to control groups, with interventions also shown to reduce other substance use and problem behaviors.
A 30-year study of nearly 400 men found that nearly one-third of major depressive episodes were seen only while they were drinking heavily. Heavy drinking is often mistaken for depression, but the symptoms typically resolve within weeks to a month of abstinence.
A study reveals racial differences in chronic pain management, with black patients experiencing less frequent pain level documentation and more urine drug tests. This may impact the effectiveness of pain management for black patients who overcome barriers to opioid prescriptions.
Researchers found a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use among adolescents with ADHD histories compared to those without. The study also showed that current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse.
Research found Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage before age 45 compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study revealed that Native Hawaiians were 54 years old when they had a hemorrhagic stroke, whereas non-Hispanic whites were 68 years old, highlighting the disparity in vascular health.
Researchers found that modafinil improved response inhibition in patients with initially poor impulse control, but had a detrimental effect in those with low initial impulsivity levels. The study suggests personalized medicine approaches may be necessary when prescribing modafinil for treatment of alcohol dependence.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 35% of parents are very concerned about misuse of narcotic pain medicines by children and teens. Despite rising rates of abuse and overdoses, most parents do not support policies to discourage misuse or return unused medications.
Researchers have found a nearly eight-fold increased risk of death from cocaine abuse due to interactions between specific gene variants and cocaine exposure. The variants affect dopamine modulation in the brain, which is also targeted by medications for psychiatric disorders.
A recent study found that drug abuse impairs sexual performance in men, even after years of abstinence. Researchers evaluated four areas of sexual performance and discovered that speedball and cocaine abuse prevailingly affect sexual pleasure, while heroin significantly impairs orgasms.
The Monitoring the Future survey reveals that 6.5% of high school seniors smoke marijuana daily, while perception of marijuana's harmfulness is down among teens, signaling future increases in use. Long-term NIH-funded study shows a significant drop in IQ between ages 13-38 for those who used cannabis heavily in their teens.
The overprescription of opioids is contributing to increased fatal drug overdoses and diversion to the illegal market. Researchers recommend a shift towards alternative pain management approaches.
A new neuroimaging study suggests that negative messages are not an effective way to deter drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among those who are substance-dependent. The study found that the brains of substance-dependent individuals show lower brain activity in response to negatively framed messages, leading to riskier decisions.
A study found reformulated ER oxycodone has significantly lower abuse rates through non-oral routes of administration. Data from 140,496 individuals assessed for substance abuse treatment showed a 20-month reduction in abuse rates.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that about half of addiction counselors in the US now find moderate drug use acceptable as an intermediate goal, while one-third consider it acceptable as a final goal. However, for clients with severe dependence, limits on consumption are still widely rejected.
A breakthrough in drug development has led to the creation of a vaccine against methamphetamine, which could potentially treat meth addiction. The vaccine, called MH6, was tested on rats and found to be highly effective at blocking the typical effects of meth intoxication.
A University of Cincinnati study found that adolescent males are at a higher risk of reporting long-term use of over-the-counter drugs compared to their female peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 54,000 students, highlights the growing concern of over-the-counter drug abuse among young people.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are creating a laboratory test to detect key components of bath salts in biological samples. The new test will target eight common synthetic cathinones found in the substance, which poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and forensic toxicology labs.
A Vanderbilt University study found that a widely-used diabetes medication can reduce the rewarding effects of cocaine, potentially offering new hope for addiction treatment. The findings suggest that this medication could be effective in treating other stimulant addictions as well.
A multi-agency collaboration is being implemented to provide evidence-based services to high-risk population, including parenting programs and trauma treatments for children of substance abusers involved in the DeKalb County Drug Court. The goal is to improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.
Boston Medical Center is implementing a two-year grant program to train healthcare providers in Massachusetts about incorporating screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol and other drug use into their practices. The program aims to reduce risky behavior and promote early intervention and prevention strategies.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription pain medications at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. The prevalence of prescription pain medication abuse among the current generation of youth is higher than any generation ever measured, driven by factors such as ...
Researchers propose innovative treatments for alcohol dependence, including motor rehabilitation to increase inhibitory control and environmental enrichment to reduce craving. These approaches aim to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the health and social costs associated with addiction.
A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.
Current evidence suggests ketamine regenerates damaged brain cells, providing immediate relief from symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. Understanding its mechanism could lead to the development of a new class of antidepressants.
A new study led by researchers from UCLA School of Nursing found that nursing interventions and art messaging programs can significantly decrease substance abuse among homeless youths. The study revealed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogen use.
The new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, apply to every patient 65 years and older as defined by Medicare regulations. The guidelines cover 13 key issues of preoperative care for the elderly, including cognitive impairment, decision-making capacity, and medication management.
A University of Kentucky study investigated the habit-forming properties of tramadol, a popular pain medication. Researchers found that participants rated tramadol highly, suggesting an increased potential for abuse, even at doses above the normal therapeutic range.
A new report outlines best practices for US states to improve their effectiveness in curbing prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths. The study found that proactive approaches, such as analyzing data and sharing information with prescribers and law enforcement, can prevent painkiller misuse and reduce fatal overdoses.
A centralized prescription network, PharmaNet, implemented in British Columbia pharmacies reduced inappropriate prescriptions for opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. The study found a 33-49% reduction in potentially inappropriate prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines in patients on social assistance and seniors.
Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that a traumatic upbringing during childhood is linked to impulsive and compulsive personality traits, increasing the risk of drug dependence. The study examined 50 adults with cocaine dependence and their biological siblings, finding a direct relationship between traumatic childhoods ...
A GW professor is studying the correlation between genetics and susceptibility to drug abuse. He will use genomics expertise to investigate morphine addiction in mouse models, focusing on changes in brain genes that may lead to addiction.
A Rhode Island Hospital researcher found that electronic prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs) may influence medical care and detect opioid abuse. PMP users were more likely to refer patients to treatment and monitor them with urine screens.
A recent study by University of Colorado researchers found that 73.8% of adolescents in substance abuse treatment used medical marijuana recommended to someone else. Regular use of medical marijuana began at a younger age among these patients, and they had more severe symptoms of marijuana abuse and conduct disorder.
Scientists monitor interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia to identify potential red flags for relapse. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach using multi-drug therapies.
Research finds that grateful teens experience increased happiness, less depression and delinquency, and improved attitudes towards life. Over a four-year period, teenagers who developed greater gratitude showed significant improvements in well-being.
Researchers analyzed jailhouse phone calls between men charged with felony domestic violence and their victims, revealing that violence often followed accusations of sexual infidelity. The study also found chronic stressors like unmet mental health needs and traditional gender roles contributed to abuse.
A 15-year study found that oppositional behavior in childhood, particularly inattention, is strongly correlated with substance abuse in adulthood. Oppositional traits like irritability and disobedience increase the risk of tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine abuse by 1.4-2.9 times.
The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the risks of misuse and addiction associated with long-acting and extended-release opioids. The plan includes requirements for prescriber continuing education and patient counseling, aiming to reduce opioid abuse in the US.
Researchers have designed efficient enzymes that can metabolize cocaine, potentially preventing its physiological effects and aiding in treatment of drug dependency. The development of these enzymes is crucial for the creation of anti-cocaine medication.
A recent study published by researchers at UCSF found that increasing dopamine levels in the frontal cortex significantly decreased impulsivity in healthy adults. The study used a medication approved for Parkinson's disease to raise dopamine levels and measured its effect on decision-making tasks.
A dual-vaccine model addressing heroin abuse and HIV could treat addiction while preventing infection, says NIDA. The proposal combines hapten-based vaccines for a potent adjuvant formulation, inducing high-titer antibodies to heroin.
Three scientists, Drs. David Smith, Samuel Friedman and Jeremy Luban, will study how to prevent transmission among the newly infected and identify genetic influences in disease progression. Their research aims to develop novel systems for mapping patterns of new HIV infections and preventing stigmatization.
New study reveals that mephedrone activates brain's reward circuits similarly to cocaine, increasing addictive potential and compulsive drug taking. The findings justify maximum restriction of bath salts access by the FDA.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that long-term use of ADHD drugs does not affect brain development or increase susceptibility to substance abuse. Researchers found no differences between animals treated with Ritalin and those in a control group, providing reassurance for parents and clinicians.
Researchers found that OxyContin's abuse-deterrent formulation significantly reduced inhalation and injection, prompting users to switch to heroin. The study reveals a surge in heroin use across the US, with overdose risks increasing due to dealers cutting heroin with other substances.
A team of researchers has identified the natural receptor in the brain where GHB binds, shedding light on its physiological function and potential risks. This discovery opens up new research opportunities, including the development of targeted pharmaceuticals with reduced side effects.