Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
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.
A Baylor University study found a strong causal link between methamphetamine use by parents and an increase in child maltreatment and foster care placements. The research used data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System to analyze the effect of methamphetamine production restrictions on foster care admissions.
Researchers found that former drug traffickers often want to quit due to safety reasons, family ties, and personal growth, but struggle to relinquish power and status. The study suggests policies addressing socioeconomic conditions, cultural values, and the demand for illicit drugs are needed to help traffickers leave the trade
A contingency management program significantly improves smoking reduction and abstinence in drug-dependent pregnant women. The study found that nearly half of the participants met a 75% reduction target and a third achieved total abstinence.
A recent NIH study found that HIV-positive young men are more likely to experience low bone mass than their peers. Regular monitoring, exercise, and sufficient vitamin D intake can help prevent future fracture risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing bone health in this vulnerable population.
The Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists are warning of the impending loss of specialist libraries and databases due to continued closures. Over 25 libraries worldwide have been downsized or closed since SALIS' campaign began eight years ago, with valuable grey literature and documents at risk of being lost forever.
The DSM-5 combines abuse and dependence diagnoses into a single disorder, requiring two or more symptoms. Critics argue that this change may lead to over-diagnosis and deviation from international diagnostic standards. Proponents claim it simplifies diagnosis for clinicians and laypeople alike.
A five-year study of nearly 200 youths found that treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing drugs later on. The study, led by John Curry at Duke University, found that only 10% of those who responded to treatment within 12 weeks later abused drugs, compared to 25% of those who did not respond.
Researchers found that genetic variations in nicotinic receptor genes affect an individual's likelihood of quitting smoking on their own or requiring medication. The study suggests personalized treatment plans can improve quit rates, particularly for those with high-risk gene variants.
The increasing misuse of prescription opioids has led to a four-fold rise in individual use since the mid-1990s, resulting in nearly three-quarters of fatal drug overdoses being due to prescription drugs. Experts recommend expanded prescription drug monitoring programs to identify potential abusers and protect pain patients.
Researchers found that Exendin-4 significantly minimizes damage in TBI animal models when administered shortly after the incident. The breakthrough discovery is a step towards developing a cocktail of medications to prevent as much brain damage as possible following injury.
The British Association for Psychopharmacology has released updated guidelines for treating substance abuse and addiction, focusing on pharmacological management. The new guidelines provide a comprehensive review of evidence-based practices for practitioners to optimize clinical decisions.
A new tool has been developed to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about which drugs to include in health care formularies. The tool, consisting of a checklist with 48 questions, evaluates the evidence of need, efficacy, medication safety, and other factors.
A University of Michigan study found that discarding unused medications in trash is a more environmentally friendly option than taking back programs. The researchers compared emissions from three disposal methods and concluded that landfilling was the best option due to its lower environmental impact.
Researchers warn of the risks of MXE, a dissociative drug similar to ketamine, as it spreads quickly online and is often sold as a legal alternative. The study highlights the need for greater international collaboration to address the issue of easily accessible psychoactive drugs.
A study found that varenicline significantly reduced average number of drinks per week by 36% in participants assigned to take the drug. The effects on drinking behavior were separate from its effects on smoking.
Concordia engineers develop a decision-making approach that considers factors like traffic, drainage system efficiency and seismic risk to prioritize bridge maintenance. The new method has the potential to reduce costs by avoiding costly repairs later on and promoting sustainability.
Researchers examine interaction between Ibudilast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and MA, an addictive stimulant, in the first Phase I clinical safety trial. The study aims to determine the effects of Ibudilast on heart rate and blood pressure when combined with relevant doses of MA.
Researchers found that chronic cocaine users lost about 3.08 ml brain volume per year, almost twice the rate of healthy volunteers. The accelerated age-related decline was most prominent in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, important regions associated with attention, decision-making, and self-regulation as well as memory.
Researchers found that drug use and sex with multiple partners were common behaviors among men who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. The study highlights the need for prevention programs targeting substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among parolees.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that most teenagers who use alcohol and drugs start using them during adolescence, with the median age of onset at 14 years old. By late adolescence, nearly three-quarters of teens reported having consumed alcohol, and one-fifth had met criteria for lifetime abuse.
Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a protein complex involving toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation protein receptor 2 that triggers unwanted neuroinflammation in response to morphine. This finding has implications for developing new drugs to increase morphine effectiveness while preventing abuse.
Researchers found that ex-prisoners often relapse into drug use due to poor social support, economic challenges, and readily available drugs. However, 'protective' factors like structured treatment programs, spirituality, self-help groups, and family can strengthen them against relapse.
Scientists at Salk Institute find that a single injection of cocaine or methamphetamine produces a long-lasting cellular memory trace, which could be the brain's way of resisting powerful psychostimulants. This protective response might be harnessed to treat addiction, according to the study.
A Swedish study found a significant increase in drug abuse among adopted children with biological parents who had a history of substance abuse. The study suggests a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of adoptive home environment and family relationships.
A VCU study found that dysfunctional family environments can augment genetic risk for drug abuse in adoptees, even with no biological parent history of addiction. The research used a large adoption sample from Sweden and demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on the liability to drug abuse.
A report in Mayo Clinic Proceedings calls for abstinence-based recovery for HCPs with opioid addiction due to concerns over drug diversion and abuse. The authors argue that abstinence is the criterion standard for HCPs in recovery and recommend delaying their return to clinical practice until studies demonstrate safety.
Researchers aim to create potent pain relievers with reduced side effects by studying four new compounds that avoid recruiting the protein beta arrestin 2. Genetic studies have shown animal models lacking beta-arrestins experience robust pain relief with diminished side effects.
A new report from Drexel University School of Public Health identifies patterns in the misuse of illicit drugs among young adults who also misuse prescription drugs. Common prescriptions for opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants preceded illicit drug use, while using both types of drugs simultaneously was common.
New Johns Hopkins research shows that providing recovery housing coupled with day treatment significantly increases the chances of remaining drug-free six months later. Participants who received housing and day treatment had a nearly 10 times higher chance of staying abstinent than those released from detox with minimal assistance.
A new study finds that varenicline increases the negative effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking in heavy-to-moderate social drinkers. This effect could reduce bingeing and other forms of abuse. Varenicline may be an effective treatment for individuals with both nicotine and alcohol dependence.
A new analysis of hundreds of doctor-patient visits found that physicians and nurse practitioners frequently use lecturing and ordering instead of engaging in open-ended discussions to address medication non-adherence. Problem-solving conversations were rare, even among patients who acknowledged lapses in adherence.
A genetic variation has been found to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome in children taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications, characterized by high blood pressure and elevated fasting blood sugar levels. The study aims to prevent and manage metabolic complications associated with these medications in childhood.
The new resource, Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask, highlights critical questions people should ask when choosing a treatment program. It recommends five key questions to help individuals and families make an informed choice during a stressful time.
A newly discovered brain mechanism reveals that cocaine triggers a signaling pathway that activates HDAC5 to limit its rewarding effects and reduce the development of addiction-related behaviors. This finding may lead to new strategies for treating addiction by modulating this protective process.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that collaborative behavioral management can reduce substance abuse among convicted marijuana users who are paroled. The intervention, called Step'n Out, provided incentives for good behavior through a system of points and positive reinforcers.
Emerging evidence-based interventions can make drugs less available, reduce violence in drug markets, and lessen misuse of legal drugs. The Lancet Series on Addiction suggests that policy makers should focus on interventions with the largest potential population effect and strongest evidence of effectiveness.
The authors argue that Internet pharmacies play a substantial role in prescription drug abuse due to their ease of access and lack of regulation. Increasing physician awareness and education on the dangers posed by these pharmacies is crucial to addressing the issue.