Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
Teenage cigarette and alcohol use has declined to its lowest point since the survey began in 1975, with 18.7% of 12th-graders reporting current cigarette use. However, alternate tobacco products, marijuana, and prescription drug abuse continue to be concerns, with high rates of abuse reported among teens.
A recent study has found that PROMETAT, a popular but controversial treatment for methamphetamine addiction, is no more effective than placebo in reducing methamphetamine use. The study, funded by the company behind the treatment, Hythiam, suggests that the program may not be an effective solution for those struggling with addiction.
A long-term study of VIVITROL, a medication for opioid dependence, found sustained efficacy over 18 months in patients who received the treatment in combination with psychosocial support. The study showed improvements in opioid-free urine screens and reductions in opioid craving.
A large-scale study found that sustained buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) treatment reduced prescription painkiller abuse by 49% in patients with addiction. However, once the medication was discontinued, relapse rates were high, highlighting the need for sustained recovery strategies.
A large-scale study has shown that Suboxone is the most effective treatment for prescription opioid addiction, with 49% of participants benefiting from the medication. Despite this finding, relapse rates were high once the medication was discontinued, highlighting the need for continued research on long-term use.
A new study finds that White and Hispanic teens are more likely to abuse drugs than African-American teens, with marijuana being the most heavily used substance among teenagers. The study also reveals significant disparities in substance use disorders across racial and ethnic groups.
A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could explain how tobacco products act as gateway drugs, increasing the risk of abusing cocaine. The study shows that nicotine primes the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine.
The NYU College of Nursing is launching a five-year study to test and link care among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Kenya. The project will leverage the country's new needle syringe program to deliver rapid HIV testing, point-of-care CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence support.
A Wayne State University researcher is using a three-year grant to examine the links between stress and drug use in heroin users. The study aims to understand how pharmacologically induced stress affects decisions to seek money or drugs.
A new study found that African-American women were more likely to continue a counseling approach to treating substance abuse, but their issues continued. The study suggests that Motivational Enhancement Therapy may be effective in reducing drug abuse, particularly among African-American men.
Research finds that women in prison are more likely to turn to drugs due to abuse and marginalization, highlighting the need for institutional change and support systems. The study suggests that addressing socioeconomic issues and providing alternatives to criminal activity can help prevent female incarceration.
A study found that individual differences in response to caffeine may predict how people respond to other stimulant drugs, including amphetamine and cocaine. Caffeine 'Choosers' reported more positive effects of d-amphetamine compared to 'Nonchoosers'.
The Tobacco Control Act National Longitudinal Study of Tobacco Users will follow over 40,000 users of tobacco products and those at risk for tobacco use. The study aims to evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on risk perceptions and other tobacco-related attitudes.
A single high dose of psilocybin has been shown to induce significant and lasting changes in personality, particularly openness, in nearly 60% of participants. The study found that these changes were comparable in magnitude to those observed over decades of life experiences.
A systemic review found atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone to be effective for behavioral symptoms in dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. However, evidence did not support their use for substance abuse or eating disorders, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing.
Researchers found significant benefits of atypical antipsychotics in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and behavioral symptoms in elderly patients with dementia. However, evidence for efficacy was insufficient for treating eating disorders, substance abuse, and insomnia.
Two scientists, Dr. Thomas Kosten and Dr. Peter Burkhard, will receive funding to develop a vaccine against methamphetamine addiction and a peptide nanoparticle nicotine vaccine. The vaccines are expected to undergo initial clinical trials within the next five years.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in medication poisoning cases among young children, with opioids and sedatives being the most commonly ingested substances. The PROTECT Initiative aims to improve storage devices and child-resistant closures to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
Researchers at UCSF found that mice lacking a specific enzyme are less responsive to nicotine and alcohol, suggesting a promising target for a dual treatment approach. The discovery could lead to medications that reduce reward craving in people struggling with addiction.
Teenagers frequently take medications without targeted information about risks and benefits. Pharmacists need to enhance communication to address anxiety, confusion, and misconceptions. Effective communication can also promote family well-being in vulnerable populations.
Scientists have created new tests to identify the source of emerging designer drugs, such as 'bath salts' and synthetic cannabinoids. The tests use isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to trace the production of these substances, which can cause euphoria, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Researchers found that a dysfunctional co-signaling system between glutamate and dopamine in the brain increases cravings for both natural substances like sugar and abused drugs. This can lead to addiction, as the brain becomes hypersensitive to rewards.
A study using mice reveals how a specific gene variant could contribute to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers found that the D4.7 variant of the dopamine D4 receptor subtype was not able to interact with another brain region in a way that reduces glutamate release, leading to symptoms of ADHD.