Articles tagged with Drug 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.
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.
Researchers have developed a new method to assess psychoactive compounds' effects on eye movements in mice, which can be used to predict efficacy and detect side effects. This approach shows promise for guiding more efficient drug development for brain-related conditions.
Group Health developed care plans for nearly 6,000 patients receiving long-term opioid therapy, standardizing use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. The initiative aimed to enhance prescribing safety and improve care for patients with chronic pain.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that methamphetamine use fuels HIV infection risk among teenage boys and young men who have sex with men. Nearly one-third of meth users reported sex with an HIV-infected person, highlighting the need for HIV prevention programs to factor in substance abuse.
A Drexel University study reveals that misuse of prescription painkillers is a pathway to injecting drugs, particularly among young people with a history of opioid use. The research found common factors like family history of drug misuse and access to prescriptions contributed to the initiation of prescription drug misuse.
A Temple University study found that urban residents' rates of borrowing prescription medication were comparable to the national average, challenging stereotypes about lower socioeconomic groups. The majority of borrowed medications were for convenience and obtained from friends or family members.
Researchers focus on HIV cure research, highlighting the need for proactive outreach programs to prevent transmission in injecting drug users. The conference also emphasizes the importance of improving maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop a highly successful vaccine against heroin high, producing antibodies that stop the effects of heroin and its metabolites. The vaccine shows promise for those trying to break their heroin addiction, with only three out of seven rats self-administering heroin after booster shots.
A recent study reveals that dentists play a significant role in opioid drug abuse, with many not aware of the risks or proper prescribing guidelines. The research calls for dentists to take steps to reduce leftover painkillers, discuss medication use with patients, and utilize prescription monitoring programs to prevent misuse.
Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2011 NIDA International Program Awards of Excellence winner. He is recognized for his commitment to mentoring scientists in patient-focused drug abuse research and treatment.
A recent study found high rates of injection drug use among urban Canadian Aboriginal youth, particularly women, with 70% of hepatitis C virus and 60% of HIV infections attributed to this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for prevention programs tailored to this population, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and its...
A study funded by NIH has found a brain pathway that could be targeted to help people quit smoking without gaining weight. The research identifies a specific subclass of nicotinic receptor involved in nicotine's ability to reduce food intake.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $2.2 million grant to develop novel therapeutics for treating substance abuse. The researchers aim to disrupt the addictive cycle by targeting the kappa opioid receptor, which plays a critical role in drug addiction.
Researchers used molecular imaging to visualize changes in the brains of heavy marijuana smokers versus non-smokers, finding a decreased number of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Chronic cannabis smoking caused downregulation of these receptors, but they returned to normal when subjects stopped smoking.
Researchers discovered that male voles in established relationships displayed less interest in amphetamine compared to single counterparts. The study found changes in the brain's reward system depending on relationship status, with paired voles showing reduced D1 receptor binding and increased dopamine release.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Southern California found that states with increased high-speed internet access saw larger increases in prescription drug abuse admissions. The analysis suggests that easy online availability of controlled drugs may contribute to the soaring abuse levels.
Three new vaccine formulations show potential in preventing long-term relapse and reducing costs associated with methamphetamine addiction. The formulations produce a good immune response in mice, offering a unique approach to treating the highly addictive substance.
A retrospective cohort study found that early antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces mortality among HIV-infected adults with tuberculosis. Additionally, the inclusion of five psychotropic medicines in emergency health kits addresses a fundamental inequity in mental healthcare during humanitarian emergencies.
Advanced CT with 3-D scanning enhances detection of ingested or hidden contraband items, improving law enforcement efforts to combat international drug trafficking. This technology also helps healthcare professionals identify medical complications and prevent hazardous internal problems for drug smugglers.
A Northwestern University study found that many people are unaware of the active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. The researchers suggest developing a universal icon for acetaminophen to raise awareness and prevent misuse.
A recent NIH-funded study demonstrates that moderate levels of secondhand smoke deliver nicotine to the brain, increasing vulnerability to nicotine addiction. The study's findings support policies banning smoking in public places, particularly around children.
In 2007, US unintentional drug poisoning deaths reached epidemic proportions, with prescription opioid overdoses driving the crisis. Opioid pain medications are involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a CDC report.