Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
A new mouse model closely resembles the human body's reaction to early HIV infection, showing inflammatory responses, changes in brain cells, and neuronal loss. The study is a breakthrough in understanding how HIV affects brain functioning in its initial stages.
A recent special issue of Neuron examines the complexities of addiction research, highlighting genetic vulnerability, neuronal transmission, and behavioral treatments. The study reveals profound changes in behavior and suggests that therapeutic strategies should focus on reversing cognitive deficits.
Using amphetamines like Benzedrine and Dexedrine may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The research, which followed 66,348 participants in northern California, found that those who used these drugs were nearly 60% more likely to develop the condition.
A study by University of Granada researchers found that drug-abusers have difficulty recognizing negative emotions, such as wrath, fear, and sadness. Regular substance abuse is also linked to cognitive impairments, including fluency, decision-making, work memory, and reasoning.
Researchers found that mice with chronic morphine exposure showed decreasing physical dependence during abstinence, but developed depressive-like symptoms. Treatment with antidepressant fluoxetine prevented these symptoms.
A new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that retired NFL players misuse painkillers at a higher rate than the general population, with 7% currently using opioid drugs. The study also found that players who experienced undiagnosed concussions were more likely to misused opioids.
Researchers have found that cognitive training can improve working memory and reduce addiction by teaching individuals to think ahead. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used an approach borrowed from rehabilitation of stroke or traumatic brain injury patients.
A new study reveals that 12% of American male weightlifters aged 18-40 use illicit HGH, often associated with AAS and street drug abuse. The long-term risks of high-dose HGH use are little studied but may include cardiac, endocrine, and respiratory effects.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique to visualize cellular changes in deep brain regions, providing insight into addiction and brain tumors. The study used time-lapse fluorescence microendoscopy to track structural changes in neurons over weeks.
Researchers have developed a long-lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice using a unique vaccine that combines bits of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine. The approach may offer a simple way to break and reverse cocaine addiction, potentially useful for treating other addictions as well.
Researchers found a genetic variant associated with a threefold increase in susceptibility to severe cocaine abuse among white individuals. The variant affects dopamine modulation in the brain and sets up a vicious circle leading to craving and heavy abuse.
Research suggests that MDMA produces empathogenic effects, increasing feelings of friendliness, playfulness, and loving feelings in individuals. However, it also reduces the ability to recognize facial expressions of fear, potentially leading to increased social risk-taking.
A recent study found that moderate alcohol drinkers were more likely to engage in computer tasks to receive high doses of amphetamines, indicating increased vulnerability to stimulant effects. The researchers suggest that moderate drinking may sensitize individuals to the reinforcing effects of amphetamines.
A recent study found that prescription rates for controlled medications nearly doubled among young adults and adolescents over the past 14 years. This increase was observed across multiple settings and demographics. Researchers attribute the trend to evolving pain management policies and increased awareness of mental health issues.
Research reveals high-fat diets cause lasting brain changes impairing healthy eating. Food and drugs of abuse engage the same brain systems, highlighting potential treatments for obesity and addiction.
The Hastings Center researchers and coauthors examine the challenges of providing health services to detainees in drug detention centers. They argue that leaders of health-related organizations should assess whether their programs promote health or exacerbate conditions.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that non-medical prescription drug use is more prevalent among rural teens compared to urban peers. The study analyzed data from 17,872 adolescents and found that 13% of rural teens reported ever using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes, compared to...
Researchers have mapped the atomic structure of the M2 channel, a key protein in the flu virus. By understanding how protons move through this channel, scientists can develop new drugs to block its reproductive role and combat influenza.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that intense, passionate feelings of love can significantly alter mood and impact pain perception. The research found that love-induced analgesia involves primitive aspects of the brain, activating deep structures to block pain at a spinal level.
A Phase 3 trial showed patients receiving Probuphine had significantly less illicit opioid use and fewer withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo. The innovative implant formulation provided a steady, round-the-clock low dose of buprenorphine over six months.
A $250,000 CDC grant supports a Rhode Island Hospital study exploring the effectiveness of statewide prescription monitoring programs in reducing accidental overdose deaths involving prescription opioids. The study aims to provide valuable public health data on medication access and abuse patterns.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that brain abnormalities may underlie the development of antisocial behavior and drug abuse in boys. The research found significant differences in brain activity between antisocial boys and their peers, including reduced activity in regions responsible for decision-making and reward process...
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has awarded $2.5 million to researchers developing novel approaches to treat addiction. New gene therapies, immunotherapies, and compounds are being investigated to reduce the devastating effects of tobacco and cocaine abuse.
The study aims to find a difference in how a susceptible person responds to hydrocodone compared to a nonsusceptible one. The researchers hope to discover an indicator of susceptibility to dependence on painkillers like hydrocodone.
Alice Cepeda, a University of Houston sociologist, has received the National Award of Excellence in Research by a New Investigator for her groundbreaking research on Hispanic drug abuse. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding social context and high-risk behavior associated with drug use among Latinos.
Dr. Verdin's research aims to develop a new single cell technology to examine HIV latency, with the goal of devising novel strategies to eliminate latent HIV infection or restrict its pool to a size that can be controlled by the immune system.
Research found that older people who continue to use problematic drugs are emerging as a vulnerable group with impaired health, chronic conditions, and poorer quality of life. Despite this, services for older drug addicts are not widely available in the UK.
A study found that parents often administer incorrect doses of medications to children, leading to a high number of calls to poison centers and emergency hospital admissions. The researchers call for improved education on proper medication usage to prevent child harm.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is awarding over $4 million in grant funding to examine substance abuse related to deployment and combat-related trauma. Researchers will explore treatment strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and Web-based approaches, to help veterans who have co-occurring disorders.
A recent study by Donald Light reveals that the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes profits over patient safety, with many drugs offering little new benefit and significant risks. The study highlights flaws in the regulatory process, including incomplete clinical trials and biased testing, which can lead to serious harm to patients.
Research published at the University of Oregon found that 11 hours of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) meditation training induces structural changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This brain area is linked to self-regulation and behavior control.
A recent NIH-funded study has uncovered a key step in brain events leading up to cocaine addiction, highlighting the potential for MeCP2 to regulate cocaine intake and determine vulnerability. By balancing with miRNA-212, this protein impacts an individual's motivation for self-administering cocaine.
A new study by Yale University researcher Hedy Kober shows that smokers can control their cravings with the help of cognitive strategies, increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex and decreasing craving-related brain activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective tool in treating substance use disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics highlights the under-recognized problem of pharmaceutical abuse in children, with nearly 14% resulting in moderate to major consequences. The malicious use of sedatives and other medications has been linked to death and serious outcomes.
A review of evidence shows widespread abuse of human rights among people who use drugs, increasing risk of HIV infection. Rights-based responses have had good results in implementing harm reduction services and involving people in policy development.
A UBC-BC CfE study found that increased HAART coverage significantly prevents HIV transmission and reduces new diagnoses in British Columbia. The expansion of HAART treatment plays a crucial role in maximizing public health resources.
A recent NIH-supported study found that increasing HAART coverage in British Columbia reduced viral load and new HIV diagnoses among individuals with a history of injection drug use. The study's findings support the importance of maximizing HAART coverage within current medical guidelines to curb the spread of HIV.
Researchers discovered a specific microRNA sequence, microRNA-212, that protects rats from cocaine addiction by regulating CREB signaling. This finding suggests microRNAs may play a crucial role in vulnerability to addiction, offering new promise for anti-addiction medications.
Recent figures show a decrease in homicides and suicides among mentally ill individuals in England and Wales. The study attributes the decline to reduced drug misuse, particularly among young people with mental illness. Suicide rates have also fallen overall, with notable decreases in younger age groups.
A personalized approach to smoking cessation is developing, combining genetic information and smoking habits to predict effective nicotine replacement therapy. This method could increase cessation success rates by up to 25%.
Researchers will investigate how methamphetamine use affects dental disease and develop targeted interventions for dentists to detect drug abuse in patients. The study aims to improve early detection and treatment of 'meth mouth', a uniquely accelerated form of extensive dental disease.
A Spanish study reviews methods for detecting substances in breast milk and their adverse effects on newborns. The general recommendation is to avoid drug abuse during breastfeeding due to the risk of transmission through breast milk, as well as exposure during pregnancy and environment.
The US plan prioritizes prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, focusing on reducing youth drug use and prescription abuse. In contrast, the UK is facing criticism for its drug policy, which has been influenced by media pressure and ideological opinions, leading to a lack of evidence-based decision-making.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method for collecting narcotic substances from exhaled breath, which was successful in detecting amphetamine and metamphetamine in all cases of emergency care patients.
Researchers found that the deltaFosB gene regulator protects against depression by boosting neurons' activity when glutamate binds to AMPA receptors. Boosting deltaFosB calms neurons, enabling individuals to pursue goal-directed behavior despite stress.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine identified factors associated with prescription drug use disorder (PDUD) in primary care patients with chronic pain. Key findings include a history of jail time, disabling pain, cigarette smoking, and family history of substance abuse as predictors of PDUD.
Ameya Deshmukh's project wins first place with computer modeling to identify new medications for nicotine addiction. Kevin Knight's study suggests that cognitive games could be useful as an adjunct to ADHD medication.
A study from the University of Cambridge found that problem gamblers' brains react more intensely to near misses than casual gamblers. This reaction is linked to increased activity in brain regions associated with reward and learning, and may contribute to addictive behavior.
A study found that alcohol abuse elevated specific genes in the nucleus accumbens, while nicotine blunted this effect. The research also identified a set of genes crucial for cell structure regulation, which were altered by both alcohol and nicotine abuse.
Nearly 85% of teens in a study would have overdosed on acetaminophen if given the option, despite 60% having never heard of it. Limited health literacy increases this risk even further.
A team of researchers will study the neurobiological mechanisms behind regular aerobic exercise and its potential to prevent drug abuse relapse. Exercise has been shown to exert anti-stress effects, reducing cravings associated with stress by increasing galanin levels in the brain.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has unveiled a new treatment program for young adults struggling with opioid addiction. The Buprenorphine Treatment for Young Adults product shows that longer-term buprenorphine treatment reduces drug use and improves treatment adherence in this age group.
The UK's ACMD faced criticism for banning mephedrone without sufficient evidence, prioritizing politics over science. The council's other report on hazardous drug use was ignored, highlighting a flawed approach to tackling substance abuse.
Hospitalizations for prescription opioid, sedative, and tranquilizer poisoning increased by 65% from 1999-2006. Unintentional poisonings by these drugs increased by 37%, while intentional overdoses rose by 130%.
The new center will provide timely data on prescriptions to doctors, pharmacies, and regulatory agencies, helping identify best practices in prescription monitoring. The initiative aims to reduce the serious epidemic of drug abuse, taking thousands of lives.
A randomized trial found that combining cognitive behavioral therapy addressing weight concerns with the medication bupropion was more effective than counseling alone in helping women quit smoking. The study showed improved abstinence rates and reduced relapse among women receiving the specialized counseling plus bupropion therapy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that blocking new growth of specific brain nerve cells increases vulnerability for cocaine addiction and relapse. Increasing adult neurogenesis may prevent addiction before it starts, potentially improving the length and quality of life for millions of drug abusers.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that using words like 'abuser' to describe substance-use patients can lead to punitive attitudes and decreased likelihood of treatment. Changing the terminology may help reduce shame and guilt, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
A key epigenetic process in the brain's pleasure circuits is altered by chronic cocaine exposure, contributing to an acquired preference for cocaine. By reversing this epigenetic change, researchers were able to block gene expression changes and inhibit cocaine preference.
Health consumers must become informed advocates for comprehensive pain treatment as physicians struggle with inadequate training and fear of prescription drug abuse. Long-term solutions require education, responsibility, and collaboration among all parties involved.