Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Researchers have mapped illicit drug use patterns in Oregon using municipal wastewater samples, providing a one-day snapshot of drug excretion. The study found higher levels of cocaine metabolites in urban areas and lower levels in rural areas, with methamphetamine present in all municipalities.
The review examines the prevalence of prescription opioid addiction among patients and healthcare providers, citing risks and consequences. New approaches to minimize abuse and promote recovery are discussed, emphasizing the importance of awareness and treatment.
A pilot prevention program targeting fifth graders and their younger siblings will receive funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program combines family intervention with a non-stigmatizing focus on sibling relationships to decrease risky behavior and use of drugs among youth.
Researchers at UC Davis found that brain functions critical to recovery improve after a year of methamphetamine abstinence. Cognitive processes such as impulse control and attentional focus show significant improvement with extended periods of abstinence.
A Brown University professor has won a federal research grant to investigate the effectiveness of topiramate in reducing marijuana addiction among high-school students. The two-year study aims to enroll 60 adolescent males and females and assess the drug's tolerability and efficacy.
Shire plc will present key scientific data on its Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatments lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and investigational non-scheduled guanfacine extended release. The presentations include studies on the pharmacokinetics, duration of effects, patient experience, and response to treatment.
A family-based prevention program was found to be especially effective in reducing substance use and risk behaviors among young teens with a genetic risk factor. The study showed that the program helped adolescents with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR overcome their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found a rise in homicidal poisonings, with infants being the most common victims. The majority of these cases are likely negligent homicides committed by parents or caretakers, rather than premeditated crimes.
A University of Rochester Medical Center survey found teens lack knowledge about over-the-counter pain medications, with only 35% correctly identifying acetaminophen and Tylenol. Chronic misuse can lead to liver damage and accidental overdose
A new RAND Corporation study found that school-based drug education programs can have a long-term positive impact on sexual behavior in addition to curbing substance abuse. Young adults who received the training were less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior five to seven years later.
A study by University of Illinois psychologists found that having a conscientious partner can be good for one's health, particularly among women. The 'compensatory conscientiousness effect' suggests that this boost in health may occur even when the individual is highly conscientious themselves.
A new study suggests that teenagers with a strong parent-child relationship may start drinking at a later age and be less likely to develop alcohol problems. The study found that high-quality relationships can 'trigger a spiral of healthy development' during adolescence, leading to lower risk of substance abuse.
Scientists discovered brain proteins bind to and activate THC receptors, similar to marijuana, sparking hope for new treatments for pain, appetite stimulation, and reduced marijuana abuse. The study may lead to effective drugs with fewer side effects.
A new study examines the impact of social isolation on rats' response to cocaine, revealing that isolated male rats are more susceptible to the drug's effects. The research suggests that early isolation can alter brain sensitivity to cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity in adolescence.
Researchers have identified a novel syndrome associated with chronic cannabis abuse, characterized by severe vomiting sickness. The syndrome was first recognized in Australia and is believed to be caused by years of marijuana use, leading to increased cases worldwide.
A study found that modafinil increases dopamine levels in the brain and blocks dopamine transporters, raising concerns about its potential for abuse. The drug's effects on dopamine may be linked to its therapeutic actions.
Researchers found that rats deficient in sodium chloride shied away from pleasurable activities, leading to a potential link between salt cravings and depression. High salt intake contributes to high blood pressure and other health problems, but the study suggests salt may have a mood-elevating effect.
A national-level analysis confirms that Physician Health Programs, which couple referral to treatment with rapid responses to noncompliance, are successful in helping doctors stay drug-free. The study found that over three-quarters of enrolled doctors stayed sober for five years and were able to return to medical practice.
The American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine have published comprehensive clinical practice guidelines to assist clinicians in prescribing potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The guidelines emphasize the importance of monitoring patients on chronic opioid therapy to weigh benefit...
The new guideline provides recommendations for clinicians on how to safely prescribe potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Key findings include the importance of careful patient selection, monitoring, and ongoing assessment to minimize risks of abuse and addiction.
Current government programmes targeting young people at risk of drug misuse may be too individual-focused and neglect the importance of peer pressure. Detached, street-based youth work has been shown to be more effective in reaching those most at-risk, as it works with young people in their existing friendship groups.
A study of 153,268 TB patients in the US found that substance abuse is a significant modifiable behavior impeding TB elimination efforts. Substance abusers were more likely to have contagious forms of TB and experience treatment failure compared to non-abusers.
Researchers found that rapid-fire inputs initiate a cellular memory process in single cells lasting as long as a minute, holding moment-to-moment information. The study has implications for addiction, attention disorders and stress-related memory loss.
Researchers found that individuals with a higher novelty-seeking personality trait have decreased dopamine autoreceptor availability, making them more responsive to novel and rewarding experiences. This may contribute to the development of drug abuse and other unsafe behaviors.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a functional link between the brain's reward and stress signaling circuits. Dopamine, the chief reward signal, works through corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) to increase activity in a brain region involved in addiction relapse.
A Princeton University scientist has demonstrated that sugar can be an addictive substance, with lab animals showing signs of craving and relapse. The study suggests that bingeing on sugar can lead to long-lasting effects in the brain and increased motivation for other substances of abuse.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that China's antinarcotics policies compromise the health and human rights of detained injection drug users. The study found routine HIV testing without consent, lack of medical treatment, and inadequate information on HIV prevention.
Researchers found that teens engaging in risky behaviors like sex, smoking, and drinking are more likely to use crystal meth. In high-risk youth, family history of alcohol abuse, psychiatric treatment, and juvenile detention were associated with methamphetamine use.
A $1.7 million study will investigate how the body metabolizes ecstasy, a 'hug drug' with serious negative effects on brain function. The research aims to identify individuals at risk of long-term adverse effects from the drug.
A new study suggests that vigabatrin may prevent human methamphetamine addicts from relapsing by blocking reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. The research found that rats pre-treated with vigabatrin lost interest in spending time in a location where they had previously been given methamphetamine.
A study found that adolescents addicted to opioids who received extended treatment with combination medication had lower rates of testing positive or reporting use of opioids compared to those in short-term detoxification programs. Patients in the extended treatment group reported less use of opioids and cocaine, as well as a lower nee...
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that methamphetamine's quick entry and slow clearance from the brain contribute to its long-lasting effects. The researchers used PET scans to track the drug's uptake, distribution, and clearance in healthy volunteers.
A study by Lifespan and Hasbro Children's Hospital found that nearly one in 10 American children received free drug samples in 2004. The top four most frequently distributed medications have significant new safety concerns, including schedule II controlled substances that carry high potential for abuse.
Researchers found that treatment with stimulant drugs significantly decreased the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs. The study's results mirror those of earlier studies in boys and suggest a potential protective effect of stimulant treatment.
A new study found that obstetrical care providers are not comfortable discussing substance abuse with pregnant patients unless specifically asked. The researchers call for providers to learn about drug and alcohol cessation programs and ask questions to engage women in discussions about risks. This could lead to better health outcomes ...
Energy drink manufacturers should label their products with prominent warnings about caffeine doses and potential health risks, says a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine. The high caffeine content of many energy drinks poses a risk to consumers, particularly young adults.
A new study identified five counties in Oregon with the most meth-linked incidents per capita, including sparsely populated Umatilla County. The analysis found that every lab or dump site was 11.5 times more likely to be in Umatilla County than anywhere else in the state.
New research finds that adolescent brains exposed to painkillers like Oxycontin can sustain permanent changes in their reward system, making them more vulnerable to addiction later in adulthood. Adolescent mice self-administered the drug less frequently than adults, and re-exposed adult mice had higher dopamine levels.
A new study found that college freshmen believe occasional nonmedical use of prescription pain killers and stimulants is less risky than cocaine, but more risky than marijuana. Sensation-seekers are more likely to use these drugs nonmedically regardless of their perceived harm.
A recent study found that over 10 million Americans use opioids, with 4 million using them regularly, reflecting a need to strike a balance between opioid misuse and chronic pain control. Opioid regular use increased with age, decreased with education level, and was more common in females and non-Hispanic whites.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment reveals that 14% of hospital admissions are due to alcohol/drug abuse and addiction disorders. The study found that these disorders were associated with significantly higher hospital costs, particularly for opioid abuse, which increased by 482%.
A study found that state policies requiring comprehensive diagnostic criteria and specific services are associated with positive treatment outcomes. Most programs performed diagnostic assessment, group and individual therapy, but had lower rates of family counseling.
A study found that Ritalin works in the prefrontal cortex to enhance cognition and focus, while having limited effects elsewhere. The medication tunes neuron sensitivity to signals, leading to improved cognitive function and attention.
A study examining two medications and two behavioral treatments found that medication adherence is still essential for success in treating alcohol dependence. High medication adherents fared better than low adherents across all treatment combinations.
Researchers used PET imaging to assess the effects of methylphenidate on brain function in healthy adults. The study found that MP improved performance in those who needed it, but deteriorated it in others.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has linked amphetamine abuse to a higher risk of heart attacks in young adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 3 million people and found a significant correlation between amphetamine abuse and heart attack diagnoses.
A study confirms that bipolar adolescents face a significant risk of smoking and substance abuse, with rates of 34% in the bipolar group compared to 4% in controls. Early preventive measures and screening are essential for this high-risk population.
A large-scale analysis of monkeys addicted to cocaine reveals more numerous and long-lasting protein changes than previously thought, potentially explaining why cocaine addiction is difficult to overcome. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of biochemical changes in the cocaine-addicted brain.
A University of Alberta study found that middle-class Canadians use marijuana for relaxation and focus, challenging criminalization. The study suggests decriminalization and legalization could reduce crime and generate revenue.
A Swedish study found that female sex offenders are more likely to suffer from mental illness or drug abuse than male perpetrators. The research compared 93 convicted women with over 20,000 normal women and 13,000 women convicted of non-sexual crimes.
Research presented at the American Pain Society annual meeting found that less than 3% of patients with no history of drug abuse who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain will show signs of possible drug abuse or dependence. Most chronic pain patients do not rely on drugs as a sole solution, and multi-faceted treatment involving phys...
A Yale University study found that individuals who used a computer-assisted training program in addition to traditional counseling stayed abstinent significantly longer. The subjects had fewer positive drug tests at the conclusion of the study.
Researchers used PET scanning to track salvinorin A distribution in primates' brains, finding a peak concentration within 40 seconds. The drug's effects were localized to the cerebellum and visual cortex, causing psychoactive effects with just 10 micrograms.
A new policy implemented in a Michigan clinic helped identify 35% of patients misusing opioid medications, while steering dependent patients to treatment. The approach logged and screened all patients receiving opioids for non-cancer pain, with the goal of protecting doctors' ability to prescribe these drugs.
Researchers found that repeated methamphetamine use depresses brain areas and leads to permanent changes in neural terminals. Re-administering the drug reverses these changes, suggesting potential new treatment approaches for methamphetamine addiction.
Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine in the womb show altered function of dopamine 3 receptors, linked to increased vulnerability to drug abuse. The study's findings have implications for human cocaine overdose victims with higher D3 receptor numbers.
Animal research in monkeys shows that treating with amphetamine reduces self-administration of cocaine for up to a month by about 60 percent. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using amphetamine-like drugs to treat cocaine addiction.
A new study found that references to illegal drug use in rap music increased dramatically between 1979 and 1997, depicting marijuana as a positive activity. Rap music's shift towards glorifying drugs was linked to commercialization and social factors, distorting the reality of African American communities.
A randomized trial of 498 patients found that second-generation antipsychotics did not outperform first-generation drugs in reducing symptoms. The study's results suggest that clinicians should consider cost and treatment duration when selecting an antipsychotic medication for first-episode schizophrenia.