Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
A study by Natividad et al. found that adolescent rats exhibit fewer physical and neurochemical withdrawal signs than adult rats after nicotine withdrawal, suggesting age alters neurological systems relevant to nicotine use. This increased sensitivity makes adolescents more prone to drug abuse.
Case Western Reserve researchers identified two new metabolic pathways involving 4-hydroxyacids, a breakthrough that sheds light on the mechanisms of action for lipid peroxidation and drug abuse products. The study, published as 'Paper of the Week' in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, has significant implications for understanding o...
Researchers have discovered that fruit flies can be used as a simpler and more convenient animal model for studying the effects of cocaine and other drugs on the brain. The study, published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, found that fruit flies can accurately replicate the physiological effects of these substances.
A brain scan study found that active cocaine abusers can suppress activity in brain regions linked to drug craving when asked to inhibit their response. This suggests that clinical interventions designed to strengthen inhibitory responses could help prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes.
A survey of UK drug users found that they rate legal substances like alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than Class A substances, suggesting a flaw in the current classification system. The study also found high correlations between user ratings and expert ratings, indicating users are well informed about drug harms.
Scientists identified two new pathways for the breakdown of 4-Hydroxybutyrate (4-HB), a brain chemical used as a date-rape drug. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for victims of sexual assault and those with a rare genetic disorder that causes 4-HB accumulation.
A new study reveals that a high score on the 'scale of craving' and an antisocial personality type are major contributors to relapse in cocaine users. The researchers analyzed 38 patients seeking treatment for cocaine abuse, finding impulsiveness and desire for new sensations also linked to substance use.
Researchers detected SARMs, such as Andarine, on the black market, raising concerns about their potential misuse in sports. The study highlights the need for early implementation of screening for emerging therapeutic compounds in sports drug testing.
An interdisciplinary team is developing a novel drug detection technology that uses software to analyze biomolecules and determine an individual's history of drug abuse. The system, which can characterize millions of biomolecules, has potential applications in treating addictive behavior and identifying effective new treatments.
Two University of Washington studies show that drinking alcohol doubles the risk of non-adherence to HIV medication. A third study found that peer support, electronic pagers, or both had no lasting impact on adherence rates. The challenges of adhering to life-long HIV treatment highlight the need for individualized comprehensive programs.
Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine in-utero show poor impulse control and may be more vulnerable to drug abuse than female monkeys. The study suggests that males may be more susceptible to the long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological consequences of cocaine exposure during gestation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that rats exposed to high doses of amphetamines during adolescence displayed significant memory deficits as adults. The declines in short-term memory were most pronounced when exposure occurred during adolescence rather than adulthood.
Experts outline steps for federal, state, and local governments to reduce the $2 billion healthcare burden from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use and abuse. Research roadmap covers treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders, preventing drug abuse, and policies to achieve a smoke-free society.
Historian Sherry Smith finds examples of government restitution in US history, including posthumous pardons for WWI prisoners, reparations to Japanese Americans, and return of native lands. The global movement towards reparations is gaining steam, with the US Senate recently apologizing for slavery.
A Georgia State University study found that adolescent rats are less vulnerable to drug withdrawal and relapse than adult rats, suggesting a possible protective effect of youth on substance abuse. Researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop better treatments for human addiction.
A brain-imaging study found that ADHD patients have lower-than-normal dopamine markers, which may underlie symptoms of inattention and reduced motivation. This deficit could lead to complications like drug abuse and obesity.
Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.
A systematic review of 20 studies found that individuals with schizophrenia are at increased risk of violence, but this risk is greatly outweighed by the effect of substance abuse. Substance abuse significantly increases the risk of violence for those with a psychotic illness, similar to those without a psychotic illness.
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.