Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that cocaine-addicted individuals have a flattened sensitivity to relative monetary rewards, making it harder to inhibit maladaptive behavior. This altered perception of reward is linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region essential for monitoring and controlling behavior.
A study of 14 adults with histories of sedative abuse found that the new sleep medication ramelteon does not appear to have effects indicating potential for abuse or motor or cognitive impairment. Ramelteon works through a different pathway in the brain and may be less likely to cause such effects.
A new study found that parents are largely unaware of their children's alcohol and drug use, with significant discrepancies in reports. The study analyzed data from 591 adolescent-parent pairs and found that parent reports added little information to the knowledge of adolescent substance use beyond what adolescents themselves reported.
The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center (MARC) will investigate the genetic basis of addiction and develop targeted therapies. The center aims to create educational programs for school-age children and provide clinical treatments for rural patients affected by meth use.
A recent study by Robert J. Gatchel confirmed that patients scoring high on the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) test demonstrate higher levels of substance abuse, psychopathology, and physical/life functioning problems. The study found that patients in the high-PMQ group are 3.2 times more likely to request early medication refills.
Research supported by NIDA shows that prevention programs in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural adolescents. The study found significant effects on both lifetime and past-year methamphetamine abuse, with a relative reduction of 65% compared to controls.
A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that bipolar disorder exacts twice as much toll on workplace productivity as major depression, costing nearly half as much in lost wages. The researchers attribute this disparity to bipolar disorder's more severe depressive episodes rather than its manic periods.
The new guidelines offer 13 principles for rehabilitating drug offenders, aiming to reduce recidivism and crime rates. Implementing evidence-based treatment programs can lead to significant financial savings, with every dollar spent on addiction treatment resulting in a four to seven dollar reduction in community spending.
Researchers found that nicotine receptors in the brain can become saturated with just a few puffs of a cigarette, leading to intense cravings and satiation. This study suggests that effective smoking cessation treatments need to be extremely potent to compete with nicotine's binding power.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has released a landmark scientific report that outlines proven components for successful treatment of drug abusers in the criminal justice system. Effective treatment can save communities money and reduce crime, with studies showing a significant reduction in recidivism rates and arrests.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine decreases blood alcohol concentrations in adult rats. The second key finding is that the capability of nicotine to decrease BAC can only be observed if alcohol is given through the oral route of administration.
A recent study found that prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are involved in more drug overdose deaths than cocaine or heroin in the US. Overdose deaths from these drugs have increased significantly over the past 15 years, with sales of opioid painkillers rising parallel to deaths.
Language barriers compromise health care for 50 million U.S. residents who do not speak English at home, resulting in delayed care, preventable injuries, and higher healthcare costs. The article highlights the need for adequate language services to ensure optimal communication, patient satisfaction, and safety.
Researchers from NDRI found that offering innovative vocational programs with active outreach and support resulted in higher participation among unemployed methadone patients. Most 'needy' patients became more engaged when offered vocational counseling, leading to reduced relapse rates.
Research using PET imaging shows a significant correlation between initial dopamine receptor levels and self-administered cocaine use rates. Lower receptor levels are associated with higher cocaine use rates, suggesting that increasing D2 receptors may alleviate addiction.
A $1.5M study at UH's Office for Drug and Social Policy Research investigates drug abuse, depression, PTSD and HIV/AIDS among 300 Katrina evacuees, mostly African American and Hispanic. The research aims to develop rapid public health responses for large-scale disasters affecting socially disenfranchised populations.
A population-based study of twin pairs in Norway found that genetic factors influence the use and misuse of illicit drugs. The study replicated findings from previous research conducted in Anglophonic countries with higher rates of drug use disorder.
Three studies presented at CPDD show lisdexamfetamine dimesylate has lower euphoric effects and delayed peak effects compared to d-amphetamine sulfate. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate also produces liking effects in healthy adults with previous history of stimulant abuse.
A new study reveals that ADHD medications mainly affect the prefrontal cortex, a region linked to attention and decision-making. This finding could aid in developing more effective treatments.
A study investigates how methamphetamine use affects children's psychological development and behavior, revealing that despite traumatic experiences, many focus on losing their parents rather than the drug itself. The researchers developed materials for foster parents and child-welfare workers to help these children recover.
People with IED often experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The disorder leads to substantial functional impairment and causes 43 attacks over a lifetime.
A study found that ramelteon, a new sleep medication, does not instigate the same cognitive effects as other commonly prescribed sleep aids. The research suggests that ramelteon is unlikely to promote benzodiazepine-type dependence and may be a safer alternative for treating insomnia.
The Lancet series highlights disparities in indigenous people's health worldwide, with lower life expectancy, higher rates of infectious diseases, and poor access to healthcare. Researchers are calling for greater respect and action to address these issues and preserve unique knowledge about ecosystems and medicines.
A phase II trial of NRP104 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in ADHD symptoms comparable to mixed amphetamine salts extended-release. The medication was well-tolerated and showed improved behavior, academic productivity, and reduced symptoms in children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD.
A study published in Chest Journal found that alcohol abuse increases the risk of pneumonia, with decreased immune system activity being a key factor. The consequences of this study could have a significant impact on a high number of people, particularly in Spain where alcohol is a major cause of death.
The COMBINE study found that medication naltrexone, combined with up to 20 sessions of specialized alcohol counseling and structured medical management, is an effective option for treating alcohol dependence. The study demonstrated a small advantage in preventing relapse at 1 year after treatment.
The largest clinical trial on pharmacologic and behavioral treatments for alcohol dependence shows that medication treatment significantly improves outcomes compared to placebo. The study also provides new safety data on prescription drugs naltrexone and acamprosate, suggesting a high degree of comfort for prescribing physicians.
A study by McGill University researchers found that people who expect to smoke soon are more susceptible to visual cues, leading to increased cravings. The study suggests that stress or disruptions to the prefrontal cortex can also trigger relapse, shedding light on nicotine addiction treatment.
Researchers found that low self-esteem in children aged 11 is linked to an increased risk of developing drug dependence by age 20. The study also highlights the importance of identifying at-risk children and intervening early to prevent addiction.
Researchers found that individuals with ADHD were more likely to misuse their medication, particularly selling or taking too much. Immediate release stimulants were most prone to misuse, while extended release formulations were not targeted by abusers.
A new parent therapy program has demonstrated preliminary promise in helping substance abusing mothers recognize their own and their children's emotional states. By improving the emotional quality of mother-child relationships, the program aims to promote children's psychosocial development and reduce preoccupation with drug use.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine calls for a balance between treating legitimate pain and preventing misuse, with healthcare professionals at the forefront. Government initiatives have shifted regulatory authority from health agencies to law enforcement, leading to tension and imbalance in pain care.
A study found that prescription monitoring programs can reduce problematic use of benzodiazepines but also decrease access to appropriate treatment for patients with chronic illnesses. Racial disparities in access to effective care were exacerbated by these policies, highlighting the need for re-examining health policy impacts.
A five-year study found that recovery coaches improved reunification outcomes for a small but significant number of families, with 15.5% of those with coaches being reunited compared to 11.6% in the control group. The intervention also saved $5.6 million over five years by reducing foster care time and costs.
A study examining drug use surveys found significant differences in how willing respondents were to disclose their use, particularly for marijuana and cocaine. The researchers suggest supplementing major surveys with drug tests to estimate willingness-to-disclose and its variation across different drugs and demographic characteristics.
A study compared the abuse potential of two methylphenidate formulations, finding that the delayed-release version took longer to produce maximum effects and was less detectable. Researchers suggest that different formulations may vary in safety characteristics, warranting further study.
A comprehensive scientific study explores the impact of social supports, spirituality, and religiousness on quality of life and long-term recovery from addiction. The research found that participation in 12-step fellowship programs and social support networks significantly enhances recovery outcomes.
A recent study published by the University of South Florida has found that drug use is linked to an increased risk of brain hemorrhage in young adults. The study analyzed data from 307 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and found that cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines were common substances of abuse among those under 50.
Liver injuries continue to plague the nation's drug development system, causing costly problems for pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Navarro proposes that patients speak with their physicians about their medications to detect liver injury early, as certain individuals are more likely to develop problems due to genetic makeup.
Orexin strengthens neural communication between dopamine-releasing neurons, playing a key role in drug high experience and craving. Blocking orexin action reverses cocaine-craving behavior in rats.
A team of researchers, led by Xia Zhang, has discovered a potential universal strategy for treating drug addiction. They found that a naturally occurring enzyme called PTEN acts on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, where many drugs of abuse exert their rewarding effects.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have created a detailed snapshot of a cocaine antibody's dynamics, revealing its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating addiction. The study's findings provide insight into the molecular basis of catalysis and suggest possible mutations to enhance the antibody's efficacy.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that genetics and environmental factors contribute to the relapse of drug-seeking behavior. The research used rat models to identify glutamate as a neurotransmitter involved in stirring cravings and uncontrollable urges. Dr. Paul J. Kruzich suggests that genetic variations may increase susc...
A new study using an animal model suggests that anabolic steroids can be addictive. Hamsters showed a marked preference for testosterone, nandrolone or drostanolone, indicating the drugs' potential for addiction. The research highlights the need for awareness among coaches and mental health professionals about this risk.
Research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that cocaine exposure alters brain chemistry, making neurons more susceptible to damage from environmental toxins. The study suggests a potential link between cocaine use and the development of Parkinson's disease in both adults and their offspring.
The IUPHAR database provides comprehensive information on GPCRs, including drugs that act on them, target locations in the body, and diseases they may be involved in. This knowledge is freely available to all scientists and drug discoverers worldwide, offering a powerful tool for future research.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that bupropion significantly reduced methamphetamine cravings and diminished the 'high' associated with its use. The research suggests that bupropion prevents methamphetamine from entering brain cells, reducing feelings of euphoria.
Researchers found that watching violent scenes can impair cognitive flexibility, while a beta-blocker medication can promote flexible thinking under stress. The study used propranolol to block the brain's normal response to stress and improve performance on word association tasks.
Research by Chuan-Qing Wang and colleagues found that morphine withdrawal and precipitated withdrawal increase HCV replicon expression and inhibit IFN-alpha production in liver cells. This study suggests that opioid abuse may contribute to the chronicity of HCV infection and promote disease progression.
The UK has seen a continued reduction in drug-related deaths, with 73% of all deaths occurring among those under 45. Opiate-related fatalities accounted for the majority (68%) of fatalities in 2004, despite a decrease in the number of deaths involving heroin/morphine.
New research highlights the impact of environmental enrichment on addiction recovery, showing that social rank and stress can affect brain chemistry. Practitioners and family members must understand the importance of abstinence to support brain recovery.
The study analyzed data from 2,567 clients and estimated cost of treatment for an individual, finding reductions in hospital inpatient, emergency room, and mental health services costs. The research team also discovered a significant reduction in the cost of victimization and other criminal activities, averaging $5,676.
A double-blind trial found that buprenorphine combined with behavioral interventions was significantly more efficacious in treating opioid-dependent adolescents than clonidine. The study also showed that 72% of teens who received buprenorphine were retained in treatment, compared to 39% of those given clonidine.
Researchers used PET scanning to track monoamine oxidase (MAO A) levels in smokers and nonsmokers, finding that MAO A was 50% lower in smokers' lungs. Smokers also held onto a tracer chemical longer and had reduced delivery of tracer into arterial blood supply.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors suggests that shame, not guilt, is related to substance-abuse problems. The research found that individuals prone to shame may use alcohol and other drugs to cope with feelings of self-blame, while those who experience guilt are less likely to develop substance-use problems.
The study found that subjective responses to cocaine peak and decline more rapidly than those of methamphetamine. Cardiovascular responses are similar at onset but respond differently over time.
A new tool measures cocaine residue in river and sewage waters, revealing an average daily use of at least 27 doses of 100mg cocaine per 1,000 young adults. This exceeds official national estimates, with 40,000 doses used daily in the Po valley.
A recent study by the University of Florida found that fentanyl patch abuse led to the death of 115 people in Florida last year. The abuse often involves removing the full dose from the patch and taking it all at once, either through injection, ingestion, or smoking.
A study by Yale University researchers found office-based buprenorphine treatment reaches individuals who are unable to use methadone, with key demographic differences including age, sex, and employment status. The treatment has shown success in reaching patients with lower rates of injection drug use and hepatitis C infection.
Researchers found that young intravenous drug users, mainly heroin and methadone abusers, show brain damage linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests increased risk of brain damage associated with opiate abuse, particularly among young individuals.