Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a significant association between cocaine and amphetamine abuse and an increased risk of stroke. The use of these stimulant drugs may raise blood pressure and contribute to narrowing blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
A study of 5,500 women found that smokers had shorter careers, lower pay, and more disciplinary actions than non-smokers. Smokers were also more likely to be discharged for medical or behavioral reasons.
A study found that most first-time DWI offenders have high rates of other substance-use disorders and psychiatric disorders, requiring enhanced services in intervention programs. The research suggests that treatment approaches may need to be modified to better serve this more severe subtype of DWI offenders.
A new nine-category matrix of harm ranks drugs by their physical harm to users, dependence potential, and societal impact. Alcohol and tobacco are found to be more harmful than previously classified substances like LSD and cannabis.
A new study published in Clinical Therapeutics suggests that private health plans increasingly rely on escalating copayments to manage drug costs, making treatment more expensive for patients. This can affect adherence to treatment, particularly for psychiatric disorders.
Patients with Parkinson's disease who develop the condition at a younger age and have a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to experience pathological gambling as a side effect of dopamine agonist medications. Behavioral characteristics such as impulsivity and risk-taking behavior may also play a role in this increased risk.
A Penn study found that only 16% of male veterans indicated zero tolerance for detainee exposure and deprivation, while 48% showed no tolerance for detainee rape. Depression and PTSD were strongly linked to increased tolerance for abuse.
Researchers investigated opioid analgesic abuse and found it is more prevalent in rural areas, with teenagers increasingly affected. Spinal cord stimulation also showed significant results in managing axial low back pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome.
Research has found that brain damage to a specific area called the insula may help smokers quit by eliminating their addiction to nicotine. Twelve out of thirteen participants who experienced this type of damage were able to quit smoking without any reported struggles.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that individuals entering drug treatment programs are more likely to be female, unemployed, and HIV-positive, with a history of mental illness. This highlights the need for strong linkages between needle exchange programs and treatment services to address co-occurring health problems.
A systematic literature review found that opioids are effective only in the short-term (less than four months) treatment of chronic low back pain. Long-term effectiveness is not conclusive, and behaviors consistent with opioid abuse were reported in 24 percent of cases.
A new study from Harvard Medical School found no association between benzodiazepine use and hip fractures among the elderly. The study, which analyzed data from over 90,000 Medicaid recipients, suggests that policies limiting sedative prescriptions may need to be reexamined.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure in rabbits causes a long-lasting displacement of dopamine receptors in certain brain cells. This effect alters their ability to function normally and may lead to subtle cognitive impairments, attention deficits, and emotional problems.
Research led by the National Drug Evidence Centre found that problem drug use is declining in some areas previously considered 'hot spots' in the UK. The study suggests that younger people are being recruited into the problem drug use population at a faster rate, leading to a decline in incidence rates.
Dextromethorphan abuse among California teens increased tenfold between 1999 and 2004, with 74.5% of cases involving youth aged 9-17. The trend was attributed to easy access and perceived safety of the medication.
A 12-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that marijuana use at a young age is not a predictor of substance abuse. Instead, environmental factors such as neighborhood exposure and parental involvement play a stronger role in determining drug use patterns.
Street drug users increasingly rely on prescription opioids instead of heroin, raising concerns about treatment programs and public health. The shift has significant implications for addiction treatment, highlighting the need for adjustments to opioid addiction programs.
A study conducted by Dr. Benedikt Fischer and his team reveals that prescription opioids are the major form of illicit opioid use in seven Canadian cities, surpassing heroin use. The findings suggest a significant decline in heroin use among participants between 2001 and 2005.
A study analyzing hair samples from over 8,000 individuals found that babies can be exposed to crystal meth in the womb, with wide-ranging levels detected in both mothers' and newborns' hair. The findings suggest restricted fetal growth and developmental problems, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures.
A study by UCLA researchers found that HIV-infected individuals without consistent outpatient medical care are disproportionately minorities, the poor, and substance abusers. These groups are more likely to receive acute care rather than routine medical services.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that stress triggers a relapse of methamphetamine abuse in mice, validating human studies. The researchers used a compound to mimic metabolic changes during stress and found it was effective in reinstating drug-seeking behavior.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that MDMA can increase the survival of dopamine cells during fetal development. This may lead to better therapies for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The study suggests that preventing dopamine cell death is key to finding lasting treatments.
New data from University of Florida researchers reveal a sharp increase in cocaine-related deaths in Florida, with nearly twice the number of deaths per 100,000 people in 2000 compared to 2005. The trend is particularly concerning in college towns and wealthy communities.
Researchers found PPM abuse varies greatly across US states, differing from traditional illicit drug trends. States with large metropolitan areas often have lower abuse rates despite perceptions of city dwellers being more prone to drug use.
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 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.
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.
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.