Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Simulated driving performance was unaffected by opiate treatment, but impaired after alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol in reducing performance were similar across all groups, challenging the need for restricted driving standards.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that oral fluid testing is as accurate as urinalysis in detecting opiate use. However, its effectiveness in detecting benzodiazepine use was significantly lower. The ease of administration makes it a promising alternative for treatment settings.
Recent study finds that anabolic steroid use during adolescence can permanently alter brain chemistry and increase aggression. Researchers at Northeastern University discovered a lengthy price to pay for drug abuse, which includes long-term aggressive behavior even after cessation of steroid use.
Researchers discover that DARPP-32 interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems to produce similar physiological symptoms in mice treated with LSD, PCP, and amphetamine. The findings provide new avenues for treating schizophrenia and suggest DARPP-32 as a critical regulator of neurotransmitters involved in mood and behavior.
A study combining behavioral family counseling and naltrexone found that men in this group were more likely to take the medication daily, leading to higher success rates. Men in individual-based treatment showed lower compliance with naltrexone, resulting in fewer days of sobriety during treatment.
The Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center will focus on developing methods of intervention during key developmental transitional periods. A multidisciplinary team of researchers will test new ideas, theories and methods aimed at developing novel drug abuse prevention programs.
A preliminary clinical trial found that a small molecule, GVG (vigabatrin), significantly reduced cocaine cravings and improved quality of life in participants. The study's lead author notes that the results provide compelling human data to support the efficacy of GVG for treating cocaine addiction.
Male injecting-drug users are at greater risk of drug-related death than females. Older users (over 34 years) are two to six times more likely to die than younger users.
Researchers used PET scans to study MAO B activity in smokers and nonsmokers. The findings show reduced MAO B activity in peripheral organs by one-third to almost one-half, potentially leading to medical consequences.
Researchers found that fetal exposure to Ecstasy causes changes in brain chemistry and behavior in rats. The study, which mimicked the first trimester of human pregnancy, revealed a 502% increase in dopamine neuron fibers in the frontal cortex of Ecstasy-exposed rats.
Researchers found that amphetamine and cocaine exposure blocked environmental-induced structural changes in the nucleus accumbens and parietal cortex. Exposure to complex environments increased dendritic branching and spine density in these areas, but was hindered by prior drug exposure.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 53% of computer searches for 'no prescription codeine' lead to illegal opiate sales sites. The sites often require minimal information and can be accessed from outside the US, posing a significant risk to public health.
Meth abuse has increased in the past decade, with admissions to treatment programs more than doubling in the US from 1992 to 1999. Researchers recommend a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment for meth users to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills.
Researchers have identified a new compound, AM1241, that acts on CB2 cannabinoid receptors and shows promise in alleviating neuropathic pain. The study suggests that this compound may provide pain relief without the debilitating side effects of existing pharmaceuticals.
The study found that injection drug users in Pakistan were more than three times as likely to report sharing needles after the war began. High-quality heroin availability led some users to shift to injection synthetic opiates, increasing the risk of HIV and blood-borne infections.
A study tracked 148 HIV-infected individuals aged 25-69 to determine factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral medication. Patients over 50 were more likely to adhere to their regimen, with 53% meeting the standard compared to 26% of younger patients.
Researchers have created a new vaccine that stimulates the immune system to clear nicotine from the body, potentially aiding in smoking cessation. The vaccine induces antibodies that can neutralize nicotine before it reaches the brain.
The study found that lobeline decreases METH self-administration without inducing reward, indicating its potential as a useful pharmacological treatment. Lobeline also did not alter METH-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior or affect dopamine levels in the brains of rats.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure of less than one drink per day can impair executive functioning (EF) in early childhood, including working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol had difficulty following rules and performing tasks that required inhibition.
Researchers used genetically modified mice to understand cocaine's brain mechanisms, revealing the drug's actions go beyond dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. The findings suggest the serotonin system may also be a target for cocaine treatment.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a third transporter, the serotonin system, plays a role in cocaine's effects on the brain. The discovery brings medical science closer to effective therapies for treating cocaine addiction.
Women who struggled with depression during smoking cessation treatment were more likely to relapse, drop out of treatment, and experience increased depressive symptoms. Research suggests that addressing depression through targeted treatment approaches can help improve smoking cessation outcomes for these women.
A study of 50 pairs of twins found that twins with a history of stimulant abuse performed significantly worse on tests of attention and motor skills compared to their non-drug using siblings. However, abusers showed improved performance on visual vigilance, suggesting long-term residual effects from stimulant abuse.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental cues linked to heroin administration reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in rat spleen, lung, and liver tissues. This suggests that environmental cues associated with drug use may contribute to altered susceptibility to infection.
Recent marijuana use was more predictive of continued tobacco smoking than marijuana use months prior. Participants who used daily marijuana were over three times more likely to still smoke tobacco. Approximately 66% of recent marijuana users tried to quit tobacco during the following 13 years.
Researchers found cocaine users had lower dopamine and VMAT2 levels in their brains compared to non-users. Additionally, depressed cocaine users had lower VMAT2 levels than those without depression.
A study of chronic drug users in Miami-Dade County found that 67% of women reported having a serious injury or traumatic event sometime in their life. The prevalence of such events was higher among women who abused drugs than those who did not, although treatment rates were similar.
A landmark analysis found that oxycodone was involved in only a small percentage of drug abuse deaths, with multiple drugs present in most cases. The study suggests that abusing opioids with other substances increases risk and calls for enhanced classification methods.
A large Australian twin study found that early marijuana users were two to five times more likely to develop problems with other drugs and alcohol. The study controlled for genetic and familial factors, suggesting a complex relationship between early marijuana use and later substance abuse.
Researchers found that bupropion significantly reduced negative symptoms of schizophrenia, improving motivation and social relationships, while also aiding in nicotine addiction treatment for schizophrenic patients. The study showed better smoking cessation outcomes with newer atypical antipsychotic medications.
A meta-analysis of six studies involving over 1,000 participants with ADHD found that stimulant treatment significantly reduces the risk of subsequent substance abuse. The protective effect was strongest in adolescents and decreased in young adults.
A study found that HIV patients with cognitive impairment who took medications three times a day had lower adherence rates than those on simpler schedules. Researchers suggest giving simpler dosing to help patients stick to their medication schedules.
A study of 137 adults with HIV found that simplifying their medication regimens can significantly improve adherence, particularly for those with memory and attention problems. The study suggests a two-way relationship between missed doses and disease progression, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies.
A new study documents the unique ways women overcome substance abuse, challenging earlier research that assumed a single path to recovery. Women's experiences highlight the importance of self-discovery and addressing underlying issues like domestic violence and low self-esteem.
A new research network aims to develop and test integrated approaches to treating incarcerated individuals with drug abuse disorders. The National Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Study (CJ-DATS) will forge partnerships among NIDA, researchers, and practitioners to provide evidence-based treatment services.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has awarded a total of $4.5 million to create a community-based drug abuse prevention trials network. The grants will support multi-site studies of evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing substance abuse in urban school settings.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded $2 million to fund research on inhalant abuse, focusing on epidemiology, risk factors, and health consequences. The new studies aim to address the severe lack of research-based information on this widespread problem affecting young children.
The center aims to develop effective teen drug-abuse prevention programs by integrating theories and methods from diverse areas, including neurobiology, epidemiology, and social network analysis. Researchers will train investigators to incorporate approaches used by researchers in other disciplines.
Researchers aim to make substance abuse treatment more accessible and effective in community settings by adapting existing therapies. The NIDA initiative tests innovative approaches, including brief family therapy, computer-based training, and community reinforcement methods.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found that the average economic cost of residential treatment was $4,912, while the average benefit was $21,329. This suggests a net benefit of $16,418, supporting the economic value of residential addiction treatment.
A study of 12 Fighting Back communities found no reduction in drug and alcohol use rates despite coordinated strategies, whereas implementing strategies aimed at adults increased rates.
Dr. Francis White, a leading expert in neuropsychopharmacology, has received the prestigious MERIT Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. His research focuses on understanding the neurobiology of dopamine systems and their role in addiction, with implications for developing new treatments.
Buprenorphine, a medication related to morphine, has been approved for treating heroin and prescription painkiller addiction in office-based settings. Physicians will need minimum eight hours of training and obtain waiver to prescribe controlled substances.
A new agreement between NIDA and SAMHSA will facilitate the dissemination of research findings from NIDA's treatment research to practitioners across the US, enhancing treatment practices. The initiative aims to reduce the time between discovering an effective treatment and its adoption in community-based care.
A recent survey of over 100 academic medical centers found that anesthesiology faculty members and residents have substance abuse rates of 1% and 1.6%, respectively, during their personal time. The most commonly abused medication is fentanyl, often discovered through overdose or by tracking dispensed drugs.
Researchers found that CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens controls behavioral responses to emotional stimuli, including those related to drug rewards and anxiety. The study suggests a potential link between addiction and depression, implicating CREB's role in brain reward regions.
A University of Florida study found that married individuals, particularly whites, are less likely to recommit crimes. In contrast, unmarried men, including those from minority groups, are more likely to engage in criminal activity due to the lack of structured schedules and employment.
Bipolar disorder is associated with high rates of substance abuse, with 60% of patients using stimulants. Dual-diagnosis patients require increased hospitalization and have poorer treatment response. Researchers are studying medications to reduce drug cravings and usage.
A recent study by American Psychological Association found that ecstasy users scored high in most of the coping strategies, including social support networks and increased activities, to cope with loneliness. This suggests that the drug may be used as a temporary solution for young adults struggling with feelings of isolation.
A study by Dr. Steven L. Batki found that methadone treatment significantly improved the completion of TB therapy in opioid-dependent patients with latent TB infection. Patients receiving standard or minimal methadone treatment had higher completion rates compared to those receiving routine care.
A 22-year study found that early adolescence and peer influences are precursors to later drug use, which leads to increased health problems. Researchers tracked over 600 youths from age 1 to 27 and found that rebelliousness, distrust of authority, and risk-taking behavior were associated with later substance abuse.
Research reveals distinct patterns of use among methamphetamine and cocaine abusers, with meth users more likely to experience attention and organizational difficulties. Cocaine users, on the other hand, tend to consume the drug primarily in the evening, leading to differences in cognitive impairment.
Scientists followed nearly 2,000 HIV-infected patients with varying levels of hepatitis C exposure. They found that exposure to hepatitis C did not increase risk of death or AIDS progression but was associated with lower antiretroviral therapy prescriptions, which may lead to increased mortality rates in this group.
A study of 373 intravenous drug users found significant reductions in emergency department use among those using needle-exchange programs, including Hispanics, men, and those with mental illness. The study suggests that needle-exchange-based health care services can reduce emergency department use among high-risk IDUs.
A study by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that integrated medical and substance abuse treatment significantly increased patient continuation rates. Over half of patients who received comprehensive care entered outpatient substance abuse programs, compared to just 2.4% of those receiving standard care.
A study of 144 physicians found that treating substance-abusing patients leads to lower professional satisfaction rates compared to caring for patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that addressing physician dissatisfaction in drug abuse treatment may improve patient outcomes.
A study by Troost found Botox to be an effective preventive therapy for headache treatment, with 92% of patients experiencing improvement after four treatments. This alternative approach can reduce medication use and side effects, offering a promising solution for debilitating headaches.
The ASU School of Social Work has received a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen and expand social work research on drug use. The consortium, led by Flavio Francisco Marsiglia, will focus on historical cultures of the Southwest and community-based needs assessments.
A study found that homeless sexual minority youth are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse, with bisexual individuals reporting the most incidents. These young people face significant challenges in their lives, including heavy substance abuse and difficulties dealing with their sexual identity.