Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A team of scientists discovered a brain signal that encourages us to continue working on tasks to receive rewards. Abnormal activity in this signal may contribute to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or drug abuse.
Research finds significant cognitive impairments in crack-dependent and crack-and-alcohol-dependent individuals after 6 weeks and 6 months of abstinence. The largest effects were found in executive function and spatial processing assessments.
Following the 9/11 attacks, a study found that nearly one-third of respondents increased their use of alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes, with the largest increase in alcohol consumption. The study also found that people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
A recent international study revealed that teenage drug abuse is significantly lower for those living with both parents and enjoying high-quality family relationships. The study found that having a strong attachment to the mother was particularly effective in preventing drug use, even in areas of high peer pressure.
A NIH-funded study found that family-based interventions can save an average of $119,633 in avoided costs for society per case prevented. The Iowa Strengthening Families Program and Preparing for the Drug Free Years intervention programs were effective in reducing adolescent alcohol use.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction, memory formation, and brain plasticity. A key molecule called AP1 has been found to play a crucial role in controlling synaptic changes, which are more extensive than previously thought and resemble those induced by real experience.
A study of 101 newborns found that 40% tested positive for drugs, with cocaine and heroin being the most common. The researchers argue for more funding on rapid-screening technology and better educational outreach to prevent drug exposure during pregnancy.
A study found that individuals carrying a high-output version of the dynorphin gene are less susceptible to cocaine dependence. The genetic association suggests a possible neurobiological function for this particular variant, which may modulate cocaine's effects and increase protection against addiction.
A brain-imaging study has shed light on the reasons behind inhalant abuse by revealing how toluene moves into the brain rapidly and affects reward centers. The study shows that toluene spreads more generally to the entire brain before clearing the body, which may explain its addictive potential.
A study of over 40,000 young participants found that marijuana smokers are more likely to have the opportunity and try hallucinogens. By age 21, nearly half of marijuana smokers had tried a hallucinogen, compared to one in 16 who had never smoked.
Researchers have identified a key gene that increases the risk for drug abuse, affecting not only alcohol but also nicotine. The 'AA' configuration of the mu-opioid gene was found in nearly 90% of individuals with substance abuse issues.
A new study found that alcohol and nicotine interact in the brain's dopamine system, suggesting a link between the two addictive behaviors. Rodent studies showed that combining alcohol and nicotine increased dopamine release, while blocking nicotinic effects with mecamylamine reduced alcohol's pleasurable effects.
Researchers found that nicotine prolongs the reward period by disabling the system that counterbalances its pleasant effects. This results in an enhanced ability to reinforce smoking behavior, making it challenging for people to quit despite the severe health consequences of tobacco use.
The Center for the Study of Pharmacologic Plasticity in the Presence of Pain at Wake Forest will study changes in the spinal cord caused by certain medicines and their impact on pain sensation. The research aims to develop new, effective pain treatments for patients with nerve injury or neuropathic pain.
A functional polymorphism within the m-opioid receptor gene has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, including alcohol and other substances. The study found that individuals with this genetic variation were more likely to develop addiction and engage in risky behavior.
A study of patients entering detoxification for alcohol and other drug dependence found that serious injury is common among those with alcohol dependence. The study suggests that problems with alcohol, rather than illicit drugs, are associated with increased risk of injury.
A bodybuilder admitted to hospital with blackouts, abnormal heartbeat, and symptoms attributed to bromocriptine, a drug easily obtained online. Many professional bodybuilders use bromocriptine to burn fat during training, highlighting the ease of access to prescription-only drugs through the internet.
A study conducted by Yale University has shown that a cocaine vaccine can significantly reduce cravings and addiction in patients who abuse the drug. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in increasing anti-cocaine antibodies, which help prevent the uptake of cocaine across the blood-brain barrier.
A Yale researcher found that men who witnessed combat are at risk for various current adverse outcomes, including post-traumatic stress disorder and job loss. The study suggests that providing quality mental health care and social services to veterans could mitigate these effects.
Research shows that social hierarchy influences brain function related to cocaine addiction in non-human primates. Dominant monkeys exhibit reduced dopamine levels and lower likelihood of abusing cocaine after being housed in social groups.
Researchers identify potential link between serotonin-enhancing drugs and increased risk of cerebrovascular syndrome (stroke). The study suggests that caution should be exercised when combining medications that contain serotonin enhancers, particularly in patients presenting with sudden-onset headaches.
Researchers found that certain drugs, including alcohol and cocaine, increase beta endorphin levels in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region influencing addiction. This discovery may lead to the development of medications targeting this system to help individuals overcome addiction.
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct a long-term study on the impact of alcohol use and abuse on aging veterans with and without HIV. The study, VACS 5, aims to identify health and quality of life effects of alcohol consumption among this population.