Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
Recent studies show that methamphetamine acts on the same brain mechanisms as cocaine and alcohol, disrupting dopamine receptors and glucose metabolism. Researchers found damage to brain cells may recover after prolonged abstinence from the drug.
A new study finds that methamphetamine abusers have fewer dopamine receptors, leading to reduced motivation and drive. The study suggests that the drug's high dopamine release overactivates the brain's reward system, making it hard for addicts to resist.
A study found that dopamine transporter levels improved in methamphetamine abusers after prolonged abstinence, suggesting potential for recovery. However, cognitive and motor function did not show significant improvement, highlighting the need for further research.
UB researchers found that Ritalin can cause long-lasting changes in brain cell structure and function, similar to other stimulant drugs. The study suggests that Ritalin's effects may outlast the initial dose, leading to concerns about its long-term impact on the brain.
The Combining Medications and Behavioral Interventions (COMBINE) study evaluates the effectiveness of behavioral treatments alone and in combination with medications for treating alcoholism. Researchers at Yale University are recruiting participants to participate in the study.
A UCSF study found that patients with substance abuse-related medical conditions benefit from integrated medical and addiction treatment, leading to improved abstinence rates and reduced inpatient use. The two-year study showed no significant differences in total abstinence rates between the integrated and independent care groups.
Scientists have discovered a process in the brain's cannabinoid system that may lead to new medications preventing relapse to cocaine use. Researchers found blocking this receptor can prevent rats from seeking cocaine after exposure to cues or stress, offering hope for developing new treatments.
Researchers found that divalproex sodium reduced the need for oxazepam and slowed worsening symptoms in a seven-day study. The anticonvulsant's anti-kindling properties may prevent nervous system hyperexcitability during alcohol withdrawal, making it a viable treatment option.
Researchers found that using rewards with naltrexone significantly improved treatment retention and naltrexone compliance. Patients who earned vouchers for drug-free behavior saw an increase in these outcomes.
A new therapy has been found to be effective in helping women overcome their concerns about gaining weight when quitting smoking. The study, published in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that 21% of women who received therapy had completely quit smoking with no relapses.
Researchers propose individualized risk-benefit assessment to determine treatment for illicit drug-using patients. They argue that withholding treatment is unfair and ineffective, citing success stories from AIDS treatment.
A study published by researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine increases the risk of brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, in male offspring who later take the drug themselves. The toxic effects of methamphetamine can hasten the onset of these conditions.
A large-scale study evaluated community-based treatment programs for adolescents, finding significant reductions in drug use and improved mental health outcomes. The study also identified the importance of minimum length of stay in treatment for optimal results.
Researchers found that after stopping cocaine use, individuals become more sensitive to drug-associated environmental cues, leading to increased cravings and a higher risk of relapse. The study suggests that treatment programs must consider this persistence of craving beyond the acute withdrawal phase.
A recent study found that adolescents who participated in community-based treatment programs significantly reduced drug use and criminal behavior, and improved academic performance. Longer stays in treatment were associated with better outcomes.
A recent study found that individuals clinically identified as substance abusers have an elevated risk of injury. Alcohol-and-drug abusers had the highest risk of injury, followed by those who abused only one type of substance.
The Walking A Good Path calendar is an inspirational and educational resource developed by NIDA and American Indian organizations. The calendar shares current science-based information on drug abuse, addiction, prevention, and treatment, highlighting the health risks and effective strategies for Native American communities.
A new Yale research program aims to bridge the knowledge gap on women and drug abuse, providing training opportunities for scholars to develop sex-specific treatments and prevention strategies. The five-year program will focus on understanding the etiology of drug abuse in women and its impact on families.
The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network has expanded to include 11 regional research centers and nearly 70 community-based treatment programs. The five newly funded centers will receive $11 million over five years, bringing the total funding for all 11 components to $121 million.
Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that squirrel monkeys will self-administer intravenous injections of THC, a psychoactive compound in marijuana, in doses comparable to those used by humans. This study suggests that marijuana has similar abuse potential as other addictive substances like cocaine and heroin.
Researchers found that methoxsalen inhibits CYP2A6 enzyme, increasing nicotine levels and reducing smoking desire. The medication was shown to improve oral nicotine replacement effectiveness in reducing cravings and puff counts.
Scientists have found that cocaine abuse coupled with use of alcohol leads to impulsive decision-making and poorer performance on tests of learning and memory. The negative effects persist for at least a month after substance use stops, according to the study published in Neurology.
Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause permanent brain cell damage, similar to Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The study found reduced levels of N-acetyl-aspartate and increased levels of myo-inositol and choline-containing compounds in the brains of abusers.
Research funded by NIDA explores how craving tobacco increases urge to use illicit drugs. Studies found that smokers who use illegal drugs have a harder time quitting their drug habit than nonsmokers.
Two studies found that heavy smoking is linked to increased craving for illicit drugs, including cocaine and heroin. Researchers suggest that smoking cessation programs should be offered as part of other drug treatment programs to combat this trend.
Researchers find substance use and dependence are significant problems among welfare recipients, but academic skill deficits are a greater barrier to self-sufficiency. Effective services addressing mental health needs and providing support for work barriers are crucial for successful fulfillment of family roles.
A Penn State researcher found that nearly three-fourths of women addicted to crack cocaine engage in prostitution to support their habit, highlighting the need for comprehensive support services. The study suggests that programs should offer housing, education, and job training to help these women escape poverty and addiction
A new national survey reveals evidence of stigma toward mentally ill individuals, viewing them as less competent and more violent. The study found that people with schizophrenia are viewed as more unable to manage daily affairs than those with depression.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that treated ADHD boys are one-third as likely to develop substance abuse or dependence compared to untreated peers. The research contradicts the myth that stimulant treatment could lead to future drug abuse.
A new study funded by NIDA and NIMH found that boys with ADHD treated with stimulants like Ritalin are less likely to develop substance use disorders. The study showed an 84% reduction in risk among medicated ADHD boys, compared to non-medicated ADHD boys and those without ADHD.
A study found that 16% of students with ADHD reported being asked to sell, give, or trade their medication. Researchers recommend stronger policies on medication use and dispensing to prevent potential abuse. Findings highlight the need for education and monitoring among parents, teachers, and healthcare providers.
A survey of 60,000 Pennsylvania students found a decrease in willingness to seek help from physicians, parents, teachers, and counselors for drug abuse treatment. Students' perception of the risks associated with drugs has decreased over time, but the actual problems persist.