Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
A national research study found that a lack of institutional support is the top reason doctors are reluctant to discuss addiction with their patients. The study also highlighted knowledge and skill gaps as significant barriers to delivering evidence-based interventions.
A new technological breakthrough has enabled scientists to visualize opioid signaling in the brain in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of how opioids affect the brain. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for developing more effective and safer therapeutics for pain management and mental health disorders.
A Canadian study found that prescribing lower quantities of opioids can help reduce misuse and overdose. The study suggests adapting prescription practices to patients' analgesic needs, with varying quantities based on the type of pain condition.
Researchers have identified a novel compound that can reverse the lethal effects of opioid overdose when paired with naloxone, reducing withdrawal symptoms and extending protection. The discovery builds on new insights into opioid receptors and could combat the devastating fentanyl epidemic.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
Researchers found that medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, and behavioral health supports significantly reduce the risk of dying from an overdose. However, significant gaps in care were noted, with only 4% of beneficiaries receiving medications after experiencing a nonfatal overdose.
A study published in JAMA found that high out-of-pocket costs are a significant barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions. The study, which utilized data from a national pharmacy transactions database, estimated that a $10 increase in cost would decrease the rate of filling prescriptions by about 2-3 percentage points.
A clinical trial shows that a combination of injectable naltrexone and extended-release oral bupropion reduces methamphetamine use for up to 12 weeks. The study found a significant increase in methamphetamine-negative urine tests among participants receiving the two-drug therapy.
The number of calls to US poison centers has increased sharply, with a 233.9% rise in intentional exposures among adults. The severity of unintentional exposures also increased, with 37.4% more cases resulting in severe harm and 65.3% more deaths.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine, discovering epigenetic modifications that alter gene and protein expression. This leads to increased susceptibility to amphetamine-induced behaviors in adult animals.
A study found that pharmaceuticals like metoprolol and atenolol, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, were present in over 60% of water samples from Hudson and East Rivers. Enterococci bacteria and rainfall also contributed to drug presence, highlighting the need for improved water management systems
A new study explores the growing fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco, highlighting individual experiences and local trends. Participants reported fear of overdose and challenges with injecting as motivations for switching to smoking, but some expressed concerns about hygiene and residue risks.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found a growing share of cannabis consumers report daily or near-daily use, exceeding those of daily and near-daily alcohol drinkers. Long-term trends in cannabis use parallel corresponding changes in US policy over 43 years.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
A new study suggests that parents' monitoring of their teenagers can reduce substance use by making them think twice about it. The research found that kids are less likely to try alcohol or drugs if they believe their parents know their whereabouts.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that less than 15% of US college students can administer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Despite this, nearly 62% of students can identify signs of an overdose and nearly 67% feel comfortable calling emergency services.
A study evaluating contract treatment in Sweden found that this sanction significantly reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events compared to community sanctions or prison sentences. Providing treatment yields better results than punishment, addressing the root causes of criminality often linked to substance misuse.
A study analyzing 8,384 clinical appointments found that women aged 45 are the majority of patients treated at public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Brazil. The patients had sadness, anxiety, and irritability as primary symptoms, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being commonly prescribed medications.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
US pharmaceutical spending surged to $473.12 billion from 2011 to 2020, with diabetic medications accounting for a significant increase. The study found that antidiabetic agents were the most expensive therapeutic area, with Medicare and Medicaid contributing significantly to the costs.
A new study by UCLA Health found that middle-aged Black Americans had the highest mortality rates from suicide, drug overdose, and alcoholic liver disease in 2022. Native Americans had the highest combined death rate from these causes over nearly two decades.
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
A new study examines perceptions of US veterans treatment court team members regarding the program's viability and longevity. The researchers found that team members believe VTCs will continue to exist and expand, but face challenges in securing stable funding sources and maintaining buy-in from key individuals.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
A clinical trial is underway to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stick with medication treatment. The trial uses a patient-administered wearable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms of both conditions.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.
Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.
A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
A new study found that only about half of residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents have a bed immediately available, with the average daily cost per day of treatment being $878. The study also revealed that only seven states have a facility that accepts Medicaid, has a bed open the same day, and offers buprenorphine.
Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.
A new study by Columbia University researchers indicates that patients with expanded methadone access during the COVID pandemic are not more likely to overdose or drop out of care. The findings suggest that more flexible policies could help improve access to this life-saving treatment and close gaps in care.
A new study by RAND Corporation links the nation's opioid crisis to a surge in child suicides, with reformulated prescription opioids contributing to the growth. The analysis found that geographic areas with higher rates of prescription OxyContin misuse experienced sharper growth in child suicide rates.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
A UCLA study found that substance abuse treatment can lead to reduced methamphetamine usage and longer periods of abstinence. The study, which analyzed responses from nearly 300 men in Los Angeles, suggests that even limited treatment options can be effective in reducing methamphetamine use.
A new NIH study reveals a substantial increase in overdose mortality among pregnant and postpartum women, with the largest spike observed among those aged 35 to 44. The study highlights significant barriers, including stigma and limited socioeconomic resources, that hinder access to care.
A new study highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance among medical professionals in addressing chronic pain dependency. Patients describe feeling ignored and misunderstood, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that younger patients and those with no prior experience with opioids are more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery. The researchers used data collected through automated text messages sent to 3,600 patients who underwent common surgical procedures.
The US life expectancy gap between men and women has widened to 5.8 years, with COVID-19 and 'deaths of despair' being major contributors. Life expectancy in the US dropped to 76.1 years in 2021, driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and accidents.
A new study by Harvard researchers proposes that social factors, such as gendered variables, may better explain observed sex disparities in adverse drug events. The study highlights the need to consider social and structural differences in individuals' experiences and health outcomes.
A new conceptual model distinguishes between malleable and unmalleable factors, as well as pre- and post-diagnosis factors, to identify patients at risk of chemical coping with opioids. The model recommends universal screening, patient education, and mental health care to mitigate overdoses and deaths.
A longitudinal study found that nine-to-10-year-old children who drink daily caffeinated soda are twice as likely to try alcohol within a year. Daily caffeine intake is associated with low working memory and high impulsivity, recognized risk factors for substance use disorders.
A new study shows a significant decline in dental opioid prescriptions, with 45% fewer opioids dispensed between 2016 and 2022. However, progress slowed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be attributed to dentists being more cautious due to limited follow-up appointments.
Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.
Researchers surveyed patients undergoing elective surgeries and found that reducing opioid prescriptions led to higher patient satisfaction with pain management. The study's results were used to develop evidence-based guidelines for prescribing opioids after surgery, aiming to balance managing pain and opioid use.
Patients prescribed higher doses of buprenorphine (24mg) were more likely to stay in treatment for longer periods compared to those on lower doses (16mg). Higher doses may help address the challenges posed by fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
Researchers have developed a new method to adapt Ritalin to tackle cocaine abuse, overcoming a chemical hurdle that previously limited the potential of methylphenidate derivatives. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for cocaine addiction.
A study found that only 22% of people with opioid use disorder received evidence-based medication treatments in 2021. Telehealth services were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of receiving these life-saving medications.
A new study reveals that illicit drug use is involved in nearly one in three sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) among young adults in Victoria, Australia. The analysis of data from a statewide registry found higher levels of illicit drugs and multiple substance use among SCD patients.
A preclinical study found that the drug ADX106772 reduced oxycodone intake and relapse in animal models of opioid use disorder without disrupting other reward responses. The therapeutic was tested in rats trained to self-administer oxycodone and showed significant reduction in oxycodone intake for up to 12 hours.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
A study by Penn State researchers found that minority communities bore the brunt of the opioid crisis, with Black men and American Indian/Native Alaskan men and women disproportionately affected. The researchers suggest that race- and gender-specific interventions may be more effective in preventing overdose deaths.
A recent study found wide discrepancies in treatment for opioid use disorder among people covered by Medicaid, with some states providing nearly universal access to proven medications. The study suggests that quality of care problems are to blame for the disparities.
A new NIH study suggests xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, can damage brain oxygen levels when combined with opioid drugs like fentanyl and heroin. This combination may lead to prolonged brain oxygen decreases, increasing overdose risk. Researchers hope to develop interventions to reverse overdoses and save lives.
A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.
A recent NIH-funded study found that only 1 in 4 residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents under 18 years old offer buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. The study highlights a significant gap in access to evidence-based treatment among young people, with many facilities not offering this life-saving medication d...