Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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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.
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.
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 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 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 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...
Young adults' past-year use of non-LSD hallucinogens increased from 3.4% in 2018 to 6.6% in 2021, raising public health concerns. The study found that male and white young adults used these substances more frequently.
A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.
Research finds that Massachusetts' policy mandating reporting to child protective services for prenatal opioid use disorder (MOUD) exposure can be stigmatizing and lead to medical decision-making changes. The study calls for changing the law to uncouple treatment decisions from mandated reporting during the perinatal period.
A new study reveals that over 80% of people who inject drugs in New York City test positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intend to take it intentionally. The research suggests that widespread use of fentanyl among this population may be driving overdose risk and tolerance development.
A new national study of over 50,000 US adolescents reveals a strong association between vaping nicotine and increased likelihood of high-level cannabis usage and binge drinking. The findings highlight the need for sustained interventions to address co-occurring substance use among young people.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A new study found a strong association between the prevalence of prescription stimulant therapy for ADHD and rates of prescription stimulant misuse among middle and high school students. Schools with higher numbers of students on stimulant therapy had significantly higher rates of misused stimulants, highlighting the need for education...
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who knowingly took placebos were more likely to stay on methadone and had improved sleep quality. After three months of follow-up, 78% of the placebo-treated group remained on methadone compared to 61% of the control group.
Researchers find that patients with destructive nasal lesions may be suffering from cocaine-induced granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a condition often misdiagnosed. Cocaine use can trigger production of antibodies leading to symptoms similar to idiopathic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.
Researchers found that postpartum women prescribed opioids increased by 38%, with stronger prescriptions given during the pandemic. The study highlights concerns over potential opioid abuse among vulnerable women.
A multi-site NIH study shows that less than 1% of people with opioid use disorder experience withdrawal when starting buprenorphine in the emergency department. The findings provide strong evidence for safe and effective buprenorphine treatment, even for those using stronger opioids like fentanyl.
A study of over 1,300 children aged 9-13 found a significant increase in substance use when combining hair analysis with survey results, nearly doubling the estimated number of child drug users. This suggests that hair analysis is a more accurate method for assessing adolescent substance abuse than self-reporting alone.
A novel community-focused strategy implemented in Pennsylvania counties led to a 30% reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The approach, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, prevented 1,818 opioid-related deaths over two years.
A new study found that trauma leads to high levels of intergenerational substance use among Black women, with 30% increased odds of drug use and 40% increased odds of Child Protective Services cases. The researchers also highlighted the importance of understanding the prevalence and impacts of these issues among minority populations.
Researchers discovered HDAC5 plays a critical role in limiting heroin-associated memories and drug-seeking behavior. By regulating gene expression, HDAC5 opposes powerful drug cues that trigger relapse.
Recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, causing serious disability in young people. The new guidelines provide practical solutions for early recognition and effective treatment to alleviate pressure on hospitals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University School of Medicine have identified a specific brain circuit that characterizes how fentanyl affects the brain. Suppressing negative emotional states may increase a person's chance of overcoming opioid use disorder.
Current state reporting methods may be inadequate, as not all individuals experiencing an overdose connect with medical services or community programs. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive reporting of nonfatal drug overdoses across US states.
Researchers investigated psychostimulants' effects on dopamine transporter, discovering persistent binding determines sustained effects. The study found that varying binding times between substances result in different durations and intensities of effects.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that high doses of CBD may increase the adverse effects of THC in edible cannabis products. The study showed that CBD inhibits the metabolism of THC, resulting in stronger and longer drug effects.
A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.
Research analyzed data from nearly 1,000 participants born in the 1950s and 1960s, finding that children with overprotective fathers were more likely to die before age 80. Conversely, women who received better care from their mothers during childhood may experience a reduced risk of premature mortality.
Researchers found increased rates of pregnancy-associated deaths in the US from 2018 to 2020, with no significant decline. The pandemic contributed to these changes, with rates rising due to various causes including drugs, homicide, and suicide.
Panelists emphasize the need for better treatment options and increased access to naloxone as overdoses increase dramatically. Community collaboration, fast-tracking vaccine development, and reducing stigma around people who use drugs are also key strategies.
A large study on chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent surgery found that about two-thirds survive for 10 years, but over a quarter struggle with persistent opioid use. Long-term follow-up revealed significant psychosocial issues, including substance abuse, narcotics abuse, and end-stage liver disease.
A study by University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University scientists found that states with recreational cannabis laws saw a significant reduction in pharmacy-based codeine distribution. This reduction is promising from a public health perspective, as prescription opioid misuse contributes to thousands of overdose deaths annually.
Research exploring cannabis and its impact on the oral microbiome found a link between frequent cannabis use and increased levels of bacteria Actinomyces meyeri in the mouth. The study suggests that this bacterial imbalance may contribute to neurological disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss.
Researchers found that combination therapy of buprenorphine and naloxone was as safe as buprenorphine alone during pregnancy, with similar outcomes in maternal health and newborn health. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A USC study found that notifying clinicians about fatal opioid overdoses through letters from medical examiners reduces opioid prescribing over the next three months. The study shows these notifications have a lasting impact, with a 7% reduction in prescriptions after one year.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
The NIH has established a research network to test community-based harm reduction strategies, including naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, to reduce overdose deaths. The network aims to save lives by connecting people who use drugs with services and treatments.
The percentage of adolescents reporting substance use in 2022 held steady, with most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis. Levels generally remained at or below pre-pandemic levels, but there was a concerning increase in overdose deaths among young people ages 14-18 due to fentanyl contamination.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
Between 2017 and 2020, drug overdose mortality among pregnant and postpartum individuals rose by 81%, closely tracking overall trends in reproductive-age populations. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the surge in 2020.
A national US study found a 245% increase in child marijuana abuse and a decline in alcohol abuse over the past 20 years. The study tracked intentional misuse and abuse reported to the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2020, revealing over 338,000 instances of child abuse or misuse.
A post-pandemic outbreak of a drug-resistant fungus in Brazil was linked to the misuse of medications and full ICUs. The study found that 90% of infected patients had strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins, leading to high mortality rates.
A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.