Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
New York State opioid prescriptions declined during the COVID-19 lockdown, with only a small transient increase in early refills. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescriptions remained steady, thanks to policies ensuring their availability.
Research found that states legalizing recreational cannabis saw a slight increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults and men. The study suggests that targeted public health messaging and policy interventions can mitigate problem drinking. However, the impact of long-term effects on binge or heavy drinking is unclear.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that young people treated for sleep disorders with benzodiazepines like Xanax may be at a higher risk of overdose. The study examined over 90,000 newly prescribed benzodiazepine patients and found an increased risk of overdose compared to other prescription sleep medications.
A researcher at Ohio University is using a $1.4 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to develop a training program for healthcare professionals to overcome stigma surrounding Buprenorphine prescriptions. The study aims to increase access to harm reduction services in rural areas.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
A research team developed a vaccine targeting synthetic opioid fentanyl to block its entry into the brain, preventing fatal effects. The breakthrough could have major implications for treating Opioid Use Disorder, with potential relapse prevention capabilities.
The risk of death from infective endocarditis (IE) among young US residents aged 15-44 years has doubled in the last two decades. IE cases among younger patients and those who inject drugs have increased, with mortality rates increasing by 50%.
Researchers believe that changes in the brain's orexin system promote drug-seeking behavior and that existing insomnia treatments could reduce or eliminate cravings. Studies have shown that blocking this system reverses addiction in animals and reduces opioid cravings in human subjects.
Researchers analyzed 200 overdose events in Rhode Island city, finding police were last to arrive at scene in most incidents. Arrests were extremely rare, with only 1% of cases involving law enforcement presence due to safety concerns.
A study found that nearly half of Medicaid beneficiaries who completed opioid rehab did not receive follow-up care or medication-assisted treatment within a month. Patients with prior prescriptions for opioid use disorder medications were 24% more likely to get follow-up care and medication.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that patients who participate in multiple outpatient visits early in treatment are more likely to continue care. Nearly half of these patients remained in treatment for six months or more, compared to just 2.9% of those with less frequent visits.
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
A survey of over 1,000 physicians found that 67% of respondents favored making telehealth a permanent option for treating opioid-use disorder. The study suggests that continued flexibility in telehealth regulations could help increase access to life-saving treatment, particularly during the ongoing opioid crisis.
Researchers will test a new telehealth platform linking people who have overdosed with access to medication for opioid use disorder, harm reduction services, and recovery supports. The project aims to expedite access to medication and reduce overdose events and fatalities.
Admissions to drug treatment programs declined by nearly one-quarter in the US during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant declines observed among people of color. The study suggests that this trend may be linked to the recent surge in drug overdose deaths.
A 28-year study tracking over 500,000 adolescents in the US found a decline in substance abuse, except for an increase in cannabis and vaping use. Low social engagement and participation in structured activities were key predictors of substance abuse avoidance.
A 28-year study tracked over 500,000 US adolescents and found that low social engagement and participation in structured activities are key predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Conversely, highly social and engaged groups with less supervision were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened racial disparities in drug overdose death rates in the United States, with Hispanic and American Indian populations bearing the greatest burden. Researchers analyzed data from 2020 to 2021 and found that these groups experienced significantly higher overdose death rates compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.
A study found that expanded telehealth services for opioid use disorder care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to individuals staying in treatment longer and reducing their risk of medically treated overdose. The expansion also showed improved receipt and retention of medication-assisted treatment, suggesting a valuable approach to addr...
Mandated PDMP use in US states reduced opioid prescriptions by 6.1% but led to a 50.1% increase in heroin-related deaths, according to researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Past-year marijuana use reached its highest level since 1988, with past-month use also increasing. Hallucinogen use surged to an all-time high, while nicotine vaping prevalence nearly tripled among young adults in 2021.
A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified genes linked to cigarette smoking and drinking, revealing their association with other substances like cocaine. The study's computational tool, H-MAGMA, helps parse the complex genetics involved in substance abuse, providing a foundation for developing new treatments.
A study found that cannabis use and daily use are more common in US states with recreational cannabis laws compared to those without. Cigarette smokers in these states have even higher rates of cannabis use.
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
A mouse study found significant changes in the infant gut microbiome associated with maternal oxycodone exposure. These bacterial changes are linked to alterations in metabolic pathways, suggesting a potential connection between prenatal opioid exposure and long-term health consequences.
Indiana University researchers are using a mouse model to study the effects of cannabis use during adolescence, which could impair working memory and increase the risk of psychosis later in life. The $2M NIH grant aims to develop therapies to treat adverse effects.
A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.
A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.
Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
Researchers found that 27.8% of drugs with high abuse potential successfully completed development compared to 4.7% for low-abuse potential drugs. Funding is needed to improve understanding of pain mechanisms and develop non-addictive treatments.
A pan-Canadian study found that prescribing buprenorphine-naloxone at home is as effective as traditional methadone treatment in reducing opioid use. The flexible model of care offers improved access and autonomy for individuals with opioid use disorder. With over 270 participants, the OPTIMA study suggests a new approach to treating t...
Researchers aim to understand how HIV affects cardiovascular health and the impact of substance use on this relationship. They plan to develop a human bone marrow chip model to study HIV pathogenesis and explore potential strategies for caring people with HIV who face cardiovascular disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased disparities in buprenorphine and naltrexone prescriptions for opioid use disorder among racial and ethnic minority groups. The study found that these groups experienced worsened disparities compared to white patients.