Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
A Rutgers study suggests that individual attitudes towards heavy alcohol use are a key predictor of college student drinking. The research found that students' own attitudes towards heavy drinking, rather than peer pressure or societal norms, were more closely linked to binge-drinking frequency and alcohol-related problems.
A Rutgers study found that individuals with opioid-use disorder who used non-prescribed buprenorphine before entering treatment were twice as likely to remain in care. Those who used the medication also had significantly lower rates of opioid use during the first six months in treatment.
Less than half of Americans with opioid use disorder received a potentially lifesaving medication over a five-year period. Buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risk, was prescribed even less often for those with polysubstance use disorder, highlighting the underutilization of this effective treatment.
A Rutgers University study found that expanding prison opioid treatment programs could reduce the risk of overdose and death among ex-inmates. The researchers suggest that further education on post-release opioid risks is necessary to increase participation in these programs.
A recent study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in excess deaths from external causes, including homicide, suicide, and transportation accidents. The study estimated these disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing opioid disposal kits doubled the rate of safe disposal among patients who received them. The kits were provided to 235 patients after orthopedic or urologic procedures and resulted in the safe disposal of 480 unused tablets.
Researchers at CIC bioGUNE identified microRNA 873 as a potential therapeutic agent for acute liver failure due to APAP overdose. The study found that anti-miR-873-5p treatment rescues the liver and extends the therapeutic window by 24 hours.
Overdose death toll has more than quintupled among American Indian and Alaska Native communities between 1999 and 2019, with opioid-related deaths increasing steeply. The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomic factors and racial discrimination to tackle substance use disorders.
A new machine learning model uses anonymized data to identify key risk factors for substance abuse, including family relationships and social connections. The research aims to provide policy-makers with better information to design effective programs to address substance abuse issues.
A recent study from Emory University found that people who self-report non-medical prescription drug use (NMPDU) express more negative emotions and less positive emotions on social media compared to those who do not, and that NMPDU tweets are highly polarized
More than half of Michigan pharmacies offer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, without requiring a prescription. The standing order allows pharmacists to dispense the drug in emergency situations.
A study found significant reductions in cigarette use among U.S. adults with major depression, substance use disorder, or both from 2006 to 2019. Smoking cessation efforts remain critical for people with these conditions.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues and changed drug use behaviors in rural Illinois residents, leading to a higher risk of overdose. The study suggests that structural and community factors during the pandemic increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and altered drug use patterns.
A decision-support framework was developed by management science researchers to help clinicians make informed decisions about opioid prescribing. The framework incorporates multiple factors, including recovery time, pain intensity, and patient history, to provide a quantitative model of the prescribing process.
A new study found that people with psychiatric conditions, especially those over 65, have a higher risk of breakthrough COVID. The researchers tracked data from over 250,000 VA patients and found increased risks for breakthrough infections among those with substance abuse, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and...
Researchers found that Massachusetts' state mandate driving staff acceptance and creating an atypical flexibility to seek innovative solutions. The program showed that medication diversion was uncommon, and protocols helped ensure correct use of the medication by detainees.
This study examines shifts in adolescent overdose deaths, highlighting the growing threat of illicit fentanyl. Researchers analyzed CDC data to understand the impact of increased fentanyl use on this age group.
Adults who have used psilocybin are 30% less likely to develop opioid use disorder, according to a nationally representative survey. Psilocybin use is also associated with reduced symptoms of opioid dependence and abuse.
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology-developed nasal spray has been tested on over 200 acute overdose patients, restoring breathing in 80% of cases within 10 minutes. The study's findings suggest the nasal spray provides enough antidote for patients to breathe on their own while minimizing the risk of triggering abstinence.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers shows that adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are more likely to develop prescription drug misuse and overdose risks in adulthood. Screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult problems and prevent overdoses.
The number of fentanyl-containing pill seizures surged nearly 50-fold between 2018 and 2021, highlighting the growing risk for people new to drug use. The rise in overdose deaths is largely driven by illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Law enforcement seizures of fentanyl-laced pills have surged dramatically, with over 2 million confiscated in the last quarter of 2021. The number of people at risk includes those who buy counterfeit pills of common drugs like benzodiazepines or painkillers.
Researchers found that patients with psychosocial and behavioral therapy had lower risk of medication discontinuation in the first 180 days after treatment. Therapy may help reduce high attrition rates commonly observed early during treatment.
A study found that only 28% of individuals needing opioid use disorder treatment received medication, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight critical gaps in treatment engagement and access to effective medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.
Researchers found that people with severe alcohol use disorder reported missing 32 days of work each year, while those without the condition missed around 13 days. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use disorder in the workplace could lead to economic incentives and improved employee health.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of youth with benzodiazepine or stimulant overdoses had prescribed these medications in the prior month. Physicians may need to weigh the risks and benefits of these medications more closely, particularly for youth at high risk of self-injury.
A new study suggests that outpatient treatment for infective endocarditis can reduce mortality rates, extend life expectancy, and be more cost-effective than standard inpatient therapy. The strategy also showed improved cure rates compared to other approaches.
Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.
A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.
The study found significant gaps in naloxone access and distribution across the US, with state-specific needs varying by epidemic type and distribution pathways. Community-based and pharmacy-initiated access points were more effective in reducing fatal opioid overdoses.
A national study found that states with higher labor underutilization, non-Hispanic white populations, and opioid prescriptions had higher SIM rates. States with centralized medicolegal death investigation systems detected more SIM cases due to toxicologic testing.
A study of drivers with past-year alcohol and cannabis use found that two in five reported driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or both. Simultaneous use was associated with a higher risk of DUI, particularly among young adolescents.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
A quality improvement initiative at 10 US children's hospitals has led to an almost 80% reduction in opioid prescribing for children after appendectomy, without harming patient outcomes. The study used a standardized prescribing protocol and ACS NSQIP Pediatric data to minimize opioid prescriptions.
A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research suggests a strong link between childhood trauma and vaccine hesitancy, with 3 times higher rates among those who experienced 4 or more trauma types. This is associated with lower trust in health services and increased likelihood of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.
A recent study estimates that unintentional drug overdose deaths among US adolescents and young adults from 2015 to 2019 resulted in a substantial loss of years of life. The study found that this demographic group bears an disproportionate burden of these overdose-related fatalities.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
A longitudinal survey of over 3,000 adolescents aged 11-14 found that supportive relationships with family and friends, physical activity, and better sleep helped shield against the pandemic's negative impact on mental health. Girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic.
A Montreal-based study found that alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use remained stable among 24- to 33-year-olds from before the pandemic to now. However, people with lower education levels and those living alone were more likely to start or increase substance use during COVID-19.
A study conducted in two rural Massachusetts jails found that providing buprenorphine medication to individuals with opioid use disorder significantly reduced rearrest and reconviction rates after release. The study revealed a 32% reduction in rates of probation violations, reincarcerations, or court charges.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
The grant will fund a new curriculum focused on diagnosing and treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance on medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The program aims to train hundreds of medical students and residents to diagnose, treat, and care for individuals with substance use disorders.
The Monitoring the Future survey found a significant decrease in illicit drug use among adolescents in 2021, with notable declines in alcohol, marijuana, and vaping use. The survey also reported moderate increases in mental health indicators, highlighting an unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers will test four interventions to determine which combinations are most effective at helping people who inject drugs and who are HIV positive to suppress their viral load. Strategies include patient navigators, psychological therapy, methadone treatment, and educational sessions.
A new smartwatch sensor uses machine learning to detect opioid cravings and provide personalized interventions, showing 80% accuracy in real-time monitoring. The technology has the potential to prevent relapse, overdose, and dependency.
A new study found that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for prescription opioid misuse among young adults. Participants who reported four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly three times more likely to be at risk for opioid misuse, with a 13% higher likelihood compared to those with zero to three ACEs.
Researchers used wastewater samples from 25 treatment plants across 10 countries to track the popularity of new synthetic drugs. Synthetic cathinones, including eutylone and 3-MMC, were found to have high per capita levels in wastewater, with increased international presence reported between 2020-2021 New Year periods.
A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.
A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
A study found that prescription drug monitoring programs in states significantly reduced child maltreatment incidents, with significant declines in neglect and physical abuse cases. The implementation of PDMPs was particularly effective in reducing maltreatment among American Indian and Alaskan Native children.
A recent study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that people who wake up, smoke, and return to sleep are more likely driven by stress than nicotine addiction. To help these smokers quit, researchers recommend addressing their psychological distress and developing treatments that go beyond nicotine dependence.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.