Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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 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.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that college students misuse prescription drugs more often during the week and when they are alone at home. The study, which surveyed 297 students, suggests that there may be different motivating factors underlying prescription drug misuse compared to other substances.
A recent UC San Diego study has found that e-cigarette use does not help smokers stay off cigarettes, but rather increases the risk of relapse. Former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes were more likely to relapse compared to those who remained tobacco-free.
A new study reveals that pain activates a specific region of the brain, which reduces dopamine activity and leads to decreased motivation. Artificially restoring dopamine neurons reverses this effect, suggesting potential treatments for pain-related emotional changes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly three-fourths of U.S. adults with buprenorphine use did not misuse the medication in 2019, trending downward between 2015-2019 despite increased treatment. The research highlights the need to expand access to proven treatment approaches like buprenorphine therapy to reduce misuse.
Researchers have identified a new pathway for opioid-induced reward in the brain, paving the way for creating safer opioids. By altering the opioid peptide receptor MOPR, pharmaceutical companies can potentially create drugs that bypass the brain's reward system.
A new study suggests that increased access to naloxone has not changed people's perception of the risks associated with heroin use. Researchers found that individuals who used heroin and those living in areas with easy or restricted access to naloxone both perceived heroin as a high-risk substance.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
A US study of 580,000 vaccinated individuals found that those with substance use disorders were more likely to contract COVID-19. The risk was largely attributed to co-occurring health conditions and socioeconomic factors rather than the disorder itself.
Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.
Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that college students who misuse stimulant drugs are also likely to engage in heavy drinking and marijuana use. The research suggests a strong behavioral link among polysubstance users, highlighting the need for universities to be aware of the additive health effects of these behaviors.
Research in mice reveals that drug withdrawal alters brain activity patterns, causing increased functional connectivity and decreased modularity. This universal effect may be a common trait among different types of addictive drugs.
A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...
Researchers found that methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine withdrawal share similar features in mouse brains, including reduced modularity and increased functional connectivity. This reorganization may contribute to the addictive nature of psychostimulants.
A recent study found that deaths where drugs were a contributing cause rose dramatically in the US, outpacing decline in other causes. The death rate from accidents and suicides increased fivefold, while diseases and medical conditions saw a 2.5-fold rise.
Physicians prescribed opioids more frequently to their white patients with new-onset low back pain, while prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to patients of color. The study's findings suggest racial bias in pain treatment, with white patients being more likely to develop long-term opioid reliance.
A study by UCSF researchers found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations made by patients with addictions increased by 30% and 57%, respectively, between 2014-2018. The authors highlight the urgent need for hospitals to develop systems of hospital-based interventions to provide addiction treatment.
The 2020 Monitoring the Future survey found significant increases in marijuana and hallucinogen use among college students, while daily or near-daily marijuana use rose. In contrast, vaping marijuana and nicotine levels plateaued after sharp increases between 2017 and 2019, while alcohol use declined significantly.
Adults with a history of traumatic brain injury are at increased risk of using and misusing prescription opioids, with nearly 52% increased risk for use and over 65% increased risk for misuse. The findings support the 'Perfect Storm' hypothesis, suggesting that TBI increases vulnerability to pain and opioid risks.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have identified three new urinary biomarkers that can detect consumption of ADB-BUTINACA, an emerging synthetic cannabinoid. The discovery will help boost global surveillance of synthetic cannabinoid abuse and aid in tackling the increasing abuse of this substance.
Adolescents in the US showed stable overall drug use rates during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nicotine and prescription misuse increased, while alcohol use decreased. The study monitored 7,842 adolescents and found heightened stress, depression, and anxiety associated with youth substance abuse.
Researchers found a spike in prescription opioid and anti-anxiety sedative consumption, while illicit drug use plummeted during the early pandemic. The study used wastewater analysis to track community-wide habits and anxiety levels.
A new study has found that chronic opioid use changes gene expression in the brains of people with opioid use disorder (OUD), suggesting proinflammatory signaling and synaptic remodeling. The affected genes involved in immune response and neuronal connections were also identified, offering new targets for treatment.
A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A research study from iPSYCH shows that people with ADHD and another psychiatric diagnosis are more likely to stop taking their ADHD medicine. Fifty percent of these individuals stop taking the medication within two years, primarily due to side effects or reduced effectiveness.
A recent UCLA clinical trial has shown encouraging results in helping daily smokers who are also heavy drinkers quit smoking and cut down their alcohol intake. The study found that nearly 36% of participants had quit smoking, with varenicline alone showing a highly encouraging quit rate.
A new study found that older adults with functional impairments are at higher risk of using prescription opioids, tranquilizers/sedatives, and medical cannabis. This population is more susceptible to substance use disorders and mental health issues due to chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.
A new study found that Connecticut's MAT programs have higher-than-average patient retention rates, with 58.9% of participants remaining in the program at six months. However, younger patients and those using cocaine or crack alongside opioids had lower retention rates, highlighting the need for targeted strategies.
A recent study found that only 6% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment, despite most having access to healthcare. The researchers suggest that primary care doctors may not feel comfortable addressing drinking issues due to lack of training, leading to a gap in treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that extended-release formulations of buprenorphine may improve treatment satisfaction for patients with opioid use disorder. The study found that the extended-release injection was well-tolerated and produced more positive patient-reported outcomes compared to daily oral buprenorphine.
Researchers found that accumulation of unfavourable environmental factors increases the risk of polytoxicomania, a form of multiple drug use. The study identified use of cannabis before 18, physical and sexual abuse, migration, and growing up in a big city as major risk factors.
A genetically encoded sensor, psychLight, can detect hallucinogenic compounds and rapidly alter brain connections, showing promise for treating mental illness. The sensor was used in high-throughput screening to identify a previously untested compound with antidepressant potential.
New research reveals that using both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze. Dual users had a 1.9-times higher odds of developing respiratory symptoms compared to exclusive e-cigarette or tobacco smoker users.
The global street drug supply has changed dramatically, with heroin and cocaine now cut with up to 17 pharmaceutically active and potentially toxic adulterants. This trend poses significant risks to public health and safety, particularly for high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large study of children found a positive correlation between habitual snoring and behavioral problems, such as inattention or hyperactivity. The research suggests that snoring may contribute to the development of behavioral problems, and highlights the importance of early evaluation and screening for oSDB.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion significantly improves access to evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder among those involved with the criminal justice system. However, disparities persist due to incarceration-related stigma and barriers to treatment.
A study by NIH/NIDA found that adolescents who started using cannabis or misusing prescription drugs earlier are more likely to develop substance use disorders. The prevalence of substance use disorders was higher among adolescents than young adults at various time frames since first drug use, highlighting the vulnerability of young pe...
A recent study found that lower self-esteem, less optimism, and higher negative peer behaviors were associated with greater PTSD symptoms in Black girls. Caregiver support was also linked to increased PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing historical trauma in households.
Patients taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder who also take benzodiazepines experience a 40% lower risk of overdose, according to research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry. This finding suggests that buprenorphine can protect patients from overdose even when taking benzodiazepines.
Seizures of methamphetamine and marijuana rose significantly during the pandemic, with quantities of marijuana seized climbing by weight. Investigators found no significant shifts in other drug seizures, but provisional overdose deaths show a further rise through the first half of 2020.
Researchers found sharp decreases in marijuana and methamphetamine seizures during the pandemic's early months, followed by significant increases as restrictions relaxed. The study suggests disruptions in drug supply chains may have contributed to these trends.
A recent study from Indiana University found that supply-controlling and harm-reduction policy measures implemented in response to the opioid epidemic may have unintended consequences, including motivating users to switch to alternative illicit substances, leading to higher overdose mortality.
A Korean research team developed a wearable sensor that can detect illegal drugs in sweat using nanomaterials technology, enabling fast and highly sensitive drug detection. The technology overcomes traditional methods' limitations and has the potential to address social problems related to drug distribution and abuse.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that rescheduling drugs can lead to significant reductions in use and related harms. For over half of the reschedulings studied, use-related measures declined by at least 40 percent.