Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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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.
A study found that nearly a third of US teens and young adults prescribed psychoactive drugs misuse them, with stimulants and tranquillisers being most frequently misused. The likelihood of misuse increases with age, highlighting the need for comprehensive health promotion approaches among youth.
A recent study found a sharp increase in methamphetamine overdose deaths across all racial and ethnic groups, but non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest death rates overall. The study highlights the need for culturally tailored prevention and treatment strategies to address this growing crisis.
A new treatment combining naltrexone and bupropion shows promise in reducing methamphetamine use disorder, with a response rate of 13.6% compared to 2.5% in placebo groups. The therapy also led to reduced cravings and fewer adverse effects.
A combination of injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion was found to be effective in treating adults with moderate or severe methamphetamine use disorder. Participants responded at a significantly higher rate to the treatment, with an NNT of 9, indicating its potential as a promising addition to current approaches.
A team-based approach to treating opioid use disorder with community pharmacists shows promise in improving medication adherence and participant satisfaction. The study found nearly 90% of participants remained in the program and 95.3% adhered to their daily medication regimen.
A simple nurse- or carer-led medicines' monitoring system has been shown to reduce medication-related illness in people living in residential care homes. The Adverse Drug Reaction Profile (ADRe-p) system helped identify medicines' mismanagement and adverse drug reactions, leading to improved prescribing and reduced harm.
A 10-year study found that individuals with high sensitivity to alcohol's pleasurable effects are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. Higher sensitivity, not tolerance, is linked to increased risk and addictive behavior.
Researchers are using cutting-edge MRI sensors to map brain responses to drugs of abuse and identify genes that promote neuron survival. They plan to apply this technology to study Parkinson's disease, hoping to uncover new therapeutic targets.
A community-level alcohol intervention in California resulted in a significant reduction of alcohol-involved crashes among drivers aged 15-30. The study found that the intervention, which included sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, translated into approximately 310 fewer crashes across the intervention cities.
Levels of nicotine and marijuana vaping among US teens remained high in early 2020, despite a slight decrease in some trends. Nicotine vaping declined among 10th and 12th graders, but daily use remained high. The MTF survey found that vaping device brands have shifted, with teens moving to disposable devices.
The study highlights a need for standardized terminology to distinguish between medicine misuse, abuse, and medication errors. A clear taxonomy is required to accurately identify situations involving medicine misuse, ensuring better public health outcomes.
A UTSA researcher studied drug overdose mortality among US Hispanics from 2000-2017, finding lower rates overall but higher rates for people of Puerto Rican heritage born in Puerto Rico. The study emphasizes the need for culturally-tailored services in Spanish to address these groups' needs.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed an AI tool that analyzes movie scripts to predict violent, substance-abuse, and sexual content. The tool classifies sentences and phrases into three categories, providing instant feedback for filmmakers to design a desired rating.
The project aims to employ people formerly injected drugs and provide a robust recovery ecosystem by aiding recovery and physical health, with state-certified peer navigator/recovery coaches at the forefront. The goal is to create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to support those in recovery.
A recent NIH-funded study found that microstructural brain differences in the nucleus accumbens predict increases in indicators of obesity in children. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study reveals a link between diet-related inflammation and unhealthy eating behaviors.
A new study by the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that more college-age Americans are abstaining from alcohol, with a significant decrease in alcohol misuse. However, the study also shows an increase in marijuana use and co-use of alcohol and marijuana.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School will develop next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting fentanyl-like chemicals to treat acute intoxication and overdose. The grant supports the development of antibody-based medical countermeasures, which would not interfere with life-saving medications like naloxone.
A recent analysis of national data shows a significant decline in US prescription opioid abuse over the past decade. Prescription opioid abuse decreased by 26% between 2007 and 2018, with the rate dropping from 4.9% to 3.7%. This trend suggests that efforts to reduce opioid misuse are paying off.
A Rutgers study found that college students with disabilities are more likely to misuse prescription pain relievers and have a higher prevalence of drug use disorder. The study also highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of drug misuse in this population.
A pilot study found that measuring 24-hour heart rate can reliably indicate whether someone is depressed, providing an early warning and rapid indication of treatment effectiveness. The study also identified a link between heart rate variability and response to ketamine treatment.
Researchers are developing CBD-based treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Pharmaceutical companies are also working to enhance the potency of CBD by creating more potent derivatives that can be absorbed by the body.
A new study found that opioid prescription rates for outpatient knee surgery vary greatly across the US, with some states prescribing up to 85% of patients opioids. The average strength of prescriptions is also high, often exceeding the CDC's threshold for increased risk of overdose death.
Researchers developed a custom smartwatch that analyzes sweat to track medication levels in real-time. This wearable technology can help personalize treatment approaches by tailoring ideal drugs and dosages to individual needs.
The Center for Substance Abuse Research at Temple University has received a $7.2M NIDA grant to continue critical research on drugs of abuse. The grant renewal will enable the continuation of high-quality, innovative research in addiction biology and the development of new treatments.
A new hybrid prevention program aims to prevent prescription drug abuse among high school students by providing valuable life skills and resiliency training. The program, developed by Dr. Kenneth W. Griffin, uses a combination of online e-learning modules and interactive sessions to promote pro-health attitudes and behaviors.
The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in all adult patients, despite limited evidence on its effectiveness. While the practice may have some benefits, such as reducing stigma, it also poses risks, including exposure to stigma and poor counseling outcomes. Dr. Richard Saitz argues that alternative strategies should be d...
The program aims to promote pro-health attitudes and behaviors, reduce prescription drug abuse and concurrent substance use, and enhance protective factors by building social and relationship skills. The large-scale randomized controlled trial will evaluate the program in 40 high schools across the US.
A health system implemented a three-pronged public health strategy to address the opioid epidemic, reducing opioid use by 19% and shortening duration of use. The strategy included primary prevention, safe prescribing guidelines, and access to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new technique to quantify lipids in rat brain tissue, providing more information than previous methods. The technique allows for the localization and amount of ceramides to be determined, which are important in learning and memory.
A study by Ohio State University found that job skills training significantly reduced the use of illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin in low-income youth. After 16 years, only 2.8% of those who received job skills training used these drugs, compared to 5.2% of those who received basic services.
A nationwide study reveals that only 2% of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications during and after discharge. This finding highlights a critical gap in care, as evidence-based treatment is rarely prescribed in US hospitals.
A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.
A new study suggests that a modified form of the opioid medication buprenorphine, known as BU10119, may help curb cocaine relapse with improved effectiveness and lower abuse potential. The research was conducted using mouse models and found modest improvements in preventing cocaine relapse while minimizing addiction risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that adding $8 an hour to the paychecks of people with opioid dependence can help them stay drug-free longer and encourage them to get regular jobs. The study also showed that this financial stimulus can reduce poverty and improve employment outcomes.
A new study by Rutgers University and colleagues highlights the need for more research on rural opioid crisis treatment, citing barriers to access and inadequate resources. The researchers recommend expanded telemedicine, low-cost technology-assisted treatment, transportation subsidies, and pharmacy legislation changes.
A study analyzing over 50,000 VA patients found that increasing opioid prescription doses does not improve chronic pain management. Despite higher doses, patients' pain scores showed minimal changes, indicating that clinicians should exercise caution when escalating opioid doses.
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a new method to detect protein density in blood plasma using magnetic levitation. This technique could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by identifying distinct patterns of proteins associated with various health conditions, such as opioid abuse and multiple sclerosis.
A survey of over 2,700 kratom users found the substance has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, and depression. While self-reporting surveys are not always reliable, the results suggest kratom may have medical applications to explore as an alternative to opioid use.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new technique to preserve human cells using filter paper, offering advantages over traditional methods. The method requires less storage space and allows for easy loading and efficient freezing of cells, with viability rates comparable to conventional methods.