Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
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.
A recent study found that leading smart device conversational agents, such as Siri and Alexa, are unable to provide meaningful help for quitting substances like opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. However, researchers suggest that updating these devices to promote resources like helplines could prove highly effective in addressing the natio...
Researchers found that opioid dependence leads to permanent neuro-adaptations in the central nucleus of the amygdala, affecting pain transmission and GABA receptor activation. Normalizing nociceptin levels resulted in reduced opioid consumption, suggesting the peptide as a promising target for opioid use disorder treatment.
The U-MATTER program uses a deflection approach, directing people with opioid use disorders towards treatment and services. The initiative has seen positive outcomes, including 71 individuals receiving full clinical intake assessments and 40 committing to long-term treatment.
A study found that one in 18 physicians received pharmaceutical marketing for stimulant medications, often in the form of food or beverage. The study suggests that subtle marketing tactics may contribute to the increasing prescribing and misuse of these medications.
A study of over 4 million Medicaid claims records found that less than a third of adolescents and young adults who survived nonfatal opioid overdoses received timely follow-up addiction treatment. Only 1 in 54 youths received standard-of-care counseling and medications recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Research from University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown suggests drug-associated mortality is double the initially reported number. Drug use decreased life expectancy after age 15 by 1.4 years for men and 0.7 years for women, with West Virginia and other states experiencing high rates.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a six percent lower rate of total opioid overdose deaths, as well as lower rates of death involving heroin and synthetic opioids. However, unexpectedly, an 11 percent increase in methadone overdose mortality was observed with Medicaid expansion.
The Geographic Variation in Addiction Treatment (GATE) study aims to identify factors influencing opioid medication use among individuals with opioid use disorder in the criminal justice system. The study will investigate how personal networks, structural factors, and geographic location shape treatment decisions.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that federal data undercounted overdose deaths caused by opioids and cocaine, with benzodiazepines underreported by 45% and amphetamines by 17%. The study suggests that the use of different reporting methods may be contributing to the disparity.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that fewer than half of California pharmacies provided correct disposal instructions for antibiotics and opioids. Only 10% followed the FDA's recommended takeback programs. Improving disposal practices requires better education and expanded programs to ensure patient safety.
A recent study found that only 11% of California pharmacies have a drug take-back program, and even fewer provide accurate information on safe disposal methods. The lack of clear guidelines can lead to misuse and accidental poisonings, highlighting the need for improved education and resources.
A University of Michigan study found that prompt disposal of leftover medications improved when parents received a disposal packet and tailored online messages. The study suggests that easy disposal and risk education can significantly reduce the number of parents keeping leftover opioids for their children.
Clinicians are advised to screen, counsel and treat youth for vaping using well-studied models and youth-friendly terminology. The guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying relapse, providing positive reinforcement and revisiting treatment plans for effective cessation.
The 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey found that vaping of marijuana has more than doubled in the past two years, with past month use nearly tripling. Daily marijuana vaping also increased, reported at 3.5% among 12th graders. Overall, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents.
A national study found a significant rise in teens taking and overdosing on benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed anxiety medications. The rate of exposure among adolescents increased by 54% between 2000 and 2015, with nearly half of all reported exposures documented as intentional abuse or misuse.
Researchers at UCSF-Kaiser Permanente found that primary care patients with 'unhealthy alcohol use' were 15% more likely to take benzodiazepines than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers. This increased risk was associated with a higher likelihood of overdose, accidents, falls, and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a specific brain chemical, serotonin, responsible for the social behavior-enhancing effects of MDMA. The study suggests that novel treatments targeting this pathway may alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disorders marked by social awkwardness and withdrawal.
A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.
In an effort to curb opioid misuse, Massachusetts physician assistant programs have adopted a cross-institutional partnership to ensure safe prescribing practices. The initiative aims to educate students on the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse, following a consensus-building process among nine PA programs.
A recent study highlights a 'worrying' increase in misuse of gabapentin and baclofen medications in the US, coinciding with a decline in opioid prescriptions. The analysis found significant rises in intentional suspected suicide attempts and hospital admissions related to these non-opioid medications.
A new study found that cancer survivors are at risk of developing opioid addictions, with rates varying by cancer type and patient history. The research highlights the importance of identifying patients at risk of opioid-related problems to provide alternative pain management strategies.
A new study from Florida State University found that ketamine can decrease alcohol consumption in male rats with high-alcohol intake, with the effect lasting for at least three weeks. This discovery offers a promising tool in treating depression and potentially reducing alcohol use disorder in men.
A single dose of intravenous ketamine was found to have relatively mild and short-lasting side effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The most common side effect was feeling strange or loopy, which peaked within an hour and resolved within two hours.
A new study by Emory University researchers found a nearly 15% increase in drug abuse treatment admissions and a 6% increase in overdose deaths since Craigslist's founding. Online platforms like Craigslist provide anonymity, driving previously unaffected populations into the market.
The Erythroxylum genus has been stigmatized due to its association with cocaine, but a new review article reveals its potential use in traditional medicine and modern medicine. The genus encompasses over 230 species, including E. coca, which has been used for thousands of years.
Researchers found that patients who stopped using meth experienced a 43% improvement in their heart's pumping ability, while those who continued to use the drug saw a 4% worsening. These findings suggest that addressing meth abuse can lead to significant improvements in heart failure treatment.
A new USC study reveals that mint is the most popular flavor among U.S. teens who vape, contradicting previous studies that linked fruit flavors to teen vaping. The findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of JUUL's voluntary product removal and federal regulations aimed at reducing youth vaping.