How exercise could help fight drug addiction
Research with mice suggests exercise strengthens resolve against drug addiction by changing peptide levels in the brain. Re-exposure to drug-related cues affects exercise and sedentary mice differently.
Drug Abuse
Articles tagged with Drug Abuse
Impact of opioid epidemic on children varies by state
A new study finds significant variation in opioid prescription rates and child removal rates among states, with some states experiencing a positive association between the two.
Michael Bruchas receives the Jacob P. Waletzky Award
The Society for Neuroscience presents Dr. Michael Bruchas with the Jacob P. Waletzky Award, recognizing his research on stress biology and opioid signaling in drug addiction. His work has advanced our understanding of neural circuits and cell biology critical to developing new treatments.
Can attending a top high school reduce teens' marijuana abuse?
Students from lower-income neighborhoods who attended top-performing Los Angeles County high schools were less likely to abuse marijuana. Attending one of these schools was linked to lower marijuana use, fewer peers abusing drugs, and improved academic performance.
Just a few drinks can change how memories are formed
A new study in fruit flies reveals that just a few drinks of alcohol can change how memories are formed at the fundamental molecular level. The research found that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway and changes the proteins expressed in neurons, forming cravings.
Fingerprint drug screen test works on the living and deceased
A new drug test developed at the University of East Anglia can detect four classes of drugs in traces of sweat found in a fingerprint. The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System enables rapid detection of amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates from a single fingerprint sample.
At-risk teens and young adults overlooked during opioid crisis
A recent study found that at-risk teens and young adults are not being tested for hepatitis C, a serious liver infection, despite their risk of contracting it. The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 youth, suggests that current guidelines underestimate who is at risk for the infection.
Reclassification recommendations for drug in 'magic mushrooms'
Psilocybin researchers propose moving the substance from a Schedule I classification to Schedule IV due to low potential for abuse and harm. This move would facilitate clinical trials and minimize logistical hurdles.
Gene therapy via skin protects mice from lethal cocaine doses
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy approach that protects mice from lethal cocaine doses and reduces drug-seeking behavior. The therapy involves modifying skin grafts to quickly degrade cocaine and has shown promise in preventing addiction and overdose.
Opioid users could benefit from meth-relapse prevention strategy, study finds
A modified form of blebbistatin appears to be effective in preventing cravings and relapse in people with substance use disorders, including those using multiple drugs. The compound works by breaking down memories linked to methamphetamine use, offering a novel approach to treating addiction.
ADHD may increase risk of Parkinson's disease and similar disorders
Researchers found ADHD patients had a higher risk of developing Parkinson's and Parkinson-like diseases than non-ADHD individuals, especially those prescribed stimulant medications. The study suggests that the long-term health effects of ADHD and its treatment remain understudied.
Quest Diagnostics Health Trends™ study finds drug misuse rates remain constant at high levels, and dangerous opioid-related drug combining is prevalent
The study found that more than half of Americans misused their prescription drugs in 2017, with a surge in heroin and fentanyl misuse among patients with substance use disorders. The report also highlights the growing trend of gabapentin misuse and dangerous opioid combinations.
The use of psychoactive substances and illegal drugs in the Albanian society
The study examines the prevalence and types of psychoactive substances used in Albania, revealing a significant increase in drug users since 2012. Cannabis is the most commonly used substance, particularly among young people, while heroin and cocaine also show notable usage.
Scientists take big step toward finding non-addictive painkiller
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discover a safe and non-addictive pain medication called AT-121, which suppressed addictive effects of opioids and produced morphine-like analgesic effects. The compound also blocks abuse potential of prescription opioids like buprenorphine, offering hope to treat pain and opioid abuse.
New wave of complex street drugs puzzles emergency doctors
A new report highlights the complexity of detecting and treating patients at hospital emergency departments for severe drug-related events. The study found that most patients tested positive for multiple substances, with some containing as many as six, complicating overdose diagnosis.
Proposal seeks to improve assessment of drug risks
A researcher proposes changes to the MCDHS, including addressing use and abuse separately, collecting input from a broader range of stakeholders, and targeting substance-specific experts. This could lead to a more robust understanding of drug risks and improved public health outcomes.
Drug and alcohol use by pregnant women: the evolution of state policies
A new study examines the scope of US state policies targeting drug use during pregnancy, revealing a trend towards punitive laws that limit access to treatment and services for pregnant women. Supportive policies are scarce, with only 12 states having such laws in place as of 2016.
Benzodiazepines are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease
A recent study found that benzodiazepine use is associated with a modestly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted in the nationwide MEDALZ cohort, suggests that the threshold for prescribing these medications should be high due to their adverse effects and potential risks.
Are pet owners abusing animals to get opioids?
A recent survey conducted by the Center for Health, Work & Environment found that 13% of veterinarians in Colorado had seen a client intentionally injure or abuse an animal to obtain prescription painkillers. The study's results highlight the need for better training and surveillance to address opioid misuse among pet owners.
New NYUAD research finds 3D printers offer alternate method to create microfluidic probes
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a method to create microfluidic probes using 3D printing, which provides an effective and inexpensive technique for studying cancer cells. The new approach enables scientists to fabricate probes that can deliver reagents in a localized manner, allowing for targeted cell culture and analysis.
Poll: Older adults support opioid Rx limits, need better counseling on use & disposal
A new poll by U-M/AARP National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that 74% of older adults support limiting opioid prescription amounts, while many struggle with safe storage and disposal of unused pills. The findings highlight the need for better counseling and resources to combat the opioid epidemic among this critical demographic.
Researchers find that hunger hormones offer promising avenue for addiction treatment
New research reveals that gut hormones play a crucial role in addiction treatment, with ghrelin and GLP-1 analogs showing promise in reducing cravings. The study suggests that medications affecting these hormones could be repurposed to help manage drug craving and relapse.
Newly developed therapeutic shown to combat drug addiction
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed a treatment that reduces drug-seeking behaviors in rats by restoring serotonin signaling. This finding offers new hope for treating drug addiction and related health issues such as depression and schizophrenia.
URI drug study produces 'promising therapy' for alcohol abuse
A new clinical trial tests a medication blocking ghrelin levels in patients with alcohol use disorder. Researchers found a statistically significant reduction in craving and food cravings in 12 patient volunteers. The study aims to further assess the drug's efficacy in a larger placebo-controlled trial.
Disparities in opioid abuse treatment increased among Medicaid recipients, study finds
A RAND Corporation study found that medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders jumped by 62% among Medicaid recipients, but disparities emerged in poorer counties and areas with larger black and Hispanic populations. The expansion of this treatment led to new racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.
Methadone and buprenorphine reduce risk of death after opioid overdose
A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that patients receiving methadone or buprenorphine had a significantly lower risk of death from opioid overdose. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 adults in Massachusetts who survived an overdose between 2012 and 2014.
FSU study finds religious involvement does little to prevent opioid abuse
A new study by FSU Associate Professor Amy Burdette found that religious involvement does not significantly affect women's misuse of prescription drugs, including opioids. Research showed a lower probability of illicit drug use among church attendees compared to those who attend services less frequently.
Risky opioid prescriptions linked to higher chance of death
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that more than 6 percent of Massachusetts adults received risky opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, increasing their chances of death. The study identified six types of risky prescribing practices linked to fatal opioid overdoses and other causes of mortality.
Emergency departments help close gaps in opioid abuse and addiction treatment
A review of current evidence published in Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests that emergency department-facilitated transitions to outpatient care with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) lead to healthier patient outcomes. MAT improves long-term outcomes, reduces fatal overdose risk and hospitalizations.
Potential new treatment for drug addiction relapse revealed
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for combating drug addiction relapse, focusing on the brain's cholinergic system and its role in memory. Using an animal model, they found that a specific blocker of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor impaired relapse to morphine seeking behavior.
NIH leadership outlines interdisciplinary FY2018 research plan for HEAL Initiative
The NIH HEAL Initiative is a trans-NIH effort to address the opioid crisis through science. The initiative focuses on two primary areas: improving treatments for opioid misuse and addiction, and enhancing strategies for pain management.
Trauma from parents' youth linked to poorer health, asthma in their own children
A new study by Drexel University finds that childhood trauma experienced by parents can lead to poorer health and asthma in their own children. The research suggests that each type of ACE (adverse childhood experience) increases the risk of poor health and asthma in children by 19%.
High schoolers who use heroin commonly use multiple other drugs
A study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that high school seniors using heroin also commonly use multiple other drugs, with an average of five others. The researchers discovered a link between frequent heroin use and increased use of opioids and benzodiazepines.
US poison control centers receive 29 calls per day about children exposed to ADHD medications
A study found over 156,000 calls to US Poison Control Centers regarding ADHD medication exposures among children and adolescents from 2000-2014, averaging 29 calls per day. The majority of calls were about children under 12 years old, with most exposures associated with exploratory behavior or therapeutic errors.
Cannabis: It matters how young you start
A new study by Université de Montréal researchers found that boys who start smoking marijuana at the start of their teens are 68% more likely to have a drug abuse problem by age 28, compared to those who start between 15 and 17. The study also found that frequent cannabis use increases the risk of addiction.
Study upends conventional view of opioid mechanism of action
Researchers funded by NIH find that opioids produce effects by binding to receptors inside neurons, not just on surface, providing new insights into pain medication development. The discovery may help guide design of safer pain relievers without addiction risks.
Prescription drug monitoring programs may have negative unintended consequences
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that prescription drug monitoring programs may not reduce fatal overdoses as expected, but instead linked to an increase in heroin overdose deaths after restrictions on opioid prescribing were implemented.
Harsher drug laws won't stop violence, argues former police chief
A former police chief and LEAP UK argue that harsher drug laws are ineffective in reducing violence and suggest a shift towards public health policies. They point to the failure of punitive approaches and highlight the need for regulation, taxation, support, and education.
Few patients maximize opioid-sparing medications after orthopaedic surgery, study finds
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only a small percentage of patients use nonopioid pain relievers to supplement opioid pain management after spine and joint surgery. Patients also improperly store and dispose of opioids.
Boston Medical Center leads study on peer recovery coaches for opioid use disorder
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to bridge a gap in care for patients with substance use disorders by linking them with trained peer recovery coaches. The project, Project RECOVER, will provide support and sustain recovery for up to six months through interventions delivered by certified peer coaches.
Infection of the heart valves and healthcare costs on rise due to impact of IV drug
A new study analyzing patients with mixed drug abuse and endocarditis found a significant increase in hospitalizations over the last decade. The study estimated substantial healthcare costs, with a total of $17.3 million billed by the hospital in 2015 alone.
New vaccine could help people overcome bath salts abuse
Researchers developed a vaccine to blunt bath salts' stimulant effects on the brain, which could aid recovering drug users experiencing relapse. The vaccine showed promising results in reducing MDPV-induced movement and activity in rodents.
Research brief: Vaccines to treat opioid abuse and prevent fatal overdoses
Researchers have developed vaccines against heroin and prescription opioids that target the brain's opioid receptors, preventing addiction-relevant behaviors. The vaccines appear safe and effective in blocking opioid distribution to the brain, potentially helping prevent fatal overdoses.
Tiny injectable sensor could provide unobtrusive, long-term alcohol monitoring
Engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a miniature biosensor that can be implanted under the skin to track alcohol levels continuously. The chip consumes ultra-low power and is powered wirelessly by a wearable device, making it suitable for long-term monitoring in substance abuse treatment programs.
Electronic alerts lower co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines
A VA study found that electronic medication alerts can reduce the risk of dangerous drug combinations by 25% for patients with substance use disorder, sleep apnea, and suicide risk. The alerts also improved coordination between primary care and mental health services.
Study changes long-held concepts of cell decoding
Scientists at NIDA uncovered evidence of a more complex role for GPCRs, suggesting a conceptual advance in biochemistry and pharmacology. The discovery reveals that GPCRs form part of pre-coupled macromolecular complexes that act as computing devices to gather and process information.
Frequent, public drug users may be good candidates for overdose-treatment training
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that frequent public drug users who witness more overdoses are likely to be good candidates for naloxone training. These users tend to engage in riskier drug use and use drugs in a wider range of settings.
Opioid abuse/dependence in those hospitalized due to periapical abscess
A study analyzing hospital data from 2012-2014 found that 1.5% of patients hospitalized for periapical abscess had opioid abuse/dependence, with certain demographics showing increased risk, including younger adults and those without private insurance.
Will run for meth
Researchers found that mice increased their running on a wheel two hours before the door to the nebulizing chamber was open. The activated brain regions included those implicated in reward processing and craving: the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and lateral septum.
Study points to potential misuse/abuse of ADHD drugs
A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology suggests that methylphenidate, an ADHD medication, may be subject to misuse and/or abuse. The study found inconsistent patterns of use among adult users, particularly those aged 25-49 years.
Opioid abuse leads to heroin use and a hepatitis C epidemic, USC researcher says
A recent study by USC researchers found that nearly everyone who used heroin transitioned to drug injection in about six months, contributing to the hepatitis C epidemic. The trend is largely driven by heroin's potency and affordability, making it a more attractive alternative to opioids.
Recruiting the immune system to prevent relapse
Researchers have been working on optimizing and reformulating vaccines to target specific immune responses in individuals prone to relapse. Recent clinical trial data suggests that these new formulations may be effective in preventing opioid relapse.
More awareness, research needed on abuse risk of non-opioid painkiller
Researchers found that gabapentin is being mixed with other substances to produce euphoria, and some users are turning to it after crackdowns made it difficult to obtain opioid prescriptions. The medication's low cost and increasing popularity have contributed to its misuse, highlighting the need for further study on its abuse potential.
Drugs, alcohol and suicides contributing to alarming drop in US life expectancy
Middle-aged white Americans and rural communities are disproportionately affected by the alarming drop in US life expectancy. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as social mobility decline, economic hardship, and distress over losing stability, highlighting the need for policymakers to address these conditions.
Breathing problems linked to drug that treats opioid addiction
A new study from UT scientists finds that buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, can impair the ability of obese mice to vary their breathing. This discovery may encourage similar studies in humans, who also need to achieve tasks like climbing stairs and respond to challenges such as disease and surgical stress.
Ohio closer to finding new solutions in the battle against drug abuse & addiction
The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge has awarded $10,000 prizes to five innovative concepts addressing drug abuse and addiction. The top ideas include digital therapies, augmented reality coaching systems, and virtual reality prevention tools.
Prescription drug abuse prevention at CU Anschutz receives $1.5 million
The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU Anschutz Medical Campus receives a $1.5 million grant from the Colorado Health Foundation to advance its mission to reduce misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in Colorado.
Length of opioid prescription spell highest risk for misuse after surgery
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that the duration of opioid treatment is a more potent predictor of abuse and overdose than dosage among patients with no history of recent or chronic opioid use. Longer treatment spells increase the risk of dependence, abuse, or overdose by up to 20% each additional week.
When the dose doesn't make the poison
A new study finds that surgery patients taking opioids for extended periods are at higher risk of abuse and overdose, while the duration of treatment is a more potent predictor than dosage. Researchers analyzed over half a million records to quantify opioid misuse following surgery.
Patient education brochure provides low-cost solution to avoid diversion of unused opioids
A new patient education brochure has been shown to increase proper disposal rates of unused opioids among surgical patients, with adults receiving the brochure disposing of their medications at a rate of 22 percent compared to 11 percent among those who did not receive it.