Substance Abuse
Articles tagged with Substance Abuse
Psilocybin in the treatment of cocaine use disorder
Cost-effectiveness of the START hospital addiction consultation service for opioid use disorder treatment
Nutrition and body image program supports healthier behaviors in women undergoing substance use treatment
Updated alcohol warning labels may prompt people to cut back: Study
A new study found that updated alcohol warning labels, including those highlighting cancer risk, can better motivate consumers to cut back on drinking. The study used a nationally representative sample of adults and found that the new labels outperformed the current U.S. warning label in encouraging participants to drink less.
Dads are dying after their kids are born, and no one is tracking it
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
New Canadian recommendations aim to make screening for alcohol misuse easier
The new recommendations provide a practical approach for clinicians to initiate conversations about alcohol use and identify potential problems earlier. The guidelines update offer easy-to-use tables with tips on reducing alcohol use, helping clinicians focus on patients' unique needs while saving time when circumstances allow.
Social media promotion, ease of access increase risk of adolescent inhalant misuse
Two new studies reveal that social media content promoting recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to adolescent inhalant misuse, with younger teens and girls being at higher risk. The research also found that behavioral problems, such as fighting and stealing, coincide with inhalant use.
Overdoses spike for visitors to California addiction treatment centers hub
Visitors to a California region with numerous substance use disorder treatment centers experience higher levels of overdose, particularly out-of-state individuals. The study suggests that the industry's lack of oversight and predatory practices contribute to this hotspot.
A 16-year analysis of pediatric substance use healthcare patterns
The study found that outpatient care for youth is driving the growth, with nicotine, cannabis, and opioids being the most common substances. Despite this, alcohol-related visits have declined in all care settings over the past 16 years.
Prepregnancy care and counseling
Primary care-based discussions on reproductive goals, immunizations, and risk-reducing interventions optimize pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy counseling reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, while also promoting healthy fetal development.
Study: People using mobile app breathalyzers changed their drinking behavior
A study found that repeated use of low-cost mobile breathalyzers led to changes in drinking behavior, with heavy drinkers reducing blood-alcohol concentrations. The device's introduction allowed individuals to track their intoxication levels in real-time, enhancing self-awareness and leading to improved decision-making.
UCF research to help inform statewide efforts to stop domestic violence and improve care for survivors
Researchers are evaluating the state's domestic violence resources to better support survivors and prevent further abuse. Through a $257,384 grant, UCF faculty are analyzing data from various sources and surveying organizations that provide domestic violence services.
Recent medicaid expansions sharply increased access to treatment for opioid use disorder
Recent Medicaid expansions led to a significant increase in the use of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. The study found that these expansions resulted in population-level increases in treatment uptake, despite ongoing fatal overdose trends.
Feeling unfulfilled could lead to riskier, heavier alcohol use
Research from the University of Georgia finds that people with unmet psychological needs are more likely to drink responsibly. Those who don't feel fulfilled are at risk for excessive drinking and related problems.
Violence against women who inject drugs
This mixed-methods cohort study reveals pervasive violence against Australian women who inject drugs, with severe consequences. Despite this, rates of seeking healthcare remain low due to structural and social barriers.
Teens and young adults with ADHD and substance use disorder face treatment gap
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
Does online sports gambling affect substance use behaviors?
A new study found that legalizing online sports betting in the US has led to a significant rise in binge drinking frequency among young men, particularly those who already report binge drinking. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider the broader behavioral impacts of gambling liberalization.
First degree female relatives’ suicidal intentions may influence women’s suicide risk
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
Rethinking how we measure recovery from substance use
Researchers propose a new measure for recovery from substance use, recognizing incremental progress, to reduce stigma and improve quality of life. The study found strong associations between proportion of remission and quality-of-life measures, suggesting a paradigm shift in how recovery is measured.
GLP-1 medications get at the heart of addiction: study
Researchers found that GLP-1 medications are effective at reducing the risk of developing substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, including a 14% reduced risk for developing any substance use disorder. The study also showed significant reductions in severe harm, including overdose and death, among patients with p...
Insufficient sleep among US adolescents across behavioral risk groups
A study found insufficient sleep among US adolescents, with trends suggesting environmental and structural factors are driving the issue, rather than specific behaviors. The findings highlight the need for population-level interventions to address widespread sleep loss.
Binge drinking isn’t just a young person’s issue; it’s a serious later-life mortality risk
A new study from the University of Toronto found that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. After adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors, individuals who never engaged in binge drinking had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to weekly binge drinkers.
Spiritual practices strongly associated with reduced risk for hazardous alcohol and drug use
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.
Early puberty may increase the risk of poor mental wellbeing and higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.
New resource supports trauma survivors, health professionals
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Opioid use dropped in states that legalized recreational cannabis
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
Fentanyl is changing how doctors treat opioid use disorder
A new national survey found that nearly three-quarters of clinicians encounter obstacles when starting buprenorphine treatment for patients using fentanyl. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines to initiate buprenorphine in light of more potent drugs.
How experiences in the womb affect alcohol drinking in adulthood
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure changed aspects of the dopamine system in rhesus monkeys, influencing how quickly they drank alcohol in adulthood. The researchers also discovered individualized neuroadaptive responses to drinking, which may promote the transition to alcohol use disorder.
One in four teens face violence, higher substance use
A new study from UT Arlington reveals that one in four US adolescents experience neighborhood trauma, leading to increased substance use. Cyberbullying is more strongly linked to substance use than traditional school bullying, and team sports participation can also contribute to increased alcohol use.
Many drug-use treatment providers in N.C. demand unpaid labor, limit access to evidence-based treatment
A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.
Like alcohol units, but for cannabis – experts define safer limits
Researchers propose threshold levels for safe cannabis use, aiming to guide consumption and reduce harm. The recommended limit is 8 THC units per week, above which the risk of developing cannabis use disorder increases.
Smartphone-based interventions show promise for reducing alcohol and cannabis use: New research
New research suggests that mobile health interventions tailored to individual needs can reduce harms associated with heavy drinking and cannabis use. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of personalized feedback and protective behavioral strategies in reducing substance use risks, paving the way for innovative digital interventions.
New sensor to detect scopolamine
A new sensor developed by the Universitat Politècnica de València can quickly detect scopolamine, a substance commonly used in chemical submission crimes, with high sensitivity. The sensor uses a molecular cage to trap specific molecules and generates a fluorescent signal proportional to the amount of scopolamine present.
A decline in churchgoing linked to more deaths of despair
A decline in churchgoing among middle-aged, less educated white Americans is linked to increased mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. The study found that states with the largest declines in churchgoing experienced larger increases in deaths of despair, starting years before the opioid crisis began.
Raising legal drinking age improves academic performance and mental health
A new study finds that raising the minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18 years significantly improves academic performance and mental health among European teenagers. The research, conducted by Carmen Villa, shows a decrease in binge drinking and intoxication, leading to better PISA exam scores and reduced anxiety medication use.
Kids’ behavioral health is a growing share of family health costs
The study found that behavioral health care accounted for $41.8 billion of overall health spending in 2022, with families paying an average of $2.9 billion out-of-pocket. The costs have grown more than twice as fast as other types of medical care, with telehealth visits increasing by 99% per year.
Study finds increase in risk of binge drinking among 12th graders who use 2 or more cannabis products
A new study by the University at Buffalo found that 12th graders who use two or more cannabis products are more likely to engage in binge drinking. The study suggests that certain modes of cannabis consumption, such as smoking and vaping, may be linked to higher risks of binge drinking.
Want to curb cannabis-related crashes? Don’t forget older adults, study finds
A new study suggests that prevention campaigns for cannabis-related vehicle crashes should target middle-aged and older adults, who are at risk of driving after using the drug. Adults over 50 who use cannabis daily or have mental health reasons are most likely to drive after using THC-containing products.
The hidden toll of substance use disorder: annual cost of lost productivity to US economy nearly $93 billion
A new study estimates that substance use disorders result in nearly $93 billion in lost productivity in the US, including $3,703 per adult. The analysis highlights the need for prevention and treatment strategies to reduce harm and costs beyond healthcare expenses.
Early brain differences may explain sex-specific risks for addiction
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine reveals distinct patterns of brain activity between boys and girls with a family history of substance use disorder, suggesting separate predispositions for addiction. Girls with a family history displayed higher transition energy in the default-mode network, indicating greater difficulty disengag...
Alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use are positively correlated with problematic pornography use (PPU), though studies saw no significant correlation between use of other substances and PPU, finds scoping review
A recent scoping review found a positive correlation between alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use with problematic pornography use (PPU). The study suggests that individuals using these substances are more likely to exhibit PPU behaviors.
New molecule reduces ethanol intake and drinking motivation in mice, with sex-dependent differences
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
Preclinical support for using psychedelics to treat alcohol use disorders
Researchers discovered psilocin's mechanism to reduce alcohol use in female mice by dampening activity of neurons in the central amygdala, leading to decreased drinking. This finding provides mechanistic insight into psychedelic treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
NIH award to explore improved delivery systems for school-based substance use prevention and treatment programs
Researchers at Wayne State University will develop a sustainable infrastructure for multi-tiered SUD prevention in high schools. The project aims to build upon prior research to establish a blueprint for implementing evidence-based programs in schools, addressing the need for sustained delivery and long-term impact.
November issues of APA journals feature new research on predictors of alcohol use disorder; youth mental health, suicide risk and treatment; and more
The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on schizophrenia, stimulant use disorder, and recovery-oriented approaches for schizophrenia. The publications highlight new treatments and findings on alcohol use disorder, youth mental health, and suicide risk.
WVU researchers take youth substance use prevention into rural communities
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
New funding for health economics research on substance use disorder treatments
A new $4 million grant will support the establishment of a health economics research facility to evaluate and compare the economic value of available interventions in the criminal-legal system. The researchers aim to develop tools and resources for policymakers to identify strategic investments in substance use disorder care.
Study reveals the role of geography in the opioid crisis
A new study reveals that laws restricting pain clinics, or 'pill mills,' where opioids were often prescribed, reduced risky opioid use by 5 percent. Enacting such laws near the onset of the crisis in the 1990s could have reduced risky use by 30 percent over time.
Dopamine increases willingness to wait for rewards
Researchers found that L-DOPA increased participants' willingness to wait for larger delayed rewards by 20%, decreasing impulsivity. The study also suggests that dopamine's effect on waiting may not stem from changes in basic decision processes, but rather from future reward valuation.
Oral nicotine pouches studied as a tool to quit smoking
A Cochrane review suggests that switching to oral nicotine pouches from smoking reduces exposure to harmful substances, but the evidence is not yet clear on whether they can help people quit smoking. The review also notes that other nicotine products, like patches and gums, are beneficial for quitting smoking.
Report warns UK drug policy fails to meet women’s needs
A UK report highlights gender inequities in drug and alcohol services, with women often experiencing adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The study recommends improving treatment and support for women, including women-only spaces and holistic multi-agency approaches.
AI can be trained to provide safe advice for treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy: New study
A new study finds that ChatGPT can provide trustworthy information for pregnant women seeking medical advice on treating opioid use disorder, with over 97% of responses scoring as safe and accurate. The researchers used a persona to frame conversations with the AI, which showed consistency with accepted clinical practice.
Nicotine pouches popular among college students, especially in fraternities
A study by Ohio State University found that more than 15% of undergraduates and 11% of graduate students had tried nicotine pouches. Fraternity members reported the highest rates, with 41% saying they'd tried a pouch like Zyn.
One in four transplant hepatologists shows signs of unhealthy alcohol use, new survey finds
A new survey conducted by UCLA found that nearly 1 in 4 transplant hepatologists in the US screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use. The study highlights the critical need for accessible physician wellness programs and reduced stigma around doctors seeking help.
Spanish-language counseling cuts heavy drinking among latinx adults by 22%, UC San Diego study finds
A culturally adapted behavioral intervention delivered in Spanish by community health workers significantly reduced unhealthy alcohol use among Latinx adults. Participants showed nearly twice the reduction in heavy drinking days compared to those who received an educational booklet.
FAU receives $3M federal grant to prevent substance use in at-risk youth
FAU will implement evidence-based prevention strategies for at-risk youth, including LifeSkills Training, mindfulness programming, and peer mentorship. The program aims to drive long-term systems change, train professionals, and serve 600 youth annually over five years.
Global analysis shows hidden damage from men’s alcohol use
A global analysis reveals that up to one in three women report living with a heavy-drinking partner, while children exposed to men's harmful drinking face increased risk of violence and poor health. The review emphasizes the need for gender-responsive policies and interventions to address these harms.
Deaths from drug-induced unintentional injury rise across the US
Death rates from unintentional injury related to drug use increased by nearly 60% from 2018 to 2023. Middle-aged adults, particularly those aged 35-44, were found to be at higher risk of death from drug-induced accidental injuries.
Death toll from drugs has more than doubled worldwide over past three decades
A recent study found that despite a slight decline in DUD prevalence, the global mortality rate and number of deaths have more than doubled over the past three decades. The increase is largely attributed to systemic gaps in harm reduction and access to treatment.