Articles tagged with Substance Abuse
A new RMIT University study explores how Australia can share its drug checking data with the public, finding strong preference for open access. The researchers suggest sharing comprehensive results through engaging dashboards to empower individuals making informed decisions about drugs.
Residents of Ontario with cannabis use disorder had a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. The findings highlight the importance of addressing cannabis use disorders, especially as global trends toward cannabis legalization continue.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
A recent study found that people trying to quit opioids and pain medication experience more relapses compared to others. The research highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches, as some substances require more quit attempts than others.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Toronto found that older adults who experienced parental divorce during childhood have a 60% higher odds of stroke. The study controlled for known risk factors and still showed a strong association between parental divorce and stroke.
Research suggests ketamine use is increasing among US adults, linked to depression and sociodemographic factors. Expansion of prevention outreach and education on polydrug use harms are recommended.
The prevalence of substance use disorder surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but treatment receipt declined initially due to healthcare disruptions. Treatment rates began to recover in 2022, likely driven by reopened treatment programs and increased telehealth use.
A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.
Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Peter Kalivas discusses his groundbreaking work on the tetrapartite synapse, a complex cellular structure influencing addictive behaviors. His research has revolutionized addiction treatment by identifying novel therapeutic targets beyond traditional neurotransmitter systems.
A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Research from 2008-2020 shows an increase in emotional/mental health and suicide prevention in schools, but a decrease in substance use prevention, particularly among middle schools. This shift highlights the need for targeted teacher training and resource allocation to address emerging trends in school mental health.
A suburban clinic implemented an innovative approach to reduce behavioral health clinic wait times for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The new process uses self-administered screening tools and diagnostic interviews to confirm diagnoses and offer treatment, resulting in improved care access and patient satisfaction.
A new study found that nearly 160 million Americans have been harmed by someone else's substance use, with 113 million experiencing harm from alcohol use and 46 million from other drugs. The survey also revealed significant overlap between the two groups, highlighting a major public health issue.
A new study found that GLP-1 agonists semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with reduced hospitalisations among individuals with alcohol use disorder. The use of these drugs was linked to lower risks of hospitalisation due to alcohol and substance use related causes, as well as physical illnesses.
Researchers found semaglutide and liraglutide substantially decrease AUD hospitalization risk compared to approved medications. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore their efficacy in treating AUD.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects an overdose, rapidly delivers naloxone to prevent death and alerts emergency responders. The device was tested in animal studies, showing promising results with rapid rescue and full recovery within minutes.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that methadone is more effective than buprenorphine/naloxone in reducing treatment discontinuation rates among individuals with opioid use disorder. The risk of mortality was low and did not differ significantly between the two medications.
The study found that individuals receiving methadone had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation compared to those receiving buprenorphine/naloxone. Additionally, the risk of mortality while receiving treatment was similar between medications, with no significant differences observed.
A new study by NYU researchers reveals that more than 60% of the US population has access to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The clinics are expanding crisis mental health services, including mobile crisis response teams and stabilization.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.
The UCR medical school is developing a new curriculum to address the substance use crisis in California, which has resulted in over 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. The curriculum aims to promote access to treatment and health equity for substance use care, addressing biases and social determinants of health.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.
A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.
Rates of methamphetamine-related psychiatric hospitalizations increased by 68% over the study period, while opioid-related hospitalizations decreased by 22%. The lack of resources to manage methamphetamine use is believed to contribute to this trend.
Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an implantable device that monitors vital signs and releases naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. The device has shown success in reversing overdoses in animals, with a 96% recovery rate.
A study found that children who went to bed later and slept fewer hours during childhood and adolescence were more likely to try alcohol or marijuana by age 15. The researchers suggest that improving sleep in the school-age population could lead to improvements in other aspects of health, such as decision making.
Researchers found that witnessing community members engage in prosocial behaviors increases policymakers' willingness to support pro-social policies, such as syringe service programs. The study suggests that communities can exert a positive influence on authorities and contribute to the greater good.
A national research study found that a lack of institutional support is the top reason doctors are reluctant to discuss addiction with their patients. The study also highlighted knowledge and skill gaps as significant barriers to delivering evidence-based interventions.
A new study found that patients in hospitals with specialized addiction consult services were more likely to start and continue lifesaving medication for opioid use disorder treatment after discharge. The CATCH program, a hospital-based intervention, showed promising results in increasing treatment initiation and retention rates compar...
A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.
A randomized study found that individuals with cash benefits had significantly reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The study suggests that policies addressing poverty through income support may have a positive impact on health and access to care.
Treatment approaches for opioid use disorder are underreported and inadequate in US substance use treatment facilities, with more than one-third lacking medications for OUD. The study highlights the need for improved treatment options to address the opioid epidemic.
Researchers found that evoking feelings of gratitude in smokers decreases their craving for cigarettes and increases their likelihood of enrolling in a smoking cessation program. The study suggests that public health campaigns should consider inducing gratitude instead of negative emotions to promote effective smoking cessation.
Researchers discovered underlying sex differences in molecular pathways driving reward-related behaviors, which could lead to more effective treatments for mental health disorders. The study found that females use a different channel for calcium ions and an estrogen receptor to strengthen connections between brain regions.
Researchers at UCSF find that smoking fentanyl poses increased risks of fatal overdose, especially among those with opioid tolerance. The study highlights the need for harm reduction-based education campaigns to address this emerging risk.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are developing evidence-based mobile health interventions to treat substance use disorders. By leveraging smartphones, they aim to create highly tailored interventions delivered at the right time for individuals, reducing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
A study estimates that over 321,000 US children lost a parent to drug overdose between 2011 and 2021. The highest rates of loss were among non-Hispanic white parents and communities of color.
A study evaluating contract treatment in Sweden found that this sanction significantly reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events compared to community sanctions or prison sentences. Providing treatment yields better results than punishment, addressing the root causes of criminality often linked to substance misuse.
A new study found that maltreated children are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital for alcohol and substance use disorders by the age of 40. The likelihood of hospital admission was higher among those with substantiated notifications for sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
A new study by UCLA Health found that middle-aged Black Americans had the highest mortality rates from suicide, drug overdose, and alcoholic liver disease in 2022. Native Americans had the highest combined death rate from these causes over nearly two decades.
Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine, has infiltrated the UK's illicit drug market, causing widespread problems. Researchers detected its presence in 16 people, 11 of whom were fatal, and warn that it poses a significant risk to those who use drugs beyond heroin users.
A recent US study has found that sports gamblers are disproportionately more likely to binge drink compared to non-gamblers. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 4,300 adults and discovered that sports bettors were 1.9 times more likely to consume excessive alcohol.
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
Patients with behavioral health disorders (BHDs) are less likely to undergo surgical resection and face a higher probability of complications, extended hospital stays, and readmission. BHDs increase healthcare costs by 7.76% and worsen prognosis in cancer patients.
A study of 2,180 participants found that early childhood neighborhood poverty is significantly associated with death from unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide in early adulthood. Economic policies are needed to address health equity and premature mortality.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.
A new study found that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, and young adults are less likely to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings compared to White counterparts. The study also found that these disparities have persisted despite the evolution of AA and the availability of alternative mutual-help groups.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with a higher risk of substance use among children after a natural disaster. The study identified irritable behavior and angry outburst symptoms as being linked to the greatest risk for coping through...
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $29 million NIH grant to conduct a multicenter trial testing interventions to improve health outcomes in people who inject opioid drugs and are hospitalized with infectious complications. The study aims to reduce rehospitalizations and lower complications from infections.
A randomized clinical trial found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus usual care significantly decreased drug use, pain, and depression in individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Participants who received MORE also showed increased methadone treatment retention and adherence.
A new study identified 60 alcohol-associated circulating metabolites that appear to produce counteractive effects on the risk of heart disease. The findings suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may trigger changes in metabolomic profiles, yielding both beneficial and harmful outcomes.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.
Recent research from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that even modest reductions in alcohol consumption and participation in treatment can improve quality of life for older adults aged 60 and above with notable alcohol intake. A study utilizing data from the Elderly Study found significant improvements across all domains, i...
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.