Articles tagged with Substance Abuse
A new study by NIH-funded researchers shows that adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are more likely to develop prescription drug misuse and overdose risks in adulthood. Screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult problems and prevent overdoses.
Law enforcement seizures of fentanyl-laced pills have surged dramatically, with over 2 million confiscated in the last quarter of 2021. The number of people at risk includes those who buy counterfeit pills of common drugs like benzodiazepines or painkillers.
The number of fentanyl-containing pill seizures surged nearly 50-fold between 2018 and 2021, highlighting the growing risk for people new to drug use. The rise in overdose deaths is largely driven by illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
The rate of older adults treated for substance abuse increased sharply from 2000 to 2017, with a notable rise in cannabis and cocaine use. This trend is attributed to decreasing stigma around substance abuse, allowing more older adults to seek help through self-referrals.
A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.
A new study finds that conversion therapy has significant economic costs and psychological harms for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youths in the US. The therapy is also associated with increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts among this population.
A study by University of Turku found that grandparents' support decreases with adverse experiences in children's families. However, maternal grandmothers' support remains consistent. The study suggests that future prospects for successful reproduction may impact grandparents' willingness to offer support.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
A Texas A&M study found that prenatal exposure to alcohol in males can lead to increased frequency of fetal development issues, including placental inefficiency and growth restriction. The research suggests that male behavior and environmental factors play a role in shaping fetal development beyond just genetics.
A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
Physician health care visits for mental health and substance use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ontario-based doctors reporting a significant association between the outbreak and these changes.
A Montreal-based study found that alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use remained stable among 24- to 33-year-olds from before the pandemic to now. However, people with lower education levels and those living alone were more likely to start or increase substance use during COVID-19.
A systematic review of 21 placebo-controlled trials found hangover treatments to be ineffective due to low-quality evidence. Future studies should prioritize validated scales and increased female participation to provide accurate information on remedies.
An analysis of data from 16 US states found that wine and spirit sales increased during the early months of the pandemic, while beer sales declined. Visits to liquor stores increased, but those to bars and pubs decreased.
The grant will fund a new curriculum focused on diagnosing and treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance on medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The program aims to train hundreds of medical students and residents to diagnose, treat, and care for individuals with substance use disorders.
The Monitoring the Future survey found a significant decrease in illicit drug use among adolescents in 2021, with notable declines in alcohol, marijuana, and vaping use. The survey also reported moderate increases in mental health indicators, highlighting an unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study by Arizona State University found that stress alone can lead to excessive drinking in women, while men only drink more when they've already consumed alcohol. The research highlights the importance of studying sex differences in alcohol consumption and challenges existing models developed primarily for men.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
Researchers used wastewater samples from 25 treatment plants across 10 countries to track the popularity of new synthetic drugs. Synthetic cathinones, including eutylone and 3-MMC, were found to have high per capita levels in wastewater, with increased international presence reported between 2020-2021 New Year periods.
A new study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine highlights the link between stress and alcohol craving among Black individuals. The research found that higher stress levels are associated with stronger alcohol cravings for Black participants, but not white participants, suggesting a process of drinking to cope with stress.
A new study found a dramatic increase in people with co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders in B.C. prisons, reaching 75% of the prison population. The study calls for more treatment and efforts to address social and structural inequities.
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
Research by Beach et al found that clinicians who provided space for patients to elaborate on their emotions had longer visits. In contrast, explicitly addressing emotions resulted in shorter visits, with 56% of responses being non-explicit.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.
A cross-sectional study found that recent commencement of ART, late HIV stage, and alcohol use are associated with high-risk sexual behavior among HIV patients. The study suggests prioritizing intervention strategies for these individuals to mitigate risky behaviors in HIV-endemic environments.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
A new study finds that recreational ketamine use has increased in recent years, coinciding with its FDA approval for depression treatment. Despite this rise, the drug remains relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of U.S. teens and adults.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.
Adults in the child welfare system with substance misuse issues have higher scores on a trauma questionnaire than previously estimated for other adults and the general population. Children in these families also experience more trauma, with trauma scores 27% higher than those in the juvenile justice system.
A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...
The first-in-human clinical trial for a vaccine to treat opioid use disorders has enrolled its first patients. The vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School, aims to selectively prevent the euphoric and toxic effects of oxycodone.
A new study explores how young people who have attempted suicide use alcohol and other substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. The research highlights the 'double-edged sword' effect of these substances, contributing to both negative mental health outcomes and suicidal thoughts.
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.
A study found that patients receiving care for mental health and substance use who had access to firearms were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. The researchers emphasize the need for improved gun safety measures in these settings.
A new review suggests children of parents who drink heavily are at elevated risk of poor outcomes including mental health disorders, hospitalizations and criminal behavior. Register-based studies provide a fuller picture of the harm caused by family members' drinking.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers found that up to one-quarter of child sexual abuse survivors might be overlooked for treatment due to existing screening procedures. The study also discovered that whether survivors identify themselves as child abuse survivors influences their young adult outcomes, with...
Researchers found that the combination of alcohol and nicotine alters gene regulatory pathways in developing fetuses, leading to major deficiencies in brain development. This can cause synaptic rearrangements and lead to neurological disorders.
A large-scale study of over 212,000 active duty Army personnel found that those with stable positive character strengths prior to deployment were less likely to struggle with mental health issues after returning home. In contrast, those with lower character strengths experienced further declines and were at higher risk for major mental...
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that homeless patients admitted with a heart attack often received less treatment, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to be readmitted. These patients also faced unique challenges due to high rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and HIV infections.
A recent study examined changes in heroin use and addiction among US adults over 16 years. Heroin use disorder increased significantly between 2002 and 2018, affecting approximately 800,000 adults in the country.
A recent study published in The American Journal on Addictions found a significant link between childhood maltreatment and e-cigarette use during young adulthood. Childhood maltreatment was also associated with negative urgency, leading to impulsive behavior when distressed, which contributes to increased e-cigarette use.
Researchers identified three tools traffickers use to force a psychological bond: severe power imbalance, alternating brutal and seductive behavior, and social isolation. This 'trauma coercive bonding' disrupts children's development, leading to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and repeat victimization.
The USPSTF recommends clinicians screen women of reproductive age for intimate partner violence and then connect them to ongoing support services. However, evidence is insufficient regarding screening older or vulnerable adults for abuse and neglect.
Researchers recommend that physicians assess lethality and readiness to change, as well as comorbid medical conditions. They should refer perpetrators to trained therapists and offer education on IPV's negative impact on victims and abusers. Regular follow-up is also necessary to support behavior change.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University propose exercise as a potential solution to address substance abuse in adolescents. Assisted exercise may specifically benefit teens with dopamine deficits, common in substance use disorder patients.
This article reviews mental health disorder therapeutic modalities for the GMS, highlighting effective treatments like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and music therapy. The authors emphasize the need for trained mental health professionals and propose community-based interventions to promote a better quality of life.
A new study found that immigrant parents reported fewer potentially health-harming adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, violence, or divorce, compared to native-born Americans. The researchers suggest that immigrants may experience different forms of stress early in life than those born in the US.
Men with problem and pathological gambling addictions are more likely to have suffered childhood trauma, including physical abuse or witnessing violence in the home. The study found that nearly a quarter of those with probable pathological gambling problems had witnessed violence at home as a child.
UMass Amherst nursing students are trained in the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) technique to identify signs of substance abuse and provide early interventions. The program aims to equip healthcare workers with skills to address addictive behaviors and promote holistic approaches to patient care.
A new study highlights racial/ethnic disparities in achieving positive outcomes for delinquent youth after detention. Females and non-Hispanic white males tend to have better outcomes than their African-American and Hispanic counterparts.
A team from Georgia State University has won a $2 million federal grant to improve mental health services for child victims of commercial sex trafficking. The project will expand therapy programs and train therapists working in juvenile justice and foster care systems.
A study found that CMS policy suppression of substance abuse-related claims led to decreased rates of diagnoses for conditions commonly co-occurring with substance abuse, particularly anxiety and depression. This can lead to biased health services research studies and epidemiological analyses.
A University at Buffalo-led study will examine the effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse among adolescents who have experienced multiple traumas. NET, a cognitive behavioral therapy, helps participants reconstruct fragmented memories into a clear, persona...
Researchers studied concussion-like symptom reporting in over 30,000 uninjured adolescents, finding a link between symptom reporting and male sex, preexisting psychiatric and neurological conditions. The study suggests that the definition of 'asymptomatic' after concussion can be challenging to determine.
A national study found that over half of substance abuse counselors personally experienced workplace violence, leading to concerns for personal safety, impaired job performance, and decreased quality of care. Organizations responded with increased training and security measures.
Research highlights connection between problem gambling and various personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Screening for personality disorders can aid in successful treatment, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy showing promise for a subset of problem gamblers.