Articles tagged with Substance Abuse
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $1.4 million grant to increase the number of mental health and substance abuse workers in the US. The funding will support stipends for UT Arlington students who receive specialized training.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that one in five men in the US report violence towards their spouses or partners, with warning signs including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and insomnia. The study suggests that male aggression can be identified through routine health care visits and could potentially be intervened upon.
The UTSA Institute for Health Disparities Research and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will provide comprehensive services to young minority adults through the Oh Snap! program. The program aims to reduce substance abuse and HIV/AIDS transmission among 18-24 year olds in the greater San Antonio region.
A new community program, SHE PREVAILS, is helping African-American women reduce their risk of HIV infection by addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides six-month comprehensive treatment and support services to 280 women in the Augusta region.
A Tel Aviv University study analyzed allegations of child abuse, finding that children tend to accommodate physical abuse but fight or flee sexual abuse unless severe. The research may aid in prosecution and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's responses to abuse.
A recent study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that 1 percent of the Swedish population is responsible for 63 percent of violent crime convictions. The study analyzed data from 2.5 million individuals and found that those with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more li...
A review of 50 studies on substance abuse by street children in 22 resource-constrained countries found that lifetime substance use is highly prevalent, posing serious health and social threats. The most commonly used drugs are inhalants, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.
A recent study found that survivors of intimate partner violence are not receiving adequate mental health services, with most experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or depression. Despite having access to services, social stigmas, shame, and lack of information prevent many from seeking help.
A new study found married women experience less intimate-partner violence, substance abuse and post-partum depression compared to cohabitating women. Married couples tend to have fewer psychosocial problems regardless of their relationship duration.
Health-care providers can help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) by screening and referring patients to resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 35.6% of women are raped or stalked by intimate partners, with significant annual healthcare costs.
A study identified a pattern of frequent injuries, including facial trauma, dental trauma, and brain hemorrhages, among abused elderly patients. Radiologists can use these findings to aid in identifying potential cases of elder abuse, which is often neglected compared to child abuse.
A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that judges' reliance on stereotyped portrayals of battered women who fight back leads to harsher sentencing. The study analyzed 26 domestic homicide and abuse cases from Canada and identified one judge who resisted these stereotypes.
Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute of Alicante have discovered that manipulating CB2 receptors can reduce impulsive behavior in mice with high impulsivity levels. The study suggests that future clinical trials could utilize drugs selectively targeting CB2 to modulate impulsivity without psychoactive effects.
A new study reveals that inmates with severe mental illnesses have lower recidivism rates than those with substance abuse issues or no diagnosis. The research, published in the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, found that those with mental illnesses alone had better outcomes even compared to those with no problems.
Most US medical schools provide inadequate mental health coverage to their students, with co-pays and coinsurance rates as high as 20%, discouraging them from seeking necessary treatment. This can have serious consequences for the students' well-being and ultimately affect patient care.
A nationwide homeless register study found that homeless men and women have significantly higher mortality rates, with six times the risk of death compared to the general population. Homeless individuals also had lower life expectancy, particularly among younger men and women.
A long-term study found that children with ADHD are 1.5 times more likely to develop substance abuse than control participants. Conduct disorder was the only additional diagnosis to triple the risk when combined with ADHD.
Researchers found that implementing a tobacco-free policy at an Ohio women's substance abuse treatment center led to a 28 percentage point decrease in program completion rates. The study suggests that smoking bans may pose challenges for treatment centers, but they are not a reason to abandon tobacco-free policies entirely.
A new study published in The American Journal on Addictions reveals that Veterans who suffer from mental health disorders also have high rates of substance use disorders. Rates of substance use disorders among those with mental illness range from 21-35%, with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia showing the highest rates.
A new Penn study reveals that nearly 80% of women who report domestic assaults to the police seek medical care in emergency rooms, but only 28% are ever identified as victims of abuse. The study highlights the need for routine screening and referrals to social services to help protect these women.
A new University of Georgia study found that respondents would pay an average of $150 to reduce the mortality risk associated with child maltreatment by one in 10,000. If applied to a hypothetical group of 100,000 people, society may value preventing a death from child maltreatment at $15 million.
A study of 20 individuals returning to society after prison found that avoidance and problem-focused coping strategies were frequently used but often ineffective in managing barriers. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as emotion-focused strategies, were infrequently employed, contributing to recidivism.