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UrduMembers of the Brain Health Institute at Rutgers mark a decade of innovation with an awards ceremony honoring faculty
Tag: Addiction
Rats on Cocaine: When Aversion is Not Enough
Propensity to addiction starts from the very first drug use experience, UTEP study shows
Exposure to Marijuana in the Womb May Increase Risk of Addiction to Opioids Later in Life, Study Finds
University of Maryland School of Medicine Researchers Identify Neurobiological Changes Leading to Increase Release of the Brain Chemical Dopamine and Its Target Neurons Linked to Addiction-Like Behavior With the increased legalization of recreational cannabis, as many as 1 in 5 pregnant women in the U.S. are now using the drug to help with morning sickness, lower back pain or anxiety.
Study: Online E-Cigarette Retailers Fail to Comply with Sale Regulations
Online e-cigarette retailers are not consistently adhering to laws aimed at preventing the sale of vaping products to minors, including regulations on age verification, shipping methods and flavor restrictions, report researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego.
UC San Diego Awarded $8 Million to Uncover Genetic Foundations of Substance Use Disorders
UC San Diego has received a five-year, $8 Million grant to support a NIDA P30 Center to investigate the genetics, genomics, and epigenetics behind substance use disorders.
A 37% drop in overdose deaths from drugs mixed with opioids – fentanyl included
Expanded treatment options, increased naloxone distribution and targeted education campaigns likely led to a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, according to the results of a large federally funded study.
Brain Imaging of Neuromelanin May be Key to Understanding Extensive Substance Use
A study that used a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), named neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, showed that this type of MRI signal was increased in regions of the midbrain in young adults ages 20 to 24 who had an extensive alcohol and drug use history. The findings are published early online in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder at Risk of Liver Disease May be Less Commonly Referred for Liver Treatment if they are primarily seen for Mental Health Disorders
People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are at risk of advanced liver disease are less likely to be referred for liver evaluation and care if they present primarily with alcohol-related mental health issues or a mental health diagnosis, according to a study of referral practices in Virginia’s largest health system. The findings point to the possibility of widespread missed opportunities for treating three conditions that commonly co-occur: AUD, mental health disorders, and liver disease. Recent years have seen notable increases in the USA in alcohol-related deaths, mental health disorders, and hospital admissions relating to alcohol use and concurrent mental health conditions. AUD is a significant cause of liver disease, and both addiction and co-occurring mental illness can be barriers to successful liver treatment. Integrating AUD treatment, mental health care, and hepatology (liver care) is necessary to improve outcomes, but data suggests this approach is not the norm. For the st
Ultra-low-dose ketamine can curb opioid withdrawal
Research findings published Aug. 29 in Addiction Science & Clinical Practice may offer hope. A pilot study showed that a small amount of ketamine can reduce or eliminate the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting fentanyl.
Cannabis and older adults: Poll shows current use patterns, beliefs and risks
One in 5 older adults used cannabis products that include THC in the last year. Among them, 20% said they drove within 2 hours of using cannabis, and a similar percentage said they experience at least one potential signs of addiction.
National Academy of Medicine Selects FAU for Substance Use, Opioid Crises Collaborative
FAU joins the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Combating Opioid Crises. This pilot project, involving more 80 organizations, aims to enhance coordination and address addiction challenges through collaboration among public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Unveiling the Brain’s Reward Circuitry
A research team – co-led by Penn Nursing – has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the complex neural circuitry underlying reward and addiction by identifying 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain region involved in pleasure and motivation. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports by Nature, offer insights into the diversity of these neurons and their potential roles in substance use disorders.
Brain neurotransmitter receptor antagonist found to prevent opioid addiction in mice
New research led by UCLA Health has found a drug that treats insomnia works to prevent the addictive effects of the morphine opioids in mice while still providing effective pain relief.
UNC Health Researchers Present Preliminary Data on Weight Loss Drugs on Alcohol Addiction
Christian Hendershot, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Clinical and Translational Addiction Research Program at the UNC School of Medicine, presented early findings from the first completed randomized controlled trial of semaglutide for reducing alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers.
Firearms and mental health: 8 top facts to know
A video and story with insights from three mental health professionals with expertise in firearm injury prevention
Stopping a spreading fire: identifying connections between adverse childhood events and substance use disorders
Physical and sexual abuse, having parents who misuse substances, and witnessing violent crime are tragic events that don’t remain locked in a single point in time. Rather, they are termed adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and 64 percent of American adults who participated in a recent survey reported experiencing at least one ACE prior to turning 18 years old.
Retrospective Study Based on Electronic Health Records Finds Popular Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drugs Associated with Reduction in Incidence and Recurrence of Alcohol-Use Disorder by at Least Half
A new study by researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine reveals that the popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic are linked to reduced incidence and recurrence of alcohol abuse or dependence.
Mindfulness Meditation: A Promising Remedy for Addiction and Chronic Pain
A particular form of mindfulness emphasizing pleasure works as well as a starting dose of a narcotic for pain and better than traditional psychotherapy for substance abuse.
Expert on rural Appalachia champions coalition building and local knowledge
Research from a West Virginia University scholar of rural Appalachia shows how even the most marginalized communities can assert power and create change when they come together to form coalitions.
A Common Pathway in the Brain That Enables Addictive Drugs to Hijack Natural Reward Processing Has Been Identified by Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai researchers, in collaboration with scientists at The Rockefeller University, have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems.
New Addiction Treatment Research Receives Major Funding
Researchers at Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah have been selected by Wellcome Leap to research an innovative ultrasound-based treatment for addiction as part of a $50 million commitment.
Mountainside Medical Center Enhances Behavioral Health Services with Acquisition from Envision Healthcare
Mountainside Medical Center proudly announces the successful acquisition of behavioral health providers from Envision Healthcare. This marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of patients and the community.
College Students Appear Resistant to Using 988 Crisis Phone Line
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched across the U.S. nearly 2 years ago. But college students — who are particularly vulnerable to substance use problems and related mental health crises — appear disinclined to use it, according to new research.
Drug used for cocaine addiction may pave way for new treatment of advanced colon cancer
New research from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine as a safe method for potentially eliminating cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors.
Homelessness leads to more drug, alcohol poisoning deaths
Reducing homelessness by 25% could save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses, according to new research from the University of Georgia.
Amid Cocaine Addiction, the Brain Struggles to Evaluate Which Behaviors Will Be Rewarding
Rutgers researchers find long-term users of cocaine may continue with unrewarding behavior because of changes in brain structure and chemistry responsible for generating an important teaching signal.
A Decade of Progress: Addressing Humanity’s Shared Challenges
Ten years after the creation of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, new university institutes and centers are bringing the world’s best medical ideas to New Jersey and beyond
Cellular Atlas of Amygdala Reveals New Treatment Target for Cocaine Addiction
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have used single-cell sequencing to identify a potential new treatment for cocaine addiction and shed new light on the molecular underpinnings of addiction.
Five Questions with UAlbany Expert on Sports Betting, Problem Gambling
Dolores Cimini, a licensed psychologist and director of the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research at the University at Albany and senior research scientist in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology.
Anesthesiologists should play bigger role in perioperative care of people with Substance Use Disorders
As use and misuse of alcohol, opioids, and psychostimulants continues to increase, anesthesiologists can become a more integral part of the care team managing patients with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Police Involvement May Hamstring Overdose Outreach Efforts
A new study finds law enforcement plays a critical role in launching programs designed to reduce the risk of repeat overdoses in people who use drugs.
Do Prisons Hold the Key to Solving the Opioid Crisis?
Rutgers study finds improved prison reentry programs could help flatten the rate of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S.
Easier Access to Opioid Painkillers May Reduce Opioid-Related Deaths
Treatment medications are too stigmatized, costly and racially prescribed to stem the surge in overdoses, Rutgers researchers find.
Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Announces Seventh Cohort of Bloomberg Fellows
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health announces the 2023 Bloomberg Fellows, each selected from organizations working to improve one of five critical public health challenges facing the country: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, food systems for health, and violence.
NJ Medicaid Reforms Tied to Increased Use of Opioid Addiction Treatment
Rutgers study shows higher number of caregivers prescribing buprenorphine
Cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia connection: expert says the drug, “seems to be amplifying some of the consequences that we are seeing”
What: A new study in Psychological Medicine found an association between young men with cannabis use disorder and a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Furthermore, intense cannabis use may trigger and/or worsen schizophrenia. Who: Katharine Sperandio, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, NCC, assistant professor of…
Substance use disorder expert available for comment
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 13.5% of young adults aged 18 to 25 had both a substance use disorder and some form of mental illness in 2021. Lokesh Shahani, MD, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and…
Study: Treatment for opioid addiction lags despite policies designed to increase it
Treating opioid addiction should be much easier now than it was a few years ago, thanks to pandemic-era rule changes that aim to improve access to buprenorphine, a medicine proven to help in recovery. But a new study shows prescriptions and adherence rates have remained flat.
In some US schools, 1 in 4 students report misusing prescription stimulants
U.S. middle and high schools with the most students taking prescription stimulants to treat ADHD also had, overall, the highest percentage of students who misused prescription stimulants within the past year.
IU researchers receive $8.6M NIH grant renewal to study alcohol use, binge drinking
A multi-disciplinary team of Indiana University researchers is focusing their efforts on a growing public health concern: binge and “high-intensity” drinking—extreme drinking behaviors that are increasingly prevalent among college-age adults.
1 in 8 Americans over 50 show signs of food addiction, U-M poll finds
Whether you call them comfort foods, highly processed foods, junk foods, empty calories or just some of Americans’ favorite foods and drinks, about 13% of Americans aged 50 to 80 have an unhealthy relationship with them.
Wastewater samples show the dramatic effects of tough love on codeine addicts as consumption plunges
Wastewater sampling has shown the significant impact of removing the strong painkiller codeine from pharmacy counters to a prescription-only medication since 2018 in Australia. The move has led to a 37 per cent drop in codeine use, cutting dependency and potentially saving lives.
Rutgers Medical Toxicologist and Addiction Expert Available to Discuss Fentanyl Vaccine’s Impacts
Lewis Nelson, a medical toxicologist and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, is available to discuss the possible benefits and many uncertainties of the experimental fentanyl vaccine. “Vaccines against other noninfectious agents, such…
Brain-gut connection may reveal way to prevent cocaine addiction
Cocaine disrupts the balance of microbes in the guts of mice, part of a cycle of waxing and waning neurochemicals that can enhance the drug’s effects in the brain. But the same chemicals may also be harnessed to prevent addiction, according to new research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Cocaine increases levels of a hormone called norepinephrine in users’ intestines, triggering an explosion of growth of proteobacteria, a family of microbes that includes the common and sometimes harmful bacterium E.
Sleeping Medications Used for Insomnia May Combat Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Rutgers research shows how changes in the brain promote drug-seeking behavior and why some insomnia medications may block it
Parental Discord May Be An Indicator of Children’s Genetic Risk for Future Alcohol Misuse
Parents can transmit a genetic risk for alcohol problems to their children not only directly, but also indirectly via genetically influenced aspects of the home environment, such as marital discord or divorce, according to a Rutgers researcher.
IU researcher creates virtual reality experiences to aid substance use disorder recovery
Researchers are combining psychological principles with innovative virtual reality technology to create a new immersive therapy for people with substance use disorders.
Human Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Is Found Tied to Impairments in Specific Brain Circuit Initially Implicated in Animals
Study results suggest the pre-frontal cortex-habenula circuit is potentially amenable for targeted interventions and prevention.
WVU pharmaceutical experts caution ‘one pill can kill’ as new forms of fentanyl become more prevalent
Faculty members with the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy are issuing warnings about the rise of fentanyl in Mountain State communities and elsewhere following the recent seizure of a large amount of “rainbow fentanyl,” potent illegal pills resembling candy, by law enforcement officers in Monongalia County.
News addiction linked to not only poor mental wellbeing but physical health too, new study shows
People with an obsessive urge to constantly check the news are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, as well as physical ill health, finds a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Health Communication.