All articles tagged with #substance use disorder
The decline in US overdose deaths since late 2023 may be partly due to increased adoption of crisis intervention training (CIT) among law enforcement, which helps officers recognize and empathetically respond to substance use crises, encouraging treatment rather than incarceration, thereby reducing overdose fatalities.
A study funded by NIH found that adults who quit smoking are more likely to recover from other substance use disorders, highlighting the importance of integrating smoking cessation into addiction treatment programs.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $100 million pilot program to eliminate Hepatitis C among populations with substance use disorder and mental illness, focusing on high-risk communities affected by homelessness, aiming to improve testing, treatment, and cure rates while reducing reinfection and healthcare costs.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs primarily used for weight loss and diabetes, are showing potential in treating addiction by reducing cravings for substances like alcohol and drugs. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest these drugs may affect dopamine levels in the brain, which could explain their impact on addiction. However, experts caution that more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for this off-label use.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs primarily used for weight loss and diabetes, are showing potential in treating addiction by reducing cravings for substances like alcohol and drugs. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest these drugs may affect dopamine levels in the brain, which could explain their impact on addiction. However, experts caution that more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for treating substance use disorders.
A study published in 'Drug and Alcohol Dependence' explored how aversive cues, like bitter tastes, affect addiction susceptibility in lab rats given cocaine. Researchers found three distinct responses: some rats avoided cocaine due to the aversive taste, others increased their intake despite it, and a surprising third group initially overindulged but then reduced consumption. These findings may help explain individual differences in addiction development and guide future research on the brain's response to drugs and aversive stimuli.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may help treat alcohol use disorder. The research, which analyzed data from over 227,000 individuals in Sweden, found that users of these drugs had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization due to alcohol-related issues compared to non-users. While the findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for clinical trials to confirm these associations and assess the safety of using these medications for addiction treatment.
A town hall event in Oakland County addressed the fentanyl crisis, with law enforcement, education, prevention, and treatment experts discussing ways to combat the increase in overdose deaths linked to the drug. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been involved in a significant number of overdose deaths in Michigan, prompting calls for more education and prevention resources for families, law enforcement, and schools. The event highlighted the need for greater mental health resources in schools and emphasized the importance of real people sharing their stories to raise awareness and connect individuals with treatment services.
Oregon parents are facing the difficult decision of sending their teens out of state for behavioral health care due to the state's failure to provide adequate mental health treatment. The Oregonian/OregonLive's teen recovery series sheds light on the challenges within Oregon's youth behavioral health system, highlighting the struggles of parents and the experiences of teens in accessing quality care.
Massachusetts General Brigham hospitals will no longer report suspected abuse or neglect to state child welfare services based solely on the presence of drugs in a baby’s toxicology report, aiming to reduce stigma of addiction among Black mothers and address inequities in substance use disorder care. The change in policy, based on sound science, will require written consent for toxicology testing of expectant mothers or infants and limit testing to cases where results will change medical management. The hospital system aims to provide safe and equitable care for all patients and remove racism in healthcare.
Variations in THC metabolism, particularly among females with slower THC metabolism, have been linked to a higher risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Genetic differences in THC-metabolizing enzymes can lead to stronger and longer-lasting effects of cannabis, especially among females. The study underscores the importance of understanding individual physiological responses to cannabis and highlights the need for educational programs to inform teens and young adults about their unique risks regarding cannabis use.
A recent study suggests that genetic differences in how young adults metabolize THC, the main component of cannabis, can influence their experiences with the drug and their risk for developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). The research found that about one in four people have a gene that causes THC to be broken down less effectively, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects of cannabis. The study also revealed sex-specific effects, with young females who metabolize cannabis more slowly being at higher risk for CUD, and young males with a gene variant for slower THC metabolism reporting more negative effects during initial cannabis use. The findings underscore the importance of educating teens about the potential risks of cannabis use and may open up new possibilities for treatment options for those struggling with CUD.
The opioid overdose epidemic continues to impact Pennsylvania and Ohio, with Pennsylvania reporting 5,146 overdose deaths in 2022, 78% of which were opioid-related. Mercer and Lawrence counties were among the 19 counties where the overdose death rate exceeded the state average. In Ohio, overdose deaths appear to have fallen about 6% in 2023, with factors such as increased naloxone distribution and use, better access to treatment, and declines in drug use levels potentially contributing to the decline. Both states are implementing various measures to combat the crisis, including new training tools for healthcare providers and public safety professionals.
Naloxone vending machines, offering free naloxone and fentanyl test strips, are being deployed across the United States to combat the opioid crisis. These machines provide quick access to life-saving medication and harm-reduction tools, aiming to reduce overdose deaths and stigma associated with substance use. Advocates emphasize the importance of normalizing naloxone use and providing anonymity for users, while critics raise concerns about enabling dangerous behaviors. Despite opposition, these vending machines have shown promising results in reversing overdoses and are part of efforts to address the urgent public health crisis of opioid addiction.
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that access to residential addiction treatment for adolescents in the United States is limited and expensive, with only about half of the facilities having immediate bed availability and an average daily cost of $878. Additionally, only seven states had facilities that accepted Medicaid, had an open bed the same day, and offered buprenorphine. The study highlights the challenges in accessing timely, affordable, and evidence-based care for adolescents with substance use disorders, emphasizing the need for systems-level changes to ensure effective and affordable treatment options.