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FDA approved anti-inflammatory drug shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder and pain

A preclinical study from scientists at Scripps Research finds that a drug already FDA-approved for treating inflammatory conditions may help reduce both alcohol intake and pain sensitivity-two issues that commonly co-occur with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

22 Apr 2025

Study reveals the rising popularity of Tusi in NYC nightclubs

"Tusi", also known as "tucibí" or "pink cocaine", is a drug concoction that emerged in Latin America and Europe within the past decade and is becoming increasingly popular in the USA.

21 Apr 2025

Vaping trends shift as UK ban drives switch from disposable to reusable devices

After the U.K.’s 2024 announcement to ban disposable vapes, new research reveals a sharp decline in disposable vape use and a rise in reusable alternatives.

21 Apr 2025

Hospitals can play key role in treating alcohol use disorder

Nearly 30 million adults in the United States experience alcohol use disorder (AUD), but the vast majority of people with this condition do not receive treatment.

21 Apr 2025

GLP1 agonists linked to depression risk in new genetic study

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology highlights a concerning potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists-widely used in blockbuster drugs like Ozempic-and the risk of depression and suicidal ideation (SI).

17 Apr 2025

Unlocking the secrets of synaptic plasticity during learning

How do we learn something new? How do tasks at a new job, lyrics to the latest hit song or directions to a friend's house become encoded in our brains?

17 Apr 2025

Nature based activities improve mental health in just twelve weeks

Researchers evaluating a nature-based programme of activities for patients with mild to moderate mental health conditions have shown that improvements in mood and anxiety levels can be seen in as little as 12 weeks.

16 Apr 2025

England faces persistent rise in alcohol deaths

The persistent higher rate of alcohol deaths in England since the pandemic in 2020 is an "acute crisis" requiring urgent action from government, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of Sheffield.

10 Apr 2025

Alcohol reshapes reward learning differently in male and female rats

Chronic alcohol exposure causes lasting impairments in decision-making in male rats, altering how the brain processes reward-based learning. A new study reveals sex-specific neural changes in the striatum, with female rats showing resilience despite altered brain activity.

10 Apr 2025

Can psychedelics break compulsive eating habits in obesity?

A review by Oxford researchers explores how psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD may help disrupt compulsive eating behaviors in subsets of obese individuals. The paper outlines proposed neurobiological, epigenetic, and gut-brain mechanisms while emphasizing the need for human trials.

10 Apr 2025

Combined use of alcohol and cannabis could fuel addiction risks

Many young adults drink alcohol and use cannabis together, at the same time, as a coping mechanism or to relieve stress.

10 Apr 2025

Epigenetic discovery offers hope for reducing addiction relapse

New research on the biological basis of addiction has found that the critical epigenetic enzyme histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) limits the expression of the gene Scn4b, regulating neuronal activity and thereby the formation of strong drug-related memories, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs).

10 Apr 2025

New hospital program helps opioid patients stay in treatment after discharge

Offering hospitalized patients who are struggling with opioid use disorder a medication to treat their addiction makes it more likely that they will continue with follow-up care after they are discharged, a new study finds.

9 Apr 2025

New study seeks best way to support people quitting menthol cigarettes

Nearly half of Americans who smoke use menthol cigarettes that are harder to quit, driving up their health risks with every puff.

9 Apr 2025

New drug compound offers pain relief without opioid side effects

University of Florida scientists have helped identify a novel drug compound that selectively activates pain-altering receptors in the body, offering a potentially safer alternative to conventional pain medications.

8 Apr 2025

For opioid victims, payouts fall short while governments reap millions

Christopher Julian's opioid journey is familiar to many Americans.

8 Apr 2025

Poor dietary habits in adolescence associated with social media overuse

Poor dietary habits in adolescence – lots of sweets, sugary drinks or skipping breakfast – is directly linked to overusing social media, University of Queensland research has found.

7 Apr 2025

Hospital addiction consultation service boosts treatment initiation for opioid use disorder

Specialized hospital services that aid people with opioid use disorder regardless of why they are admitted can boost the number of patients who begin treatment with FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder and increase the likelihood they remain engaged in that care once discharged, according to a new study.

7 Apr 2025

Young females more vulnerable to social anxiety from smartphone dependence

A new study presented today at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2025 reveals that gender plays a significant role in excessive and problematic (psychological or behavioral dependence) smartphone use, with young females more likely to experience higher social anxiety than other genders.

7 Apr 2025

Cornell researchers discover brain mechanisms behind psilocybin's effects

Psilocybin is the active ingredient that gives so-called "magic mushrooms" their hallucinogenic kick. It also has a therapeutic potential for treating depression.

4 Apr 2025