Substance Abuse News and Research

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OHIO professor's new study focuses on strategies hospitals adopt to address the opioid epidemic

While the world's attention to public health remains focused on COVID-19, Berkeley Franz, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, continues to focus her attention on one of the largest public health crises in the United States today - the opioid epidemic.

16 Nov 2020

Imaging technique reveals opioid receptor localization across the whole brain

Winding and twisting like a labyrinth, the brain consists of an elaborate network of passages through which information flows at high speeds, rapidly generating thoughts, emotions, and physical responses.

12 Nov 2020

Models of “mindful self-regulation” can help make healthy behavior changes

A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of mindfulness approaches to promote positive changes in health behaviors.

11 Nov 2020

Surgery studies show progress, opportunity to decrease opioid prescribing

Having surgery means placing complete trust in a team of professionals, and counting on them to fix what's wrong while keeping surgical risks as low as possible.

11 Nov 2020

RNI researchers to study the impact of excessive speeds on the human brain, body

Before the first Virgin Hyperloop ride takes off, the brains behind pioneering neuroscience research at West Virginia University will help ensure the health and well-being of its passengers and operators.

30 Oct 2020

The Trump Medicaid record: Big goals, yet few successes

President Donald Trump entered office seeking a massive overhaul of the Medicaid program, which had just experienced the biggest growth spurt in its 50-year history.

29 Oct 2020

Real-time tracking system shows rise in suspected opioid overdose deaths after COVID-19's arrival

COVID-19 may dominate the headlines. But another epidemic that was already raging before it arrived has flared up in recent months, too, according to new University of Michigan data.

27 Oct 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has escalated into a ‘syndemic’ for chronic disease patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated into a ‘syndemic’ for people with chronic illnesses, a new UNSW study analysing data from low and middle-income countries shows.

23 Oct 2020

Researchers receive $1.35 million grant to reduce impact of substance abuse in Appalachia

McDowell County--in the southern coalfields of West Virginia--is the second-most at-risk in the nation for an HIV outbreak related to drug injection. Neighboring Wyoming and Mercer Counties follow close behind. All three have some of the highest rates of acute hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the United States.

14 Oct 2020

Dopamine and serotonin play role in perception and decision-making

Scientists at Wake Forest School of Medicine have recorded real time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in the human brain that are involved with perception and decision-making.

12 Oct 2020

Researcher receives NIH award to explore effect of women's hormones on postpartum opioid relapse

When most people think of opioid addiction, they typically do not think of pregnant women. Unfortunately, however, the prevalence of opioid addiction during pregnancy has increased nearly 500% during the past 15 years.

8 Oct 2020

Fear of COVID-19 can increase risk of substance abuse

Long after a COVID-19 vaccination is developed and years after the coronavirus death toll is tallied, the impact on mental health will linger, continuing to inflict damage if not addressed, according to new research.

29 Sep 2020

Combination of alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy increases health risk in newborns

University of Houston researchers have found that during early pregnancy, the mix of alcohol and nicotine significantly alters the gene regulatory pathways of the developing fetus, which can lead to major deficiencies in brain development.

24 Sep 2020

Psychological and physical impacts of childhood sexual abuse are closely tied, shows study

A new Canadian study reveals that the psychological and physical effects of childhood sexual abuse are closely tied.

22 Sep 2020

Three question, yes-or-no survey for identifying chemically intolerant individuals

Intolerances to chemicals, foods and drugs impact 8%-33% of individuals, studies suggest, yet few people are screened for it at their doctors' offices.

22 Sep 2020

College students with physical and cognitive disabilities have greater risk for substance abuse

College students with physical and cognitive disabilities use illicit drugs more, and have a higher prevalence of drug use disorder, than their non-disabled peers, according to a Rutgers study.

21 Sep 2020

Cory Gardner’s bill has as much to do with politics as preexisting conditions

Sen. Cory Gardner, a Republican running in a tight race for reelection in Colorado, says he wants to protect people with medical conditions.

18 Sep 2020

UTEP's MARC receives federal grant to fight opioid abuse in West Texas rural counties

The University of Texas at El Paso's Minority AIDS Research Center (MARC) is the subrecipient of a $1 million implementation grant to target substance use disorders and opioid use disorders in five rural counties along the Texas-Mexico border.

16 Sep 2020

Doctors develop new data mining method to detect young people with emerging psychosis

Doctors have developed a new data mining method to detect many young people with emerging psychosis.

14 Sep 2020

New emergency program provides mental health care across Colorado

The COVID-19 pandemic's effects run deep - far beyond the virus's immediate infections. From loss of livelihoods to drastic decreases in social connection, people across the country are suffering ongoing emotional strain.

2 Sep 2020