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An opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these two organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids.

Researchers uncover how substance use accelerates brain aging

In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview, researchers from UTHealth Houston have uncovered crucial evidence that substance use disorders (SUDs) accelerate biological aging in the brain through distinct molecular mechanisms.

29 Apr 2025

Exploring ondansetron as potential therapy for opioid-exposed infants

As the opioid crisis continues, the number of babies born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) – a condition that affects infants whose mothers used opioids during pregnancy – has risen 5-fold over the past 20 years.

25 Apr 2025

New approach to treating chronic pain without opioids

Chronic pain, a common and debilitating condition, often leads practitioners to prescribe opioids in escalating doses.

22 Apr 2025

Study: Psilocybin use surges across all age groups since 2019

Use of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic chemical found in what is known as "magic mushrooms," has increased significantly nationwide since 2019, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety.

21 Apr 2025

Opioid control policies linked to drop in domestic violence

A new study led by the University of South Florida reveals opioid control policies may offer broader public health benefits, including reducing instances of domestic violence.

18 Apr 2025

Economic downturns linked to shorter life expectancy for less-educated Americans

Fifty years of economic change have taken a heavy toll on some Americans, especially those with less education who not only have been left behind but are sicker and living shorter lives, according to new research.

18 Apr 2025

Listening to favorite music activates the brain’s opioid system

A new imaging study by the Turku PET Centre in Finland showed that listening to favorite music affects the function of the brain's opioid system.

16 Apr 2025

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapies offer lasting relief for chronic low back pain

Researchers compare the long-term effectiveness of mindfulness and CBT among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain.

10 Apr 2025

Oklahoma Children's Hospital improves care for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome

In years past, health care providers took a punitive stance toward women giving birth to babies exposed to substances like opioids in the womb.

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

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

Mindfulness and CBT provide long-term relief for chronic back pain

The list of treatments for low back pain is endless, but few offer relief for the one in four Americans who suffer from this persistent pain and leading cause of disability globally. More than 80% of those with chronic low back pain wished there were better treatment options.

7 Apr 2025