Opioids News and Research

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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.

Brain response patterns to rewards may be influenced by gene variants affecting pain sensitivity

Patterns of brain responses to rewards are a significant predictor of pain symptoms—a link that is already present by adolescence—and may be influenced by gene variants affecting pain sensitivity, reports a study in PAIN, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

28 Jan 2017

SCS therapy can be key to reducing use of opioids in patients battling chronic pain, study finds

New research has found spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy can be key to reducing or stabilizing the use of opioids in patients battling chronic pain.

20 Jan 2017

Analgesic effects of opioids can be mediated via immune cells

Opioids are the most powerful painkillers. Researchers at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have now found that the analgesic effects of opioids are not exclusively mediated by opioid receptors in the brain, but can also be mediated via the activation of receptors in immune cells.

17 Jan 2017

OHSU research suggests avenue for developing non-addictive treatments for chronic pain

OHSU research suggests an avenue for developing treatments for chronic pain that harness the medicinal properties of cannabis while minimizing the threat of addiction.

12 Jan 2017

Risky opioid prescribing rates drop after new VA initiative, study finds

Fewer veterans received prescriptions for risky dosages of opioid painkillers after a national initiative took aim at reducing high doses and potentially dangerous drug combinations, a new study finds.

11 Jan 2017

New study reveals significant use of indoor tanning among sexual-minority adolescent boys

In a new study of indoor tanning and skin cancer risk, the use of indoor tanning among non-heterosexual black male teens was found to be nearly equal to that of heterosexual white females.

6 Jan 2017

Psychiatric and behavioral conditions are important risk factors for long-term opioid use

A wide range of pre-existing psychiatric and behavioral conditions and the use of psychoactive drugs could be important risk factors leading to long-term use of opioid pain medications, reports a study in PAIN, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).

30 Dec 2016

Gulf Breeze Recovery underscores importance of high-quality programs for treating opioid addiction

As opioid addiction hits record highs, Gulf Breeze Recovery, a Florida-based addiction recovery center, stresses the importance of high-quality, successful programs for treating addiction.

26 Dec 2016

OPERA study evaluates patient perceptions of pain treatment with use of transdermal formulations

Clarity, a global international scientific research company, based in Austin, Texas, announces the latest results of its IRB-approved OPERA study.

21 Dec 2016

Opioid users treated in compulsory drug detention centre more likely to relapse, study shows

People with chronic opioid use disorders are more likely to relapse and do so sooner if they are treated in a compulsory drug detention centre rather than a voluntary drug treatment centre using methadone maintenance therapy, according to the first study comparing the outcome of both approaches published in The Lancet Global Health.

9 Dec 2016

Study reveals self-harm is leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Colorado

Self-harm was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in Colorado from 2004 to 2014, ahead of car crashes, medical conditions and homicide, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

9 Dec 2016

Geisinger physicians report opioid therapy to be ineffective in treating chronic pain

A new study by a pair of Geisinger Health System physicians reports that the use of opioid therapy to treat chronic pain is not only ineffective, it can actually increase the likelihood of more harmful consequences, including death.

8 Dec 2016

PinnacleHealth’s initiative helps reduce opioid prescriptions in primary care setting

PinnacleHealth Medical Group, a network of more than 200 primary care providers and specialists, singled out opioid abuse epidemic and initiated a formal opioid reduction program in 2014.

8 Dec 2016

Researchers developing opioid vaccines to help prevent overdose fatalities

In 2014, the number of deaths from opioid overdoses in the U.S. jumped to its highest level on record. The spike brought national attention to the epidemic and the awareness that new interventions are needed.

7 Dec 2016

Study examines link between employment status and nonmedical use of prescription opioids

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that employment status is a factor in nonmedical use of prescription opioids and prescription stimulants.

7 Dec 2016

$Research underscores need for targeted interventions to prevent hip fractures among dementia patients$

Research underscores need for targeted interventions to prevent hip fractures among dementia patients

The hip fracture risk factors are generally similar among those with and without Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland.

7 Dec 2016

New study to explore link between sleep and chronic pain

Washington State University will lead a study to understand the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, part of a nationwide effort to address the rising abuse of opioid pain relievers and expand the arsenal of non-drug treatment options.

5 Dec 2016

TSRI scientists discover potential drug candidate to suppress pain and itch

In a new study, scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have identified a possible drug candidate that suppresses pain and itch in animal models.

1 Dec 2016

Researchers find differences in use of prescription analgesics between people with and without Alzheimer’s disease

Approximately one third of persons with Alzheimer’s disease use prescription medicines for pain after their diagnosis, reports a recent study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland.

30 Nov 2016

Kratom may be safer and less addictive than current treatments for pain, research suggests

A delayed U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ban on kratom would stifle scientific understanding of the herb's active chemical components and documented pharmacologic properties if implemented, according to a special report published today in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

29 Nov 2016

Opioids News and Research

Further Reading

Brain response patterns to rewards may be influenced by gene variants affecting pain sensitivity

SCS therapy can be key to reducing use of opioids in patients battling chronic pain, study finds

Analgesic effects of opioids can be mediated via immune cells

OHSU research suggests avenue for developing non-addictive treatments for chronic pain

Risky opioid prescribing rates drop after new VA initiative, study finds

New study reveals significant use of indoor tanning among sexual-minority adolescent boys

Psychiatric and behavioral conditions are important risk factors for long-term opioid use

Gulf Breeze Recovery underscores importance of high-quality programs for treating opioid addiction

OPERA study evaluates patient perceptions of pain treatment with use of transdermal formulations

Opioid users treated in compulsory drug detention centre more likely to relapse, study shows

Study reveals self-harm is leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Colorado

Geisinger physicians report opioid therapy to be ineffective in treating chronic pain

PinnacleHealth’s initiative helps reduce opioid prescriptions in primary care setting

Researchers developing opioid vaccines to help prevent overdose fatalities

Study examines link between employment status and nonmedical use of prescription opioids

Research underscores need for targeted interventions to prevent hip fractures among dementia patients

New study to explore link between sleep and chronic pain

TSRI scientists discover potential drug candidate to suppress pain and itch

Researchers find differences in use of prescription analgesics between people with and without Alzheimer’s disease

Kratom may be safer and less addictive than current treatments for pain, research suggests

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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