ScienceDaily: Illegal Drug and Controlled Substance News

More than one in five parents believe they have little influence in preventing teens from using illicit substances

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:35:35 EDT

A new report indicates that more than one in five parents of teens aged 12 to 17 (22.3 percent) think what they say has little influence on whether or not their child uses illicit substances, tobacco, or alcohol. This report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shows one in ten parents said they did not talk to their teens about the dangers of using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs -- even though 67.6 percent of these parents who had not spoken to their children thought they would influence whether their child uses drugs if they spoke to them.

Molecular roots of cocaine addiction in brain uncovered: Promising new anti-addiction drug revealed

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

Researchers have unraveled the molecular foundations of cocaine’s effects on the brain, and identified a compound that blocks cravings for the drug in cocaine-addicted mice. The compound, already proven safe for humans, is undergoing further animal testing in preparation for possible clinical trials in cocaine addicts, the researchers say.

Addiction to unhealthy foods could help explain the global obesity epidemic, research suggests

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

New research shows that high-fructose corn syrup can cause behavioral reactions in rats similar to those produced by drugs of abuse such as cocaine. These results suggest food addiction could explain, at least partly, the current global obesity epidemic.

Anabolic steroids may affect future mental health

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

There is a link between use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and reduced mental health later in life. This is the main conclusion of a new study on elite male strength athletes. Twenty per cent of the subjects in the study admitted steroid use.

Marijuana users have better blood sugar control

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:52:52 EDT

Regular marijuana use is associated with favorable indices related to diabetic control, say investigators. They found that current marijuana users had significantly lower fasting insulin and were less likely to be insulin resistant, even after excluding patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Cocaine vaccine passes key testing hurdle

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:01:01 EDT

Researchers have successfully tested their novel anti-cocaine vaccine in primates, bringing them closer to launching human clinical trials.

Study adds to evidence that cigarettes are gateway to marijuana

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

Teen smokers who rationalize their use of cigarettes by saying, "At least, I'm not doing drugs," may not always be able to use that line. New research supports the theory that cigarettes are a gateway drug to marijuana.

Heroin vaccine blocks relapse, preclinical study suggests

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:46:46 EDT

Scientists have reported successful preclinical tests of a new vaccine against heroin. The vaccine targets heroin and its psychoactive breakdown products in the bloodstream, preventing them from reaching the brain.

Adderall abuse as final exam study aid 'trending' among U.S. students

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

A growing number of U.S. college students are abusing the ADHD medication Adderall to give them an academic edge and they're tweeting about it. A six-month study tracking Adderall mentions on Twitter revealed two things: 1. It's mentioned most among students in the northeast and south of the United States. 2. Tweets about Adderall peak during final exam periods.

Scientists weaken HIV infection in immune cells using synthetic agents

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:20:20 EDT

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is notorious for hiding within certain types of cells, where it reproduces at a slowed rate and eventually gives rise to chronic inflammation, despite drug therapy. But researchers recently discovered that synthetic anti-inflammatory substances distantly related to the active ingredient of marijuana may be able to take the punch out of HIV while inside one of its major hideouts -- immune cells called macrophages.

Sharp rise in emergency department visits involving the sleep medication Zolpidem

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:11:11 EDT

A new report shows that the number of emergency department visits involving adverse reactions to the sleep medication zolpidem rose nearly 220 percent from 6,111 visits in 2005 to 19,487 visits in 2010.

Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

A new research report shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection.

Breath study brings roadside drug testing closer

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:39:39 EDT

A group of researchers from Sweden have provided further evidence that illegal drugs can be detected in the breath, opening up the possibility of a roadside breathalyzer test to detect substances such as cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis. Using a simple, commercially available breath sampler, the researchers have successfully identified a range of 12 substances in the breath of 40 patients recruited from a drug emergency clinic.

Taste of beer, without effect from alcohol, triggers dopamine release in the brain

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:47:47 EDT

The taste of beer, without any effect from alcohol itself, can trigger dopamine release in the brain, which is associated with drinking, and other drugs of abuse.

First trial to investigate magic mushrooms as a treatment for depression delayed by UK and EU regulations

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:08:08 EDT

The world’s first clinical trial to explore the use of the hallucinogenic ingredient in magic mushrooms to treat depression is being delayed due to the UK and EU rules on the use of illegal drugs in research.

Laser light zaps away cocaine addiction

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:13:13 EDT

By stimulating one part of the brain with laser light, researchers have shown that they can wipe away addictive behavior in rats -- or conversely turn non-addicted rats into compulsive cocaine seekers.

Mental illness linked to heavy cannabis use

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

People with mental illnesses are more than seven times more likely to use cannabis weekly compared to people without a mental illness, according to new research.

Children of deployed parents at higher risk for alcohol, drug use

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

A statewide survey of sixth-, eighth-, and 11th-grade Iowa students found that children of deployed or recently returned military parents had an increased risk for alcohol use, binge drinking, and using marijuana, compared to children in non-military families. The study also found that when parental deployment resulted in a child not living with a parent or relative, the risk of binge drinking and marijuana use was even higher.

Adults with mental illness or substance use disorder more likely to smoke

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:33:33 EDT

Adults aged 18 or older who experienced any mental illness or who have had a substance use disorder in the past year are more likely to smoke and to smoke more heavily than others, according to a new report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Study shows rising rate of propofol abuse by health care professionals

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:12:12 EDT

Abuse of the anesthesia drug propofol is a "rapidly progressive form of substance dependence" that is being more commonly seen among health care professionals, a new study reports.

Discovery could yield treatment for cocaine addicts

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:12:12 EDT

Scientists have discovered a molecular process in the brain triggered by cocaine use that could provide a target for treatments to prevent or reverse addiction to the drug.

Steroids may help reduce deaths from all types of tuberculosis

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:24:24 EDT

The routine use of steroids to treat tuberculosis may help reduce deaths from all types of the disease, according to a new review of existing research.

Study pinpoints, prevents stress-induced drug relapse in rats

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:42:42 EST

Scientists have identified specific key steps in the chain of events that causes stress-related drug relapse. They identified the exact region of the brain where the events take place in rat models and showed that by blocking a step, they could prevent stress-related relapse to drug seeking.

New study shows cannabis effects on driving skills

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:22:22 EST

Cannabis is second only to alcohol for causing impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. In 2009, 12.8% of young adults reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs and in the 2007 National Roadside Survey, more drivers tested positive for drugs than for alcohol. These cannabis smokers had a 10-fold increase in car crash injury compared with infrequent or nonusers after adjustment for blood alcohol concentration.

Antibody response linked with rejection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:14:14 EST

A transplanted kidney has a finite life expectancy because it often becomes the target of the recipient's immune system, which may mount antibodies that attack the organ. Because there is a critical need to extend the life of transplanted organs -- especially in children, who can face two to three kidney transplants in their lifetime -- researchers recently examined the role of this antibody-mediated injury in rejection and the effectiveness of medications to prevent it.

Parents talking about their own drug use to children could be detrimental

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:31:31 EST

Parents know that one day they will have to talk to their children about drug use. The hardest part is to decide whether or not talking about ones own drug use will be useful in communicating an antidrug message. Recent research found that children whose parents did not disclose drug use, but delivered a strong antidrug message, were more likely to exhibit antidrug attitudes.

Prevention efforts focused on youth reduce prescription abuse into adulthood

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:42:42 EST

Middle school students from small towns and rural communities who received any of three community-based prevention programs were less likely to abuse prescription medications in late adolescence and young adulthood.

12th grade dropouts have higher rates of cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use, U.S. study finds

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:15:15 EST

Youth in the 12th grade age range (ages 16 to 18) who have dropped out of school prior to graduating are more likely than their counterparts to be current users of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and other illicit drugs, according to a new U.S. report.

Large study shows substance abuse rates higher in teenagers with ADHD

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:48:48 EST

A new study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use by adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) histories than in those without ADHD. Researchers also found that, contrary to previous findings, current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse or substance abuse disorder.

Synthetic marijuana dangerous for kidneys

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:45:45 EST

Nephrologists have reported for the first time in medical literature cases of acute kidney injury directly linked with synthetic marijuana use.

Smoking marijuana associated with higher stroke risk in young adults

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:10:10 EST

Marijuana use may double the risk of stroke in young adults. The New Zealand findings are the first from a case-controlled study to indicate a potential link between marijuana and stroke.

Around 1 in 10 young mentally ill teens drinks, smokes, and uses cannabis, Australian research finds

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:45:45 EST

Around one in ten young teens with mental health issues also drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, and uses cannabis on a weekly basis, indicates Australian research.

Disulfiram: New support for an old addiction drug

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:44:44 EST

Disulfiram was the first medication approved for the treatment of alcoholism over 50 years ago. It works, at least in part, by preventing the metabolism of an alcohol by-product, acetaldehyde. High levels of acetaldehyde in the body quickly cause unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and accelerated heart rate. Thus, disulfiram provides a very strong incentive to avoid drinking.

Medical cannabis provides dramatic relief for sufferers of chronic ailments, Israeli study finds

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:34:34 EST

Though still controversial, medical cannabis has been gaining ground as a valid therapy for cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain. Now a specialist says that residents of an Israel nursing home experienced dramatic physical and mental improvements following cannabis therapy and that the therapy significantly reduced the need for chronic medications for many of them.

Socially isolated rats are more vulnerable to addiction, report researchers

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:50:50 EST

Rats that are socially isolated during a critical period of adolescence are more vulnerable to addiction to amphetamine and alcohol. Amphetamine addiction is also harder to extinguish in the socially isolated rats.

Gene interactions make cocaine abuse death eight times more likely

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:22:22 EST

Scientists have identified genetic circumstances under which common mutations on two genes interact in the presence of cocaine to produce a nearly eight-fold increased risk of death as a result of abusing the drug.

Botox beats steroids for painful foot condition, plantar fasciitis, study suggests

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:20:20 EST

Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of chronic heel pain, leaving many sufferers unable to put their best foot forward for months at a time. Now a Mexican study suggests that physicians should turn to Botox rather than steroids to offer patients the fastest road to recovery.

People with low risk for cocaine dependence have differently shaped brain to those with addiction

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:33:33 EST

People who take cocaine over many years without becoming addicted have a brain structure which is significantly different from those individuals who developed cocaine-dependence, researchers have discovered.

Drug abuse impairs sexual performance in men even after rehabilitation

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:57:57 EST

Alcohol is the drug that most affects sexual arousal (erectile capacity), according to new research. In addition, researchers observed that men did not improve their sexual performance when they stopped drinking alcohol. The study included 905 men of which 550 had been diagnosed with alcohol, cocaine, cocaine and alcohol, heroin, marijuana and speedball (cocaine and heroin) addiction.

Prescription drug misuse remains a top public health concern

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:24:24 EST

Prescription drug misuse is second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent illicit drug problem, with approximately 22 million persons nationwide initiating nonmedical pain reliever use since 2002, according to a new report. The report also shows variations in use by state, with combined 2010 and 2011 data indicating that rates of past year misuse among those aged 12 or older ranged from 3.6 percent in Iowa to 6.4 percent in Oregon.

Synthetic chemistry: Steroids that only nature could make on a large scale, until now

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:31:31 EST

Scientists have achieved a feat in synthetic chemistry by inventing a scalable method to make complex natural compounds known as "polyhydroxylated steroids." These compounds, used in heart-failure medications and other drugs, have been notoriously problematic to synthesize in the laboratory.

Brain imaging insight into cannabis as a pain killer

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:57:57 EST

The pain relief offered by cannabis varies greatly between individuals, a brain imaging study suggests. The researchers found that an oral tablet of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, tended to make the experience of pain more bearable, rather than actually reduce the intensity of the pain.

Regular marijuana use by teens continues to be a concern

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:27:27 EST

Continued high use of marijuana by the United States' eighth, 10th and 12th graders combined with a drop in perceptions of its potential harms was revealed in this year's Monitoring the Future survey, an annual survey of eighth, 10th, and 12th-graders conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan. The survey was carried out in classrooms around the country earlier this year, under a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Drug tests in humans for methamphetamine addiction

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:27:27 EST

Scientists have successfully completed dosing in the first human safety study of a medication to help methamphetamine users fight their addictions.

Holiday spices often abused for cheap highs, says toxicologist

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:05:05 EST

Cinnamon, nutmeg and even marshmallows are being intentionally abused in risky behavior, says a toxicologist. Once folly for teenagers, pre-teens are now copying what they see from Internet videos with dangerous results.

Resistance to cocaine addiction may be passed down from father to son

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 13:25:25 EST

New research reveals that sons of male rats exposed to cocaine are resistant to the rewarding effects of the drug, suggesting that cocaine-induced changes in physiology are passed down from father to son.

Sharp rise in admissions for certain drug combinations over 10 years

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:22:22 EST

Substance abuse treatment admissions for addiction involving combined use of benzodiazepine and narcotic pain relievers rose a total of 569.7 percent, to 33,701, from 2000 to 2010, according to a new report. Overall substance abuse treatment admissions of people ages 12 and older in the same period rose 4 percent, to 1.82 million, the agency said.

No strong evidence to back use of cannabis extract in multiple sclerosis

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:57:57 EST

There is no strong evidence to back the use of cannabis extract in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, concludes a review of the available evidence on the first licensed preparation.

Overprescribing of opioids impacts patient safety and public health

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:57:57 EST

A new article suggests that the clinical practice of prescribing amphetamines, opioids, and benzodiazepines to treat chronic pain may be contributing to the increase in fatal drug overdoses and the likelihood that those drugs will be diverted to the illegal market.

Parents key to preventing alcohol, marijuana use by kids

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:55:55 EST

New research finds that parental involvement is more important than the school environment when it comes to preventing or limiting alcohol and marijuana use by children.

Street forms of 'synthetic marijuana' products linked to thousands of hospital emergency departments visits each year

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:53:53 EST

Street forms of synthetic cannabinoids – so-called “synthetic marijuana” – were linked to 11,406 of the 4.9 million drug-related emergency department (ED) visits in 2010, according to a new report.

Why some teenagers more prone to binge drinking

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:34:34 EST

New research helps explain why some teenagers are more prone to drinking alcohol than others. The study provides the most detailed understanding yet of the brain processes involved in teenage alcohol abuse.

Treating cocaine dependence: Promising new pharmacotherapy

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:36:36 EST

Medication development efforts for cocaine dependence have yet to result in an FDA approved treatment. The powerful rewarding effects of cocaine, the profound disruptive impact of cocaine dependence on one's lifestyle, and the tendency of cocaine to attract people who make poor life choices and then exacerbate impulsive behavior all make cocaine a vexing clinical condition. In this battle, many candidate pharmacotherapies have been tested, but none have succeeded sufficiently to be adopted widely. Perhaps like cancer, heart disease, and AIDS, cocaine dependence is a disorder that requires combinations of medications for effective treatment.

Brain area's role in learning identified

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:29:29 EST

An area of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex is responsible for decisions made on the spur of the moment, but not those made based on prior experience or habit, according to a new study from substance abuse researchers. The distinction is critical to understanding the neurobiology of decision-making, particularly with regard to substance abuse.

Neuroimaging study: Negative messages less effective on those who are substance dependent

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:09:09 EST

What types of public messages will most likely deter drug and alcohol abuse? Negatively framed messages may not be an effective way to reach those most in need of persuasion, a new study suggests. "The findings are somewhat ironic because a whole lot of public service announcements say, 'Drugs are bad for you,' 'Just say no,' or 'This is your brain on drugs' with an image of an egg frying," said researcher Joshua Brown.

Pain medication addiction reaching epidemic level

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:36:36 EST

Addiction to pain medication is creating new challenges for physicians. Would you believe -- hydrocodone was the most prescribed drug in America in 2011?

A risk gene for cannabis psychosis

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:39:39 EST

The ability of cannabis to produce psychosis has long been an important public health concern. This concern is growing in importance as there is emerging data that cannabis exposure during adolescence may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, a serious psychotic disorder. Further, with the advent of medical marijuana, a new group of people with uncertain psychosis risk may be exposed to cannabis.

Steroid pills effective for treating facial paralysis in Bell's palsy, research suggests

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:15:15 EST

For people experiencing first-time symptoms of Bell's palsy, steroid pills very likely are the most effective known treatment for recovering full strength in the facial muscles, according to a new guideline. Bell's palsy is a nerve disorder that affects muscle movement in the face and usually leaves half of the face temporarily paralyzed.

Recreational cocaine use linked to conditions that cause heart attack

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:02:02 EST

Recreational cocaine users may have higher blood pressure, stiffer arteries and thicker heart muscle walls than non-users -- all of which can cause a heart attack. The Australian study is the first to document some of these cardiovascular abnormalities in seemingly healthy cocaine users long after the immediate effects of cocaine have worn off.

Alcohol, drug abuse counselors don't always require total abstinence

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:19:19 EDT

Compared to a survey conducted nearly 20 years ago, about twice the proportion of addiction counselors now find it acceptable for at least some of their patients to have a drink occasionally -- either as an intermediate goal or as their final treatment goal, according to a new study.