ScienceDaily: Addiction News

Laws to lower alcohol limits mean lower fatalities says trauma expert

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:02 EDT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing that the legal limit for a driver’s blood-alcohol content be reduced from 0.08 to 0.05, but and that may not be far enough say experts.

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 as a disorder of decision-making

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

New research shows that craving drugs such as nicotine can be visualized in specific regions of the brain that are implicated in determining the value of actions, in planning actions and in motivation. Researchers suggest abnormal interactions between these decision-making brain regions could underlie addiction.

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.

Life expectancy gap widens between those with mental illness and general population

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:41:41 EDT

The gap between life expectancy in patients with a mental illness and the general population has widened since 1985 and efforts to reduce this gap should focus on improving physical health, suggest new research.

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.

One in 10 teens using 'study drugs,' but parents aren't paying attention

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:44:44 EDT

Just one in 100 parents believe their kids have used prescription stimulants to boost grades, according to a new poll.

Youth who have their first drink during puberty have higher levels of later drinking

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:37:37 EDT

The earlier the age at which youth take their first alcoholic drink, the greater the risk of later alcohol problems.

College women exceed NIAAA drinking guidelines more frequently than college men

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:37:37 EDT

In 1990, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism issued guidelines that define low-risk drinking, which differ for men and women. New research shows that female college student drinkers exceed NIAAA guidelines for weekly drinking more frequently than their male counterparts.

Individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show 'early aging' of the brain

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:34:34 EDT

Alcohol treatment interventions work best when patients understand and are actively involved in the process. A first-of-its-kind study looks at the interactive effects of smoking status and age on neurocognition in one-month-abstinent alcohol dependent (AD) individuals in treatment. Results show that AD individuals who currently smoke have more problems with memory, ability to think quickly and efficiently, and problem-solving skills than those who do not smoke, effects which seem to become greater with increasing age.

War spawns new approaches for wounded service members' pain care

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:48:48 EDT

Better body armor and rapid aeromedical evacuations enable American service members to survive blasts that would have proved fatal in Vietnam or even the first Gulf War, but they pose new challenges to military medicine – how to deal with the excruciating pain of injuries, especially severe burns from IED blasts that body armor can’t protect.

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.

Would you ‘Like’ a drink? Youth drinking cultures, social networking and alcohol marketing

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:54:54 EDT

Preventing alcohol abuse, especially among young people, has long been a focus of public-health campaigns. But despite the well-publicized social and medical consequences of drinking too much it’s clear that for many, heavy drinking has become a normal part of life.

Parental addictions linked to adult children's depression

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:33:33 EDT

The offspring of parents who were addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to be depressed in adulthood, according to a new study. Investigators have examined the association between parental addictions and adult depression in a representative sample of 6,268 adults, drawn from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey.

All hospitals should require drug, alcohol tests for physicians, experts say

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT

To improve patient safety, hospitals should randomly test physicians for drug and alcohol use in much the same way other major industries in the United States do to protect their customers.

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.

Women who drink before pregnancy less likely to take multivitamins

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:11:11 EDT

Researchers have found a link between multivitamin use and alcohol consumption before pregnancy, uncovering a need for education about the importance of vitamin supplementation, particularly among women who drink alcohol during their childbearing years.

Thanks to rare alpine bacteria, researchers identify one of alcohol's key gateways to the brain

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

Thanks to a rare bacteria that grows only on rocks in the Swiss Alps, researchers have been the first to identify how alcohol might affect key brain proteins.

Prevention programs dramatically cut substance abuse among teens

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Young adults reduce their overall prescription drug misuse up to 65 percent if they are part of a community-based prevention effort while still in middle school, according to researchers.

Anti-smoking ads with strong arguments, not flashy editing, trigger part of brain that changes behavior

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:17:17 EDT

Researchers have shown that an area of the brain that initiates behavioral changes had greater activation in smokers who watched anti-smoking ads with strong arguments versus those with weaker ones, and irrespective of flashy elements, like bright and rapidly changing scenes, loud sounds and unexpected scenario twists. Those smokers also had significantly less nicotine metabolites in their urine when tested a month after viewing those ads, the team reports.

Study reveals alcohol industry tactics to influence alcohol policy reform in Scotland

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

The alcohol industry misrepresented international evidence on effective alcohol control measures in an attempt to influence the Scottish Government's public health policy to its advantage, according to new research.

Mephedrone boosts illegal drug use

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:10:10 EDT

Experienced clubbers are more likely to add the former ‘legal high’ mephedrone to their drug repertoires rather than use it to replace popular established club drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine, according to new research.

Increased brain activity predicts future onset of substance use

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:01:01 EDT

Do people get caught in the cycle of overeating and drug addiction because their brain reward centers are over-active, causing them to experience greater cravings for food or drugs? In a unique prospective study scientists tested this theory, called the reward surfeit model. The results indicated that elevated responsivity of reward regions in the brain increased the risk for future substance use, which has never been tested before prospectively with humans.

Aerobic exercise may protect cognitive abilities of heavy drinkers

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Aerobic exercise may help prevent and perhaps even reverse some of the brain damage associated with heavy alcohol consumption, according to a new study.

Parents can help their children avoid alcohol pitfalls during transition from high school to college

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

The transition from high school to college is a particularly vulnerable time for alcohol experimentation. A new study looks at which student characteristics may enhance parent-based interventions. Results indicate that teens who perceive their friends as more approving of alcohol consumption also seem to be more influenced by communication with their parents about drinking.

College admission questions rarely identify criminal behavior

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:54:54 EDT

A new study shows that neither criminal background checks nor pre-admission screening questions accurately predict students likely to commit crime on college campuses.

Stimulating the brain blunts cigarette craving

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:51:51 EDT

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally. Unfortunately smoking cessation is difficult, with more than 90% of attempts to quit resulting in relapse.

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.

Older people may be at greater risk for alcohol impairment than teens

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:29:29 EDT

An acute dose of alcohol may cause greater impairment in coordination, learning and memory in the elderly than in young people, according to a new study. Researchers said the findings have profound significance for older people -- a population that is aging worldwide at an unprecedented rate and that includes Baby Boomers as they become seniors.

Regulating density of alcohol outlets a promising strategy to improve public health

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Despite potential, many public health agencies unaware of how to use regulation of alcohol density to address excessive drinking.

New treatment option for alcohol dependence: Reduced consumption rather than abstinence

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:56:56 EDT

A potential new treatment for alcoholism called nalmefene is effective and safe for reducing alcohol consumption in alcohol dependent individuals, says a new study. Traditionally, abstinence has been regarded as the primary treatment goal for alcohol dependence, and current pharmacological treatments for alcoholism are approved only for relapse prevention. However, relapse rates remain high and a goal of abstinence is unacceptable to many patients.

Lights, chemistry, action: New method for mapping brain activity

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:16:16 EDT

Building on their history of innovative brain-imaging techniques, scientists have developed a new way to use light and chemistry to map brain activity in fully-awake, moving animals, opening a new window to the study of brain diseases.

Alcohol use, anxiety predict Facebook use by college students

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:13:13 EDT

Anxiety and alcohol use significantly predict emotional connectedness to Facebook, a new study suggests. According to one of the researchers, alcohol use is generally viewed as normative, or socially acceptable, among college students, so increased alcohol use may cause an increase in emotional connectedness to Facebook. Researchers also found that marijuana use predicted the opposite: a lack of emotional connectedness with Facebook.

Neurodegenerative disease advance: Study details how brain enzyme interacts with drug-like lead compound for Huntington's

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:12:12 EDT

A significant breakthrough has been made towards developing an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers have detailed how an enzyme in the brain interacts with a promising drug-like lead compound for Huntington's disease to inhibit its activity. Their findings demonstrate that it can be developed as an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Hangover remedy examined: Yak-a-mein soup, a.k.a., ‘Old Sober’

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:58:58 EDT

One of the Crescent City's time-honored traditions -- a steaming bowl of Yak-a-mein Soup, a.k.a., “Old Sober” -- after a night of partying in the French Quarter actually does have a basis in scientific fact, according to new research.

Distorted thinking in gambling addiction: What are the cognitive and neural mechanisms?

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:50:50 EDT

Fascinating new studies into brain activity and behavioral responses have highlighted the overlap between pathological gambling and drug addiction. The research has implications for both the treatment and prevention of problem gambling.

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.

Teens' struggles with peers forecast long-term adult relationships

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:02:02 EDT

Teens' struggles to connect with their peers in early adolescence while not succumbing to negative peer influences predict their capacity to form strong friendships and avoid serious problems. In a longitudinal study, researchers followed 150 teens over a 10-year period to learn about the lasting effects of peer struggles in early adolescence. They found establishing social competence in early adolescence involves negotiating conflicting goals between peer acceptance and autonomy with regard to negative peer influences.

Anti-smoking drug improves smokers' chances of stopping, study finds

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:58:58 EDT

Varenicline reduces depressive mood, craving and reward value of cigarettes when smokers attempt to quit

Genetics might determine which smokers get hooked

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:32:32 EDT

Researchers have identified genetic risk factors that may accelerate a teen's progression to becoming a lifelong heavy smoker.

Research provides clues to alcohol addiction vulnerability

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EDT

A team studying alcohol addiction has new research that might shed light on why some drinkers are more susceptible to addiction than others.

How two brain areas interact to trigger divergent emotional behaviors

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:25:25 EDT

New research for the first time explains exactly how two brain regions interact to promote emotionally motivated behaviors associated with anxiety and reward. The findings could lead to new mental health therapies for disorders such as addiction, anxiety, and depression.

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).

Brain-mapping increases understanding of alcohol's effects on first-year college students

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Scientists have completed a first-of-its-kind longitudinal pilot study aimed at better understanding how the neural processes that underlie responses to alcohol-related cues change during students' first year of college.

Pre-college talk between parents and teens likely to lessen college drinking

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Teen-age college students are significantly more likely to abstain from drinking or to drink only minimally when their parents talk to them before they start college, using suggestions in a parent handbook.

Knowledge of the game is not an advantage in sports gambling

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EDT

Scientist have found that neither betting experience nor knowledge of the details of the game provides an advantage to strategic sports gamblers. He says that they operate under an illusion of control and power unrelated to real-life outcomes.

Spine patients who quit smoking report diminished pain

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Smoking is a known risk factor for back pain and disc disease. In a new study, researchers reviewed smoking cessation rates and related pain in 6,779 patients undergoing treatment for spinal disorders with severe axial (spine) or radicular (leg) pain. Information on each patient's age, gender, weight, smoking history, assessment of pain, treatment type and co-morbid depression also were assessed.

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.

Novel drug delivery system releases drugs in response to compression by the patient's hand

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:47:47 EDT

Medical researchers have succeeded in developing a gel material which is capable of releasing drugs in response to pressure applied by the patient.

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.

Dating in middle school leads to higher dropout, drug-use rates, study suggests

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:10:10 EDT

Students who date in middle school have significantly worse study skills, are four times more likely to drop out of school and report twice as much alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use than their single classmates, according to new research.

Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:46:46 EDT

Low and moderate drinkers of alcohol reported lower severity of symptoms of fibromyalgia than teetotallers, finds a study. Too much alcohol reversed this effect. The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is thought to affect one in 20 people worldwide but there is no known cause or cure. It often goes hand in hand with fatigue and sleep problems, headaches, depression and irritable bowel and bladder problems. Treatment is based around pain management and lifestyle changes.

Using hansfree kit or sending texts behind the wheel is as dangerous as being twice over legal alcohol limit, study suggests

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:33:33 EDT

Scientists have compared the effects of mobile phone use while driving with the effects of alcohol using a simulation. Their experiment demonstrates that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages is the same as being above the legal alcohol limit.