Texas Tech, Brazilian Researchers Examine Effects of Toxic Stress on Children’s Brain Development

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Texas Tech, Brazilian Researchers Examine Effects of Toxic Stress on Children's Brain Development

Newswise imageThe study uses fMRI data to compare brain development between children who experience pervasive, continuing trauma and those with “normal” development.

Scripps Florida Scientists Identify Novel Compound to Alleviate Pain and Itch

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Scripps Florida Scientists Identify Novel Compound to Alleviate Pain and Itch

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

Lower-Than-Recommended Methadone Doses for Opiate Addiction Are More Likely at Facilities Managed by African-American Directors, Johns Hopkins Study Shows

While the daily dose of methadone for opiate addiction has declined in recent years, facilities run by African-American directors were more likely to provide low methadone doses than facilities run by managers of other races and ethnicities.

TSRI Scientists Develop Vaccine Against Fatal Prescription Opioid Overdose

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse TSRI Scientists Develop Vaccine Against Fatal Prescription Opioid Overdose

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a vaccine that blocks the pain-numbing effects of the opioid drugs oxycodone (oxy) and hydrocodone (hydro) in animal models.

UAB Physician Calls for Better Understanding, Policy and Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse UAB Physician Calls for Better Understanding, Policy and Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Stefan Kertesz, M.D., says a better understanding of what caused and what sustains the opioid epidemic is needed among policymakers and physicians to best serve patients and address the crisis.

A FAAH Better Thing for Cannabis Users: New Insights May Aid Development of Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder

– A new paper in Biological Psychiatry reports that chronic cannabis users have reduced levels of an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The enzyme has been considered for treatment for cannabis dependence because it breaks down substances made in the brain that have cannabis-like effects, called endocannabinoids, rendering them inactive.

Research Links Sleep Habits to Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Use

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Research Links Sleep Habits to Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Use

A study led by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Pitt Department of Psychology has identified a possible link between adolescent sleep habits and early substance abuse. The study, published today in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found that both sleep duration and sleep quality during late childhood predict alcohol and cannabis use later in adolescence.

Opioid Crisis: Video with Mayo Experts Available for Media

Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Opioid Crisis: Video with Mayo Experts Available for Media

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Each day, 78 people in the U.S. die of opioid overdoses, and more than 1,000 are treated in emergency departments for opioid misuse, federal figures show. In a series of broadcast-quality, 60-second videos available for media use, Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and pain medicine expert W. Michael Hooten, M.D., and gastroenterologist Michael Camilleri, M.D., discuss the opioid epidemic and the dangers associated with inappropriate use of prescription pain medication.