The Mexico Violence Resource Project–a new initiative from the University of California San Diego’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies–was recently launched to provide policymakers and journalists analysis and information to better understand the complicated escalation of violence in Mexico.
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Virtual Reality as Medicine: An Interview with Brennan Spiegel, MD
In the wake of the opioid addiction crisis that has cost more than 500,000 U.S. lives, medical investigators have focused on finding new methods to help patients control pain.
IU study examines effects of low-level lead exposure and alcohol consumption
A new IU study examining effects of low-level developmental lead exposure in mice could explain why some people dependent on alcohol return to using.
More young adults are abstaining from alcohol
Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse More young adults are abstaining from alcohol
Fewer college-age Americans drink alcohol, compared to nearly 20 years ago, according to a new study.
Scientists Report Role for Dopamine and Serotonin in Human Perception and Decision-making
Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Scientists Report Role for Dopamine and Serotonin in Human Perception and Decision-making
Scientists at Wake Forest School of Medicine have recorded real time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in the human brain that are involved with perception and decision-making. These same neurochemicals also are critical to movement disorders and psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse and depression.
Reducing Drinking Among US Veterans with Unhealthy Alcohol Use Might Improve Chronic Pain Symptoms and Reduce Other Substance Use
Original post: Newswise - Substance Abuse Reducing Drinking Among US Veterans with Unhealthy Alcohol Use Might Improve Chronic Pain Symptoms and Reduce Other Substance Use
US veterans with unhealthy alcohol use who reduce their drinking may gain some improvement in chronic pain symptoms and use of other substances, according to a study in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Hazardous drinking is common in the US, and frequently co-occurs with chronic pain, depression and anxiety, and with tobacco, cannabis or cocaine use. Many people use alcohol and other substances to mask or self-manage pain and psychiatric symptoms, although there is little evidence to support such use. If, conversely, a reduction in drinking (or use of treatment for alcohol misuse) were to benefit co-occurring conditions or substance use, this could support an integrated approach to screening or treatment. The new analysis assessed the impact of drinking reduction on improvement of chronic pain, psychiatric symptoms, and other substance use among US veterans with unhealthy alcohol use – a population with high rates of these co-occurring conditions.
Significant decline in prescription opioid abuse seen among Americans at last
Almost 20 years into the opioid epidemic, there finally is evidence of significant and continual decreases in the abuse of these risky pain medications, according to an analysis of national data being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2020 annual meeting.
NYU College of Dentistry Awarded NIH Grant to Investigate Endosomal Receptors as Targets for Chronic Pain Treatment
The NIH has awarded NYU College of Dentistry researchers Nigel Bunnett, PhD, and Brian Schmidt, DDS, MD, PhD, a $3.9 million grant to study targeting endosomal receptors for the treatment of chronic pain. The five-year grant will support Bunnett and Schmidt’s collaborative research, which aims to ultimately yield improved pain management without the need for opioids.
College Students with Disabilities at Greater Risk for Substance Abuse
Original post: Newswise - Drug and Drug Abuse College Students with Disabilities at Greater Risk for Substance Abuse
College students with physical and cognitive disabilities use illicit drugs more, and have a higher prevalence of drug use disorder, than their non-disabled peers, according to a Rutgers study.
Preparing Future Clinicians to Intervene in Opioid Crisis
Original post: Newswise - Drug and Drug Abuse Preparing Future Clinicians to Intervene in Opioid Crisis
Opioid use disorder and overdose have reached unprecedented levels around the world. In the United States, remediation of pain is one of the most common reasons American adults seek healthcare. Therefore, it is vital that clinicians practicing in diverse roles and settings have a clinical understanding of pain and substance use disorders as well as knowledge about public health and opioid policy interventions.