http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/addiction/ Read current medical research articles on drug addition including nicotine, prescription drugs and illegal drugs. Find out about addiction treatment. en-us Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/addiction/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204318.htm Drug users are well informed about the harms associated with the drugs they use, and perceive alcohol and tobacco to be amongst the most dangerous substances, according to a new survey. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123094135.htm A new study has found evidence that the amount and timing of alcohol consumption in pregnancy affects child behavior in different ways. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123094135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193628.htm Researchers comparing the effectiveness of two interventions on driving-while-impaired re-offenders with alcohol problems found that one -- Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) -- was more effective. While both interventions led to significant declines in risky drinking, BMI produced significantly more pronounced and longer-lasting reductions in risking drinking compared to the control intervention. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120000633.htm Drug dependency is a recurrent but treatable kind of addiction. However, not all people who are drug dependent progress in the same way once they stop taking drugs. A new study shows that, in the case of cocaine, a high score on the so-called ‘scale of craving’, an antisocial personality type and previous heroin abuse are the factors most commonly involved in people falling back into the habit. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120000633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120124831.htm Older adults who have alcohol dependence problems drink significantly more than do younger adults who have similar problems, a new study has found. The findings suggest that older problem drinkers may have developed a tolerance for alcohol and need to drink even more than younger abusers to achieve the effects they seek. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120124831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085051.htm The first ever large-scale, longitudinal study of ketamine users has been published. With ketamine use increasing faster than any other drug in the UK, this research showing the consequences of repeated ketamine use provides valuable information for users and addiction professionals alike. Heavy ketamine users were impaired on several measures, including verbal memory. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118072053.htm A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. This is the first prospective study to examine the potential risks associated with cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption as they independently relate to epilepsy. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118072053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193630.htm Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to significant impairments in social skills. Researchers have found that a social- skills intervention called Children's Friendship Training can lead to a decrease in hostile attributions or perceptions of children with PAE. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111419.htm Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism. But a new meta-analysis shows that women who quit smoking while receiving treatment for weight control are better able to control their weight gain and are more successful at quitting cigarettes. The finding disproves clinical guidelines that say trying to diet and quit smoking at the same time will sabotage efforts to ditch cigarettes. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193638.htm Treatment for alcohol use disorders and tuberculosis (TB) is rarely integrated, even though the two diseases have a high co-occurrence. American and Russian researchers have jointly designed and are monitoring an innovative program that will deliver alcohol treatment as part of routine TB care. The trial study is continuing. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143623.htm Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug by adolescents, with almost 42 percent of high school seniors admitting to having experimented with it. Many studies have focused on parents as being the best avenue for preventing adolescent marijuana use; however, the strength of the relationship between monitoring and marijuana usage has been unclear. According to a meta-analysis, there is in a fact a strong, reliable link between parental monitoring and decreased marijuana usage in adolescents. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094941.htm Unrealistic optimism about drinking behavior can lead to later alcohol-related problems, according to new research. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194743.htm The alcohol industry's sponsorship of sport should be banned and replaced with a dedicated alcohol tax modeled on those employed by some countries for tobacco, say scientists. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174345.htm Intermittent access to foods rich in fat and sugar induces changes in the brain which are comparable to those observed in drug dependence, according to new research. The findings may explain how abstinence from these foods contributes to relapse eating among dieters as well as related eating disorders. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity. Yet, research suggests that fewer than half of pediatricians report screening patients for such at-risk behaviors. A new diagnostic test allows clinicians to quickly and accurately screen teens for high risk drug and alcohol use. Now, researchers have established that the same test can also identify teens who more likely to be engaging in high risk sexual behaviors. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm Drunken fruit flies have helped researchers identify networks of genes -- also present in humans -- that play a key role in alcohol drinking behavior. This discovery provides an indication of why some people seem to tolerate alcohol better than others, and points toward a potential target for drugs aimed at preventing or eliminating alcoholism. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171407.htm In a comparison of five different smoking cessation medications, a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge appears most effective at helping smokers quit, according to a new report. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100018.htm Stress-evoked changes in circuits that regulate serotonin in certain parts of the brain can precipitate a low mood and a relapse of cocaine-seeking, based on mouse studies. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026192900.htm Your genetic make up may predispose you to drink more but may not increase your genetic risk for alcoholism. New research pinpoints genetic pathways and genes associated with levels of alcohol consumption but not with alcohol dependence in rats and humans. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026192900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026161834.htm A genetic study has examined the association between a polymorphism of the µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene and alcohol misuse among adolescents. Results suggest that teens who carry the G allele (A118G) of the OPRM1 gene are at increased risk for alcohol problems because they experience alcohol as more pleasurable or rewarding than teens without A118G. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026161834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134450.htm Two new studies illustrate just how hard it is to make sure people take their HIV medication. One study looked at the effects of drinking alcohol on adherence and showed the risk for non-adherence was double among drinkers compared to abstainers. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022134450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm Common mental disorders, such as depression and alcohol misuse, are the top psychological problems amongst UK troops post-deployment and not post traumatic stress disorder as is widely believed. A new study also finds that reservists remain at special risk of operational stress injury. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161539.htm Smokers who crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of a psychosocial treatment program in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence than smokers participating in the same program who grasped a computer-simulated ball, according to a new study. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231950.htm Brain pleasure centers became progressively less responsive in rats fed a diet of high-fat, high-calorie food, a new study has found. As the changes occurred, the rats developed compulsive overeating habits -- and became obese. The overeating continued even when it meant the rats had to endure an unpleasant consequence (a mild foot shock) in order to consume the food. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093723.htm Exercise can help smokers quit because it makes cigarettes less attractive. A new study shows for the first time that exercise can lessen the power of cigarettes and smoking-related images to grab the attention of smokers. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm A new study found that chronic alcohol consumption reduces the number of new brain cells that form in the hippocampus of adolescent rhesus monkeys. This finding suggests these cells are vulnerable to alcohol and their presence may be essential for preventing alcohol dependence. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114309.htm Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine while in the womb have poor impulse control and may be more vulnerable to drug abuse than female monkeys, even a decade or more after the exposure, according to a new study. The findings could lead to a better understanding of human drug abuse. The study was presented yesterday at the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102504.htm A new study in rats has found that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a commonly available and generally nontoxic amino acid derivative, reverses changes in the brain's circuitry associated with cocaine addiction. The reversal appears to lessen the cravings associated with cocaine, thus providing protection against relapse. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102428.htm New animal studies suggest that memory and other cognitive problems experienced by cocaine-addicted people can result directly from the cocaine abuse in addition to pre-existing traits or lifestyle factors. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202717.htm Low alcohol consumption is bad for your health in general, according to a new study. Researchers studied the relationship between alcohol consumption and health to test the current theory which suggests improved health is responsible for the link found between low alcohol consumption and increased wages. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm Researchers have found a genetic "switch" in fruit flies that plays an important role in making flies more tolerant to alcohol. This metabolic switch also has implications for the deadly liver disease cirrhosis in humans. A counterpart human gene contributes to a shift from metabolizing alcohol to the formation of fat in heavy drinkers. This shift can lead to fatty liver syndrome -- a precursor to cirrhosis. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100740.htm There is ample evidence for the genetic influence of alcohol dependence, and ongoing studies are actively looking for specific genes that may confer this increased susceptibility. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm People with relatively extreme opinions may be more willing to publicly share their views than those with more moderate views, according to a new study. The key is that the extremists have to believe that more people share their views than actually do, the research found. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100738.htm A new study suggests that maternal smoking may increase the level of distress of newborns. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084447.htm Researchers in Spain have studied the impact of the law banning smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants on those working in these places. The results are positive - 5% of waiters have stopped smoking, and the number of cigarettes smoked by those who still smoke has fallen by almost 9%. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192211.htm Alcohol use in South Asians in the UK is under-recognized, and alcohol related harm is disproportionately high, warn researchers in an editorial. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111627.htm More than a quarter of cancer survivors who still smoke have not been advised to quit smoking by their health care providers in the last year, according to a new study. Findings suggest that health care providers -- from doctors to dentists to nurses -- are missing an opportunity to make a dramatic difference in the quality of life of their patients. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141720.htm Epileptic seizures are the most dramatic and prominent aspect of the "alcohol withdrawal syndrome" that occurs when a person abruptly stops a long-term or chronic drinking habit. Researchers have shown that the flow of calcium ions into brain cells via voltage-gated calcium channels plays an important role in the generation of alcohol withdrawal seizures, because blocking this flow suppresses these seizures. But do the changes in calcium currents contribute to alcohol withdrawal seizures or are they a consequence of the seizures? Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018171808.htm Migraine sufferers, beware. You may be more prone to an alcohol-induced headache after a night of drinking, according to researchers. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018171808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102039.htm According a new study of over 3,000 adults aged 70-79, the apparent association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of functional decline over time did not hold up after adjustments were made for characteristics related to lifestyle, in particular physical activity, body weight, education and income. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181448.htm Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines -- which function in the immune system -- may be involved in alcohol dependence. A study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha has found that IL-1 may directly contribute to AD among Spanish Caucasian males. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008192733.htm Researchers studied the drinking habits of 9,833 15- to 16-year-olds in the North West of England, finding that excessively low cost alcohol products and illicit purchase are strongly related to harmful underage drinking. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008192733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223726.htm Current figures underestimate the number of children who may be at risk of harm from parental substance use. Researchers have generated new estimates using five national surveys which include measures of binge, hazardous and dependent drinking, illicit drug use and mental health. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.htm The costs of drinking and driving are all too apparent, with alcohol involved in 41 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2006. In addition to the mortality and morbidity, the economic impact of alcohol impaired driving is estimated at $51 billion. Now a new study has found that even minimally injured alcohol-impaired drivers account for higher emergency department costs than other drivers. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181625.htm A vaccine to treat cocaine dependence appears to reduce use of the drug in a subgroup of individuals who attain high anti-cocaine antibody levels in response, according to a new report. However, only 38 percent of vaccinated individuals produced high enough antibody levels and those who did maintained them for only two months. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm Adolescents with psychiatric symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, hostility and depression may be more likely to develop an Internet addiction, according to a new report. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210002.htm How should mental, neurological, and substance use disorders be treated where resource are scarce? Over 90 percent of people with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low and middle income countries go untreated, an inequity known as the mental health "treatment gap." Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm New research looks at the specific ways parents and peers influence teenagers to smoke, drink and use marijuana in combination. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm