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, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 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/2012/02/120215190138.htm A medication commonly used to help people stop smoking may have an unanticipated positive side effect for an entirely different vice: drinking alcohol. A new study finds that varenicline, sold as Chantix, increases the negative effects of alcohol and therefore could hold promise as a treatment for alcoholism. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215190138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215190018.htm Brain scans of two strains of mice imbibing significant quantities of alcohol reveal serious shrinkage in some brain regions -- but only in mice lacking a particular type of receptor for dopamine, the brain's "reward" chemical. The study provides new evidence that these dopamine receptors may play a protective role against alcohol-induced brain damage. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215190018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142825.htm Hospitalization for underage drinking is common in the United States, and it comes with a price tag -- the estimated total cost for these hospitalizations is about $755 million per year, a new study has found. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111254.htm Drivers who consume cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to a new review. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132850.htm A voluntary substance prevention program held after school and presented by trained facilitators can help reduce alcohol use among young adolescents, according to a new study. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132547.htm Mark Twain said, "Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." Many smokers would agree that it's difficult to stay away from cigarettes. A new study now suggests that low dopamine levels that occur as a result of withdrawal from smoking actually promote the relapse to smoking. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092547.htm Now that the Super Bowl is over, millions of fans will go through withdrawal symptoms from not being able to watch football. A psychiatrist describes the effects this has on the brain, and offers tips on how to cope. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131511.htm A new brain imaging study suggests stress robustly activates areas of the brain associated with craving in cocaine-dependent women, while drug cues activate similar brain regions in cocaine-dependent men. The study suggests men and women with cocaine dependence might benefit more from different treatment options. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131511.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131204.htm The first few weeks of college are a critical time in shaping students' drinking habits. Now researchers have a tailored approach that may help prevent students from becoming heavy drinkers. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127174737.htm Data could lead to better advice for primary-care doctors struggling with a rising tide of older adult patients still in throes of youthful bad habits. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127174737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101846.htm Scientists have identified a potential target for the development of anti-craving medications for people with addictions to stimulants such as methamphetamine. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184605.htm Quitting smoking is never easy. However, when you're poor and uneducated, kicking the habit for good is doubly hard, according to a new study. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163239.htm A study of a controversial housing project that allows chronically homeless people with severe alcohol problems to drink in their apartments found that during their first two years in the building residents cut their heavy drinking by 35 percent. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118165145.htm Nearly one out of seven college students surveyed at a Texas university has participated in the 'Choking Game,' a dangerous behavior where blood flow is deliberately cut off to the brain in order to achieve a high, according to a new study. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118165145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111155137.htm Drinking alcohol leads to the release of endorphins in areas of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111155137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133512.htm New research provides fascinating insight into a newly discovered brain mechanism that limits the rewarding impact of cocaine. The study describes protective delayed mechanism that turns off the genes that support the development of addiction-related behaviors. The findings may lead to a better understanding of vulnerability to addiction and as well as new strategies for treatment. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110163444.htm Using marijuana carries legal risks, but the consequences of occasionally lighting up do not include long-term loss of lung function, according to a new study. In the study in which participants had repeated measurements of lung function over 20 years, occasional and low cumulative marijuana use was not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110163444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211815.htm Using a nicotine patch may help improve mild memory loss in older adults, according to a new study. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm New guidelines will help physicians better choose seizure drugs for people on HIV/AIDS medication, avoiding deadly drug interactions and preventing critical anti-HIV drugs from becoming less effective, possibly leading to a more virulent strain of the disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140706.htm A new study demonstrates several crucial advances in "brain reading" or "brain decoding" using computerized machine learning methods. Researchers classified data taken from people being scanned while watching videos meant to induce nicotine cravings and detected whether people were watching and resisting cravings, indulging in them, or watching videos that were unrelated to smoking or cravings. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135215.htm Drinking enough alcohol to become intoxicated increases aggression significantly in people who have one particular personality trait, according to new research. But people without that trait don't get any more aggressive when drunk than they would when they're sober. That trait is the ability to consider the future consequences of current actions. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125906.htm Cigarette and alcohol use by eighth, 10th and 12th-graders are at their lowest point since the Monitoring the Future survey began polling teenagers in 1975, according to this year's survey results. However, this positive news is tempered by a slowing rate of decline in teen smoking as well as continued high rates of abuse of other tobacco products (e.g., hookahs, small cigars, smokeless tobacco), marijuana and prescription drugs. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190158.htm Researchers find that mood and anxiety disorders are highly associated with non-medical prescription opioid use. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124555.htm A line of laboratory mice drinks more alcohol than other animal models and consumes it in a fashion similar to humans: choosing alcohol over other options and binge drinking. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150152.htm New research underlines the power of an endogenous anti-stress peptide in the brain to prevent and even reverse some of the cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The work could lead to the development of novel drugs to treat alcoholism. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000835.htm An attentive, nurturing mother may be able to help her children better resist the temptations of drug use later in life, according to a study in rats conducted by researchers in the United States and Australia. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129131135.htm The more gray matter you have in the decision-making, thought-processing part of your brain, the better your ability to evaluate rewards and consequences. A new study is the first to show this link between structure and function in healthy people -- and the impairment of both in people addicted to cocaine. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129131135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112321.htm Fewer Ontario teens are smoking cigarettes than ever before -- good news that is tempered by continuing concerns around binge drinking, and driving while under the influence of cannabis, according to the 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The survey, which included 9,288 students across Ontario in grades 7 to 12, is the longest running student survey in Canada. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128182428.htm Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation intervention programs are associated with positive outcomes among current smokers, according to new studies. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128182428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112034.htm “Would legal regulation and control of drugs better protect children?” is a question posed by former President of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso in a new editorial. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142501.htm Researchers have discovered a new means of enhancing the effects of anandamide -- a natural, marijuana-like chemical in the body that provides pain relief. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116174742.htm A survey of more than 33,000 Italian high school students reveals that both underweight and overweight teens consume 20 to 40 percent more illegal drugs than their normal-weight peers. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116174742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116063144.htm Alcoholic brains can perform a simple finger-tapping exercise as well as their sober counterparts but their brain must work a lot harder to do it, according to a new study. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116063144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175356.htm People who are alcohol-dependent and who also carry a particular variant of a gene run an increased risk of premature death, according to research from Sweden. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175354.htm After only four years of problem drinking, a significant decrease in the function of the serotonin system in women’s brains can be seen. This is the system that regulates such functions as impulse control and mood. It takes 12 years before a corresponding decrease is seen in men. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114221018.htm A high childhood IQ may be linked to subsequent illegal drug use, particularly among women, new research suggests. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114221018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use and dependence, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use & Health. A new study found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162730.htm Substance use is widespread among adolescents in the United States, particularly among those of Native American, white, Hispanic and multiple race/ethnicity, and these groups are also disproportionally affected by substance-related disorders, according to a new report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161800.htm After men become fathers for the first time, they show significant decreases in crime, tobacco and alcohol use, according to a new, 19-year study. Researchers assessed more than 200 at-risk boys annually from the age of 12 to 31, and examined how men's crime, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use changed over time. While previous studies showed that marriage can change a man's negative behavior, they had not isolated the additional effects of fatherhood. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120446.htm Amphetamine use in adolescence can cause neurobiological imbalances and increase risk-taking behavior, and these effects can persist into adulthood, even when subjects are drug free. These are the conclusions of a new study using animal models. The study is one of the first to shed light on how long-term amphetamine use in adolescence affects brain chemistry and behavior. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190400.htm Cigarettes and alcohol serve as gateway drugs, which people use before progressing to the use of marijuana, cocaine and other illicit substances; this progression is called the "gateway sequence" of drug use. Latest findings provide the first molecular explanation for the gateway sequence. They show that nicotine causes specific changes in the brain that make it more vulnerable to cocaine addiction -- a discovery made by using a novel mouse model. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161259.htm A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could help explain how tobacco products could act as gateway drugs, increasing a person's future likelihood of abusing cocaine and perhaps other drugs as well, according to researchers. The study is the first to show that nicotine might prime the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161047.htm Researchers studied whether legalizing medical marijuana in Rhode Island would be likely to increase its use among youths. Based on their analysis of 32,570 students, they found that while marijuana use was common throughout the study period, there were no statistically significant differences in marijuana use between states where medical marijuana was legal and where it was illegal in any year. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095408.htm New research shows that black middle school students whose close friends drink alcohol are more likely to drink alcohol in high school than their white classmates. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031132055.htm Doctors who drink more themselves are more liberal in their advice to patients on alcohol consumption. They set higher thresholds for what is harmful, and while men who are heavy drinkers get to continue drinking, women are often advised to stop altogether, reveals new research. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031132055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115229.htm Targeted brain stimulation increases cigarette cravings, a new study has found, which may lead to new treatments. Cues such as watching someone else smoke, elicit craving and may provoke relapse. There are many methods that smokers use in an attempt to reduce their craving for cigarettes, including efficacious pharmacologic treatments such as nicotine patches, hypnosis and acupuncture. Scientists have long suspected that these diverse approaches might work through the reduction of activity in a brain circuit that is responsible for cigarette craving. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151554.htm What drives addicts to repeatedly choose drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, overeating, gambling or kleptomania, despite the risks involved? Neuroscientists have pinpointed the exact locations in the brain where calculations are made that can result in addictive and compulsive behavior. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025172633.htm Cannabis use is associated with disturbances in concentration and memory. New research by neuroscientists in the UK has found that brain activity becomes uncoordinated and inaccurate during these altered states of mind, leading to neurophysiological and behavioral impairments reminiscent of those seen in schizophrenia. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025172633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025752.htm Researchers have sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa, the plant that produces both industrial hemp and marijuana, and in the process revealed the genetic changes that led to the plant's drug-producing properties. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024443.htm Throughout history, Cannabis sativa has been exploited by humanity. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega 6, and its fiber is used in the production of fabrics. Marijuana is known for its mind-altering properties. The changes to the genome that led to drug-producing plants is a mystery of cannabis evolution, but one that has now been solved, thanks to new research. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024135.htm An updated guideline on how to best treat essential tremor, which is the most common type of tremor disorder and is often confused with other movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, has just been published. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm In a new study, researchers reported that the average US adolescent is heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music. Branded alcohol references are most common in rap, R&B, and hip hop songs, and they are commonly associated with a luxury lifestyle characterized by degrading sexual activity, wealth, partying, violence and the use of drugs. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm Alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US are much lower among drivers with Canadian licenses than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. Research from other countries finds foreign drivers are at greater risk of crashes than native drivers. In contrast, this study shows that drivers licensed in Mexico and Canada who were involved in fatal crashes in the US had the same or less alcohol impairment than US-licensed drivers. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm It is well-known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102559.htm When a new drug is developed, the manufacturer must be able to show that it reaches its intended goal in the body's tissue, and only that goal. Such studies could be made easier with a new method. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162822.htm A new study examines the impact that the cultural context of drinking may have on the relationship between drinking and harm in several European countries. Results suggest a significant relationship between volume of consumption and risk of experiencing alcohol-related problems in all five countries examined. The relationship appears to be stronger in three Baltic countries and Sweden than in Italy. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162820.htm A new study has investigated the linkages between alcohol consumption and hospitalized injury. Heavy drinkers face higher injury risks than most people when sober; conversely, their injury risk rises less when alcohol positive. Moderate drinkers who occasionally drink to excess suffer more injuries than heavy drinkers per alcohol-positive hour. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162818.htm A low level of response (LR) to alcohol reflects at least in part a low brain response to alcohol and carries significant risk for the later development of alcoholism. A new study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activation in individuals with low and high LRs to alcohol while they performed a cognitive task. Significant differences detected in brain activation may contribute to the inability by individuals with a low LR to recognize modest levels of alcohol intoxication. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162815.htm Researchers used an anonymous online survey to examine drinking patterns and personality traits. Results identified three groups, two of which drank at fairly high levels. The group with higher levels of impulsivity and aggression appears most at-risk for future alcohol problems. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162815.htm