http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/opium/ Read medical research on the effect of opium and related controlled substances such as morphine, codeine, heroin, percocet and methadone on the body. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/opium/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. 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/2009/10/091026161834.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/2009/10/091026231845.htm Feeding high-fat food to pregnant mice can affect their pups' brain development in ways that may cause them to be more vulnerable to obesity and to engage in addictive-like behaviors in adulthood, a new study has found. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927130048.htm Scientists have uncovered the mechanisms of how pain in infancy alters how the brain processes pain in adulthood. Research is now indicating that infants who spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit show altered pain sensitivity in adolescence. These results have profound implications and highlight the need for pre-emptive and post-operative pain medicine for newborn infants. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927130048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908124636.htm More than 200,000 individuals addicted to heroin, an opiate, are incarcerated in the US each year. Opiate replacement therapy is effective, yet is only available in half of US prison systems, usually in limited circumstances. Few prison systems provide referrals to inmates for treatment programs after release. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908124636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143544.htm Pain therapy for cancer patients -- whether inpatient or outpatient -- is often inadequate. At Heidelberg University Hospital, the use of an innovative electronic system -- combined with guidance by an experienced clinical pharmacist -- has been successfully tested. The treatment of the patients showed little variance from international guidelines on pain therapy. In addition, patients reported having less pain. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142859.htm Psychologists have determined for the first time that a gene linked with physical pain sensitivity is associated with social pain sensitivity as well. The research gives weight to the common notion that rejection "hurts" by showing that a gene that regulates the body's most potent painkillers are involved in socially painful experiences too. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810104935.htm Acupuncture has been used for over two millennia in East-Asian medicine to treat pain. Using brain imaging, researchers have provided novel evidence that traditional Chinese acupuncture affects the brain's long-term ability to regulate pain. Their findings show acupuncture acts as more than a placebo, and can activate receptors in the brain that process and dampen pain signals. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810104935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102024.htm Overconsumption of fatty, sugary foods leads to changes in brain receptors, according to new animal research. The results have implications for understanding bulimia and other binge eating disorders. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173239.htm Taking opioid drugs without a prescription appears relatively common among high school seniors, according to a new report. The most common reasons survey respondents gave for taking the medications included relaxation, feeling good or getting high, experimentation and pain relief. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090440.htm Injections of THC, the active principle of cannabis, eliminate dependence on opiates (morphine, heroin) in rats deprived of their mothers at birth. The findings could lead to therapeutic alternatives to existing substitution treatments. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707171006.htm Chemical dependency and recovery in patients and physicians are closely examined in a series of recent articles. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707171006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616205512.htm Using an opioid drug to induce a hibernatory state in rats reduces the damage caused by an artificial stroke. Researchers have shown that those animals put into the chemical slumber suffered less behavioral dysfunctions after a period of cerebral artery blockage than control rats. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616205512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090515083820.htm Morphine patches are supposed to reduce use of painkillers, and provide more control over their use in chronic pain conditions. But researchers have found otherwise. Sun, 17 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090515083820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430161242.htm Fish don't make noises or contort their faces to show that it hurts when hooks are pulled from their mouths, but a researcher believes they feel that pain all the same. Fri, 01 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430161242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075422.htm Researchers have found a way to maintain the pain-killing qualities of morphine over an extended period of time, thus providing a solution for the problem of having to administer increasing dosages of the drug in order to retain its effectiveness. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319161458.htm Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist approved in 1994 by the US Food and Drug Administration for alcohol-dependence treatment, can reduce relapse rates among AD patients. Research on naltrexone's effectiveness on nicotine dependence is less clear, although researchers believe it may be helpful for specific smoker subgroups. A new study has found that naltrexone can help non-AD smokers who drink heavily on a social basis. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319161458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324101749.htm The risk of being involved in a traffic accident with personal injury is significantly higher among codeine users than non-users. However, sporadic or moderate use of codeine alone does not carry an increased risk, according to a new study from Norway. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324101749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319161503.htm Scientists know that alcohol affects the brain, but the specifics are unclear. New findings show that low and moderate but not high doses of alcohol increase the release of beta-endorphin. Beta-endorphin release produces a general feeling of well-being that reinforces the desire to drink. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319161503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303102736.htm New findings may significantly improve the safety of methadone, a drug widely used to treat cancer pain and addiction to heroin and other opioid drugs. Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303102736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303084044.htm New research outlines the extent of drug use in New Zealand, and when people first begin using drugs for non-medical purposes. The data comes from an analysis of over 12,000 interviews of people aged 16 or over carried out by the New Zealand Mental Health Survey (2003/2004), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303084044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217212255.htm Scientists have discovered that a commonly available non-addictive drug can prevent symptoms of withdrawal from opioids with little likelihood of serious side effects. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217212255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090206135315.htm A national panel of national pain management experts has published the first comprehensive, evidence-based clinical practice guideline to assist clinicians in prescribing potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090206135315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204174259.htm Though treatment of pain and attention to end-of-life care for pediatric cancer patients has improved over the last few decades, there is still work to be done. Additionally, opioid prescriptions for pediatric cancer patients while hospitalized during the last week of life vary greatly among hospitals. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204174259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081223091310.htm Investigators have identified the most likely reason analgesic drug treatment is usually less potent in females than males. This discovery is a major step toward finding more effective treatments for females suffering from persistent pain. Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081223091310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209221509.htm An examination of unintentional overdose deaths in West Virginia, a state that has experienced one of the highest increases in the rate of drug overdose deaths, finds that the majority of these were associated with the nonmedical use and diversion of pharmaceuticals, primarily pain relievers, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209221509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210090819.htm Scientists have demonstrated that sugar can be an addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab animals in a manner similar to many drugs of abuse. Researchers found profound behavioral changes in rats that, through experimental conditions, have been trained to become dependent on high doses of sugar. Lab animals that were denied sugar for a prolonged period after learning to binge worked harder to get it when it was reintroduced to them. They consumed more sugar than they ever had before, suggesting craving and relapse behavior. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210090819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103160854.htm Scientists have demonstrate that administration of preemptive morphine prior to a painful procedure in infancy blocks the long-term negative consequences of pain in adult rodents. These studies have serious implications for the way anesthetics and analgesics are administered to neonates prior to surgery. Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103160854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081104175349.htm Adolescents addicted to opioids who received continuing treatment with the combination medication buprenorphine-naloxone had lower rates of testing positive or reporting use of opioids compared to youths who went through a short-term detoxification program using the same medication, according to a new study. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081104175349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002211720.htm Sometimes, small changes do add up. In the case of addictive diseases, tiny variations in a few genes can increase or decrease the likelihood of some people developing a dependency on heroin. Now, by examining a select group of genetic variants in more than 400 former severe heroin addicts, Rockefeller University researchers have identified several genetic variations in American and Israeli Caucasians that influence the risk for becoming addicted to one of the world's most powerful substances. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002211720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091728.htm A new type of drug could alleviate pain in a similar way to cannabis without affecting the brain, according to a new study in the journal Pain. The research demonstrates for the first time that cannabinoid receptors called CB2, which can be activated by cannabis use, are present in human sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system, but are not present in a normal human brain. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827163937.htm Researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have found that in a given week, over 10 million Americans are taking opioids, and more than 4 million are taking them regularly (at least five days per week, for at least four weeks). These findings appear in the Aug. 31 issue of the journal Pain. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827163937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820162858.htm Using pain treatments which contain codeine may be risky for some breastfeeding mothers, according to new research. The research suggests that the codeine used in some pain relief drugs can actually have harmful and even fatal results for infants when ingested by some breastfeeding mothers. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820162858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135513.htm Researchers using positron emission tomography (PET) have validated a long-held theory that individual personality traits -- particularly reward dependency -- are connected to brain chemistry, a finding that has implications for better understanding and treating substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625093249.htm Fourteen percent of patients admitted to the hospital have alcohol/drug abuse and addiction disorders, costs for which have risen sharply in recent years, according to a new study. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625093249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620115953.htm There are opioid and cannabinoid receptors in human sperm and these influence the mobility of spermatozoid. This research opens the door to more effective treatment of fertility problems. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620115953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm Burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. This suggests that an entirely new class of depression and anxiety drugs might be right under our noses. Tue, 20 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520113309.htm For patients with end-stage lung cancer, noninvasive ventilation may be more effective at reducing breathing difficulty than standard oxygen therapy, and has the added advantage of reducing patients' reliance on morphine, thus improving lucidity in their final days, according to new research. For patients at this stage, even small comforts can be the difference between a peaceful or an agonizing death. Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520113309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514101200.htm Researchers have identified a factor that may contribute towards the development of heroin addiction by manipulating the adenosine A2A receptor, which plays a major role in the brain's 'reward pathway.' Using mice specifically bred without the adenosine A2A receptor, scientists showed that these mice had a reduced desire to self-administer morphine; heroin is converted to morphine in the body. Thu, 15 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514101200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508090044.htm Depressed people may have far fewer of the receptors for some of the brain's "feel good" stress-response chemicals than non-depressed people, new research shows. And even among depressed people, the numbers of these receptors can vary greatly -- and may be linked with the severity of their symptoms and response to treatment. Thu, 08 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508090044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507083934.htm In a new study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers have determined in mouse models that modulating the activity of enkephalin peptides in the brain might reduce the cognitive deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 08 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507083934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410140519.htm A new study shows how doctor's offices and clinics can identify patients who may be diverting or misusing narcotic painkillers such as Oxycontin, and steer them to help, while preserving access to the drugs for patients who truly need them to control their pain. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410140519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402131150.htm Scientists identified gene variants that affect the expression of neuropeptide Y, a molecule that regulates emotional responses and other functions. Inherited variations in the amount of NPY help explain why some people can withstand stress better than others. Since stress response is an important variable in vulnerability to alcohol dependence and other addictions, the finding could advance our understanding of individuals' vulnerability to these disorders. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402131150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303101110.htm Throughout the world, amateurs, experts and the media agree that prolonged jogging raises people's spirits. And many believe that the body's own opioids, so called endorphins, are the cause of this. But this has never been proven until now. Researchers have now succeeded in demonstrating the existence of an 'endorphin driven runner's high'. In an imaging study they were able to show, for the first time, increased release of endorphins in certain areas of the athletes' brains during a two-hour jogging session. These results are also relevant for patients suffering from chronic pain. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303101110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212171131.htm New research indicates that the effects of nicotine and opiates on the brain's reward system are equally strong in a key pleasure-sensing areas of the brain -- the nucleus accumbens. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212171131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207172332.htm Patients with a certain gene variant drank less and experienced better overall clinical outcomes than patients without the variant while taking the medication naltrexone. About 87 percent of patients with the variant who received naltrexone experienced good outcomes, compared with about 49 percent of those who received a placebo. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207172332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128152320.htm Morphine's serious side effect as a pain killer -- its potential to create dependency -- has been almost completely eliminated in research with mice by genetically modifying a single trait on the surface of neurons. The study scientists think a drug can be developed to similarly block dependency. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128152320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080110190859.htm Experts debate whether heroin should be prescribed to addicts who are difficult to treat. Maintenance treatment with heroin is appropriate for heroin misusers under certain circumstances, argue one researcher. But prescribing heroin to heroin addicts is a risky strategy. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080110190859.htm