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, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 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/2012/01/120113204933.htm Medical researchers have discovered a previously unknown effect of opioids. The study shows that opioids not only temporarily relieve pain, but at the right dose can also erase memory traces of pain in the spinal cord and therefore eliminate a key cause of chronic pain. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113204933.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/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/2011/12/111207000835.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/2011/12/111206151448.htm A UCSF study suggests patients with chronic pain may experience greater relief if their doctors add cannabinoids – the main ingredient in cannabis or medical marijuana – to an opiates-only treatment. The findings, from a small-scale study, also suggest that a combined therapy could result in reduced opiate dosages. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206151448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175809.htm New research uses the latest genetic tools to explore how stress alters brain function, leading to anxiety, depression, and other stress-related mood disorders. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922164203.htm Opioids -- a class of medicines commonly given for pain -- were associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in a study of 3,061 adults, aged 65 to 94. The study also found that benzodiazepines, which are drugs generally given for insomnia and anxiety, did not affect pneumonia risk. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922164203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823193906.htm Action is needed to tackle the increasing number of deaths in the United States and Canada from prescription painkillers known as opioids, say experts. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823193906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132223.htm Women and men experience pain, particularly chronic pain, very differently. The ability of some opioids to relieve pain also differs between women and men. Now, research has revealed that the same major types of opioid receptor interact differently, depending on sex. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132857.htm Researchers have identified an important part of the pathway through which stress affects mood and motivation for drugs. The finding may prove useful in humans by providing new potential targets for drugs to treat problems related to stress. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804082007.htm Fatal overdoses involving prescribed opioids tripled in the United States between 1999 and 2006, climbing to almost 14,000 deaths annually -- more than cocaine and heroin overdoses combined. Now a new report describes a major initiative to make opioid prescribing safer while improving care for patients with chronic pain. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804082007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110722112056.htm A new study suggests that abuse of prescription painkillers may be an important gateway to the use of injected drugs such as heroin, among people with a history of using both types of drugs. Common factors identified in this group included a family history of drug misuse and receiving prescriptions for opioid drugs in the past. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110722112056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720103526.htm Researchers have developed a highly successful vaccine against a heroin high and have indicated its therapeutic potential. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720103526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701121534.htm Dentists, pharmacists and addiction experts provides new research and recommendations to help dentists combat, rather than contribute to, abuse of addictive painkillers. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701121534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014451.htm Deaths related to prescription opioid therapy are under intense scrutiny, prompting those in pain medicine -- clinicians, patient advocates, and regulators -- to understand the causes behind avoidable mortality in legitimately treated patients. Studies reporting on statistics, causes, and adverse events involving opioid treatment are now available in a special supplement of the journal Pain Medicine. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523075316.htm Scientists have for the first time accomplished a laboratory synthesis of a rare natural product isolated from the bark of a plant widely employed in traditional medicine. This advance may provide the scientific foundation to develop an effective alternative to commonly prescribed narcotic pain treatments. Mon, 23 May 2011 07:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523075316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173904.htm Unintentional overdose deaths in teens and adults have reached epidemic proportions in the US. In some 20 states in 2007 the number of unintentional drug poisoning deaths exceeded either motor vehicle crashes or suicides, two of the leading causes of injury death. In a new commentary article, physicians cite data noting that in 2007 unintentional deaths due to prescription opioid pain killers were involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405161906.htm Two reports by addiction researchers show a drastic shift in prescribing patterns impacting the magnitude of opioid substance abuse in America. The reports recommend a comprehensive effort to reduce public health risks while improving patient care, including better training for prescribers, pain management treatment assessment, personal responsibility and public education. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405161906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405161900.htm In an analysis of opioid prescription patterns and deaths, receiving higher prescribed doses is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not associated with overdose risk, according to a new study. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405161900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153508.htm An orphan drug originally used for HIV treatment has been found to short-circuit the process that results in additional sensitivity and pain from opioid use. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323104719.htm Methadone has been used to treat heroin addicts for nearly 50 years. Yet we have surprisingly incomplete knowledge about possible harmful effects from prolonged use. New research shows that methadone affects the brain and impairs the attention of experimental animals. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323104719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321093839.htm New research has revealed that prenatal exposure to nicotine increases the vulnerability to nicotine self-administration in adolescent mice. The results support the hypothesis that adolescents with prenatal nicotine exposure are more likely to start smoking earlier than their peers and that they are also more susceptible to the addictive effects of nicotine, especially as a result of stress and peer pressure. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321093839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314163429.htm Researchers have found that for the majority of patients with opioid addiction, collaborative care with nurse care managers is a successful method of service delivery while effectively utilizing the time of physicians prescribing buprenorphine. The findings serve as a model of service delivery for facilitating access and improving outcomes in patients with opioid addiction. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314163429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314152925.htm Some physicians are prescribing opioids such as OxyContin 55 times as often as others, according to a new study. The study found most opioid-related deaths occur among patients treated by physicians who frequently prescribe opioids, suggesting doctors who prescribe a lot of opioids may not be doing so safely. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314152925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184113.htm Few primary care physicians pay adequate attention to patients taking prescription opioid drugs -- despite the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose, according to a new study. The study found lax monitoring even of patients at high risk for opioid misuse, such as those with a history of drug abuse or dependence. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110226212356.htm Poor expectations of treatment can override all the effect of a potent pain-relieving drug, a brain imaging study has shown. In contrast, positive expectations of treatment doubled the natural physiological or biochemical effect of the opioid drug among the healthy volunteers in the study. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110226212356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216083125.htm A new treatment using naltrexone implants could lead to a significant reduction in heroin dependency. According to the researchers responsible for a recent Norwegian study, this should have major implications for the treatment options offered to heroin-dependent patients. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216083125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201083930.htm Opiate abuse is a chronic disorder and maintaining abstinence represents a major challenge for addicts. Individuals recovering from opiate dependence have long reported that while the acute withdrawal symptoms from opiates may pass relatively quickly, they do not feel quite right for several weeks or even months thereafter. Called the “protracted abstinence syndrome,” this cluster of vague depressive-like symptoms can include reduced concentration, low energy level, poor sleep quality, and anhedonia. New data in animals now implicates the serotonin system in this phenomenon. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201083930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110128075542.htm Retired NFL players use painkillers at four times the rate of the general population, according to a new study. The researchers say the brutal collisions and bone-jarring injuries associated with football often cause long-term pain, which contributes to continued use and abuse of pain-killing medications. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110128075542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101401.htm A little-known morphine-like drug is potentially more potent, longer lasting and less likely to cause constipation than standard morphine, a study has found. The drug also is less likely to cause constipation. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213163747.htm Opioids appear to be associated with more adverse events among older adults with arthritis than other commonly used analgesics, including coxibs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, according to a new report. In a second report assessing only opioid use, different types of drugs within the class were associated with different safety events among older patients with non-malignant pain. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213163747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115155032.htm Abuse of prescription pain relievers, such as morphine, during adolescence alters the brains of future offspring, a new animal study found. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115155032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104082845.htm A single injection of morphine to fight persistent pain in male rats is able to strongly reduce the hormone testosterone in the brain and plasma, according to a new article. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104082845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101012163249.htm Helping to address the issue of medication adherence, persons with opioid dependence who had the medication buprenorphine implanted had less opioid use over 16 weeks, according to a new study. Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101012163249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006131209.htm Researchers have tested a semi-synthetic opioid they say has the potential to improve the treatment of these newborns, which could save hundreds of millions in health care costs annually if future tests continue to show benefit. Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006131209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004130022.htm It is time to phase out the use of codeine as a pain reliever because of its significant risks and ineffectiveness as an analgesic, states a new editorial. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004130022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100909114125.htm Patients who choose to spend their last days at home with specialized care and monitoring can safely be given opioids to control pain and other symptoms without reducing survival time, according to a new study. Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100909114125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100820145307.htm If you want to know how people become addicted and why they keep using drugs, ask the people who are addicted. Thirty-one of 75 patients hospitalized for opioid detoxification told physicians they first got hooked on drugs legitimately prescribed for pain. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100820145307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728082749.htm Current research suggests that taking morphine can block new blood vessel and tumor growth. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728082749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713191356.htm Strict laws on the criminalization of drug use and drug users are fueling the spread of HIV and other serious harms associated with the criminal market and should be reviewed, say experts in a series of new articles. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713191356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624104804.htm Researchers have found that a pre-emptive multimodal pain regimen that included pregabalin (Lyrica) decreased the use of opioid analgesics in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624104804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526151527.htm Researchers have produced the first evidence that the opioid blocker extended-release injectable naltrexone is able to reduce the brain's response to cues that may cause alcoholics to relapse. Wed, 26 May 2010 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526151527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518093820.htm Researchers showed that human subjects with the 118G variant of the mu-opioid receptor released dopamine from the ventrial striatum of the brain in response to alcohol, while those with the more common 118A variant of this receptor did not. They then demonstrated that mice carrying the gene for the 118G receptor variant showed a fourfold higher peak dopamine response to alcohol compared to mice with the 118A receptor variant gene. Tue, 18 May 2010 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518093820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514111237.htm Researchers have identified clinical characteristics associated with prescription drug use disorder in primary care patients with chronic pain. The study found that by identifying characteristics of prescription drug abuse, primary care clinicians can identify those at risk and provide appropriate treatment. Fri, 14 May 2010 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514111237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506165907.htm Traces of morphine in urine samples have been considered a clear proof of drug use or the consumption of food containing poppy in the past. Now a study by a team of scientists in Germany and the U.S. points to another possible explanation: they managed for the first time to prove that mice -- and probably humans and other mammals as well -- produce their own morphine in their bodies. Thu, 06 May 2010 16:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506165907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426113143.htm Properly performed analgesia protects children from pain and traumatization. In a new study, researchers show how analgesia for children and adolescents should be carried out. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426113143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100415185805.htm To their surprise, researchers have discovered that morphine (a derivate of the opium poppy that is similar to heroin) protects rat neurons against HIV toxicity -- a finding they say might help in the design of new neuroprotective therapies for patients with the infection. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100415185805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100314150916.htm Researchers have discovered the unique genes that allow the opium poppy to make codeine and morphine, opening the door to alternate methods of producing these effective painkillers either by manufacturing them in a lab or controlling the production of these compounds in the plant. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100314150916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118171921.htm More Americans are taking prescribed opioids like Oxycontin long-term for chronic noncancer pain. This study sheds light on the national epidemic of opioid overdose. It is the first to explore the risk of overdose in patients prescribed opioids for chronic noncancer pain in community practice. Researchers link the risk of opioid overdose to prescription use. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118171921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210101412.htm Pathological gambling can be successfully treated with medications that decrease urges and increase inhibitions, according to researchers. They found positive outcomes in gamblers treated with medications often used for substance addictions. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210101412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209134902.htm Scientists are adding additional brush strokes to the revolutionary new image now emerging for star-shaped cells called astrocytes in the brain and spinal cord. Their report suggests a key role for astrocytes in morphine's ability to relieve pain and cause addiction. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209134902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091207123105.htm Deaths from opioid use in Ontario, Canada, have doubled since 1991 and the addition of long-acting oxycodone to the drug formulary was associated with a 5-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths, a new study finds. Most of these additional deaths were accidental. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091207123105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118143209.htm Although morphine has been the gold-standard treatment for postoperative and chronic cancer pain for two centuries, a growing body of evidence is showing that opiate-based painkillers can stimulate the growth and spread of cancer cells. Two new studies advance that argument and demonstrate how shielding lung cancer cells from opiates reduces cell proliferation, invasion and migration in both cell-culture and mouse models. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118143209.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. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100018.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. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:00:00 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. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908124636.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. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142859.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. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143544.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. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810104935.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. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173239.htm