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The Psychiatric Clinics of North America Dec 2023The wide and effective dissemination of research findings is crucial to the mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This article describes NIDA... (Review)
Review
The wide and effective dissemination of research findings is crucial to the mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This article describes NIDA dissemination efforts and resources that are available to inform clinicians, teens, families, and educators about youth and substance use. Resources that are available include content addressing facts about youth drug use, trends in use, and stigma, in addition to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment. Information is provided about resources such as infographics, research-based practice guides, training, educational events, and online videos. How input is solicited to inform dissemination efforts is described and future directions for NIDA's dissemination efforts are outlined.
Topics: Adolescent; United States; Humans; National Institute on Drug Abuse (U.S.); Adolescent Health; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 37879839
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.009 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Nov 2019Allostasis, or stability through change, has most often been linked with challenges to homeostasis, in which repeated challenges or stressors produce sufficient... (Review)
Review
Allostasis, or stability through change, has most often been linked with challenges to homeostasis, in which repeated challenges or stressors produce sufficient allostatic load to generate an allostatic state that can ultimately lead to a disease state. The present review argues that the impact of stress on drug addiction fits with an allostatic model and represents a challenge to brain circuit regulatory mechanisms that underlie the emotional state of the animal. The central thesis is that stress leads to changes in corticotropin-releasing factor in the brain that impact addiction. Stress is further argued to impact all three stages of the addiction cycle-binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation-exposing the animal to an emotional allostatic load and allostatic state that forms the growing motivational pathology of addiction. Viewing addiction as an allostatic mechanism provides key insights into the ways in which dysregulated neurocircuitry that is involved in basic motivational systems can transition to pathophysiology.
Topics: Allostasis; Animals; Brain; Humans; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 30227143
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.008 -
CNS Drugs Jul 2020The pervasive and devastating nature of substance use disorders underlies the need for the continued development of novel pharmacotherapies. We now know that glia play a... (Review)
Review
The pervasive and devastating nature of substance use disorders underlies the need for the continued development of novel pharmacotherapies. We now know that glia play a much greater role in neuronal processes than once believed. The various types of glial cells (e.g., astrocytes, microglial, oligodendrocytes) participate in numerous functions that are crucial to healthy central nervous system function. Drugs of abuse have been shown to interact with glia in ways that directly contribute to the pharmacodynamic effects responsible for their abuse potential. Through their effect upon glia, drugs of abuse also alter brain function resulting in behavioral changes associated with substance use disorders. Therefore, drug-induced changes in glia and inflammation within the central nervous system (neuroinflammation) have been investigated to treat various aspects of drug abuse and dependence. This article presents a brief overview of the effects of each of the major classes of addictive drugs on glia. Next, the paper reviews the pre-clinical and clinical studies assessing the effects that glial modulators have on abuse-related behavioral effects, such as pleasure, withdrawal, and motivation. There is a strong body of pre-clinical literature demonstrating the general effectiveness of several glia-modulating drugs in models of reward and relapse. Clinical studies have also yielded promising results, though not as robust. There is still much to disentangle regarding the integration between addictive drugs and glial cells. Improved understanding of the relationship between glia and the pathophysiology of drug abuse should allow for more precise exploration in the development and testing of glial-directed treatments for substance use disorders.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Central Nervous System Agents; Humans; Neuroglia; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 32246400
DOI: 10.1007/s40263-020-00721-9 -
European Journal of Pharmacology Aug 2021Disulfiram (DSF) is a well-known anti-alcohol agent that inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and results in extreme 'hangover' symptoms when consumed with alcohol. This... (Review)
Review
Disulfiram (DSF) is a well-known anti-alcohol agent that inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and results in extreme 'hangover' symptoms when consumed with alcohol. This drug, however, has been suggested as useful in other forms of drug addiction due to its beneficial potential in both drug abuse reduction and withdrawal. However, among other drugs used in alcohol dependence, it carries the greatest risk of pharmacological interactions. Concomitant use of DSF and central nervous system stimulants usually leads to harmful, undesirable effects. To date, there is still limited data regarding the detailed safety profile of DSF as a concomitant drug. In this review article, we outline the current state of knowledge about DSF, its broad pharmacological action, as well as therapeutic effects, with a particular emphasis on the molecular understanding of its potential pharmacodynamic interactions with common addictive substances (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, cannabinoids, opioids) supported by relevant examples.
Topics: Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Animals; Disulfiram; Drug Interactions; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 33971180
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174143 -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... Jan 2022Drug abuse is a global challenge with harmful effects on health, wealth and wellbeing of nations. University students report more habitual use of marijuana, cocaine,...
BACKGROUND
Drug abuse is a global challenge with harmful effects on health, wealth and wellbeing of nations. University students report more habitual use of marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens and illicit drugs than noncollege students report.
AIMS
To identify the prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse and to identify some factors associated with drug abuse.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study recruiting 2552 students from all faculties hosted by Kafr El-Sheikh University during the academic year 2018-2019. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS
The prevalence of current drug abuse was 8.9% for cigarette smoking, followed by tranquilizers (4.3%), hashish (3.6%), alcohol (2.7%), bhang (1.4%) and tramadol (1.0%). Men reported significantly greater use of cigarettes, alcohol, tramadol, hashish and bhang than women. Students of practical colleges were found to smoke cigarettes and abuse hashish significantly more than their peers in other colleges. Risk factors associated with drug abuse were mainly related to gender and college type.
CONCLUSION
There is a need to design and implement programmes to raise awareness and provide supportive services for prevention and management of drug abuse among university students tailored according to their needs.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Cross-Sectional Studies; Egypt; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Students; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities
PubMed: 35165876
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.22.001 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Mar 2021Most homicide studies focus upon 'acute' situational intoxication as opposed to 'chronic' substance misuse. The aims of the study were to: (1) determine the extent of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Most homicide studies focus upon 'acute' situational intoxication as opposed to 'chronic' substance misuse. The aims of the study were to: (1) determine the extent of homicide offenders' alcohol and drug use in the year preceding the homicide; (2) compare the individual characteristics of homicide offenders across levels of problematic substance use; and (3) compare homicide incident characteristics across levels of problematic substance use.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Observational study using data collected through face-to-face interviews in custodial and community correctional settings across Australia. Participants were recruited through an opt-in process.
PARTICIPANTS
The data consist of 302 individuals convicted of murder or manslaughter.
MEASUREMENTS
We used the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test to determine problematic alcohol or drug use. We also used a range of self-report measures to ascertain offender characteristics [socio-demographics, developmental experiences, criminal history, personality] and incident characteristics (who was killed, and situational intoxication).
FINDINGS
Of the sample, 38.8% displayed high levels of alcohol problems and 30.8% displayed high levels of drug problems. Those displaying high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems were more likely than those without high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems to report adverse developmental experiences, low education, financial difficulties, extensive criminal histories and high levels of trait anger, impulsivity and risk-seeking. In addition, offenders with problematic substance use were more likely to have killed non-family and to have used substances at the time of the homicide.
CONCLUSIONS
High proportions of homicide offenders in Australia appear to have problematic substance use in the year preceding the homicide offence, and such use appears to be associated with a range of other challenging factors, including adverse childhoods, criminal involvement, low socio-economic factors and low self-regulation.
Topics: Australia; Criminals; Homicide; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 32562295
DOI: 10.1111/add.15169 -
Addictive Behaviors Mar 2021Research shows that there has been a substantial increase in substance use and abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that substance use/abuse is a commonly reported...
Research shows that there has been a substantial increase in substance use and abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that substance use/abuse is a commonly reported way of coping with anxiety concerning COVID-19. Anxiety about COVID-19 is more than simply worry about infection. Research provides evidence of a COVID Stress Syndrome characterized by (1) worry about the dangers of COVID-19 and worry about coming into contact with coronavirus contaminated objects or surfaces, (2) worry about the personal socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, (3) xenophobic worries that foreigners are spreading COVID-19, (4) COVID-19-related traumatic stress symptoms (e.g., nightmares), and (5) COVID-19-related compulsive checking and reassurance-seeking. These form a network of interrelated nodes. Research also provides evidence of another constellation or "syndrome", characterized by (1) belief that one has robust physical health against COVID-19, (2) belief that the threat of COVID-19 has been exaggerated, and (3) disregard for social distancing. These also form a network of nodes known as a COVID-19 Disregard Syndrome. The present study, based on a population-representative sample of 3075 American and Canadian adults, sought to investigate how these syndromes are related to substance use and abuse. We found substantial COVID-19-related increases in alcohol and drug use. Network analyses indicated that although the two syndromes are negatively correlated with one another, they both have positive links to alcohol and drug abuse. More specifically, COVID-19-related traumatic stress symptoms and the tendency to disregard social distancing were both linked to substance abuse. Clinical and public health implications are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Physical Distancing; Quarantine; Social Network Analysis; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders; Young Adult
PubMed: 33310690
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106754 -
Neuropharmacology Jun 2021Early life adversity can set the trajectory for later psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. There are a host of neurobiological factors that may play... (Review)
Review
Early life adversity can set the trajectory for later psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. There are a host of neurobiological factors that may play a role in the negative trajectory. The current review examines preclinical evidence suggesting that early life adversity specifically involving social factors (maternal separation, adolescent social isolation and adolescent social defeat) may influence drug abuse vulnerability by strengthening corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems and weakening oxytocin (OT) systems. In adulthood, pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates that both CRF and OT systems are directly involved in drug reward processes. With early life adversity, numerous studies show an increase in drug abuse vulnerability measured in adulthood, along a concomitant strengthening of CRF systems and a weakening of OT systems. Mechanistic studies, while relatively few in number, are generally consistent with the theme that strengthened CRF systems and weakened OT systems mediate, at least in part, the link between early life adversity and drug abuse vulnerability. Establishing a direct role of CRF and OT in mediating the relation between early life social stressors and drug abuse vulnerability will inform clinical researchers and practitioners toward the development of intervention strategies to reduce risk among those suffering from early life adversities. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
Topics: Animals; Anxiety; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Maternal Deprivation; Oxytocin; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Social Isolation; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 33862030
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108567 -
Substance Use & Misuse 2020: Studies which used the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients focused mostly on methodological issues, without...
: Studies which used the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients focused mostly on methodological issues, without addressing its relationship to patients' misconduct during treatment. This paper tests the hypothesis that high PCL-R scores are related to high rates of drug abuse, and high numbers of behavioral transgressions in MMT during a 7-year period. : 107 MMT patients were recruited from a MMT clinic in Israel, and were administered the PCL-R. The questionnaires results as well as routine drug test findings were recorded between 7/2007 and 11/2007. Seven years later (7/2014), repeated drug test results were analyzed, and the number of behavioral transgressions during the entire period was computed. : High levels of psychopathy were related to drug test results indicating any illicit drug use, cocaine use and benzodiazepines misuse at the beginning of study, and limited to benzodiazepines misuse among patients who stayed in treatment at the 7-year follow-up. However, higher scores on different PCL-R facets were significantly associated with different types of drugs. The PCL-R's total score and all but the antisociality facet were positively correlated with a higher number of behavioral transgressions (such as, threats and/or verbal and physical aggression). : Administration of the PCL-R during MMT may help identify patients with high illicit drug use levels and a higher chance of committing behavioral transgressions during treatment.
Topics: Antisocial Personality Disorder; Humans; Israel; Methadone; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 31703535
DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1685546 -
Journal of Analytical Toxicology Jul 2021The aim of this review was to report the most recent cases of acute intoxication, fatalities and "driving under the influence" cases, involving illicit fentanyl and its... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to report the most recent cases of acute intoxication, fatalities and "driving under the influence" cases, involving illicit fentanyl and its newest analogs. When available, information on age, sex, circumstances of exposure, intoxication symptoms, cause of death (if applicable) and toxicology results from biological fluid testing was described. Scientific publications reporting fatalities or acute intoxications involving use of fentanyl derivatives were identified from PubMed, Scopus and institutional/governmental websites from January 2017 up to December 2019. The search terms, used alone and in combination, were as follows: fentanyl, street fentanyl, analogs, compounds, derivatives, abuse, fatality, fatalities, death, toxicity, intoxication and adverse effects. When considered relevant, reports not captured by the initial search but cited in other publications were also included. Of the 2890 sources initially found, only 44 were suitable for the review. Emergent data showed that the most common analogs detected in biological samples and seized materials are acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, fluorofentanyl, 4-fluorobutyrfentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyrfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, 2-methoxyacetylfentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl and ocfentanil. These compounds were frequently administered in association with other illicit substances, medicinal drugs and/or alcohol; patients and the victims often had a previous history of drug abuse. The trend of fentanyl analogs is rapidly evolving with illicit market fluctuations. Since information about potency and lethal dosage are frequently unknown, it is important to identify the new trends for further investigation on therapeutic use, toxicity and fatal doses, and implement public health measures. Recently marketed fentanyl analogs such as crotonylfentanyl and valerylfentanyl were not involved in intoxications to date, but should be carefully monitored. Many intoxications and fatalities might have gone unnoticed, and research efforts should focus on metabolite identification studies and the implementation of updated and comprehensive analytical methods.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Fentanyl; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 32860688
DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa115