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COVID-19 and substance use in adolescents
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on adolescent substance use is unclear due to inconsistent study results. While stress and isolation are risk factors, stay-at-home orders might also reduce access to substances.
Use of Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder in the US: Results From the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Only 1.6% of adults with past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) used medication for AUD (MAUD). Those using MAUD were more likely to live in large cities, have frequent emergency room visits, and receive mental health care.
Racial/ethnic equity in substance use treatment research: The way forward
Opioid and substance use disorder treatment outcomes are worse for racial and ethnic minorities. Research should focus on recruiting sufficient minority participants and conducting valid analyses to reduce these disparities.
Disparities in Opioid Overdose Death Trends by Race/Ethnicity, 2018–2019, From the HEALing Communities Study
Opioid overdose deaths remained steady overall in 2018-2019, but non-Hispanic Black individuals saw a 38% increase. This growing disparity was most significant in Kentucky and Ohio.
Examining barriers to harm reduction and child welfare services for pregnant women and mothers who use substances using a stigma action framework
This paper identifies how multiple levels of stigma create barriers for pregnant women and mothers using substances, especially those in child welfare services. It offers evidence-based solutions to address these systemic issues.
Lost in Translation: The Gap Between Neurobiological Mechanisms and Psychosocial Treatment Research for Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders involve brain changes that drive continued use despite harm. Current treatments have limited success, with many individuals relapsing within a year.
Promising vulnerability markers of substance use and misuse: A review of human neurobehavioral studies
Adolescence is a key period for substance use onset and escalation. This review examines neurobehavioral markers, including brain structure, function, and cognitive measures, that predict early and worsening substance use.
Investigating Patients' Perceptions of Residential Substance Use Treatment: Is Drop Out a Deliberate or Impulsive Act?
Dropping out of residential substance use disorder treatment is a complex issue with serious consequences. Research suggests focusing on patient needs, satisfaction, and staff competence may reduce dropout rates.
Rethinking Concepts and Categories for Understanding the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Childhood Adversity
This article examines current frameworks for understanding how early childhood adversity affects brain development. It proposes a new approach to better understand these mechanisms and identify targets for future interventions.
The convergent neuroscience of affective pain and substance use disorder
This article explores how the desire for pain relief can contribute to substance use disorders. It highlights that both opioids and alcohol are sought to alleviate pain and negative emotions, despite risks associated with their misuse.
Alcohol and Cannabis Use and the Developing Brain
Adolescence involves significant brain changes until about age 25. Alcohol and cannabis use during this period can negatively affect brain development and increase vulnerability to substance use disorders.
Article Commentary: Dismantling Racism Against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color across the Substance use Continuum: A Position Statement of the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction
An organization committed to substance use and addiction research addresses racism's impact on people who use drugs. It proposes strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field.
Addiction should be treated, not penalized
Drug laws are enforced unequally, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic individuals. Punishment for drug use is ineffective and hinders access to treatment. This creates a cycle of harm, necessitating a public health approach.
Dopamine Circuit Mechanisms of Addiction-Like Behaviors
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug use, withdrawal, and relapse. Research uses animal models and studies on dopamine circuits to understand the brain's role in these behaviors.
“I can’t live like that”: The experience of caregiver stress of caring for a relative with Substance Use Disorder
Substance use significantly impacts families, causing psychological and emotional distress, financial hardship, and increasing children's risk of maltreatment.