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Medication and substance use increases among people using cannabis medically during the COVID-19 pandemic
Nearly half of cannabis users surveyed worried about COVID-19 affecting their cannabis access. Many reported starting or increasing other medication use, often due to changes in cannabis availability.
Does incarceration influence patients’ goals for opioid use disorder treatment? A qualitative study of buprenorphine treatment in jail
The study found that participants have various goals for continuing opioid use disorder treatment after jail, but face many structural barriers. Legal supervision, like parole, can reinforce cycles of drug use and re-incarceration.
Alcohol and the Brain
Chronic alcohol use can cause widespread brain volume loss, particularly in gray matter. However, some brain volume may recover with abstinence or reduced drinking. The effects of alcohol on the brain appear to worsen with age.
Curing the broken brain model of addiction: Neurorehabilitation from a systems perspective
This article introduces a new model for understanding addiction called system-oriented neurorehabilitation. It emphasizes that addiction involves an addicted mind, brain, and environment, not just a chronic brain disease.
Epigenetics of addiction
Substance use disorders involve brain changes influenced by genetics and environment.
Multivariate analysis of 1.5 million people identifies genetic associations with traits related to self-regulation and addiction
This study found that a shared genetic factor underlies several externalizing behaviors like ADHD and substance use. This common genetic link can advance understanding of these behaviors and improve gene discovery efforts.
Role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder influenced by both genetics and environment, causing compulsive drug-seeking.
Addiction-Associated Genetic Variants Implicate Brain Cell Type- and Region-Specific Cis-Regulatory Elements in Addiction Neurobiology
Substance use disorders are increasing, with genetic links playing a significant role. This research identifies specific brain regions and cell types impacted by genetic variations tied to addiction.
Striatonigrostriatal Spirals in Addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking despite harm, with rising overdose deaths in the US. Current treatments show limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for new research into underlying mechanisms.
Optimizing the impact of medications for opioid use disorder at release from prison and jail settings: A microsimulation modeling study
Expanded access to all three medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in prisons and jails significantly reduces overdose deaths statewide. This approach is more effective than limited MOUD options or no MOUD.
Fentanyl-related overdose during incarceration: A comprehensive review
Individuals who are incarcerated face a higher risk of overdose due to reduced opioid tolerance and fentanyl's potency. Overdoses in jails and prisons are likely common but rarely studied.
Using implementation interventions and peer recovery support to improve opioid treatment outcomes in community supervision: Protocol
This study evaluates a program to increase access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for people on probation. It compares peer support specialists to usual care and assesses the program's overall effectiveness.
The short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition: Recent advances in the field
Cannabis intoxication impairs learning, memory, and attention in a dose-dependent manner. Heavy, long-term cannabis use may lead to similar lasting deficits.
Competing risks of women and men who use Fentanyl: “The number one thing I worry about would be my safety and number two would be overdose”
Opioid-related deaths are rising, driven by fentanyl. The epidemic is not just a "white men's health crisis," as deaths among women and racialized communities are also increasing due to gendered factors.
Targeting the barriers in the substance use disorder continuum of care with peer recovery support
Current substance use disorder (SUD) treatment models often fail to provide sustained care, leading to poor outcomes. A shift to a chronic care model with integrated recovery support services is needed to improve long-term recovery.