Replacing Opioids: Natural Compound Promises Pain Relief Without Addiction
Researchers at Mainz University have discovered a natural compound that could potentially serve as a long-term alternative to opioids and may help alleviate the opioid…
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It most commonly involves substances such as alcohol, opioids, and nicotine, but can also encompass behaviors like gambling, eating, and use of technology. The process of addiction involves a cycle of craving, indulgence, and reinforcement, which alters the brain’s chemistry and circuitry, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and memory. This results in an increased tolerance to the substance or behavior and a physical or psychological dependence. Breaking free from addiction typically requires a comprehensive approach, including medical intervention, counseling, support groups, and often long-term management strategies. Understanding addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder is crucial for effective treatment and reducing stigma, as it highlights the necessity of ongoing support and possible medical treatment for those affected.
Researchers at Mainz University have discovered a natural compound that could potentially serve as a long-term alternative to opioids and may help alleviate the opioid…
Scientists have developed new biosensors that enable real-time tracking of opioid signaling in the brain, offering profound insights into the effects of opioids and enhancing…
Xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, has entered the UK drug scene, causing significant health risks and a recorded death. Experts call for preventive measures and…
A UCLA Health study shows that insomnia drug prevents opioid addiction in mice at opioid doses that provide potent pain relief. Research shows suvorexant, used…
Recent research highlights sex differences in brain pathways linked to reward behaviors, showing distinct molecular mechanisms in males and females that could influence the treatment…
New research reveals the communication mechanisms between your brain and gut. An international team of researchers has pinpointed certain gut bacteria linked to the development…
Researchers at EPFL have effectively tested a new method that allows for deep exploration of the human brain without the need for surgery, with potential…
Research from UCLA demonstrated that a combination therapy of naltrexone and bupropion effectively reduced methamphetamine use in trial participants over 12 weeks, suggesting the potential…
Researchers in San Francisco studied the transition from injecting to smoking fentanyl, finding it driven by fear of overdose and injection difficulties, yet still associated…
As smoking fentanyl becomes more common than injection, users face mounting dangers from the residue in smoking equipment. Now that smoking has overtaken injecting as…
NIH-supported study highlights increasingly dangerous illicit drug supply, risk of pills not coming from a pharmacy. Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically in…
U.S. fentanyl seizures skyrocketed by over 1,700% from 2017 to 2023, with nearly half of the seizures in pill form by 2023, indicating a major…
Mount Sinai researchers, in collaboration with scientists at Rockefeller University, have discovered how cocaine and morphine hijack the brain’s natural reward systems. Their study, published…
Recent research indicates cytisinicline may effectively help individuals quit vaping, with a trial showing promising results in doubling cessation rates compared to a placebo. Eleven…
Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been seen with heroin inhalation, but this is the first reported fentanyl case. Inhaling the synthetic opioid fentanyl may cause potentially irreversible…
Case study highlights added danger of illicit fentanyl, especially to first-time users. The man arrived unconscious and near death. Previously healthy with no known medical…
Exploration of 3 million records uncovers connections between gene variants governing alcohol use and many non-alcohol-related conditions. A research group centered at the University of…
Abuse of Adderall among college students predisposes them to the use of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Taking “study drugs” like Adderall without a diagnosis…