Articles related to ADDICTION MEDICINE

PDE4 is linked to alcohol and nicotine addiction, so the researchers prioritized apremilast, a newer PDE4 inhibitor for psoriasis, as ideal for repurposing and tested it in multiple animal strains and models, as well as a human Phase IIa study. In mouse models of genetic risk for drinking to intoxication, they discovered that apremilast reduced binge-like alcohol intake and behavioral measures of alcohol motivation.

Borgs, also known as “Black Out Rage Gallons,” are a new alcoholic drink that has been trending on TikTok. Half a gallon of vodka, mixed with water and flavoring in a gallon jug, is used to make the drink. It is unclear whether the trend has increased emergency room visits, but it highlights the importance of educating young people about alcohol serving sizes.

As originally reported in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, use of the animal tranquilizer xylazine has now been seen in more than 23 states in the US. Finding the drug in a patient sample should prompt the physician to look for early signs of tissue infection and other symptoms.

According to a University of Washington research, only 40% of rural counties nationally had at least one licensed physician who could prescribe buprenorphine in 2016. The analysis discovered that by 2020, that number had increased to 63%. The increase was attributed by the study to modifications in federal regulations that permit NPs, PAs, and other healthcare professionals to prescribe buprenorphine. Only doctors could perform this in the past, and many remote counties lacked any. In 2002, Suboxone received approval from federal regulators, providing a new option for addiction treatment in communities without methadone facilities. Marshalltown, a town of 27,000 people encircled by rural areas, offers a feasible alternative, according to Andrea Storjohann, NP.

The US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) this week. The NDSUH offers a window into Americans’ experiences with mental health disorders, substance use, and their pursuit of treatment during the second year of the COVID epidemic through chosen estimates by race, ethnicity, and age group. Enough said—the outcomes aren’t appealing.

Misuse of prescription stimulants was associated with prior year treatment for depression, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Identified risk factors for stimulant misuse include use of prescription drugs in the past month (5.5 times increased risk) and use of illegal drugs in the past month (8 times higher risk).