NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow summarizes instances where discoveries with broad implications for human health arose from scientists seeking answers to addiction problems.
New studies show that microRNAs, snippets of RNA implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, are involved in promoting and inhibiting cocaine addiction. The findings could pave a new path for the development of anti-addiction therapies.
An in vitro test demonstrates the potential of a programmable skin patch that will enable physicians to tailor transdermal medication doses to match patients' fluctuating needs.
Individuals with weak signaling in a nicotine-sensitive brain circuit were more vulnerable to nicotine dependence than those with stronger signaling, according to a study conducted while the subjects’ brains were in a resting state. A second resting-state study finds that the same circuit appears to mediate dependence associated with a genetic risk factor for smoking.
Presents current knowledge on a variety of addiction issues, including nicotine’s affects on brain function; inhalant abuse; genetically-based research and treatment; maternal tobacco use and its effects on children; and a behavior game for young children.
Examines the non-medical use of prescription drugs-opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants-describing adverse health effects of their use and the prevention and treatment of addiction.
Impresa en: julio del 2001 Actualizada en: octubre del 2011 Autor: Array
Features recent research on drug abuse and criminal justice, including interventions to promote successful re-entry, nutrition issues for HIV-infected drug abusers, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
Reports on the cognitive effects of addiction, potential genetic influences, strategies for training counselors, cost evaluation of evidence-based treatments, and a trial underway on brief strategic family therapy.
Describes community systems that monitor the well-being of children and adolescents and lists recommendations that define the next steps for creating and mentoring effective community monitoring systems.