NIDA Notes Articles: People with Drug Use Disorders

Methamphetamine Abuse Alters Response to Facial Cues

October 2009
Highlights research showing methamphetamine abusers may have more difficulty than nonabusers in responding with empathy and self-control to people who are experiencing intense emotions.

Abstinent Smokers' Nicotinic Receptors Take More Than a Month to Normalize

October 2009
Describes research revealing that for up to 6 weeks after smokers quit, their brain cells have more nicotine-binding receptors than nonsmokers, which may explain the struggle to quit.

Suiting Treatment to the Nature of the Disease

October 2009

Highlights NIDA-sponsored research underway to understand and respond to substance abusers’ needs at all points of care, from the initial presentation for treatment through recovery.

Methamphetamine Abusers Show Increased Distractibility

April 2009
Highlights findings from a study of former methamphetamine abusers showing evidence of impairment in areas of the brain known to influence cognition, emotion, and decision making.