Dopamine found to play unexpected role in cocaine withdrawal
|
This study has linked cocaine withdrawal to altered gene expression in a brain region affected by addiction.
Research Highlights
Mu Opioid Receptors in One Brain Region Contribute to Naloxone Aversion
|
Mice genetically engineered to lack mu opioid receptors in the medial habenula were less sensitive to the unpleasant effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone and showed fewer naloxone-induced withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana vaping and edible use increasing among high school seniors
|
A new analysis suggests that among adolescent marijuana users, smoking has become less prevalent, eclipsed by vaping and edibles.
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
|
As people across the U.S. and the rest of the world contend with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the research community should be alert to the possibility that it could hit...
Many People Treated for Opioid Overdose in Emergency Departments Die Within 1 Year
|
About 1 in 20 patients treated for a nonfatal opioid overdose in an emergency department died within 1 year of their visit, many within 2 days. Two-thirds of these deaths...
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week Celebrates Its 10th Year
|
This week, March 30 through April 5, 2020, is the 10th National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), a yearly observance organized by NIDA in partnership with the National Institute...
Dopamine Neurons Signal Rich Information About Unexpected Events
|
In this study, both rats and humans learned to predict differently flavored rewards in parallel choice tasks, showing that dopamine neurons are carrying much more information than previously thought.
Stronger Brain Circuit Connectivity May Predict Nicotine Dependence Severity
|
The degree of connectivity of a neuronal network in the rat brain before nicotine exposure can help predict nicotine dependence severity after nicotine exposure as well as reversal of dependence...
New biological clues linking social connectedness to reduced drug craving and relapse
|
This rodent study offers the first mechanistic explanation for the protective effect of social interaction related to incubation of craving, showing for the first time the role of a specific...
Request for Information: Standard Unit Dose of THC
|
Today, NIDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) from the research community and any other interested parties regarding the establishment of a standard unit dose of THC in order to...
Serotonin Receptor Agonist Lorcaserin Reduces Relapse to Drug Use in Monkeys
|
The serotonin 2C receptor agonist lorcaserin reduced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in response to heroin or cocaine in a nonhuman primate model of relapse.
Connections between Sleep and Substance Use Disorders
|
Most common mental disorders, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, are associated with disturbed sleep, and substance use disorders are no exception. The relationship may be complex and bidirectional: Substance...
E-Cigarette Characteristics May Influence Use and Are Potential Targets for Regulatory Policy
|
People's decisions to use e-cigarettes, as well as perceptions about associated risks, are influenced by the e-cigarettes' nicotine levels and available flavors. The influence of these characteristics on decision-making and...
Study highlights effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine
|
In a comparative effectiveness study of 6 approaches to treatment for opioid use disorders, only treatment with buprenorphine or methadone was associated with reduced risk of overdose and serious opioid-related...
NIDA scientists: Blocking adenosine receptors should counteract adverse effects of cannabinoids
|
Computational modeling by NIDA scientists suggests the possible use of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists to counteract the adverse effects of cannabinoids.
Babies exposed to HCV not adequately tested
|
NIDA-funded science has found that HCV exposed infants might not be commonly or adequately tested.
Antiretroviral Therapy Combined With CRISPR Gene Editing Can Eliminate HIV Infection in Mice
|
This study found that HIV-1 could be eliminated in mice using a combination of two antiviral technologies—long-acting viral reservoir—targeted antiretroviral therapy and CRISPR/Cas-9 gene editing. HIV was undetectable in 9...
Part 2: Immunotherapies—A New Tool To Treat Methamphetamine Addiction?
|
Researchers move their monoclonal antibody (mAb) into clinical trials to see if it can be an effective treatment for methamphetamine use.
Many teens who overdose on opioids do not get effective follow-up
|
An analysis of Medicaid records shows that less than one-third of youths treated for a nonfatal opioid overdose received timely follow-up treatment, and only 1 in 54 youths received recommended...
Coaxing the brain to pay attention to healthier choices
|
Neuroscience research from NIDA’s Intramural Research Program suggests that cortical mechanisms, especially in the orbitofrontal cortex, are likely involved in attentional bias to cocaine associated environmental cues and offer a...
Part 1: Immunotherapies—A New Tool To Treat Methamphetamine Addiction?
|
Researchers have created a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is intended to interact with methamphetamine and decrease its ability to enter the brain.
Reviewing NIDA’s 2019 Achievements and Looking to the Future
|
As NIDA sets its sights on new goals and objectives for 2020 and beyond, I like to reflect on how far we have come in our research efforts, especially as...
AOUD Treatment in Primary Care Settings—Is it Feasible?
|
Treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders (AOUD) is feasible in primary care settings, but ongoing funding to support organizational capacity is critical for sustaining such programs.
A New Era at NIDA Notes
|
As we enter a new year, we would like to honor and thank NIDA Notes Editor David Anderson, who recently retired after 20 years at the helm of NIDA’s signature...
Novel Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonist Reduces Opioid Addiction-Like Behaviors in Rats
|
The dopamine D3 receptor antagonist VK4-116 reduced oxycodone self-administration in rats, as well as drug-seeking behaviors after oxycodone reinstatement following withdrawal. VK4-116 did not interfere with oxycodone’s pain-relieving effects
Changing the way we view opioid receptors
|
Newly published research from NIDA funded scientists offers new insight into how opioid receptors work to regulate chemical communication in the brain. The researchers discover unexpected receptor mobility and diffusion...
The Strong African American Families Program Improves Lives of Rural African American Youth
|
This video highlights the Strong African American Families Program, a prevention program targeted at 10- to 14-year-old rural African American youths and their families. Numerous studies have shown that the...
2019 Monitoring the Future Survey Raises Worries about Teen Marijuana Vaping
|
For the second year in a row, rapid rises in vaping among adolescents are the top story from the Monitoring the Future survey of drug use and attitudes among the...
α2δ-1–NMDA Receptor Interactions Are Responsible for Increases in Pain Sensitivity Caused by Opioids
|
In animal studies, α2δ-1 and its interactions with NMDA receptors in the spinal cord triggered the pain sensitivity and analgesic tolerance that occurs with chronic morphine treatment. Blocking the α2δ-1–NMDA...
Measuring the complex path to a prescription opioid use disorder
|
NIDA scientists examine an accepted model of the causes of depression to determine its usefulness as a foundation to predict the probability of prescription opioid use disorder.