A common genetic signature has been linked to an increased risk of substance use disorders from smoking addiction to addiction to narcotics. The findings could pave the way to the development of new therapies for substance use disorder and may help diagnose those at risk to multiple substance use disorders.
Study reveals a link between oral health problems and a range of mental health and addiction disorders.
Prazosin, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of hypertension may help to prevent relapse in people with cardiovascular and behavioral symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a new study reports.
Apremilast, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of skin conditions including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area associated with regulating alcohol intake. Apremilast reduced drinking behaviors in mouse models with a genetic risk of alcohol use disorder.
Those with cocaine use disorder who were administered ketamine for depression or pain experienced two-to-four times higher remission rate.
Researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to find novel drugs that can block kappa opioid receptors with the hope to alleviate opioid addiction.
People with kleptomania, or the overwhelming impulse to commit theft or shoplift, exhibit distinct patterns of gaze and brain activity when exposed to environmental cues associated with their compulsion.
Study reveals functional connectivity abnormalities in brain areas associated with reward processing, habit formation, and decision-making in those with substance use disorders and addiction.
Cocaine use disorder alters gene expression in the nucleus accumbens and caudate nucleus, brain areas associated with reward, and the mediation of habit formation.
A newly discovered neural circuit in the thalamus prevented reward-seeking behaviors when activated in a preclinical model. When blocked, this circuit increases high-risk reward-seeking behaviors. The findings could lead to new therapies for addiction and other disorders associated with high-risk reward-seeking behaviors.
State-level legalization of recreational cannabis does not increase substance use disorder or encourage the use of other illicit drugs, a new study of twins reveals. Additionally, legalized recreational cannabis can reduce alcohol consumption.
Running can help some escape from their everyday stresses, however, some recreational runners show signs of exercise dependence. Exercise dependence could be the result of maladaptive escapism where one self-suppresses to avoid negative experiences. This can be detrimental to overall well-being.