Research/Trends/Statistics

New Street Drug W-18 Is Probably Not An Opioid

April 6, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Medical Consequences, Prevention, Public Health, Research/Trends/Statistics, Synthetic Drugs

Although many have been describing the new street drug W-18 as an opioid, and although illegal drug manufacturers have been using it as a fentanyl substitute, recent news suggests that it is most likely not an opioid. What Is W-18? W-18 was originally found in drug products in Sweden in 2014 and later in Canada in 2015. Fake OxyContin pills are usually laced with the opioid fentanyl, but in a recent drug bust in Calgary they were instead laced with W-18, an analgesic. These pills are sometimes referred to as “beans” and/or “shady 80s.” It is presumed that, since there …

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Oxycodone Vs. Hydrocodone

April 6, 2020 / Oxycodone, Research/Trends/Statistics

Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are both opioid pain relievers. Opioids are a class of chemically related drugs that interact with opioid receptors in the nervous system throughout the body. This drug class includes both legal substances, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl, and illegal substances, such as heroin. The interaction between opioids and their designated receptors causes pain relief and euphoria, and this combination results in a high abuse potential. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both very potent and therefore typically prescribed for moderate to severe pain.   Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Are Synthesized From Different Compounds Both drugs are semi-synthetic …

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Women more likely to have chronic pain, receive a prescription for opioids, and stay on higher doses of opioids

April 7, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Research/Trends/Statistics

Women are more likely to have chronic pain, receive a prescription for opioids, and stay on higher doses of opioids for longer periods than men. As Two Dreams founder and CEO Andrea Barthwell, MD, DFASAM points out, “there are real biological differences in the way in which we handle these chemicals.” To learn more, click here: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20170607/opioid-addiction-women

How The Gut Microbiome Contributes to Depression

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Nutrition, Prevention, Research/Trends/Statistics, Sober Living

In 2008, the NIH started funding the Human Microbiome Project in an effort to identify and characterize the microorganisms of the human body (such as those on the skin and in the vagina, mouth, and the intestinal tract) to determine if they play a role in human health and disease. This research has started unraveling the relationship between the humane microbiome and our health, and has revealed that these organisms contribute to diseases, including psychological disorders.   Nervous System in the Gut The gut has its own nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system. It is commonly referred to …

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Genetic Predisposition May Help to Explain Opioid Addiction

April 6, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Pain, Prescription Drugs & Cold Medicines, Prevention, Research/Trends/Statistics

In a perfect world, doctors would be able to identify patients who are prone to opioid addiction and prescribe them non-opioid painkillers that wouldn’t lead to dependence. For years, researchers have been trying to advance care to this point by looking for genes that contribute to addiction. There are currently a number of potential candidates, so patients may request genetic testing to see if the carry one or two copies of susceptibility gene variants before deciding on a course of treatment.   What Are Opioids? Opioids are a group of sleep inducing pain relievers that specifically interact with an opioid …

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Alcohol causes cells to age at an expedited rate

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Research/Trends/Statistics

The Research Society on Alcoholism has recently found evidence that alcohol causes cells to age at an expedited rate. Specifically, they found that individuals with alcohol use disorder has shortened telomere lengths in their cells. This suggests that the more alcohol individuals consume, the more at risk they are for age-related ailments such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and others. If you are struggling with alcohol use, please call us today at 504-510-2331. To learn more, click here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170626105322.htm

Alcohol and tobacco use is correlated with perceived body image

April 6, 2020 / Research/Trends/Statistics, Young Adults/Teens/College-Aged

A study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse revealed that alcohol and tobacco use is correlated with perceived body image. For example, girls who perceived themselves to be too fat were more likely to use alcohol and tobacco, whereas boys who perceived themselves to be too fat were only more likely to binge drink. Boys who perceived themselves to be too skinny were more likely to use tobacco, however. To learn more about the results of this study, click here: http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2017/0621-perceptions-about-body-image-linked-to-increased-alcohol-tobacco-use-for-teens/ If you or your child are struggling with a substance use disorder, please call us …

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Trends in Adolescent Receipt of Buprenorphine and Naltrexone

April 7, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Research/Trends/Statistics

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics looked at the changing frequency of buprenorphine or naltrexone prescription in youth between the ages of 13 and 25 years. Researchers found that the drugs were prescribed more in 2014 than in 2001, but that still only 25% of individuals received buprenorphine or naltrexone, and certain populations, including blacks, females, Hispanic youth, and younger individuals, were less likely to receive a prescription. These findings suggest that expanded access to medication assisted treatment is necessary, especially for the aforementioned populations facing disparities. Learn more about the study here: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2632431 And learn more about the …

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College marijuana usage increases with legalization

April 6, 2020 / Marijuana, Research/Trends/Statistics

A recent study conducted by Oregon State University found that college students in Oregon have been increasing their marijuana usage ever since it was legalized for recreational use. Interestingly, the students increasing their marijuana use have also reported recently, heavy alcohol use. Learn more here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614160510.htm If you are struggling with substance use of any kind, call us today at 504-510-2331.

Long-term sobriety success could be predicted through brain scans

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Research/Trends/Statistics

A new study conducted by the Society of Nuclear Medicine revealed that the brain receptors involved with the impulse to drink reduce their bioavailability during periods of alcohol-dependency. This finding suggests that clinicians can use receptor bioavailability during sobriety to predict long-term success. If you are struggling with alcohol use disorder, please call us today at 504-510-2331. Learn more here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170612094112.htm

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