Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Meta AnalysisRegional gray matter deficits in alcohol dependence: A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies.
Many studies have revealed a widespread pattern of gray matter (GM) atrophy by using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies involving the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence. However, the spatial localization of GM abnormalities reported in previous studies is heterogeneous. Here, we aimed to investigate the concurrence across VBM studies to help clarify the structural abnormalities underpinning this condition. ⋯ By conducting the first comprehensive meta-analysis of VBM studies, we identified consistent regional GM atrophy particularly within several neurofunctional networks associated with alcohol dependence. Our study demonstrated a characteristic pattern of GM abnormalities and provided further insights into understanding the underlying nature of alcohol dependence.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Drug use patterns predict risk of non-fatal overdose among street-involved youth in a Canadian setting.
Non-fatal drug overdose is a major cause of morbidity among people who use drugs, although few studies have examined this risk among street-involved youth. We sought to determine the risk factors associated with non-fatal overdose among Canadian street-involved youth who reported illicit drug use. ⋯ Rates of non-fatal overdose were high among street-involved youth. Drug use patterns, in particular prescription opiate use, were associated with overdose. These findings underscore the importance of addiction treatment and prevention efforts aimed at reducing the risk of overdose among youth.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Comparative StudyComparison of the characteristics of long-term users of electronic cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy: A cross-sectional survey of English ex-smokers and current smokers.
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are non-combustible nicotine delivery devices being widely used as a partial or a complete long-term substitute for smoking. Little is known about the characteristics of long-term users, their smoking behaviour, attachment to smoking, experience of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, or their views on these devices. This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on this and compare users of the different products. ⋯ Compared with people who use NRT for at least 6 months, those who use EC over that time period appear to have a stronger smoker identity and like their products more. Among long-term users who have stopped smoking, ECs are perceived as more helpful than NRT, appear more effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms and continued use may be more likely.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Hepatitis C virus infection and pain sensitivity in patients on methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy for opioid use disorders.
Patients with opioid use disorders on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) have lower pain tolerance compared to controls. While chronic viral infections such as HCV and HIV have been associated with chronic pain in this population, no studies have examined their impact on pain sensitivity. ⋯ This study did not detect an association between HCV infection and increased sensitivity to pain among adults with and without HIV who were treated with buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorders. Results reinforce that pain and hyperalgesia are common problems in this population.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Patterns of major depression and nonmedical use of prescription opioids in the United States.
Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) and major depression frequently co-occur. Comorbid forms of drug use and mental illness such as NMUPO and depression pose a greater disease burden than either condition alone. However, sociodemographic and substance use differences between individuals with either NMUPO or depression and those with comorbid conditions have not yet been fully investigated. ⋯ This study found that independent and comorbid NMUPO and MDE were disproportionately clustered with burdens of lower socioeconomic position, suggesting that a population-based approach to address NMUPO would target these social determinants of health, whereas a high-risk approach to prevention should be tailored to females experiencing MDE symptoms and polydrug users.