Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Sep 2007
Indicators of use of methamphetamine and other substances among men who have sex with men, San Francisco, 2003-2006.
Substance use has been associated with high-risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) both in the U.S. and around the world. Recent efforts by local organizations in San Francisco have specifically targeted methamphetamine use in this population. ⋯ Intensified prevention efforts to reduce methamphetamine use in San Francisco may be having some impact; however, strong associations of substance use and high-risk sex persist.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Sep 2007
Retail marijuana purchases in designer and commercial markets in New York City: sales units, weights, and prices per gram.
This paper documents the bifurcation of the market for commercial marijuana from the market for designer marijuana in New York City. Commercial marijuana is usually grown outdoors, imported to NYC, and of average quality. By contrast, several varities of designer marijuana are usually grown indoors from specially bred strains and carefully handled for maximum quality. ⋯ Imported commercial types Arizona and Chocolate were only found uptown, while designer brand names describing actual strains like Sour Diesel and White Widow were only found downtown. Findings indicate clear divisions between commercial and designer marijuana markets in New York City. The extent that these differences may be based upon different THC potencies is a matter for future research.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Jul 2007
Misuse of methamphetamine and prescription stimulants among youths and young adults in the community.
Gender differences in the prevalence and characteristics of misuse of methamphetamine (meth) and prescription stimulants were examined in a representative US sample of youths and young adults aged 16-25 (N=24,409). ⋯ Multidrug use is common among stimulant misusers. Parents should be informed about the risk of prescription stimulant misuse by their youths.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · May 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialSafety, tolerability and efficacy of levodopa-carbidopa treatment for cocaine dependence: two double-blind, randomized, clinical trials.
The role of dopamine in cocaine abuse has been long recognized. Cocaine use can profoundly alter dopaminergic functioning through depletion of this monoamine and changes in receptor functioning. Based on these facts, levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacotherapy may be helpful in reducing or abolishing cocaine use. ⋯ These two studies demonstrate the safety and tolerability of L-dopa pharmacotherapy in cocaine-dependent patients. No evidence for greater efficacy of L-dopa compared to placebo was observed. The possibility of enhancing treatment effects by combining L-dopa with other behavioral or pharmacological interventions is discussed.