Initiation Of Drug Abuse Research Articles

Patients' perspectives on buprenorphine subcutaneous implant: a case series

BackgroundConsidering the enormous burden represented by the opioid use disorder (OUD), it is important to always consider, when implementing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), the potential impact on patient’s adherence, quality of life, and detoxification. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate how the introduction of a novel OAT approach influences these key factors in the management of OUD.Case presentationThis article marks the pioneering use of OAT through buprenorphine implant in Europe and delves into the experience of six patients diagnosed with OUD at a relatively young age. The patients, comprising both males and a female, are of Caucasian Italian and African Italian ancestry (case 4) and exhibit an age range from 23 to 63, with an average drug abuse history of 19 ± 12 years. All patients were on stable traditional OAT before transitioning to buprenorphine implants. Despite the heterogeneity in social and educational backgrounds, health status, and drug abuse initiation histories, the case series reveals consistent positive treatment outcomes such as detoxification, absence of withdrawal symptoms and of side effects. Notably, all patients reported experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and improved quality of life.ConclusionsThese results emphasise the promising impact of OAT via buprenorphine implants in enhancing the well-being and quality of life in the context of OUD.

Relationship between Parenting Styles and Tendency to Addiction in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Various factors are involved in the initiation of drug abuse, such as genetic and social factors. Among the factors that can be mentioned in associated with the tendency to addiction in children is the role of family prediction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency in Iran. We searched Persian database included Magiran, SID, IranDoc and Noormagz for articles from 2007- 2022 in Iran. Seven articles with 1734 subjects were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Five subscales (parenting method) were brought up for investigation of the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each associated factors using random-effects/fixed-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and the Eggers test and each effect size was calculated manually. Based on Cohen's interpretation criterion are as follow: the mean effect size of the relationship with the permissive style is 0.33 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with authoritative style is 0.31 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the dependent style is 0.28 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the freedom-control is - 0.02 (small), the mean effect size of the relationship with the method based on affection-rejection is 0.33 (moderate). Parenting styles have a significant relationship with addiction tendencies in Iran. Therefore, appropriate programs can be provided to strengthen and educate the correct and suitable parenting methods with their children as safe as possible in order to avoid risky behaviors and injuries such as addiction.

The Main Factors Affecting the Tendency for “Injection Drug Use”

Background: Injection drug use (IDU) is one of the most dangerous and addictive methods of drug abuse. The current statistics showed that the rate of IDU is increasing, and is higher compared to other methods of drugs abuse. In addition, it is one of the main routes of transmitting infectious diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis in Iran. Objectives: In light of this, the present study aimed at examining the main factors, affecting the tendency for IDU. Patients and Methods: This study was a descriptive study of 823 individuals, having an active file at centers and referred to Kermanshah-based maintenance methadone therapy (MMT) centers, in 2015. Sample collection was performed through multi-stage sampling of all MMT centers. Information gathering was performed with the help of a Psychologist of the ward, in charge of interviewing the referees. The data were analyzed, using multi-variable logistic regression. Results: All the clients were males with an average age of 38.48 ± 11.21 years. Average age of drug abuse initiation was 23.03 ± 7.9 years. After controlling for confounding variables, the individuals, who were a drug addicts for more than 10 years had 3.01 (1.6 to 5.6) times greater tendencies for intravenous drug addiction, compared to those, who were a drug addict for less than five years. In addition, individuals aged more than 35 years had 0.06 (0.01 - 0.22) times less tendencies to IDU drugs, compared to those, who were younger than 19 years old. Although the type of drug that the patient used for the first time, was not affecting the tendency, the risk of intravenous drug addiction in those, who used oral drugs was 1.74 (1.1 to 2.56) times more than those, who developed a drug addiction through nasal drugs. Conclusions: By taking into consideration that drug abuse initiation and the duration of drug use were the main causes of the tendency for IDU, prevention by decreasing the age of the development of drug addiction and decreasing the duration of drug use, could be an effective measure to decrease the rate of IDU in the society.

The GABAA Receptor α2 Subunit Activates a Neuronal TLR4 Signal in the Ventral Tegmental Area that Regulates Alcohol and Nicotine Abuse.

Alcoholism initiates with episodes of excessive alcohol drinking, known as binge drinking, which is one form of excessive drinking (NIAAA Newsletter, 2004) that is related to impulsivity and anxiety (Ducci et al., 2007; Edenberg et al., 2004) and is also predictive of smoking status. The predisposition of non-alcohol exposed subjects to initiate binge drinking is controlled by neuroimmune signaling that includes an innately activated neuronal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal. This signal also regulates cognitive impulsivity, a heritable trait that defines drug abuse initiation. However, the mechanism of signal activation, its function in dopaminergic (TH+) neurons within the reward circuitry implicated in drug-seeking behavior [viz. the ventral tegmental area (VTA)], and its contribution to nicotine co-abuse are still poorly understood. We report that the γ-aminobutyric acidA receptor (GABAAR) α2 subunit activates the TLR4 signal in neurons, culminating in the activation (phosphorylation/nuclear translocation) of cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) but not NF-kB transcription factors and the upregulation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The signal is activated through α2/TLR4 interaction, as evidenced by co-immunoprecipitation, and it is present in the VTA from drug-untreated alcohol-preferring P rats. VTA infusion of neurotropic herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors for α2 (pHSVsiLA2) or TLR4 (pHSVsiTLR4) but not scrambled (pHSVsiNC) siRNA inhibits signal activation and both binge alcohol drinking and nicotine sensitization, suggesting that the α2-activated TLR4 signal contributes to the regulation of both alcohol and nicotine abuse.

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On the example of the prevalence of drug addiction we have tried to transform the survey results in estimates of utilization of physical culture and sports in the preventive work. We asked 20 questions to High school students. The first ten questions were dedicated to the physical activity of students and another ten questions were focused on bad habits and the possibility of initiation of drug abuse. Next we were ranked four levels (4-point scale) of the answers to each question. Then the questions were distributed in levels of development. The responses to each question were evaluated in the range of a certain level, and for each answer to the question of compliance factors were identified, leading out to the band index. This method allowed quantitatively characterize the levels of manifestation of each block of questions, some questions and a comprehensive index. To determine the effect of the results of the bad habits and the degree of risk of drug addiction that depends on formation of healthy lifestyle skills identified the necessary statistical characteristics (mean, standard deviation, correlation coefficients) for each indicator. We have developed an evaluation of the implementation possibilities secondary educational institutions for the prevention of drug abuse of pupils by means of physical culture and sports. The presented approach enables us not only to assess various quality parameters analyzed (productivity, efficiency and the ability to implement) and to highlight the best and the worst results, but also makes it possible to identify specific recommendations for the use of physical culture and sports in the prevention of drug abuse, and to indicate positive and negative aspects of this work.

Examining Sequences of Adolescent Substance Use Initiation Involving Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse

Over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse among adolescents is an increasingly visible and meaningful trend in the United States, but little research has been done to contextualize OTC drug abuse. This study examined a large sample of 152,678 middle school and high school adolescents in an attempt to understand sequences of OTC drug abuse initiation, and the sociodemographic and risk factor-related precursors thereof. We found that while many adolescents who had ever abused an OTC drug and used one or more “gateway” drugs (alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana) initiated the use of the gateway drug first, there was also a subset of adolescents whose sequence of initiation began with OTC drug abuse. We also found that different risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics predicted different sequences of use. For example, interaction with antisocial peers predicted initiating gateway drug use prior to OTC drug abuse, but not the reverse sequence. Other predictor variables, including gender, grade, and parental attitudes toward drug abuse also differentiated these sequences; we discuss both the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Does the age of first drug abuse influence on further development and course of the disease

Drug abuse has become urgent in the last 10- 15 years. In 2005 it was reported about 241.3 people per 100 000 population which suffered from drug addictions. The study was performed among the patients with opiate addiction syndrome of second stage that corresponds to F 11.242 due to International System. Patients underwent treatment in hospital. Assessment of social adaptation and stress test were carried out according to Dr. Holmes and Dr. Rage. The study involved 129 patients suffered from addiction to opiates. Medical history was evaluated bearing in mind the age of first drug abuse. Randomization of patients was carried out on the basis of the age of first use of narkogen. Connection it the two groups of abusers were elucidated as follows: the first group is if the age of first use of narkogen accounts for up to 18 years old. The second group is if the age of first use of narkogen accounts for the age 18 years old. The study showed that early initiation of drug abuse in adolescents was provoked by family history burdened by alcoholism. This group has more frequent accidents of head injury, contaminations by hepatitis, psychotic episodes and seizures. They are more frequently subjected to criminal prosecution. In this group the start preferential drug abuse is given to cannabis. They have more quickly developed detailed clinical picture and have more frequent episodes of overdose by drugs. Meanwhile the patients of this group are more socially adapted.

Diferencias en el consumo de drogas ilegales entre nativos e inmigrantes en una amplia muestra de consumidores de droga por vía parenteral en Cataluña (España)

The aims of this study were to describe illegal drug abuse patterns in relation to the migration process and use of drug treatment centers among immigrant injected drug users (IDUs) involved in harm reduction programs, and to compare the characteristics of immigrant and native IDUs. Cross-sectional study of 748 IDUs aged ≥18 years attending harm reduction centers between 2008 and 2009. We explored differences in socio-economic status, illegal drug consumption, health status and use of treatment centers in native versus immigrant IDUs. We also described whether immigrant IDUs started using injected drugs before or after entering the host country. Immigrant IDUs tend to live alone more frequently, start injection at later ages, use heroin and inject it more frequently and use drug treatment centers less frequently than native IDUs. Seventy-six percent of immigrants began using illegal drugs before arriving at the host country. Those who started in other countries were residing in the host country for 5 years or less (63.9%). Overall, immigrant IDUs attended drug treatment centers (36.9%) less frequently than native IDUs (71.8%). In conclusion, migration could be a risk factor for illegal drug abuse initiation or increase in consumption, often with the adoption of local consumption patterns and aggravated due to a lower access to drug treatment centers.

Prevalence and factors associated with methamphetamine use among adult substance abusers.

The use of methamphetamine and other drugs among young adults has been a theme of growing interest and concern on the part of researchers and health associations. This paper reports recent use of methamphetamine and its relation with some demographic variables among substance users in west of Iran. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 559 substance users of Hamadan, western Iran recruited through a snowball sampling method in 2012. The participants received a self-administered questionnaire contained questions regarding substance use, reasons of drug abuse and pattern of MA use. Data were analyzed using SPSS software using Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression methods. A number of 248 (44.4%) people reported a history of having ever used methamphetamine and the mean drug abuse initiation age was 17.8 (SD= 3.9). According to the history, reducing effect of previous drug and resurfacing of new drug were common reasons associated with the changes in previous drug to use of methamphetamine. In multivariate analysis, 'being single' and higher school were obtained as independent predictors of methamphetamine use (P<0.001). Methamphetamine use is common among adult substance abusers in Iran. Demographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates of methamphetamine use identified in this research may be helpful for the development of preventive interventions.

HIV and other co-infections among drug users attending the Integrated Counselling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra, India

BackgroundThe present study was carried over a period of 2 years, from January, 2009 to December, 2010. Material and methodsThree hundred and seventy (370) drug users attending an Integrated Counselling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra were screened for HIV-1/2, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections.The socio-demographic features and addiction profile of the drug users were studied. ResultsSeroprevalence of HIV infection is 4.86% (18/370), HBV was found to be 0.81% (3/370), HCV is 5.67% (21/370) and VDRL is 25.94% (96/370) among the drug users. Of these, 2 (0.54%) each were co-infected with HIV–HBV, HBV–HCV and HCV–Syphilis whereas 15 (4.05%) were co-infected with HIV–HCV and 25 (6.75%) with HIV–VDRL infections. HIV-1/2 co-infection was found in only 2 (0.54%) of the drug users. The diagnosis of co-infections was confirmed based on laboratory testing and correlated clinically, at the time of testing. The drugs most commonly used were a combination of Lupigesic, Avil and Diazepam. ConclusionThe easy availability of drugs, curiosity and peer approval were the common reasons for initiation of drug abuse among those tested at this Centre. This is the first report of the HIV, HBV, HCV and VDRL screening among drug users in Agra in this region of the country.

Dopamine, Reinforcement Learning, and Addiction

Dopamine is intimately linked with the modes of action of drugs of addiction. However, although its role in the initiation of drug abuse seems relatively uncomplicated, its possible involvement in the development of compulsive drug taking, and indeed vulnerability and relapse, is less clear. We first describe a modern reinforcement learning view of affective control, focusing on the roles for dopamine. We then use this as a framework to sketch various notions of the neuromodulator's possible participation in initiation and compulsion. We end with some pointers towards future theoretical developments.

Targeting endogenous mu- and delta-opioid receptor systems for the treatment of drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder that is characterized by a compulsion to take drug regardless of the adverse consequences that may ensue. Although the involvement of mesoaccumbal dopamine neurons in the initiation of drug abuse is well-established, neuroadaptations within the limbic cortical- striatopallidal circuit that occur as a consequence of repeated drug use are thought to lead to the behavioral dysregulation that characterizes addiction. Opioid receptors and their endogenous ligands are enriched in brain regions comprising this system and are, thus, strategically located to modulate neurotransmission therein. This article will review data suggesting an important role of mu-opioid receptor (MOPr) and delta opioid receptor (DOPr) systems in mediating the rewarding effects of several classes of abused drugs and that aberrant activity of these opioid systems may not only contribute to the behavioral dysregulation that characterizes addiction but to individual differences in addiction vulnerability.

Does Childhood Treatment of ADHD With Stimulant Medication Affect Substance Abuse in Adulthood?

Does Childhood Treatment of ADHD With Stimulant Medication Affect Substance Abuse in Adulthood?

Adolescent development of forebrain stimulant responsiveness: insights from animal studies.

Although initiation of drug abuse occurs primarily during adolescence, little is known about the central effects of nicotine and other abused drugs during this developmental period. Here evidence, derived from studies in rodents, is presented that suggests that tobacco use initiation during early adolescence results from a higher reward value of nicotine. The developmental profiles of the rewarding effects of other abused drugs, such as cocaine, differ from that of nicotine. Using in situ hybridization to quantify mRNA levels of the immediate early gene, cfos, the neuronal activating effects of nicotine in limbic and sensory cortices at different developmental stages are evaluated. Significant age changes in basal levels of cfos mRNA expression in cortical regions are observed, with a peak of responding of limbic cortices during early adolescence. A changing pattern of nicotine-induced neuronal activation is seen across the developmental spectrum, with unique differences in both limbic and sensory cortex responding during adolescence. An attentional set-shifting task was also used to evaluate whether the observed differences during adolescence reflect early functional immaturity of prefrontal cortices that regulate motivated behavior and psychostimulant responding. The finding of significantly better responding during adolescence suggests apparent functional maturity of prefrontal circuits and greater cognitive flexibility at younger ages. These findings in rodent models suggest that adolescence is a period of altered sensitivity to environmental stimuli, including abused drugs. Further efforts are required to overcome technical challenges in order to evaluate drug effects systematically in this age group.

Depression and the Severity of Substance Abuse

Background: Psychosocial factors have been considered important in the initiation of drug abuse and seem to affect its clinical course and outcome. Several studies have reported psychopathology, namely depression, to be consistently high in addiction. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of depression and its relationship to the severity of drug abuse in a Portuguese sample of drug addicts. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-five drug addicts (23 women and 262 men, aged between 16 and 41 years old), diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria, were contacted during their first visit for treatment at public health centres. Social, demographic and behavioural characteristics of the study sample were obtained by interview using a structured questionnaire. The severity of drug abuse was evaluated using a Portuguese version of the Drug Abuse Screening Test, and depression was assessed by the Zung self-rating depression scale. Results: The prevalence of depression was 51.2% and was higher in females than males (77.8 vs. 48.7%, p = 0.034). A significant correlation was also found between the severity of drug abuse and depression scores, which was also stronger in females (r = 0.53 vs. r = 0.24). Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of depression in drug addicts, regardless of the type and duration of drug abuse, and a significant association between depression and severity of drug addiction.