Latest News and Articles on Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

Articles and information relating to substance abuse and treatment…

Over time, it is our intent to continue growing this page as a full-scale resource for news, information and events relating to all matters of drug addiction, alcoholism, chemical dependency, drug rehab services, current events and more. The focus will expand far beyond local areas such as Phoenix, Scottsdale and Arizona, and will in fact cover all regions, both nationally and internationally.

We very much hope to offer additional insight from various addiction treatment professionals as they offer their insights and expertise and various related topics.

Recent News and Articles Relating to Drug Abuse by Medical News Today

How long is acid detectable in the body? June 15, 2019
Acid, or LSD, is a drug that can cause hallucinations and feelings of euphoria. In this article, learn how long these effects last and how long the drug stays in the human body.
Can naltrexone help with multiple sclerosis (MS)? June 12, 2019
Low doses of naltrexone are a recent, popular treatment for MS symptoms. In this article, we look at the research, action, and side effects of naltrexone for MS.
Causes of vivid dreams June 5, 2019
Some common causes of vivid dreams include sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and substance use. Practicing good sleep hygiene may help prevent them. Learn more about the causes of vivid dreams here.
Synthetic CBD may be a safe treatment for seizures May 30, 2019
A nonintoxicating, synthetic CBD that is not easy to convert to THC and comprises inexpensive, noncannabis ingredients treated seizures safely in rats.
How to lower uric acid levels naturally May 30, 2019
A uric acid buildup can sometimes lead to gout, which causes very painful symptoms. Learn about eight natural ways to lower uric acid levels in this article.
What happens when you mix azithromycin and alcohol? May 28, 2019
Azithromycin is a drug that has uses in treating bacterial infections. Mixing with alcohol may cause issues including nausea, headache, and dizziness or other problems. Learn more here.
Everything you need to know about beriberi May 24, 2019
Beriberi is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person has a severe thiamine deficiency. Learn more about the risk factors and symptoms here.
What are the best ways to stop overeating? May 23, 2019
Overeating can lead to obesity and other health problems over time. However, people can take simple steps to control their appetite and eat more healthfully. These steps include eating slowly, checking portion sizes, and reducing stress. Learn more here.
Ulcerative colitis: Does drinking alcohol make it worse? May 17, 2019
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the digestive system. Alcohol may cause the condition to become worse. Learn more about the links between ulcerative colitis and alcohol here.
What to know about the GGT test May 17, 2019
The GGT test is a simple blood test that helps doctors diagnose liver or bile duct damage. Learn more about the GGT test, normal and abnormal ranges, and the procedure, here.

Recent News and Articles by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Project to deter opioid tampering wins 2019 NIDA Addiction Science Award May 17, 2019
A 14-year-old’s innovative approach to prevent tampering and misuse of opioid pills won a first place Addiction Science Award at the 2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)—the world’s largest science competition for high school students. The awards are...
National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program Holds Opioid Symposium May 15, 2019
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program will hold a one-day symposium to summarize the most recent advances in opioid research. Topics range from the use of a therapeutic workplace to address opioid use disorders to basic research such as findings...
Opioid Dose Variability Associated with Overdose April 22, 2019
Photo by ©iStock.com/dptulk As health care providers lower opioid doses for pain patients to minimize the risk of addiction; increase doses to manage worsening pain; or re-start dosing after a period of time without opioid pain relievers, patients could be getting confused about safe...
Opioids without the risk of addiction? March 26, 2019
Scientists are working to develop medicines that have the pain-relieving effects of opioids without the high risk of misuse and addiction. Since misuse is linked to the euphoric effects of the drug, investigators led by scientists at NIDA’s intramural labs are studying methadone, a drug...
Dr. Jack Stein appointed NIDA Chief of Staff March 20, 2019
Jack B. Stein, Ph.D. Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has appointed Jack B. Stein, Ph.D., to be the NIDA Chief of Staff, a newly created position to support and assist the Director with coordination and strategic planning of key institute initiatives....
Opioid Overdose Reversal News: FDA-approved naloxone devices produce substantially higher blood levels of naloxone than improvised nasal spray March 15, 2019
Naloxone is a potentially life-saving drug commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses and can be injected as a liquid or delivered as a nasal spray. The fastest method of delivery is through an intravenous (IV) dose, but many first responders, police, families or friends are not well equipped...
Serotonin Unexpectedly Regulates Expression of Brain Genes March 13, 2019
The brain chemical serotonin can regulate expression of genes within neurons in a very unexpected way, as described in a NIDA-funded paper just published in the journal Nature. It is all part of the marvel of DNA and how it works to form our individual biological maps. The mechanism...
New toolkit for genomic editing holds promise for addiction research February 19, 2019
The scientific world has advanced immeasurably by the science of DNA and genetics. Manipulating gene expression to change the way that cells such as neurons function has helped scientists create very specific tools to use for understanding and developing treatments for human diseases. For human...
Monthly buprenorphine injections effective for opioid use disorders February 19, 2019
A newly published study suggests the long-acting buprenorphine formulation BUP-XR is more effective than placebo in helping patients struggling with addiction to opioids. BUP-XR is a monthly extended-release injection. Source: Photo by ©iStock.com/ognianm Daily dose buprenorphine was...
Higher rates of NAS linked with economic conditions January 29, 2019
©iStock/brebca A NIDA-funded analysis of eight states showed a significant association between rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and poor economic conditions. NAS is a series of uncomfortable symptoms experienced by newborns suffering from opioid withdrawal after their mothers...