The path to substance use disorders is never straightforward. It's a mix of nature and nurture. Genes play a role, and so do tough times in childhood. But how these pieces fit together is still a mystery. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. The idea that genes alone cause addiction is outdated. Scientists now know that environment matters too. T...
Weather extremes can affect how often people with substance use problems need urgent medical help. This is a big deal because it shows how the environment can affect health in ways we might not expect. The link between hot or cold weather and emergency medical care for substance use issues has been studied. Researchers looked at many studies from 2000 to 2023. Th...
Substance use among teens is a significant issue. It is crucial to understand the experiences of teens who struggle with substance use. This understanding can help shape better treatment and care plans. It is important to note that teens who use substances often have unique stories and challenges. These stories can provide valuable insights into what drives their...
Ibogaine is a substance that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. It's not your typical psychedelic, but it's shown promise in helping people with substance use disorders. However, there are some big hurdles to overcome before it can be widely used. One major issue is the lack of big companies backing it, and there are also some serious safety concerns. To get a b...
A gathering at Viterbo University aims to tackle the opioid crisis head-on. This is the second year for the RESPOND Together summit, a platform for providers to share insights and strategies. The summit's goal is to educate and improve services for those battling substance and opioid use disorders. It's a tough problem. The summit brings together a mix of profession...
Substance use among healthcare workers is a growing issue. This isn't just about alcohol or tobacco. It includes marijuana, benzodiazepines, and more. The exact scale of the problem is still unclear. However, recent studies indicate that 10% to 15% of healthcare professionals misuse drugs at some point in their careers. Even more worrying, 6% to 8% of physicians have...
Medicaid has become a key player in funding and organizing addiction treatment. This shift is due to changes in who can get Medicaid and efforts to make benefits more consistent. Today, the focus is on expanding treatment options, paying for quality care, and linking addiction treatment with other support systems. These systems include housing, jobs, and the legal sy...
The European Prevention Curriculum has made its way to Brazil. It was launched in 2022. This curriculum is designed to boost the abilities of professionals in the field of substance use prevention. The process of adapting and implementing this curriculum in Brazil is quite interesting. It involves a lot of teamwork. Regional and local stakeholders, as well as interna...
Cannabis tops the list of most commonly used substances in Brazil. A recent study dug into the habits of cannabis users and how these habits link to other substance use and potential harm. Researchers looked at data from over 5, 000 people in Sao Paulo. They found four distinct groups of cannabis users. The study used a method called latent class analysis. T...
Substance use disorders, or SUDs, are a big challenge. They affect millions of people worldwide. One approach to tackling this issue is patient-centered care, or PCC. This approach focuses on the patient's needs, preferences, and values. The idea is to make the patient feel more in control of their treatment. But does this approach actually lead to better outcomes? ...