Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts Journal of Bone and Mineral Research This is an animal study further addressing the possible clinical utility of cannabidiol, a cannabis component. Cannabinoid ligands regulate bone mass, but skeletal effects of cannabis (marijuana and hashish) have not been reported. Bone fractures are highly prevalent, involving prolonged immobilization and discomfort. Here the authors report that the major non-psychoactive cannabis constituent, cannabidiol (CBD), enhances the biomechanical properties of healing rat mid-femoral fractures.
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FROM JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
Real-World Effectiveness of Varenicline Versus Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Patients With and Without Psychiatric Disorders Journal of Addiction Medicine (free ASAM member resource) The limited study size (n = 196) in this article may be balanced against the very significant effect size. Varenicline appeared superior to NRT across the study groups, at treatment endpoint. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of varenicline with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among smokers with or without psychiatric disorders attending a storefront smoking cessation clinic in an urban addiction and mental health academic health science center.
NASADAD Releases Fact Sheet on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) NASADAD On June 11, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) released an informational fact sheet on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The fact sheet provides an overview of NAS, including prevalence, signs and symptoms, appropriate treatment options for mothers and newborns, and key federal programs for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders.
HHS Increases Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment Department of Health and Human Services The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new steps to increase access to substance use disorder treatment services, focusing on treatment for opioid use disorder. With the announcement, HHS is making additional funding available to states and community health centers to expand the use of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, and is releasing guidance to help states implement innovative approaches to substance use disorder treatment.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline Neurosurgery This is a meta-review of human studies, leading to practice recommendations; 7 articles of 352 reviewed met criteria for inclusion in this paper. The effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported in randomized, controlled trials comparing active and sham stimulation. Based on the literature, the following recommendations can be made: (1) There is Level I evidence, based on a single Level I study, for the use of bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS for the treatment of medically refractory OCD. (2) There is Level II evidence, based on a single Level II study, for the use of bilateral nucleus accumbens DBS for the treatment of medically refractory OCD. (3) There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for the use of unilateral DBS for the treatment of medically
refractory OCD.
Substance Use and Teen Pregnancy in the United States: Evidence from the NSDUH 2002–2012 Addictive Behaviors Study findings (n = 97850) point not only to a relationship between teen pregnancy and substance use, but also suggest that substance use continues for many teens during pregnancy. The authors found that substance use is particularly problematic among early adolescents and that the prevalence of substance use attenuates dramatically as youths progress from the first to the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Association Between Regulatory Advisories and Codeine Prescribing to Postpartum Women Journal of the American Medical Association Some patients are ultrarapid metabolizers of codeine, with prevalence ranging from 2% to 40%. Nursing mothers who take codeine may be putting their infant at risk if they carry the polymorphisms for elevated activity of CYP2D6, an enzyme that metabolizes codeine to morphine. One citation noted that high levels of morphine in breast milk have led to at least one confirmed infant death from drug-induced respiratory depression.
Prevalence and Predictors of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy: Findings from International Multicenter Cohort Studies British Medical Journal Open This article is of somewhat uncertain use, as the variance between findings in two studies is substantial; but it does indicate a high prevalence of both tobacco use disorder and alcohol use among pregnant women, in Commonwealth countries. It reaffirms the need for epidemiologic surveillance of SUDs.
The Misuse of Benzodiazepines Among High-Risk Opioid Users in Europe Drugs and Alcohol Benzodiazepines are a widely prescribed group of medicines with a range of clinical uses, including the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and the management of alcohol withdrawal. For a number of reasons this group of medicines is often misused by high-risk opioid users and is associated with morbidity and mortality among this group. This analysis considers the significance of this problem and its impact for the health and drug treatment of opioid users.
4.3 Million Adults Who Are Employed Full Time Had A Past Year Anxiety Disorder Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration This is a brief epidemiological summary by SAMHSA, of anxiety disorder prevalence. While an association is drawn between having anxiety and difficulty being employed, there is equally the possibility that being unemployed engenders anxiety.
Doctors Are Prescribing Amphetamines for Binge Eating Mother Jones This article, from a respected educational digest for the more literate public, cautiously and fairly addresses the re-emergence of amphetamines as treatment for eating disorders. It is difficult to not be cynical, for any physician over the age of 50, and it is even tempting to be outraged: “While binge eating disorder is a new diagnosis, Vyvanse isn't exactly a new drug. An amphetamine, it was until this year marketed exclusively to treat ADHD. But its latest incarnation actually represents something of a return to its roots: Before they became ADHD drugs, amphetamines, of course, were diet drugs.”
Public Policy Statement on Healthcare and Other Licensed Professionals’ Drug Diversion for Self-Administration ASAM Healthcare and some other licensed professionals have ready access to and familiarity with pharmaceuticals by the nature of their profession. It is known that healthcare professionals experience substance use disorders at a rate consistent with that of the general population. They may obtain mood altering substances from the same sources available to the general public (multiple treatment providers and the Internet, for example), but their professional role, sometimes described as an occupational hazard, gives them other unique means of access such as diversion from the workplace or self-prescribing.
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Articles included are reviewed on their merit at the discretion of ASAM Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief. Any relationship that exists with products or services advertised with content is coincidental and not an endorsement, guarantee or condemnation of said products or services. Similarly, the views and positions of any content published in ASAM Weekly are not necessarily endorsed by ASAM nor a reflection of ASAM's beliefs and policies. The features are presented as a summary of the contemporary issues being represented and expressed in scientific, governmental, commercial, and media sources across the specialty field of addiction medicine. Contact ASAM Weekly with any comments or feedback.