Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mary G. Hornick, Ashley Stefanski
Summary: The United States is facing an ongoing opioid epidemic with increasing rates of opioid use disorder. Current treatments have limited effectiveness due to various barriers, and there is growing research on the potential use of hallucinogens as an alternative treatment, but legal and safety concerns have hindered progress. This review examines the evidence for psychoplastogens, such as ibogaine, ketamine, and classic psychedelics, as a holistic approach for treating opioid use disorder, while acknowledging the need for further research and ethical guidelines.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Alessio Mosca, Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli, Gianluca Mancusi, Maria Chiara Santovito, Francesco Di Carlo, Mauro Pettorruso, John M. Corkery, Carlos Canessa, Giovanni Martinotti, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: Ibogaine has shown some anti-addictive effects, but its cardiac toxicity and risk of mortality are concerning. Further research is needed to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and actual safety.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Christian J. Morris, Sara Mills-Huffnagle, Aleksandra E. Zgierska
Summary: This scoping review evaluated the relationship between subjective first response to opioids and the risk of developing OUD. The limited evidence suggests that subjectively-reported euphoric response to first opioid exposure could predict the OUD risk.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dan-Ni Cao, Fei Li, Ning Wu, Jin Li
Summary: Opioid use disorder is a global societal problem and public health burden. Current medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, have limitations in terms of abuse liability and compliance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective medications with lower abuse potential and better compliance. Recent research progress has identified potential treatment targets and strategies, providing insights for future medication development.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Stefanie A. Joseph, Yueh-Hsiu Mathilda Chiu, Kathlene Tracy
Summary: This study analyzed the risk factors for inappropriate and appropriate opioid use using data from the 2013-2014 NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The results show that younger age, male gender, lack of physical activity, former smoking, past cocaine and/or heroin use, and diagnosis of depression/anxiety are significantly associated with inappropriate opioid use. Furthermore, the association between no physical activity and inappropriate opioid use is stronger among females with lower education levels.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jessica L. Taylor, Samantha Johnson, Ricardo Cruz, Jessica R. Gray, Davida Schiff, Sarah M. Bagley
Summary: This article discusses strategies for integrating evidence-based harm reduction principles and interventions into outpatient, primary care-based OUD treatment settings. Specific tools are provided for supporting safer injection practices, assessing risks and benefits of continuing medications, promoting a non-stigmatizing program culture, and addressing the needs of specific populations.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Serenella Tolomeo, Alex Baldacchino, Nora D. Volkow, J. Douglas Steele
Summary: Opioid use disorder has a significant impact globally, with limited recovery observed during protracted abstinence. Neuroimaging findings from this study support the allostasis theory by demonstrating improved negative valence brain function and similar positive valence function during protracted abstinence among patients.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Wenhan Yang, Shicong Wang, Jing Luo, Cui Yan, Fei Tang, Yanyao Du, Li Fan, Min Zhang, Jun Zhang, Kai Yuan, Jun Liu
Summary: This study found that there were changes in the functional connectivity of the insular cortex in individuals with opioid use disorder after protracted abstinence, and these changes were correlated with changes in craving. This finding provides novel evidence for future abstinence therapies and rehabilitation procedures for patients with substance use disorders.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teddy G. Goetz, Jill B. Becker, Carolyn M. Mazure
Summary: Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States, fueled by the widespread prescribing of opioids in the 1990s, continues to be a significant issue. Women, who experience more acute and chronic pain, have been prescribed opioids in higher numbers than men, thus leading to misuse and addiction. Efforts to reduce the availability of prescription opioids have unintentionally driven individuals to other synthetic opioids like heroin and fentanyl, prolonging the public health crisis of opioid addiction. Understanding gender differences in opioid use and its effects is crucial for developing effective treatment approaches and public health policies.
Article
Substance Abuse
Matisyahu Shulman, Mei-Chen Hu, Maria A. Sullivan, Sarah C. Akerman, James Fratantonio, Vincent Barbieri, Edward Nunes, Adam Bisaga
Summary: Combining minimal buprenorphine, non-opioid medications, and ascending doses of oral naltrexone may facilitate the initiation of XR-naltrexone for opioid users. Inpatient settings have a higher success rate for initiating XR-naltrexone, especially for heroin or speedball injection users and those who use opioids intravenously. Outpatient initiation may be more likely to succeed for prescription opioid users.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Matthew S. Ellis, Zachary A. Kasper, Stephen Scroggins
Summary: The study reveals a significant increase in stimulant use among individuals with opioid use disorder, with an older age of initial drug exposure and faster transitions between multiple substances.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Spencer B. Huggett, Ami S. Ikeda, John E. McGeary, Karla R. Kaun, Rohan H. C. Palmer
Summary: This study investigated the role of alternative mRNA splicing in opiate/opioid use disorder (OUD) by analyzing publicly available RNA-sequencing data of human brain tissue. The study found differentially spliced genes in various brain regions of individuals with OUD, with a specific splicing change in the BIN1 gene significantly linked to OUD. The study also explored the disruption of spliceosome genes in OUD and the genetic predisposition to alternative mRNA splicing, finding evidence of spliceosome perturbations but no association between DNA variants and OUD heritability.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Megan Muller, George Weyer, Tanya Zakrison, Mim Ari
Summary: This retrospective chart review study examined the differences between hospitalized trauma patients who received an addiction consult service and those who did not. The results showed that patients who received the consult were more likely to initiate medication for opioid use disorder, be discharged with medication and naloxone, have a plan for continued treatment, and attend follow-up appointments. This suggests that an addiction consult service can improve evidence-based care for opioid use disorder and post-hospitalization trauma care without increasing length of stay or acute care utilization.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND ACUTE CARE SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Vanessa Troiani, Richard C. Crist, Glenn A. Doyle, Thomas N. Ferraro, Donielle Beiler, Stephanie Ranck, Kortney McBryan, Margaret A. Jarvis, Jordan S. Barbour, John J. Han, Ryan J. Ness, Wade H. Berrettini, Janet D. Robishaw
Summary: By conducting a prospective observational study, we aim to identify the clinical and genetic factors most strongly associated with OUD. Leveraging an existing biobank with whole exome sequencing and array genotyping, we will establish meaningful patient phenotypes to understand the genetic and non-genetic contributions to OUD. Our data capture includes validated self-report surveys, as well as additional clinical, prescription, and brain imaging data extracted from electronic health records.
BMC MEDICAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Utsha G. Khatri, Elizabeth A. Samuels, Ruiying Xiong, Brandon D. L. Marshall, Jeanmarie Perrone, M. Kit Delgado
Summary: This study analyzed national characteristics of ED visits related to opioid use disorder (OUD) and identified hospitals with high rates of OUD visits. By targeting high OUD visit rate EDs, initial efforts of OUD care programs could potentially improve care for a large portion of OUD patients utilizing emergency care.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Gerard A. Kalkman, Wim van den Brink, Mimi Pierce, Femke Atsma, Kris C. P. Vissers, Henk J. Schers, Robert T. M. van Dongen, Cornelis Kramers, Arnt F. A. Schellekens
Summary: Over the past 20 years, both the USA and Europe have faced an increase in prescription opioid use, leading to a serious crisis. While the extent of harm in Europe is largely unknown, it is important to monitor emerging opioid-related problems closely to take timely actions. This commentary highlights the need for shared definitions of opioid use and harms, understanding the specific drivers for increased use and related problems, and proposing strategies for further action. Policy recommendations include distinguishing between licit and illicit opioids in monitoring and reporting, as well as using oral morphine equivalents to quantify prescription opioid use. Further research is needed to explore the unique and universal drivers of prescription opioid use, particularly the role of opioid diversion.
EUROPEAN ADDICTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Daan W. Von den Hoff, Floor A. C. Berden, Femke Atsma, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Joost P. H. Drenth
Summary: Patients with a history of addiction have lower viral hepatitis healthcare utilization, indicating the need for improvement, especially among migrant populations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maarten Belgers, Philip Van Eijndhoven, Wiebren Markus, Aart H. Schene, Arnt Schellekens
Summary: This study demonstrated that high-frequency rTMS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, combined with standard treatment, significantly reduced alcohol craving and use in recently detoxified patients with AUD, with the most significant effects observed in the first month post-detoxification.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Monja Hoven, Renee S. Schluter, Arnt F. Schellekens, Ruth J. van Holst, Anna E. Goudriaan
Summary: This study examined the effects of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) on alcohol use and craving by targeting the right dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex. The results showed no significant impact of HF-rTMS on abstinent days and craving.
Article
Anesthesiology
Cornelis Jan van Dam, Rutger van der Schrier, Monique van Velzen, Maarten van Lemmen, Pieter Simons, Kiki W. K. Kuijpers, Simone Jansen, Mikael A. Kowal, Erik Olofsen, Cornelis Kramers, Albert Dahan, Marieke Niesters
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cannabis and its combination with opioids on ventilatory control in humans. The results showed that THC had no impact on respiratory control, and there was no enhanced respiratory depression when combined with oxycodone.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Cornelis Jan van Dam, Monique van Velzen, Cornelis Kramers, Arnt Schellekens, Erik Olofsen, Marieke Niesters, Albert Dahan
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether self-titration of oxycodone and cannabis can reduce side effects in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia.
Article
Substance Abuse
Corne Coetzee, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Ilse Truter, Anneke Meyer
Summary: This study found that childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy may decrease the risk of substance use in adulthood and reduce ADHD-related impairment. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of ADHD in preventing SUD.
EUROPEAN ADDICTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Pauline Geuijen, Arnt Schellekens, Aart Schene, Femke Atsma
Summary: This study compared the prevalence of clinical substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses and alcohol consumption patterns between physicians and a highly educated reference population using nationwide register data. The results showed that the prevalence rates of SUD diagnoses were relatively low for both physicians and the reference population, but physicians had more favorable alcohol consumption patterns. However, the use of sedatives among physicians might require attention.
ADDICTION SCIENCE & CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hannah Ellerbroek, Imke Hanssen, Karen Lathouwers, Linda Cillessen, Sander Dekkers, Stijn E. Veldman, Sandra A. S. van den Heuvel, Anne E. M. Speckens, Arnt F. A. Schellekens
Summary: This qualitative pilot study explored the feasibility and process of change during mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). The findings showed that while MBCT treatment was beneficial for some patients, it was not feasible for the majority. Changing the timing of MBCT and offering it in an online format may improve participation.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Pim B. van der Meer, Juan J. Fuentes, Ad A. Kaptein, Jan W. Schoones, Marleen M. de Waal, Anneke E. Goudriaan, Kees Kramers, Arnt Schellekens, Metten Somers, Matthijs G. Bossong, Albert Batalla
Summary: This systematic review found that using significant doses of psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy was effective in treating patients with substance use disorders and non-substance-related disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Casper J. H. Wolf, Hanka Venselaar, Marcia Spoelder, Harmen Beurmanjer, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Judith R. Homberg
Summary: The neurotransmitter GHB is involved in neuronal energy homeostasis and is also used recreationally and medicinally. Little is known about the structure and function of GHB receptor subtypes. This opinion article discusses the potential structural and functional properties of the GHBh1 receptor subtype, which shares similarities with a riboflavin transporter and may have dual functions. Further research into the GHBh1 receptor subtype could lead to new therapeutic possibilities for GHB.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Esther Pars, Joanne E. L. VanDerNagel, Boukje A. G. Dijkstra, Arnt F. A. Schellekens
Summary: This study explores the viability of using negative recovery capital (NRC) in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), psychiatric comorbidities, and an intellectual disability. The study finds that all recovery domains are prevalent and relevant, influenced by critical life events, and individuals prioritize individual skill development during treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Gerard A. Kalkman, Cornelis Kramers, Wim van den Brink, Arnt F. A. Schellekens
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Gerard A. Kalkman, Cornelis Kramers, Wim van den Brink, Arnt F. A. Schellekens
Article
Substance Abuse
Lisa E. M. Davies, Ellen S. S. Koster, Katinka F. M. Damen, Harmen Beurmanjer, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Marcel L. L. Bouvy
Summary: In the past decade, prescription opioid use has increased exponentially, leading to a rise in opioid use disorders. This study aimed to understand the patients' perspective on developing a prescription opioid use disorder (OUD). Through in-depth interviews with 25 adults undergoing treatment for prescription OUD, it was found that the development of OUD is influenced by various factors, which can be categorized into three themes: experiences driving initiation, experiences driving continuation, and experiences with prescription OUD. The findings highlight the need for better guidance, monitoring, and pain management strategies to prevent and address prescription OUD.
EUROPEAN ADDICTION RESEARCH
(2023)