opioid use disorder – mycolab.ai

An Overview of Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Models for Forensic Science

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This review examines how mathematical models that predict how drugs and chemicals move through the body could be better used in forensic science to help explain cause of death and interpret toxicology evidence. Currently, only a few such models have been specifically developed for forensic purposes, though many exist for common drugs like opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. A major challenge is accounting for how drug concentrations change after death, which can make it harder to determine what the concentration was when the person died.

The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology

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Researchers are rediscovering psychedelic compounds from traditional plants and fungi as potential treatments for mental health conditions and addiction. These substances work by interacting with brain chemistry, particularly serotonin systems, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Recent clinical studies show promising results, especially for treating opioid addiction with single doses that can produce lasting improvements. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand how these compounds work and to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.

The Role of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

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This research review examines how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and ketamine might help treat addiction. Studies show these substances could help people quit alcohol, drugs, and smoking by reducing cravings and promoting long-term abstinence. While results are promising, scientists caution that more rigorous research is needed before these treatments can be recommended for regular medical use, and they acknowledge real risks associated with these powerful drugs.

Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review

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This review examines how ketamine and psychedelics affect connections between brain cells. Under stressful conditions, ketamine and psychedelics appear to strengthen these connections in brain areas important for mood and learning. However, the effects are mixed under normal conditions and vary based on dose, sex, and which specific markers are measured. The findings suggest these substances may help restore brain function damaged by stress or substance use.

Ethical Considerations Regarding Psychedelics for Clinical Pain Research

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This paper examines the ethical considerations necessary when conducting research on psychedelics like psilocybin for treating chronic pain. With chronic pain affecting millions of Americans and traditional treatments like opioids causing significant problems, researchers are exploring psychedelics as alternatives. The authors provide guidance on obtaining proper informed consent, protecting vulnerable patients, managing regulatory requirements, and ensuring research benefits participants while following four key ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, justice, and avoiding harm.

Sex-specific role of the 5-HT2A receptor in psilocybin-induced extinction of opioid reward

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Researchers discovered that a single dose of psilocybin can reduce opioid addiction-related behaviors in male mice by activating serotonin receptors in specific brain circuits, but this effect does not work the same way in females. The study reveals that psilocybin changes how the brain processes opioid rewards and withdrawal symptoms, suggesting psychedelics could become a new treatment approach for opioid addiction. However, important sex differences in how the brain responds mean treatments may need to be tailored differently for men and women.

Survey of Massachusetts peer recovery coaches’ attitudes toward the use of psychedelics to treat substance use disorders

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Researchers surveyed peer recovery coaches in Massachusetts about their views on using psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine to treat addiction. Most coaches felt comfortable supporting this approach and believed they should receive training, but many worried about potential risks and felt that traditional 12-step programs wouldn’t approve. Coaches with personal experience using psychedelics were more supportive than those who hadn’t tried them.

Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review

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This review examines how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may help treat difficult-to-treat conditions like smoking addiction, alcohol dependence, and depression. Clinical trials show psilocybin-assisted therapy achieves better smoking cessation rates (80%) than standard medications and reduces depression symptoms as effectively as common antidepressants. The treatment works differently than daily medications, requiring only a few supervised doses weeks apart, potentially offering a new option for millions of people.

The Role of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1A (ASIC1A) in the Behavioral and Synaptic Effects of Oxycodone and Other Opioids

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This study examines how a specific type of brain channel called ASIC1A affects how the brain responds to opioid drugs like oxycodone and morphine. Researchers found that mice without this channel showed stronger attraction to opioid-paired locations and had unusual changes in brain connections related to opioid use. The findings suggest that targeting ASIC1A could potentially be a new way to treat opioid addiction by reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these drugs.

Disease: opioid use disorder