Opioids

α2δ-1–NMDA Receptor Interactions Are Responsible for Increases in Pain Sensitivity Caused by Opioids

In animal studies, α2δ-1 and its interactions with NMDA receptors in the spinal cord triggered the pain sensitivity and analgesic tolerance that occurs with chronic morphine treatment. Blocking the α2δ-1–NMDA interaction reduced opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.

Measuring the complex path to a prescription opioid use disorder

NIDA scientists examine an accepted model of the causes of depression to determine its usefulness as a foundation to predict the probability of prescription opioid use disorder.

NIDA Announces New NIH HEAL Initiative Awards to Address the Opioid Crisis

Measuring sleep challenges in opioid use disorder patients

A new study at NIDA’s Intramural Research Center measured sleep patterns in opioid use disorder patients and found that clinic appointment hours make a difference in sleep quality. They also documented that when patients use opioids or other drugs while undergoing treatment, it disrupts their sleep.

Marijuana use at historic highs among college-age adults

Newly released Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey data on drug use in college-age adults ages 19-22 shows an increase in marijuana use in the past five years, including vaping with marijuana, as well as a significant increase in nicotine vaping.

Worms lead scientists to a new anti-opioid system

A team of NIH-funded scientists used worms to discover a surprising biological system that counteracts the effects of opioids, offering a potential new target for improving the safety of opioid pain relievers.

Teens who misuse medicines get them from multiple sources

Two NIDA-funded studies have found that adolescents using multiple sources for prescription medications are at high risk for other substance use.

NIH establishes network to improve opioid addiction treatment in criminal justice settings

The National Institutes of Health will award 12 grants to form the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) to support research on quality addiction treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in criminal justice settings nationwide.

A Promising Alternative to Opioid Pain Medications

This research shows: An experimental compound with a dual action at two opioid receptors may provide powerful pain relief without many of opioids' harmful side effects. The compound may also have potential as a treatment for opioid addiction. A novel compound represents a potential advance toward the goal of nonaddicting analgesics that are at least as effective as opioids but without typical opioid liabilities. The new compound, called AT-121, may also have potential as a treatment alternative for opioid addiction. Dr. Nurulain Zaveri and colleagues at Astraea Therapeutics used medicinal

Drug Use and Its Consequences Increase Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Studies found: The spread of marijuana use and the opioid epidemic over the past 10 years have affected middle-aged and older Americans. Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine misuse increased older adults’ risk of suicidal thoughts. Three recent NIDA-supported studies highlight the importance of screening older adults for drug use and its consequences. Researchers demonstrated steep rises in marijuana use among middle-aged and older Americans, and prescription opioid misuse and heroin use among older Americans. The researchers also documented widespread polydrug use among older people who use