Accumulating evidence from brain structural imaging studies on heroin dependence has supported links between brain morphological alterations and heroin exposure, particularly in gray matter volume or gray matter density. However, the effects of heroin exposure on cortical thickness and the relationship between cortical thickness and heroin addiction are not yet known. In this study, we acquired...

The abuse of opioid drugs, both illicit and prescription, is a persistent problem in the United States, accounting for >1.2 million users who require treatment each year. Current treatments rely on suppressing immediate withdrawal symptoms and replacing illicit drug use with long-acting opiate drugs. However, the mechanisms that lead to preventing opiate dependence are still poorly understood. ...

To combat the nationwide opioid epidemic, many states have implemented policies that require prescribers to check a patient's prescription history with Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) prior initiating or refilling prescriptions. Using difference-in-differences approach, we show after mandated PDMP use, prescriptions decreased by 6.1% as intended. However, mandates had unintended e...

INTRODUCTION Studies show that dysfunctional family relationships are important predictors of addictions to all psychoactive substances. OBJECTIVE To establish if there is a connection between family relations and heroin addiction and if found to exist, what is the quality of this connection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This research was conducted on the sample comprised of 160 subjects divided in...

Heroin addiction is devastating to both the person addicted and to society. Attempts to treat heroin addiction have proved difficult due to the extreme addictive qualities of the drug. Medication-assisted recovery or pharmacotherapy, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are controversial in that it is providing a medication that has similar qualities of heroin itself. Behavioral treatments alon...

Experience with urine analysis for morphine using thin-layer chromatography in 310 cases of real or possible heroin abuse showed that it was valuable not only in detecting improper drug use but also in monitoring treatment. The results of this test can be available routinely in 24, and exceptionally in five hours. A negative result implies that the subject has taken less than 10 mg. of heroin i...

Importance Heroin use is an urgent concern in the United States. Little is know about the course of heroin use, heroin use disorder, and associated factors. Objective To examine changes in the lifetime prevalence, patterns, and associated demographics of heroin use and use disorder from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013 in 2 nationally representative samples of the US adult general population. Design,...

BACKGROUND Despite its effectiveness, methadone maintenance is rarely provided in American correctional facilities. This study is the first randomized clinical trial in the US to examine the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment provided to prisoners with pre-incarceration heroin addiction. METHODS A three-group randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2003 and J...

BACKGROUND Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is the most commonly provided treatment for heroin dependence in Australia and has been shown to be effective. Access to OST outside of specialised public clinics and prisons relies on the participation of general practitioners. In Australia there is a shortage of GPs available to prescribe OST, which results in an unmet need for OST services. Studie...