Research/Trends/Statistics

New research has shown that alcoholism may affect women differently than men. Specifically, the affected reward system brain structures are larger in alcoholic women which has been correlated with a shorter length of sobriety. If you are a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, call us today at 504-510-2331 and read more about…

Stress has a tendency to induce relapse, especially in individuals with cocaine use disorder. Researchers, however, have discovered a way to alter a molecular neural pathway in order to turn the relapse switch back off after stress turns it on.   For more information, click here or call us at 504-510-2331.

Alcohol abuse has been linked to unsafe sexual behavior and is associated with increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. Intoxication often leads to poor decision-making and a lack of inhibition, making sexual behavior a common issue. Unsafe behaviors such as anonymous sex, failure to use condoms and/or birth control, and engaging with…

A study published in JAMA examined the changes in heroin use disorder patterns from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013 and found that use grew significantly higher over time with the greatest increases shown among white individuals. In addition, researchers found that the nonmedical use of prescription opioids before heroin use only increased among white users. If you…

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is on the rise. Since 1999, its incidence has tripled in 28 states (from 1.5 to 6 cases per 1,000 live births per year), with the worst rates being in West Virginia, Vermont, and Maine (about 30 case per 1,000 live births). This syndrome begins in infants soon after they lose access…

A recent study conducted by The Scripps Research Institute showed that when meth-addiction rodent models stopped using methamphetamines, new brain cells began forming in a part of the brain associated with learning and memory. This suggests that the brain is strengthening memories associated with the drug, making relapse more likely. If you are struggling with…

A study released in December 2016 by the Canadian Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation suggests that the younger you start using marijuana, the more likely you are to develop a lifelong habit and diminished physical and mental health. In particular, the worst effects come about if the first use is below age 15. …

Oxycodone is the active ingredient in a number of prescription opioid painkillers, including Oxycotin and Percocet, which are used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is one of the most common opioids (along with methadone and hydrocodone) associated with overdose death. Every day, over 1000 people go…

A new study suggests that even though individuals with a family history of alcoholism are no more likely to develop hangover symptoms than their counterparts, they are more likely to lucidly recall their unpleasant symptoms. This suggests a possible clinical application, reminding drinkers of the negative side-effects they experienced in an attempt to lessen excessive…

A recent study published in Addiction journal indicates that having a substance use disorder significantly increases the risk of suicide in veterans, twice the risk for men and up to five times the risk for women. These findings suggest that a more robust suicide prevention plan should be implemented in veterans struggling with drug use.…