The mystery of serotonin’s role in behavior
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While selective serotonin uptake inhibitors comprise the major class of modern antidepressants, the role of serotonin in reward function remains poorly understood.
Latest from NIDA
Higher rates of NAS linked with economic conditions
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A NIDA-funded analysis of eight states showed a significant association between rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and poor economic conditions.
A whole new view of CB2
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NIDA-funded scientists have recently identified the crystal structure of the CB1 receptor and have some understanding of how it modulates the system.
Cascade of Care model recommended for opioid crisis
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A team of NIDA-funded scientists has offered a critical look at how to build an improved framework of care for the identification and treatment of people with opioid use disorder...
Scientists closer to finding inherited traits in addiction
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Scientists have concluded that the risk of addiction is a complex combination of both genes and environmental influences.
New Studies Clarify Risk Factors for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
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These studies: Identified factors that affect the risk for and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Suggest that reducing expectant mothers’ polysubstance use during buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder...
NIDA's Scientific Findings & Achievements of 2018
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Here I want to highlight just a few of the many outstanding developments in basic science, new therapeutics, and epidemiology and prevention research from the year that just ended.
New Insights for Astrocytes
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Scientists at NIDA's Intramural Research Program have just published a study suggesting that ventral midbrain astrocytes are physiologically distinct from astrocytes in other parts of the brain.
Teens using vaping devices in record numbers
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America’s teens report a dramatic increase in their use of vaping devices in just a single year, with 37.3 percent of 12th graders reporting “any vaping” in the past 12...
Monitoring the Future Survey Results Show Alarming Rise in Teen Vaping
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The results of the 2018 MTF survey, released today (December 17), contain a mix of encouraging news and warning signals. Notably, the survey this year contained a major shock: a...
New Funding Opportunities in Response to the Opioid Crisis
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Today, NIDA is releasing several new funding opportunity announcements related to the NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term ℠) Initiative.
National Institute on Drug Abuse to hold teleconference discussing key findings of 2018 Monitoring the Future Survey on teen drug use
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will hold a teleconference on Monday, December 17, to discuss the results of the 2018 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey.
ABCD study completes enrollment, announces opportunities for scientific engagement
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The National Institutes of Health announced today that enrollment for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is now complete and, in early 2019, scientists will have access to baseline...
World AIDS Day 2018
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World AIDS Day, is a good time to reflect on some of the spectacular successes of NIH-funded science at reducing the impact of HIV, as well as how lessons learned...
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In this international trial: Researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of an integrated intervention designed to help people who inject drugs and have HIV overcome obstacles to health care. Participants who received...
New findings related to cell functions and calcium deficiency; may impact substance use disorders
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A new paper just published in Cell Reports describes, for the first time, a novel pathological mechanism that may contribute to a variety of disease states.
Stopping marijuana use improves memory
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A new study suggests that one month of abstinence from cannabis improves working memory in adolescents and young adults, with most of the improvement happening in the first week.
Cocaine-Induced Increase in an Immune Protein Promotes Addiction Behaviors in Mice
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This research found that: Cocaine produces a portion of its rewarding effects by increasing levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the brain’s reward center. Treatments that prevent G-CSF signaling...
NIDA-NIAAA 2018 Mini-Convention: Frontiers in Addiction Research
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), both part of the National Institutes of Health, will host a one-day mini...
Compound identified as possible medication target for cocaine use disorder
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NIH-funded scientists have now identified a compound that shows promise in reducing self-administration of cocaine in mice.
In Memoriam—Herbert Kleber
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With the passing of Herbert Kleber on October 5, the field of addiction research has lost a true giant—one of its biggest thinkers as well as one of the most...
Research suggests benzodiazepine use is high while use disorder rates are low
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A recent analysis suggests that benzodiazepine use disorders are relatively rare among the adults who use benzodiazepine medications, even if they are misusing them.
Prescription Opioid Misuse Treatment Leverages Mindfulness To Amplify Natural Rewards
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This research suggests that: Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) reduces opioid misuse among chronic pain patients. MORE shifts patients' attention away from drug cues and toward cues for natural rewards. Dr...
Study shows impact of social interactions on addictive behavior
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A new study published in Nature Neuroscience finds that social interactions can have a profound effect on behaviors related to addiction, and on the brain’s response to drug-associated cues.
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Medication is a crucial part of treating addiction—but by itself, a pill or an injection may not be sufficient. Social support has long been known to be an important factor...
Switching to Reduced-Nicotine Cigarettes May Aid in Quitting Smoking
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This research suggests that: Smokers who switch to cigarettes with very low nicotine content may experience mild and transient increases in some withdrawal symptoms. Cigarettes with reduced nicotine will be...
Brain ensembles that tune on or off to social exploration
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An international team of scientists led by NIDA utilized miniature fluorescence microscopes to record calcium activities from hundreds of excitatory neurons in the mPFC in the brains of mice, while...
New opioid treatment resources for emergency department clinicians
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) today announced the availability of informational resources for clinicians interested in initiating buprenorphine treatment in emergency department settings.
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Nicotine does not produce the kind of euphoria or impairment that many other drugs like opioids and marijuana do. People do not get high from smoking cigarettes or vaping. Yet...
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The public health emergency of opioid misuse and addiction affects millions of Americans and requires innovative scientific solutions. Today, during “National Prescription Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week,” we are sharing...