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Potential Pain Medication Targets Peripheral Nerves

Researchers report a significant advance in the search for medications that can suppress pain that currently requires opioids, but avoid opioids’ abuse potential and other undesirable CNS effects. A new compound reduces mouse responses in animal models of neurogenic and chronic inflammatory (e.g., arthritic) pain. The compound, called UB937, enhances the natural pain-killing activity of the neurotransmitter anandamide, and exerts its analgesic effects entirely in peripheral tissues, without entering the brain.

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Elevated Rates of Drug Abuse Continue for Second Year

Illicit drug use in the United States in 2010 was at its highest level since 2002, according to the most recent report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. A rise in marijuana use drove the increase. A favorable trend of falling cocaine use continued.

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Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines' Addictive Properties

New research establishes that benzodiazepines cause addiction in a way similar to that of opioids, cannabinoids, and the club drug GHB. The discovery opens the door to designing new benzodiazepines that counteract anxiety but are not addictive.

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In Animals, Receptor Puts Brakes on Nicotine Consumption

New research suggests that differences in tobacco consumption reflect, in part, differences in the functional efficacy of a specific type of receptor in a pathway of the brain. In animal studies, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with the α5 subunit played a key role in producing aversive responses to nicotine, thereby dissuading further consumption of the drug.

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Adults

Potential Pain Medication Targets Peripheral Nerves

Elevated Rates of Drug Abuse Continue for Second Year

Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines' Addictive Properties

In Animals, Receptor Puts Brakes on Nicotine Consumption

Stimulant Abusers' Regard for Future Improves With Memory Training

Marker for Neuronal Damage Resolves a Year after Methamphetamine

Depot Naltrexone Appears Safe and Effective for Heroin Addiction

Sertraline Does Not Help Methamphetamine Abusers Quit

Study Finds Withdrawal No Easier With Ultrarapid Opiate Detox