Substance use and misuse affect people worldwide, of all ages and from all walks of life, resulting in a substantial burden of ill health and mortality, and presenting big challenges in prevention and treatment. 

PLOS Medicine is planning a special issue on this topic and is now calling for research papers from the diverse communities that work to support people and populations affected by substance use and misuse.

The aim is to unite clinicians and researchers from all the specialities involved in caring for people and communities impacted by substance use disorder, to stimulate research...

According to the World Drug Report opioids are the most harmful drug type, accounting for 70% of the adverse health impacts associated with drug use disorders worldwide. Treatment typically focusses on controlling withdrawal, preventing cravings and ultimately relapse. Maintenance treatments are used for chronic opioid-dependent patients who cannot achieve abstinence.

 A recent randomised, double-blind trial has examined the effectiveness of oxytocin, a neuropeptide that is produced by the hypothalamus, as part of the treatment of addiction. The researchers analysed the effect of oxytocin on...

This study is concerned with the experiences of professionals in the field of intellectual or developmental disability, and professionals in the field of addiction in working with people with learning and developmental disability who display addictive behaviours.

The study will examine these professionals’ opinions on how equipped they are to identify, work with, and aid this group.

The study seeks to gain insight into areas of training and skill building that could be improved to help professionals work more effectively with this vulnerable group.

Abstract

Background

The high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) among incarcerated adults in the U.S. is well-known, but there has been less examination of SUD treatment and rates of incarceration among the population of adults with SUDs as the denominator. The current study uses a population-based sample to address three questions: (1) What is the rate of lifetime incarceration among the population of U.S. adults with SUDs?; (2) Among adults with SUDs, what proportion of those with incarceration histories use SUD treatment compared to those without incarceration histories?; and (3...

Findings amalgamated for the American Psychological Association show that providing therapists real-time feedback from the client (including substance use clients) on their progress and how to improve it is among the most effective ways available to services to improve outcomes.