Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
New device identifies street drugs
Researchers at the University of Bath have created a portable and low-cost device that can instantly identify dangerous street drugs, even at very low concentrations. The device works similarly to an ultraviolet spectrometer, and can quickly reveal both the...
Frequent alcohol drinking is linked to financial risk: Study
According to the results of a recent study carried out in the U.S., drinking alcohol more than three times a week can increase household financial vulnerability by making it harder to repay debt or handle unexpected expenses. The study, published as a working paper on...
Research identifies brain circuit that drives cocaine relapse
A new study from researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified a specific "anti-reward" brain circuit that becomes hyperactive during cocaine withdrawal, contributing to emotional distress and relapse. The research, led by Prof. Yonatan M. Kupchik and...
Is cannabis safer than alcohol?
A recent article published by Verywell and authored by Fran Kritz examined and compared the risks of consuming alcohol and cannabis. According to research studies, more Americans now use cannabis daily than drink alcohol every day. While public attitudes toward...
Oxytocin nasal spray may help treat alcoholism and obesity
A recent article published by The Brighter Side and authored by Joseph Shavit examined the potential of using oxytocin nasal spray in treating alcohol use disorder and obesity by changing the way the brain responds to cravings and reward. Oxytocin is a hormone...
Genetics and heritability of opioid addiction: New study
A new study carried out by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder examined the genetic basis of opioid use disorder (OUD) in rats. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, used over 260 inbred rats from 15 strains that were allowed to...
A case of drug-induced psychosis treated with a second-generation antipsychotic
In recent years In the United States, the Southeast Asian plant Mitragyna speciosa, commercially known as “kratom” has been increasingly used by individuals seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. While its use remains legal at...
Hypertension deaths linked to excessive alcohol use on the rise: New study
According to the results of a new study, the estimated number of hypertension deaths linked to excessive alcohol consumption was higher in 2020-2021 compared to 2016-2017, with a higher increase among women than men. The study, published by researchers from the...
27 people hospitalized in Baltimore due to suspected mass overdose
Earlier in July, Baltimore experienced a severe local crisis when 27 people in the Penn North neighbourhood were hospitalized after a mass drug overdose, with five people in critical condition. The overdoses are suspected to be caused by opioid-type drugs, which were...