Abuse

Sexual abuse affect health for a lifetime

Sexual abuse occurred when the women were 16 years old and the men were 13.5 years old revealed by a study conducted by California University Researchers. It appears that the sexual abuse or assault was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, arthritis and thyroid diseases. It varied by gender, where arthritis and breast cancer occur in women and increased risk of thyroid dis...

Analgesic abuse - cause for chronic headache in children

Over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen(paracetamol) etc., is now identified to be the cause of chronic headache in children. A team of Israeli researchers who treated 26 adolescents, found that the average number of tablets taken by each patient was 28 each week, with 16 using pain medication daily. They stopped all the analgesic medications and found that the h...

Drug abuse leads to long standing changes in the brain

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant drug, whose abuse has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world, causes long-term changes in the human brain that are associated with impaired memory and motor coordination, according to a study published in theAmerican Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers found that these effects are seen even in methamphetamine addicts who have been off...

Ritalin May Lower Cocaine Abuse

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who use stimulants like Ritalin are not at risk for cocaine addiction later in life. The study in rats suggests that stimulant treatment in childhood may blunt the pleasurable effects of cocaine in adulthood. // Many children and teens with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication, the best-known being Ritalin. These drug...

OxyContin Abuse Continues To Rise

The Federal Drug Administration approved OxyContin in late 1995 and the drug was put on the market in early 1996. Between that time and 2000, prescriptions for the drug have increased by 2,000 percent. Abusers discovered that they could get a powerful heroin-like high by crushing the pill and injecting, swallowing and inhaling the powder.// Abuse of OxyContin, the nation's best sellin...

Abuse of prescription drugs among youths on the rise

New research suggests that, though illegal drug use is declining among children and young adults, they are abusing prescription drugs, especially pain relievers, at an increasing rate. Commonly abused prescription drugs include codeine, methadone, oxycodone, and Ritalin. The analysis of data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that almost// 3 million adolescents and about 7 mil...

Abuse in Childhood Could Result In Heart Disease in Adulthood

Abused and neglected children are much more likely to develop ischemic heart disease as adults than children who were not abused or neglected //, according to a new study. Stressful childhoods could lead to self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, drug abuse, and inactivity. This may contribute to the increased risk for heart disease, according to the study. Results show adults who ex...

Drug abuse may affect brain like Alzheimer’

Drug addiction in young people may cause similar kind of brain damage as happens// in Alzheimer’s disease. Young people who are drug addicts in the age group of 17 to 26yrs may be three times more likely to suffer brain damage than their non-addicted counterparts, said a study done by scientists of University of Edinburgh. The extent of their brain damage will be equivalent to that hap...

Substance abuse linked to adult antisocial syndrome

Antisocial personality disorder is common in people who are into substance abuse.// This was the result of the study that was conducted by National Institute on Drug Abuse, US, and others after taking information from 43,000 adults of USA. Antisocial personality disorder is a form of psychiatric condition that is characterized by behavior that tends to manipulate, exploit or violate th...

Personality profiles of gamblers and substance abusers are similar

Individuals suffering from problem gambling behavior may share their personality// profiles with substance abusers like drug addicts and alcoholics. Researchers have been able to identify personality traits of problem gambling behavior in people and have found marked semblance with those of substance abusers. Researchers in their research have pointed out that people who seek help for...

Pediatricians differ in their opinion of child abuse

Doctors examining the children of suspected child abuse tend to differ widely in their judgment of what// constitutes child abuse. A research reported by the researchers of Penn State College of Medicine say that there exist severe contradictions among the doctors themselves regarding their opinion of whether the child had been abused or not. Conducting the first systematic examination...

Early detection of alcohol abuse is better option for treatment

Speakers at the Congress for the International Society for Biomedical Research// on Alcoholism in Mannheim, Germany, while presenting their research paper on alcohol abuse and cure had said that early detection of alcohol abuse and treatment is more beneficial than any other forms of treatment. Researchers suggest that there is a need to use newly emerging biomarkers and detailed quest...

Morality More Effective Than Legality In Preventing Drug Abuse

Illegal substances have become nearly twice as prevalent in high schools in the last three years. 62% of high school and 28% of middle school students admit that drugs are used, kept or sold in their schools. // Teens who attend schools where drugs are widely available are three times more likely to experiment with marijuana and twice as likely to use alcohol than their peers who atten...

Sensations Generated By Cocaine And Methamphetamine Abuse Are Not Same.

Investigators from UCLA had found that the there is a marked difference between the sensations generated by cocaine and methamphetamine use in onset, pattern and duration of their “highs”. // The study shows that subjective, or self-reported, responses to cocaine peak and decline more rapidly than those of methamphetamine. Cardiovascular responses to the two stimulants are similar at...

Effective Treatment Of Drug Abuse Dependent On Feelings Of Shame Or Guilt

Drug abuse has become a common problem among children and adolescents. Most of the parents, who discover that their children are on drugs, are more interested in dragging them for treatment. A new study throws light on the very little // focus, which is given to identify the victim’s feelings of either shame or guilt, both of which can have significant implications on the treatment outcomes.<br...

Changes In Brain Structure From Methamphetamine Abuse And HIV Infection

The research reported in the latest issue of American Journal of Psychiatry had said that both Methamphetamine Abuse and HIV Infection can cause significant changes in the brain structures that can later affect the cognitive // functions like learning new things, problem solving, paying attention to something and processing information. The results are more if both the conditions happen simultane...

Treating Dental Problems Of Abused Children Need Special Care

Victims of childhood sexual abuse may face difficulty in keeping dental care appointments as some experiences in the dentist’s office may trigger unpleasant memories of the abuse experience and such victims may skip dental care // appointments. This was the result of a study reported in the latest issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The study, conducted by a...

Papillomavirus no more a sure sign of child abuse

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. HPV is a virus, which can affect mucous // membranes, causing warts to grow in the anal, genital, oral cavities or respiratory locations of the body. Genital warts or venereal warts are the most easily recognized...

Morphine Withdrawal Complicates Hepatitis C Infection in Drug Abusers

Hepatitis C, a condition that leads to inflammation of the liver is common among intravenous drug users. There are nearly 70-80 % of abusers are suffering from // the disease in the United States. This high association has generated interest in determining the effects of drug abuse, specifically opiates, on progression of the disease. The discovery of such an association would impact...

Sexually Abused Girls Develop Eating Disorders

Girls sexually abused before the age of 16 developed eating disorders and had high concerns about shape and weight later in their life. Research had shown that a study conduced in 10,000 women more than 2,000 women had unwanted sex before the age of 16 developed later in their life symptoms of eating disorders//. Woman expressed happiness and did not worry much about weight gain and c...

Vitamin Abuse Syndrome In the UK

Thousands of patients in the United Kingdom may be at a high risk of overdosing them selves on vitamin pill. A poll conducted by a team of researchers randomly on 250 GP’s found that 41% of them believe that some of their // patients were overdosing on vitamins and remained unaware of the risks they were placing upon their body. A large number of patients were ignorant about the fac...

Gynaecologist Faces Stiff Prison Sentence On Counts Of Sexual Abuse

Following a four-week trial by a King County Superior Court jury in Seattle, Dr. Charles Momah, an obstetrician and gynaecologist was convicted on Wednesday of two counts // of rape and two counts of indecent liberties against four women who came to his clinics for treatment. Momah could face 16 years in prison if convicted on all counts. A sentencing date was not set. Momah ple...

Alcohol And Drug Abuse (Cannabis) Leading Causes For Road Traffic Accidents

A new study reveals that the risk for a road traffic accident is significantly greater following consumption of even very small amounts of cannabis. Evidence of cannabis use were found in 7% of drivers // involved in fatal crashes by the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research. These figures are comparatively lesser compared to drivers who consumed alcohol (21.4%). T...

Environmental Abuse Causes Health Hazards

World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the incidence of new diseases and rise in infectious diseases is due to increased abuse of the natural environment,// which has led to an imbalance in between natural reservoirs and human needs. Increase in livestock production has lead to spread of new virus infections such as SARS, bird flu from poultry birds to humans as these virus...

Childhood sex abuse linked To eating disorder

Professor Anita Hund and her team from University of Illinois have found that eating disorders occur in women who underwent sexual abuse during their childhood. Eating disorder develops in women who had experienced// psychological stress and depression in earlier stage of their life. The researchers have published the results of their work in the Journal of Counseling Psychology. Th...

Increase in drug abuse by teenagers

Professor Lloyd Johnston of the University of Michigan in his survey in 50,000 teen students found that there was a decrease in smoking in these students but alarmingly found an increase in drug abuse of various painkillers // . The researchers found that almost 50% of students in the 12th grade are abusing drugs. The increase in use of painkillers may be linked to increased stress these students...

Children Of Alcoholics Tend to Become Drug Abusers In Adulthood

A new study conducted by David Flora, PhD of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (now at York University), and Laurie Chassin, PhD of Arizona State University//, says that parental alcoholism is directly linked to illicit drug well into adulthood. It is generally known that children of alcoholics (COA's) suffer because of their parent's abusive habits, but this is the first time that a...

Homeless People More Prone To Substance Abuse

The homeless population among New Yorkers are more prone to go in for substance abuse when compared to other sections of the population. // Detox centers will be established at some of the shelters as deaths due to substance abuse are on the rise. Rapid HIV testing for women who are homeless and distribution of nicotine patches are also planned by the Health Department. A large numbe...

Abuse Of Anabolic Steroids Causes Acne In Bodybuilders

The inappropriate use of anabolic steroids, more specifically anabolic androgen steroid (AAS) can lead to acne due to the stimulation of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands present in the skin // secrete a substance sebum into hair follicles and majority of the body surface. Anabolic steroids are used to treat facial swelling linked to allergy and to treat unwanted weight loss in patie...

Retinal Hemorrhage: No More a Sure Sign of Child Abuse

A new study has now found out that retinal examination of a child, to determine the location and number of hemorrhages may not be a sure sign of abuse. // This was discussed in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting held in Seattle recently. Retina is a light sensitive tissue located behind the eye. Any rupture in the retinal surface can damage the tiny blood vessels a...

Concerta, Drug Used in ADHD Treatment Less Likely To Result In Abuse

A research team has now established that a delayed-release stimulant, used for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with less abuse, when compared to other stimulant drugs//. Therapeutic doses of Concerta (methylphenidate) in the form of an oral formulation have not been reported to produce subjective effects that may lead to drug abuse. The results of th...

Substance Abuse Prevention Messages Better Received Among Teenagers in the Form of Media Campaigns and Curriculum

According to the new study a well designed community campaign can dramatically cut marijuana and alcohol use among young teens. The study was conducted in 32 schools in 16 communities around the country.// As a result of this campaign half the number of students who began using marijuana and alcohol during the two years of the project stopped the habit when compared to students in communities wit...

Protection Measures against Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is now calling on the government attention and demands for legislative measures to protect them. They are asking for the same status as that of the abuse against children and domestic violence victims. // Vulnerable adults include the elderly and people with mental health problems and learning disabilities. With respect to this issue the government said measures were planned to tackle...

A connection between gingival enlargement and steroid abuse

Chicago – The extended use of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is linked to gingival enlargement, according to researchers. // Gingival enlargement occurs when the tissues swell and begin to grow over the teeth. This is a fertile environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to periodontal infection. 'It was found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival...

Using Herbal Products Heightens Substance Abuse Risk in Teens

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found that teenagers who have used herbal products are six times more likely to have tried cocaine and 15 times more likely to have // abused anabolic steroids than teens who have never used herbal products. "The study points to the need for parents and health care providers to ask if teens are using herbal remedies and fr...

Distinct Support Services Needed, To Resurrect Ethnic Groups from Alcohol Abuse

An experienced Psychiatrist has pointed out inherent alcohol problems that Ethnic minorities undergo, albeit silently, since they are wary of approaching assistance. // They need to be given a helping hand from distinguished services – which are few and far between. Ethnic minorities do not seek help proactively, and hence they lose out from being overlooked by health providers in developing spec...

Abuse of Aged Will Not be Taken Lightly

A federal body is to be vested with blanket powers to investigate allegations of abuse and inadequate care in nursing homes, with a move to implement remedial measures to halt the abuse of elderly people. // There is also an increase in the May budget for care of the aged with certain modifications in the financial support of nursing homes, to be able to care for the aged. Federal Min...

Australia Set To Implement A national Strategy Tackle Cannabis Abuse

The Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy is holding its annual conference in Perth. The top policy-making body on drugs Australia discussed yesterday //about the creation of three national strategies to tackle alcohol abuse, and substance abuse, including cannabis and petrol sniffing. The council comprises the federal, state and territory health ministers, and justice and police minis...

Medication Abuse In Chronic Migraine May Cause Hormonal Abnormalities

A study suggests that people with chronic migraines who overuse pain relievers may have abnormalities in certain hormonal responses//. Dr. Innocenzo Rainero the study's lead author stated that though not yet clearly understood if overusing migraine medications can sometimes cause periodic migraines to become chronic, the new findings does suggest that altered hormone regulation may be...

Meira Kumar Suggests Monitoring Systems To Check Drug Abuse

Expressing serious concern over growing problems due to use of drugs in northeastern states, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar today suggested effective monitoring // and reporting systems in the region to check it. There is a need to establish effective drug use monitoring and reporting systems for all seven-sister states in the northeastern region,Kumar said whi...