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the missing link

With it Born

Scientists discover possible “meth gene”

WITHFIRE FIGHTING FIRE

Researchers look to combat addiction through repurposed pharmaceuticals

BMXlife gives opportunities to at-risk youth through BMX bikes WHEELS PREVENTION ON

INSERT 2 StartingYoung Insight into adolescent addiction comes as new guidelines urge early prevention

Treatment providers have known for years that adolescents are more susceptible to drug use and consequently, addiction. But now they might know why. Researchers recently discovered a specific pathway in the brain that makes adolescents more prone to problematic substance use, which could lead to stronger prevention efforts. By studying how cocaine affected the behavior of young and adult mice differently, researchers found that a mechanism in the brain which regulates specific protein production also controls addictive behaviors. By manipulating that mechanism, researchers were able to mitigate cocaine’s addictive effects. “Now we have a bidirectional switch that can turn on and off the cocaine-induced changes in the brain,” says lead researcher Dr. Mauro Costa-Mattioli of the Baylor College of Medicine.

“ The excitement of this study is that now perhaps we have a signalling pathway that could be targeted for the treatment of addiction. ”

- Dr. Mauro Costa-Mattioli, Baylor College of Medicine

One size fits all What’s most exciting about the study is that the pathway does not appear to be specific to cocaine. A second study examining nicotine returned similar results, leading researchers to believe any treatments targeting the pathway would be effective for all substances. “In the case of nicotine, it’s exactly the same thing,” Dr. Costa-Mattioli says. “All the drugs of abuse, they reduce the activity, they hijack or change this mechanism.” Researchers say they’re still interested to see if the mechanism plays a role in the transition from social substance use to more problematic use. But they say simply identifying such a crucial link of the substance use chain could lead to significant prevention methods. “Of course, the excitement of this study is that now perhaps we have a signalling pathway that could be targeted for the treatment of addiction,” Dr. Costa-Mattioli says.

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Total improvement Experts say the benefits of implementing early intervention efforts far outweigh the cost. Although limited data exists, studies show investing just one dollar can produce anywhere from a few dollars to $26 in cost savings down the road. “Thus a well-designed, well- implemented early childhood intervention can dramatically benefit the community and society as well as improve children’s and families’ quality of life,” Dr. Volkow says. But the benefits of early intervention go beyond substance abuse. Experts say many of the risk factors for substance abuse are the same indicators for other social, behavioral and academic problems. They say creating a prevention program to address and reduce the risk of substance abuse will pay big dividends across the board. “Interventions designed to reduce early risk factors show benefits in a wide range of areas,” Dr. Volkow says. “Including improved personal and social functioning, better performance in school, and less involvement with the juvenile justice system or mental health services.” 

“ Early childhood intervention can dramatically benefit the community and society as well as improve children ’ s and families ’ quality of life. ” - Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA director

First eight years To address adolescent drug use, experts say prevention efforts have to start earlier than most would expect.The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the government’s top agency on substance use, recently released new guidelines suggesting prevention education should start in the first eight years of a child’s life. Officials acknowledge that early childhood is not a time period normally associated with drug use. But they say factors with family, school and community environments can shape development of certain emotional and behavioral issues that can manifest in substance abuse problems even decades later. “Central to intervening early is the idea of shifting the balance of risk and protective factors in a way that builds a foundation for optimal social development and resilience,” says NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow.

BORN WITH IT Scientists Discover Possible 'Meth Gene’

Researchers have recently identified a gene that may play a role in meth addiction. New findings by Boston University School of Medicine researchers, published in PLOS Genetics, spotlight a gene called heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1 (Hn- rnph1). The research uncovered a link between this gene and how it effects behavior when stimulants are introduced. This new insight can help scientists understand genetic risk factors for addiction, along with some neuropsychiatric disorders. Also, this new understanding about how Hnrnph1 works could lead to the development of a prescription drug to help treat meth ad- diction, researchers say.

Need To Ident i fy Targets

other findings to improve the treatment of both dopamine- related problems like attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disor- der, along with dopaminerelated neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases. Scientists say the genetic epide- miology of meth use disorders is very complex. Efforts to under- stand the biological processes that increase susceptibility to meth use disorders (i.e., abuse, dependence and psychosis) have uncovered several genetic variants. However, more research needs to be done. Though gene research can led to breakthroughs in treatment, Boston University points out in its news release that genetics alone are not responsible for addiction. Environmental and social factors also play an im- portant role.

The BU scientists discovered that Hnrnph1 “codes” for an RNA protein that regulates how other genes are processed in the brain. To better understand the genetic basis of meth addiction, the next step is to figure out the exact genetic targets of Hnrnph1. “A better understanding of the brain region and cell type-specific binding targets of Hnrnph1 will tell us more about the function of this gene and possibly identify new therapeutic strategies for minimizing risk and treating psycho-stimulant addiction — a disorder for which there is currently no FDA-approved drug,” says study co-author Dr. Camron Bryant in a news release from Boston University.

The study could also lead to

Other factors in addict ion According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these are some of the environmental factors that come into play with ad- diction: • Friends and people addicts spend time with • Age when a person begins using drugs or alcohol • Neighborhood

“A better understanding

of the brain region and

cell typespecific binding

targets of Hnrnph 1 will

tell us more about the

function of this gene.” — Dr. Camron Bryant, study co-author

• Availability of drugs and alcohol • Presence of mental health issues • Gender

These environmental influences interact with genetic factors to influ- ence an individual’s susceptibility to addiction. While scientists hope to better understand the role genetics plays in addiction to meth and other drugs, much more research needs to be done to solve the puzzle.

Genetics alone are not responsible for addiction. Environmental and social factors also play an important role.

Unity Point Health CONTACT US TODAY! unitypoint.org 309.672.5522 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue Peoria, IL 61636

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"Not only are the recommendations comprehensive they were developed with input from a wide range of stake- holders, and wherever possible draw from evidence-based research:'

SENSEOF URGENCY

“This is a complex epidemic with no simple solutions.” —Dr. G. Caleb Alexander, co-director of the Johns Hop- kins Center for Drug Safety and

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“It’s really just about being around like-minded people and developing that ‘we’ as a support system.”

– Dr. Gerard Love, Slippery Rock University

INSERT 5 “It’s really just about being around like-minded people and developing that ‘we’ as a support system,” Dr. Love says. Dr. Love says simply having a recovery space

“Universities are supposed to be about dialogue, and having this is a great opportunity for dialogue,” Dr. Love says. “Bringing this whole notion of addiction out of the shadows and increasing understanding, I think will be a good byproduct of this.”

on a college campus could help change perceptions about recovery and remove the stigma surrounding addiction.

Of cials at the University of Minnesota – Rochester will also be opening a new recovery LLC for the fall 2016 semester. Of cials say it’s necessary to provide recovering students with the tools they need to succeed academically and in their personal lives. “Historically, students who are in recovery really struggle to come back to campus without that [supportive housing] program,” says Kris Barry, the school’s health and wellness advocate. The LLC will house six to 10 students and feature evidence-based recovery programming. Of cials say the LLC speaks to the school’s mission as a health-focused university. But more than that, they say they hope to foster a culture of personal growth among all students, particularly those in recovery. “I see them as being leaders here on campus and then taking that and changing the dialogue about addiction,” Barry says. “We know that the traditional college experience can be hostile to the goals of anyone in recovery, and we want to support them as much as possible.”

Boyd Austin says student communities centered on recovery provide a welcome relief for students to explore their university in a supportive and positive way. “It o ers a space, it o ers a culture, it o ers a community of people who are engaging in college in the same way,” Boyd Austin says.

Experts say universities are increasingly adding recovery programs focused on creating a community among students, but ones incorporating housing are still few and far between. “This started about 30 years ago, but it has really taken off in the last 10 years,” says Amy Boyd Austin, president-elect of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.

Unity Point Health CONTACT US TODAY! unitypoint.org 309.672.5522 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue Peoria, IL 61636

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Marijuana users are five times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder, according to a new study

When it rains it pours. The old idiom may be familiar to many drug users who often find themselves battling more than one addiction. While previous research has shown multiple substance abuse disorders often go hand in hand, a new study suggests simply using marijuana can lead to a much higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

Finding the Link Researchers at Columbia University analyzed data from 27,461 people who had used marijuana at the time of first testing, but had no history of alcohol related disorders. When researchers checked back three years later, they found marijuana users were five times more likely to have developed an alcohol abuse disorder.

Researchers said they were surprised the link wasn’t between marijuana use disorder, but simply marijuana use itself. “I think it’s important for people to be aware that there are certain behaviors that come with specific risks,” says Dr. Renee Goodwin, one of the lead researchers. “It would be particularly useful for youth.” Because youth are at a higher risk of experimenting with both drugs and alcohol, researchers said educating them about the total scope of risk is not only important, but could help curb problematic behaviors. “Preventing or delaying the onset of marijuana use could prevent or delay the onset of alcohol use disorder,” Dr. Goodwin says. “Statistically it should.”

“I think it’s important for people to be aware that there are certain behaviors that come with specific risks.” -Dr. Renee Goodwin

“Preventing or delaying the onset of marijuana use could prevent or delay the onset of alcohol use disorder.” -Dr. Renee Goodwin

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Uses In Treatment For those already struggling with marijuana or alcohol use disorders, researchers said the knowledge that the two behaviors are linked could help people see the bigger picture of their addiction, and could prove useful in their journey toward recovery. “In some ways it may seem self- evident, but it may not be,” Dr. Goodwin says. “If you’re trying to quit drinking, it’s good to know that quitting marijuana could increase your chance of being successful.”

Zero relationship to mood and anxiety disorders As marijuana use has increased in the U.S., with some states even voting for legalization, some have wondered what the psychological cost will be to users. To investigate the question further, other researchers at Columbia University also conducted a recent study to determine if a link exists between increased marijuana use and psychiatric disorders. Although the results, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, mimicked previous research in showing a strong relationship between marijuana use and other substance abuse disorders, the findings in regards to psychiatric disorders were much different. The study showed no relationship between marijuana use and increased instances of mood and anxiety disorders, only substance abuse disorders. But despite the lack of a connection, researchers still cautioned against public policy that could lead to increased marijuana use. “The lack of association between more frequent cannabis use with increased risk of most mood and anxiety disorders does not diminish the important public health significance of the association between cannabis use and increased prevalence and incidence of drug and alcohol use disorders,” the authors wrote. 

Unity Point Health CONTACT US TODAY! unitypoint.org 309.672.5522 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue Peoria, IL 61636

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