By Janice Wood
The chronic use of cocaine can lead to structural changes in the brain that make the user more susceptible to addiction. Researchers at the University of Buffalo and Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that chronic cocaine use reduces the expression of a protein known to regulate brain plasticity in mice, which drives structural changes in the brain, including creating greater sensitivity to the rewarding effects of the drug.

“We found that chronic cocaine exposure in mice led to a decrease in this protein’s signaling,” says David Dietz, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  » More

By Cindy Swirko, Staff writer, The Gainesville Sun
Published: Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 12:31 p.m.
Cocaine deaths were down, but oxycodone deaths were up in North Central Florida for the first half of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, according to data the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released Thursday. » More

By The Press Association | Nursing Times
Public health experts have issued a warning to drug users and medics after a patient was treated for methaemoglobinaemia - a potentially fatal condition which has been linked to the use of cocaine. The patient was treated in a Glasgow hospital for the rare and serious condition which affects the way oxygen is carried in the bloodstream. » More

Connecticut Post (http://www.ctpost.com)
A smoker for many years, my friend Ron found himself a bit cranky while going "cold turkey" and listening to a smoking cessation tape. As soothing male and female voices alternately directed the listener through what was supposed to be a positive guided visualization, I caught him grumbling back to the presenters, "Yeah, yeah that's easy for you to say. You're probably both sitting there smoking!" » More

Male Veterans More Prone to Substance Abuse -- Women serving in the U.S. military smoke, binge drink, and use illicit drugs less frequently than male servicemen, but are equally likely to abuse prescription drugs, HealthDay reported Nov. 11. » More

Drug Seeking Behavior in ER Doubles, Feeds Growing Addiction to Pain Pills -- Emergency rooms continue to become a major resource for pain medication addicts; By MIKAELA CONLEY, ABC News Medical Unit -- Oct. 28, 2010 » More