This article explores the processes through which dependence on opiates affects parenting capacity and family processes. The findings are based on in-depth interviews with 100 parents (50 drug-using [opiate dependent] and 50 non-drug using) living in Dublin. Qualitative analyses of semi-structured interviews suggest that opiate dependence has a specific impact on parenting processes and particu...

Background

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the relative efficacy of three buprenorphine dosing schedules. Opioid-dependent adults were randomly assigned to receive buprenorphine seven, 3 or 2 days per week for 24 weeks. Daily maintenance doses were 4, 8, 10, or 12 mg of the sublingual buprenorphine solution. Participants who attended the clinic daily received a maintenance dose of buprenorphine d...

Down-regulation of opiate receptors is demonstrated more easily in vitro than in vivo. The possible role of endogenous opiate-modulating peptides in preventing such down-regulation was investigated by addition of Tyr-W-MIF-1 to an in vitro preparation, the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, in which down-regulation of opiate receptors has been demonstrated previously. Although both morphine...

INTRODUCTION Research suggests that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) effectively reduces opiate dependence and related health and social problems. However, few studies have examined its effectiveness among the elderly. This study examined a monthly MMT regime for elderly opium addicts attending the National Addictions Management Service, Singapore. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study used a...

This study shows that nucleotides, as well as ions, regulate the opiate receptors of brain. GMP-P(NH)P and Na(+) reduce the amount of steady-state specific [(3)H]dihydromorphine binding and increase the rate of dissociation of the ligand from the opiate receptor. In contrast, Mn(2+) decreases the rate of ligand dissociation and antagonizes the ability of Na(+) to increase dissociation. The effe...

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. In recent years it has been hypothesized that opiate use could be a risk factor for cancer. This study aimed to evaluate a possible association between opiate use and common cancers using ecological statistics from around the world.Methods: To investigate the association we used ordinary linear regression mode...