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Synthetic cathinones like MDPV emerged as drugs of abuse in the early 2010s, gaining notoriety for their powerful stimulant effects and association with bizarre intoxication and death. Despite legislation banning MDPV and its analogs, these substances continue…
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Cocaine abuse leads to dysfunction of brain dopamine systems and the development of addiction. New research identifies changes in the dopamine transporter as a driving force underlying cocaine addiction, and points to a novel way to reverse these detrimental e…
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Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amph…
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New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep de…
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A series of studies suggest that repeated low doses of d-amphetamine can lead to a progressively greater behavioral response in some people. This phenomenon, known as “behavioral sensitization,” has been observed in animal models and hypothesized to contribute…
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Big picture: Psychoplastogens are a groundbreaking new class of psychoactive compounds that rapidly induce structural and functional changes in the brain, allowing pathological neural circuits to be rewired for therapeutic benefit. Key facts about psychoplasto…
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Amphetamine is well known for its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain. But new research suggests the psychostimulant drug may also directly alter dopamine 2 receptors, with implications for behavioral effects and physiological changes seen after c…
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Wastewater from pharmaceutical plants and research facilities may contain concerning levels of toxic chemicals and drugs. As this water is often reused for irrigation or finds its way into drinking water, it poses significant public health risks that urgently…
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Kava is an ancient ceremonial drink from the Pacific Islands that’s gaining popularity worldwide for its ability to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and protect brain health. Key facts about kava: Kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant and has b…
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Kratom is a plant gaining popularity as an alternative painkiller and recreational drug. But how much do we really know about its risks and benefits? About Kratom: Kratom is a tropical tree in the coffee family, native to Southeast Asia. People ingest its leav…
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