American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: Bitter sensing protects Drosophila from developing experience-dependent cocaine consumption preference

Lead: Bitter sensing protects Drosophila from developing experience-dependent cocaine consumption preference

Tuesday 10th June 2025

Explore how bitter-sensing neurons in fruit flies might unlock new treatments for cocaine use disorder.
7 minutes
Informative
Educational
Engaging
Supportive
Eye-opening

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Bitter-Sensing Neurons & Addiction: A Fruit Fly's Role in Cocaine Research

Episode Overview

  • Bitter-sensing neurons in fruit flies may prevent cocaine addiction.
  • Aerobic exercise reduces methamphetamine cravings and improves decision-making.
  • Cannabis use is prevalent among older adults, particularly veterans.
  • E-cigarettes may aid smoking reduction but need behavioural support.
  • Naltrexone's pharmacokinetics in pregnancy suggest dosing adjustments.
Bitter-sensing neurons prevent cocaine self-administration in Drosophila, offering a new model for studying genetic roots of addiction.
This episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' from ASAM is a whirlwind tour through the latest research and findings in the field of addiction medicine. From the curious case of Drosophila's bitter-sensing neurons, which might hold the key to understanding cocaine use disorder, to the potential benefits of aerobic exercise for methamphetamine cravings, this episode packs a punch.
You'll be fascinated by how bitter-sensing neurons in fruit flies can actually prevent them from developing a preference for cocaine, offering a new model to study the genetic roots of cocaine use disorder. The episode also dives into the effects of aerobic exercise on decision-making in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder, showcasing how a simple workout might just reduce cravings and risky decisions.
Cannabis use among older adults is another hot topic, revealing surprising statistics about usage and related disorders in veterans. The conversation shifts to e-cigarettes and their impact on people with serious mental illness, exploring how they might reduce smoking rates but require additional support for lasting change. A study on buprenorphine administration for hospitalised patients with opioid use disorder raises important questions about treatment preferences during infections.
The pharmacokinetics of naltrexone in pregnant and lactating individuals provides crucial insights into its safety and efficacy, while an intriguing study on music preferences in drug users highlights the complex interplay between dopamine levels and musical enjoyment. Lastly, adolescent e-cigarette and cigarette use patterns are dissected, emphasising the role of social media and peer influence.
If you're curious about how science is tackling addiction from multiple angles, this episode is your gateway to understanding the fascinating intersection of genetics, behaviour, and treatment strategies. So why not tune in and discover how these insights could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches?
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