New research 857: Drug abuse and addiction in CH?
New research 857: Drug abuse and addiction in CH?
Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2014 May;18(5):413. doi: 10.1007/s11916-014-0413-8.
Licit and illicit drug use in cluster headache.
Govare A1, Leroux E.
Author information 1Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
Abstract
Cluster headache patients seem to use more licit and illicit substances than the general population. The epidemiologic data supporting this is growing. We included the licit drugs in this review because their use seems to be driven by the same addiction mechanisms leading to illicit drug abuse. Some drugs may be used in an attempt to treat cluster headache, especially cocaine and hallucinogens. Drug exposure may also play a role in CH pathophysiology, as suggested by interesting data on tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure. A common factor may contribute both to CH and drug use predisposition. Genetic factors may be at play, and the dopaminergic and orexinergic pathways could be targeted for future studies.
ATB
P.
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We use a helluva lot of drugs, because we get a helluva lot of pain FGS! We're not all addicts, just desperate to get rid of the pain.
Val.
Ok officer it's a fair cop, yeah I am a sumatriptan addict....