Articles tagged with Addiction
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Teenagers who play video games for more than four hours a day suffer from symptoms of depression, but frequent use of social media and instant messaging may mitigate symptoms of game addiction. Strong friendships appear to be a key factor in balancing out the negative effects of gaming.
Public health experts call for strengthened regulations to address the issue of extensive alcohol marketing targeting youth. Key findings include associations between exposure to alcohol marketing and increased youth drinking, as well as ineffective self-regulatory codes.
Researchers discovered that immigrant populations have altered brain chemistry, specifically higher levels of dopamine, which can increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests that social stress is a key factor contributing to this increased risk, and targeted interventions may help mitigate it.
A new model developed by researchers at Binghamton University uses cognitive dissonance to help individuals recognize their online addiction and reduce its effects. Increasing users' awareness of the consequences of their behavior can create discomfort, motivating them to exert self-control.
A widely publicized initiative has placed over 95% of individuals with substance-use disorders into detoxification or treatment programs. The Gloucester Police Department's Angel Program has filled a needed gap in accessing substance-use treatment services, with 376 people seeking help in the first year.
A study by Stacey Sigmon found that an Interim Buprenorphine Treatment regimen significantly reduced illicit opioid use and psychological symptoms in waitlisted adults. The treatment involved daily monitoring calls and bi-weekly clinic visits, resulting in excellent adherence rates.
A new Oxford University study found that internet gaming is not as addictive as gambling, with only 2-3% of gamers reporting symptoms of internet gaming disorder. The study suggests that while gamers may experience negative effects, they are not as severe as those experienced by gamblers.
A national survey of state mental health directors reveals poorly organized state agency structures, workforce shortages, limited accessibility, and stigma concerns are hindering improvements in children's mental health care. The survey highlights the need for increased public awareness and understanding to increase access to services.
A new Canadian study found that increasing psychiatrists in Ontario did not significantly improve access to psychiatric care. Despite a 17% increase in practicing psychiatrists, demand for services continued to outpace supply.
Syracuse University researchers Joseph Ditre and Stephen Maisto are exploring the links between chronic pain and alcohol consumption, examining how one affects the other. They will study 280 individuals with moderate to heavy drinking habits, using new technologies to better understand pain mechanisms.
A new review suggests that reducing the alcohol content of beer or other drinks could lower blood alcohol levels in drinkers, leading to fewer injuries and chronic diseases. The researchers found no evidence that drinkers can distinguish between beers of different strengths, making weaker beer a viable alternative.
A recent survey by CAMH found that 328,000 Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress, with girls twice as likely to experience it. The survey also highlighted concerns around screen time, social media use, and problem gaming, which are contributing to the rising levels of distress.
A new review of epidemiological evidence reveals a causal link between alcohol and cancer at seven sites: oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and female breast. The strongest evidence comes from meta-analyses and dose-response relationships.
A strong majority of Ontarians support government-controlled options for producing and selling cannabis, with nearly two-thirds backing sales in government-regulated outlets. The survey also found growing support for liberalizing recreational cannabis use, with over half supporting legalization.
Leading tobacco researchers call for UK government to stop subsidizing films with smoking imagery and increase funding for anti-smoking media campaigns. The current system has led to a significant drop in spending on such campaigns, while providing £473 million in tax breaks to top-grossing films featuring tobacco imagery.
A new study in Australia finds that drinking patterns among younger generations are leading to a decline in overall alcohol consumption. The research shows that Australians born in the 1990s are significantly less likely to drink than previous generations.
Studies find individuals with ADHD or obesity prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger future rewards, leading to potential new treatments for these conditions. The research suggests a connection between the inability to delay gratification and addictive disorders.
Research from University of Kent suggests smartphone addiction causes people to view phubbing as normal behavior, due to experiencing or being ignored in social situations. Factors such as internet addiction, FOMO, and lack of self-control also contribute to this phenomenon.
A longitudinal research project found a link between digital addiction and school burnout in Finnish adolescents, with excessive internet use contributing to school burnout and potentially leading to depression. The study suggests that promoting school engagement and motivation can prevent these issues.
The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act has been criticized by experts due to its broad definition of psychoactivity and lack of a clear way to establish it. The Act's blanket prohibition on new substances may not be feasible or effective in reducing harm, as judges lack evidence on specific drug harms, making sentencing challenges.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research demonstrates that nicotine suppresses body weight gain in rats independent of food intake. The study suggests a potential link between nicotine exposure and weight regulation, offering insights into the development of obesity pharmacotherapies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a link between videogame addiction and health issues such as sleep deprivation, obesity and elevated blood pressure in children and teens. The research suggests that excessive gaming can lead to negative impacts on physical and mental health.
A University of Liverpool study found that people who believed they were food addicts ate fewer calories and spent less time tasting unhealthy foods. This perception reduced their concern about eating behavior, leading to decreased consumption.
Researchers urge regulators to balance e-cigarette regulations with evidence of benefits in helping smokers quit, while avoiding harm to non-smokers. The study proposes a framework for maximizing population health and encourages innovation in the vaping industry.
A study of over 20,000 participants found that videogame addiction is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression. Younger, single men are particularly at risk, using gaming as an escape from unpleasant feelings and restless bodies.
Caltech researchers have mapped out a circuit of neurons that control motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used two laboratory techniques to identify the pathways of cholinergic neurons in the brainstem, revealing their role in both locomotion and reward-based behaviors.
Research reveals smoking addiction in schizophrenia is associated with higher neuronal activation of the ventro-medial prefrontal cortex, leading to low smoking cessation rates and increased health risks.
A study found that only 37 countries provide low-risk drinking guidelines, with inconsistent standards and varying definitions of a standard drink. The size of a standard drink varies by 250%, from 8g in Iceland to 20g in Austria.
A new study found that low-risk drinking guidelines differ significantly across countries, reflecting varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Different countries assign distinct daily or weekly limits for men and women, leading to confusion among researchers and the public.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that nearly 10% of Canadian teens gamble online, while 42% report gambling in any form. The study highlights concerns about problem gambling among youth who engage in both online and offline activities.
A new study evaluates a method for measuring nicotine delivery from e-cigarettes and finds that later-generation e-cigarettes with 'atomizers' deliver nicotine more consistently than earlier ones. The consistency of nicotine delivery from these atomizers is comparable to nicotine inhalers and tobacco cigarettes.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals that policy changes in three countries led to significant declines or gains in life expectancy. The research found that effective substance use policies can reverse declining trends, while failed policies can lead to abrupt and drastic drops in life expectancy.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that the smell of alcohol can reduce a person's ability to inhibit their behavior, particularly when it comes to pressing buttons. The researchers, led by Dr. Rebecca Monk, used a computer-based experiment to test this hypothesis and found significant evidence supporting their claim.
A major review reveals that nearly half (43%) of pregnant women who successfully quit smoking during pregnancy relapse within six months of childbirth. The study highlights the urgent need for effective post-pregnancy support to help mothers overcome nicotine addiction and reduce the economic burden of smoking-related health issues.
Researchers estimate that e-cigarettes helped 16K-22K long-term quitters in England in 2014. The use of e-cigarettes increased the chances of success by around 50% compared to traditional nicotine products.
According to a review in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, new marijuana laws have led to an increase in marijuana use among adults but not teens, with some evidence of harmful effects. The potency of marijuana is also increasing, leading to more drivers testing positive for it.
A study found a significant increase in mental health-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and office-based services among children and youth in Ontario, Canada. Anxiety disorders were the most common reason for these visits, accounting for 47% of the total increase.
A randomized clinical trial found that mailing free nicotine patches to smokers without behavioral support can lead to higher quit rates compared to no intervention. Approximately 8% of participants who received patches reported being abstinent for the past 30 days.
Researchers identified 428 disease conditions that co-occur with FASD, including severe cases of hearing loss and impaired vision. The study underscores the importance of eliminating alcohol consumption during pregnancy to prevent these disabilities.
A new study by CAMH and ICES found that heavy users of mental health care account for 88% of total costs, with psychiatric hospitalizations and visits to doctors making up the majority. The average cost of healthcare used by these individuals is 30% higher than others.
Researchers found that psychological interventions targeting sensation seeking and reward sensitivity can delay first-time cannabis use in teens. The study suggests these interventions may help reduce cannabis use, particularly among youth who perceive it as low risk.
Researchers used designer neural receptors to suppress cravings in rats by activating a specific brain region. The study's findings may help scientists develop new treatments for addiction and overeating by stripping away value from reward-paired cues.
A study by CAMH found that 52.8% of workers with significant depressive symptoms did not recognize a need for help, leading to a 33% decrease in work productivity if this barrier is removed. Employers can target these barriers to increase the use of mental health services among workers.
A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.
Researchers discovered that a small population of neurons in the brain's reward centre can respond with both yes and no, regulating reward behaviour. Shutting down one language increases mice's predilection for cocaine, while humans with mutation of a key gene are 10 times more vulnerable to severe addiction
The study found that children's exposure to second-hand smoke has declined by approximately 80% since 1998. Over two-thirds of all children now have undetectable levels of cotinine in their saliva, a nicotine derivative.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that targeted interventions can prevent, reduce, or delay cannabis use amongst high-risk youth. The study showed a significant reduction in cannabis use rates among sensation-seekers, with a 75% decrease six months post-intervention.
A new study in Addiction journal challenges previous reports on aldehyde content of third generation e-cigarettes. It found that only under 'dry puff' conditions can e-cigarettes produce high levels of aldehydes, which vapers avoid due to unpleasant sensory effects.
A longitudinal study found that chronic gamblers are more likely to experience depressive problems, with 73% of those with significant gambling issues also suffering from depression. Early prevention programs targeting impulsive individuals and poor relationships with friends may help prevent these issues.
A new study found that immigrants from the Caribbean, Bermuda, East Africa, and South Asia are at a higher risk of psychotic disorders, with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk compared to the general population. In contrast, immigrants from Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and East Asia had about half the risk.
A new study published in Addiction found that individuals tend to consume more alcohol when surrounded by friends, especially among young adult males. The research used internet-based questionnaires to survey nearly 200 drinkers in Switzerland, finding a positive correlation between social group size and drinking frequency.
Researchers found that rhesus macaques were willing to give up a significant portion of a potential prize to quickly find out if they selected the winning option in a game of chance. The study suggests that the brain's Orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing curiosity and evaluating rewards.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that individuals with low self-regulation are more likely to binge-watch TV as a coping mechanism for negative emotions. The study also revealed that those who lack self-control are unable to stop clicking 'Next' even when aware of other tasks.
A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a more effective nicotine vaccine by targeting only the left-handed version of nicotine, eliciting four times as many antibodies. The new vaccine has shown promise in animal studies and could lead to treatments for smoking addiction.
Women with PTSD experienced higher rates of food addiction due to earlier symptom onset and more severe trauma experiences, suggesting a potential link between PTSD and obesity-related issues.
A first-of-its-kind study on nicotine addiction found that nicotine withdrawal similarly reduced reward responsiveness in human smokers and nicotine-treated rats, particularly those with a history of depression. The study's findings have implications for developing new treatments to aid smokers in quitting.
A recent WHO-commissioned review of evidence on e-cigarettes contains important errors and misinterpretations that may put policy-makers and the public in danger. The authors argue that e-cigarettes are much safer than cigarettes and could have significant public health benefits if regulated correctly.
Women college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cellphones, while men spend nearly eight. The study identifies 11 cellphone activities associated with addiction, including texting, emailing, and social media use. Excessive phone use poses risks for academic performance, relationships, and mental well-being.
A recent study from the University of Waterloo monitored smokers switching to cigarettes with reduced nicotine levels, finding no change in puffing behavior or toxic chemical exposure. This suggests that reducing nicotine levels may not lead to an increase in cigarette consumption or nicotine intake.