Articles tagged with Addiction
A new study finds that basic primary health care and education are crucial for women leaving provincial prisons, addressing trauma, addiction, and chronic diseases. Researchers suggest partnership programs between the health, education, and criminal justice ministries to improve outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University have pinpointed a single type of neuron, the fast-spiking interneuron (FSI), as the master controller of habitual behavior. Forming a habit makes FSI cells more excitable, and shutting them down with a drug breaks habits in sugar-seeking mice.
A nationwide US study found that over 40% of participants who claimed to have quit smoking failed an objective test for cotinine, a chemical measure of nicotine exposure. The study highlights the importance of verifying claims of quitting using objective measures in clinical trials.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that e-cigarette use among 8th and 9th graders is higher than national samples, closely linked to marijuana and tobacco use. The study tracked usage patterns from 8th grade through 9th grade, revealing high rates of addiction.
A family physician shares her experience with patient denial and anger towards opioid prescription limits, but finds healing through medication-assisted treatment training. She urges healthcare professionals to recognize opioid addiction and support one another in providing treatment.
A study reveals that childhood psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and depression, significantly increase the risk of developing addictions later in life. The research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for mental health problems.
The US has renewed funding for Brown University's addiction center, emphasizing efforts to address the growing opioid epidemic. The $3.8 million grant will support training programs for healthcare professionals and community-based organizations.
Research has shown that playing video games can change the brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills, making them more efficient. Additionally, studies have found evidence of increased brain activity in reward system regions associated with internet gaming disorder.
A Baylor University study finds that frequent prayer among older adults with a secure attachment to God improves their sense of well-being, while those with an average or weak attachment may experience mixed results. For those who perceive God as distant or untrustworthy, prayer is not associated with improved mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use is common among young adults with severe physical pain. Young men with high pain scores are at particularly high risk, while women who use benzodiazepines are also more likely to engage in frequent NMPO use.
New research confirms even mild brain injury can cause impulsivity problems in rats, with levels of inflammatory molecule interleukin-12 linked to impulsivity. The study found that impulsivity persisted eight weeks after injury, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and potential new treatment targets.
A Canadian survey reveals that street racers are five times more likely to have crashed their vehicle within a year. The study found that street racers are more likely to be single, young men who drive after using alcohol or marijuana. This correlation remains true even when adjusting for other variables such as age and driving distance.
A Dartmouth-led study refutes the theory that behavior under uncertainty is optimal, finding that synapses can self-adjust learning rates using metaplasticity. The brain adjusts learning according to the uncertainty about reward in a given environment.
Gambling addiction is characterized by excessive risk-taking despite negative results, according to Kyoto University research. The study found that addicts have a poor ability to assess and adapt to high-risk situations, leading to an unhealthy bent towards risky choices.
A study by Binghamton University found that excessive smartphone use leads to problems such as depression, social isolation and anxiety. Females were most likely to exhibit susceptibility to addiction, accounting for 7% of the 'addict' category.
Colleen LaBelle, director of Boston Medical Center's Office-Based Addiction Treatment program, has been awarded the 2017 Advocate State Award for Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. LaBelle's work on expanding access to substance use disorder treatment through her 'Massachusetts Model' has been instrumental i...
The prevalence of heroin use increased by 87% among white individuals from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013. Nonmedical prescription opioid use preceding heroin initiation also rose among white users only, highlighting a link between the two.
A study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that implementing a completely tobacco-free environment led to positive changes in attitudes and reduced patient agitation. The findings also showed no change in fire-related incidents.
A new UBC study reveals that gamblers who feel immersed in slot machines are more likely to have gambling problems. The research suggests that designing slots with eye-catching messages and disrupting the 'slot machine zone' state can promote more responsible play.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health estimates that nearly 10% of women drink alcohol during pregnancy worldwide, leading to an estimated 119,000 cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome annually. The study also found that nearly 15 people per 10,000 have FAS globally.
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 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 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 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.