Articles tagged with Addiction
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
A major scientific review suggests that e-cigarettes may be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, with benefits including reduced harm to users and bystanders. The review's findings support regulating e-cigarettes proportionally to conventional cigarettes, rather than strictly.
Researchers found a significant increase in hospital admissions among young Ontarians during their 19th birthday week, with spikes also observed at other ages. Birthday-related drinking was associated with upsurges in hospital admissions, particularly for alcohol-related events.
The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that over one-third of licensed drivers in grades 10 to 12 reported texting while driving, with 46% of grade 12 students admitting to this behavior. The survey also revealed alarming trends in risk behaviors, physical health, mental health, and home life among Ontario students.
A study of e-cigarette use in Europe found that over 29 million adults have tried the products, with current smokers and would-be quitters more likely to use them. The analysis highlights the need for evaluating the long-term health impact of e-cigarettes and their role in smoking cessation.
Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered a causal link between brain activity in the ventral tegmental area and choice behavior in primates. By stimulating this area with electrical pulses, macaques were able to change their preference for images, highlighting the importance of dopamine in regulating learning and reinforcement.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless clients in Toronto are nearly nine times more likely to have a history of problem or pathological gambling than the general population. This highlights the need for screening and holistic treatment approaches for this vulnerable group.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study methamphetamine users and non-users. Methamphetamine users displayed reduced sensitivity to risk in one brain region and increased sensitivity in another. These findings suggest circuit-level abnormalities contribute to impaired decision-making.
A high school student's project found significant increases in nicotine on surfaces after vaping, even if the user wasn't exposed to the e-cigarette. The study also explored cognitive control in multitaskers and identified potential medications for various diseases.
Two new genes, FBXO31 and METTL23, have been identified as contributors to intellectual disability. The studies provide insights into the genetic factors underlying this complex condition.
A collaborative effort has created a standardized nomenclature for the architecture of insect brains, tripling the number of identified structures. This will enable future research on brain function and disease to be more efficient and accurate.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University finds that people with strong religious beliefs perceive a higher risk of addiction to online pornography, even if they only view it once. The researchers suggest that therapists can help individuals understand their driving motivations and enjoy their faith.
There is limited evidence to support the existence of pornography 'addiction', with most studies lacking methodological rigor and failing to find negative side effects. Instead, viewing sexual images can have positive benefits such as improving attitudes towards sexuality and increasing pleasure in relationships.
A new study reveals alcohol consumption is a necessary cause of nearly 80,000 deaths per year in the Americas, primarily due to liver disease. The risk varies by country and age group, with men accounting for 84% of all deaths.
Dr. Kushner earned the award for his study on hybrid cognitive behavioral therapy versus relaxation training for co-occurring anxiety and alcohol disorder, which showed significant better alcohol outcomes four months after treatment.
A study in The Journal of General Physiology reveals how nicotine up-regulates nAChRs through COPI-coated vesicles, playing a major role in nicotine addiction. This finding may also contribute to the decreased susceptibility of smokers to Parkinson's disease.
A study of over 10,000 people found that seeing a specialist increased quit rates by three times compared to self-trying. Buying nicotine patches or gum did not improve success rates.
A new study from Carnegie Institution researchers used zebrafish to understand the circuitry underlying nicotine addiction. The research confirmed that a specific neural pathway in fish brains responds similarly to nicotine as it does in human brains.
Researchers at UH have discovered that a specific protein inhibits gamma lobe neurons, which are involved in forming memories. This finding has implications for treating dementia by understanding how memories form.
A recent study found that cannabis use among adolescents is stable or increasing in developing countries, unlike richer nations where it's declining. The research suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in shaping cannabis use patterns among young people.
A recent study found that people who engage in health-specific social networking sites are more likely to quit smoking and maintain abstinence. The study suggests that increased social connectedness on these sites leads to a stronger sense of community, trust, and self-efficacy, ultimately aiding smokers in quitting
A majority of underage students in Ontario who smoke or drink obtain their substances from friends or family members. The survey found that males are more likely to buy cigarettes from corner stores than females, while females are more likely to receive alcohol from a friend or family member.
Research links male violence with drinking in public places and female violence with quiet evenings at home. The study suggests that certain drinking contexts can trigger partner aggression.
The City College of New York has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to train researchers in addiction studies. The TRACC program aims to increase diversity among scientists and provide intensive training in interdisciplinary research skills.
A new report by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that two in five youth receiving services experience significant concurrent mental health and substance use problems. The study also showed that increased collaboration between service providers can enhance services for youth.
A new study highlights the need for more social responsibility by online gaming industry regarding over-addictive use. Researchers found that warning messages on loading screens are insufficient and game developers must adopt strategies to promote responsible gameplay and provide gamers with tools to control their behavior.
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers identifies specific behaviors that lead to compulsive buying, including poor credit management and emotional purchases. The study found that shopaholics are more likely to buy things to boost their mood or improve their life.
The NIH has launched three new projects to develop therapeutics for Fragile X syndrome, nicotine addiction, and age-related macular degeneration. Researchers aim to create novel treatments using cutting-edge science to address debilitating disorders.
A Duke University study found that a compound called neuroprotectin D1 can relieve neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries. The derivative of DHA, a main ingredient of fish oil supplements, inhibits the production of cytokines and chemokines, protecting nerve cells from further damage.
Researchers identified large rare changes in chromosome structure associated with schizophrenia, similar to those found in autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest a potential role for clinical DNA testing in understanding the complex disease.
A recent brain imaging study by Boston Children's Hospital suggests that consuming highly processed carbohydrates can stimulate the brain's reward and craving centers, leading to excessive hunger. Limiting high-glycemic index foods may help obese individuals control their appetite.
More than half of WHO FCTC signatory countries lack tobacco quit plans, with only 44% having treatment guidelines. Tobacco dependence treatment is a cost-effective way to save lives, according to expert comments.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released a summary report highlighting the need for improved policies to address drinking behaviours in Ontario. The report recommends 10 policy improvements to decrease alcohol-related harms and costs in the province.
A new study finds that women who experienced childhood abuse are more likely to have a food addiction, with eight percent meeting the criteria for food addiction. Women who experienced both physical and sexual abuse in childhood had an even higher likelihood of developing food addiction.
A high school student's project found that excessive screen time shapes sleep patterns, compromising academic success and emotional health. The study also linked fetal alcohol exposure to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.
A new program, co-led by St. Michael's Hospital, has shown promise in reducing service use and substance abuse among frequent healthcare users with severe addictions. The Toronto Community Addiction Team provides one-on-one intensive case management, resulting in a statistically significant decrease in service use, alcohol, and drug use.
Researchers found that theta brainwave activity in the prefrontal cortex is related to overcoming ingrained biases. The study used a custom-designed computer game to measure subjects' ability to repress Pavlovian biases, with those who performed better showing higher theta activity.
A UCLA-led study found that teen girls are more likely to continue using methamphetamine during treatment, suggesting a need for new approaches. The study suggests that gender differences in addiction may begin in adolescence.