Articles tagged with Addiction
A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that adolescent amphetamine use can cause neurobiological imbalances and increase risk-taking behavior, effects that persist into adulthood. The study used animal models and found abnormalities in key neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that social networking on Facebook can be beneficial for teens' psychological development. The study discovered a positive correlation between Internet use and self-understanding, ego development, and clarity of self-perception.
Researchers found smartphone users engage in 'checking habits' throughout waking hours, triggered by contexts like reading email or browsing social media. These habits can be difficult to change due to their automatic nature.
Researchers found that smokers' amygdala activity decreases after abstinence, reducing their fear response to scary images. This could be due to nicotine's role in maintaining normal function.
A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.
Researchers discovered that people tend to gamble on double-or-nothing wins when relying on past experiences, whereas they avoid risky choices for losses. This finding suggests a reversal in decision-making strategies based on abstract possibilities versus memory of past outcomes.
Research by Dr. Inés Ibañez-Tallon and her team at MDC Berlin-Buch reveals that the midbrain habenula region plays a key role in nicotine dependence. The study found that only a balanced activity of two genes can rein in nicotine use.
Researchers at CAMH have identified a new gene associated with Joubert syndrome, a type of intellectual disability affecting brain functioning and leading to symptoms like kidney and eye problems. The TCTN2 gene defect is linked to this condition, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 children.
A new study found that using fake cigarettes can significantly boost a smoker's chances of quitting. The research analyzed the effectiveness of nicotine-free inhalers in helping people overcome their addictive behavior and ritual of smoking.
Researchers suggest dependent individuals may exhibit proactive behavior to impress authority figures and maintain relationships. This new perspective offers a shift in how therapists treat dependent patients, focusing on turning unhealthy dependency into healthy one.
A new study published in The American Journal on Addictions reveals that Veterans who suffer from mental health disorders also have high rates of substance use disorders. Rates of substance use disorders among those with mental illness range from 21-35%, with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia showing the highest rates.
A new study found that genetic variants in dopamine-related genes increased the risk of smoking initiation in adolescents, while variants in nicotinic cholinergic receptors influenced persistence in adulthood. These findings could lead to genetic testing and targeted drugs for nicotine dependence.
Researchers at Wayne State University identified three potential subtypes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, behaviorally conditioned, and antisocial impulsive. However, their study found that subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes, with all groups showing similar recovery patterns despite varying levels of addiction severity.
The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.
Warren K. Bickel's research focuses on the brain processes that support dysfunctional decision-making, including addiction. His work has demonstrated a novel therapeutic approach to changing the preference for immediate rewards over future health benefits.
A comprehensive public health approach is needed to address Canada's significant alcohol burden, with population-level policies and targeted interventions recommended. Estimated direct healthcare costs of alcohol in 2002 were $3.3 billion, with per capita sales rising 13% since 1996.
Researchers recommend six key points for alternative-to-dismissal strategies to protect patient safety and encourage treatment. ATD programmes provide non-judgemental support and treatment that enables nurses to seek help and improve their chances of staying in the profession.
A workplace's key employees may be at greatest risk of experiencing high levels of work stress. Workers who feel responsible for poor job performance or think it could negatively affect others are twice as likely to report high stress.
A two-year longitudinal study of Singapore youths found approximately 9% of gamers to be pathological players, associated with depression, anxiety, and social phobias. The study concludes that video game addiction is a serious behavioral problem separate from other afflictions.
Researchers at Scripps Research and the University of Pennsylvania have received an $8.2 million grant to develop novel compounds that could become drug candidates for treating tobacco addiction. The project focuses on enhancing nicotinic receptors in the brain to reduce nicotine's positive impact on reward centers.
The journal aims to strike a balance between brevity and detail in its new key findings page, which highlights the most significant scientific discoveries published each month. The service provides bite-sized chunks of information on article titles and abstracts, allowing users to scan for new research findings.
Researchers at MU found that celebrity health stories can have a positive impact on consumers, with readers considering context and weighing moral implications before judging a behavior. The study suggests that experienced consumers are more likely to respond strongly to health messages from celebrities.
New research from CAMH and SickKids reveals that males with specific alterations of DNA on their X-chromosome are at high risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study found mutations in the PTCHD1 gene, which may disrupt brain development and contribute to autism.
A 2008 study in Newcastle, Australia found that restricting pub closing times reduced assault rates by 37%. The study compared CBD and suburban areas and found no displacement effect.
A study by CAMH found that mental health leave costs employers nearly twice as much as physical illness leaves, with an average cost of $18,000 per employee. Implementing workplace interventions and support programs can help reduce disability costs and promote a healthy workforce.
A study predicts that privatizing Sweden's government monopoly on alcohol sales will increase total consumption by 17-37%, leading to more deaths, assaults, and drunk driving offences. The changes may also reduce state revenue.
A recent study found that walking flat-footed after wearing high heels causes discomfort due to shortened muscle fibers and stiffened tendons. High heel wearers' calf muscles remained the same size as those of flat shoe wearers, but their tendons became thicker and stiffer to compensate for the shortened fibers.
A study found that individuals with a tendency to suppress anger are more likely to exhibit violent behavior when intoxicated. Researchers analyzed self-reported data from over 3,000 young people in Norway and discovered a significant association between suppressed anger and increased violence.
A recent study found that lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) result in compulsive sexual behavior in rats, highlighting a potential role for mPFC dysfunction in regulating behavioral inhibition. The research suggests that intact mPFC function is not required for normal expression of sexual behavior.
Researchers at Michigan State University are testing a new NicVAX vaccine to help people quit smoking and avoid relapses. The vaccine works by preventing nicotine from crossing the blood-brain barrier, blocking the addictive pleasure sensation experienced by smokers.
A study published in the journal Addiction found that smoking cessation treatment is as effective among people with severe mental illnesses as it is for the general population. The treatment did not cause deterioration in mental health, and instead improved physical health, reducing mortality rates by three times.
Researchers from CAS develop novel tea filter to treat cigarette addiction, identifying theanine as key ingredient inhibiting nicotine addiction. The treatment shows promise in reducing smoking consumption and symptoms, with no apparent side effects.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that postpartum blues are associated with elevated brain monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels in healthy women. Higher MAO-A levels can lead to feelings of sadness as it accelerates the removal of chemicals like serotonin, contributing to depression.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescent smokers who do not smoke daily still recognize early symptoms of nicotine dependence, such as irritability and desire to smoke. The study, which surveyed over 370 adolescent smokers, shows a correlation between nondaily tobacco use and increased smoking frequency.
A recent study suggests that indoor tanning facilities may be associated with addiction-like behavior, including anxiety symptoms and increased substance use. The research found that individuals who frequently tan indoors were more likely to meet criteria for tanning addiction and report symptoms of anxiety.
Nicotine takes much longer to reach peak brain levels in smokers, contradicting traditional puff-by-puff spikes, and may depend on overall rate of accumulation, habit, and sensory cues. Smokers who eventually experience high nicotine levels without becoming addicted still lack clear explanations for their non-addictive status.
The study found that children's exposure to secondhand smoke decreased by 59% from 1996 to 2006, with the largest decline occurring between 2005 and 2006. Reductions in secondhand smoke exposure can be achieved through parental and carer smoking cessation and household smoke-free policies.
Researchers found dopamine agonists trigger increased learning from beneficial outcomes and greater prediction error in susceptible individuals, leading to choice bias towards gains. The study provides insight into the brain mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions in Parkinson's disease patients.
An online intervention platform, CheckYourDrinking.net, has been shown to reduce problem alcohol use by 30% in a Canadian study. The platform provides personalized feedback and motivation tools to help users change their drinking behaviors.
A recent study reveals that the drinks industry has significantly influenced national alcohol policy drafts in Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana, promoting economic benefits and self-regulation. The policies neglect crucial health concerns like HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and social deprivation.
A new study from Research Australia found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of behavioral issues in children, including anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors. The study suggests that both timing and intensity of alcohol exposure affect the type of behavior problems expressed.
A new meta-analysis shows that women who quit smoking and receive treatment for weight control are more successful at controlling their weight gain and quitting cigarettes. This finding disproves current clinical guidelines that recommend trying to diet while quitting smoking simultaneously.
Experts suggest replacing industry sponsorship with a dedicated tax modelled on tobacco to fund healthy community activities. They argue that current practices encourage unhealthy drinking among sportspeople and fans, citing a 2008 study's findings.
Research identifies a 12-step process where morally upstanding individuals become embroiled in white-collar criminality due to organizational culture and leadership behavior. Key findings include the role of personality, life circumstances, and passive participants in the descent into crime.
A study of 2,293 adolescents found that depression, ADHD, and social phobia predict Internet addiction, with sex differences in predictive factors. Hostility was a significant predictor for male adolescents, while social phobia was a key predictor for female adolescents.
A new study finds that abstainers are more likely to report symptoms of depression than moderate drinkers, with those labeling themselves as 'abstainers' at the highest risk. Other factors like age and social isolation may contribute to this increased risk.
A study found that college students who spent more time on Facebook were more likely to feel jealous towards their partners, triggering a vicious cycle of online behavior. This excessive Facebook usage can lead to negative influences on relationships and behavior, with some participants describing their use as addictive.
A study at a UK hospital found that smokers who break the rules are more addicted and less likely to believe in second-hand smoke protection. Researchers suggest screening staff for smoking behaviors and offering evidence-based workplace interventions to improve compliance and quit rates.
A new study by CAMH researchers found that 1 in 25 deaths worldwide are directly linked to alcohol consumption. The burden of alcohol-attributable disorders is highest among men and younger people.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that tobacco manufacturers altered cigarette ingredients and design without disclosing these changes to consumers. The study suggests that this lack of transparency contributes to the continued harm caused by tobacco products.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that gamers who play for more than seven hours a week experience poorer sleep hygiene and greater sleepiness. The research indicates that excessive gamers sleep significantly less on weekdays and have a positive correlation between game play time and sleepiness.
The NeuroFAST project will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying food intake and addiction, with a focus on the hypothalamus. The research team, led by Professor Suzanne Dickson at Sahlgrenska Academy, aims to create a comprehensive picture of obesity and its causes.
A Temple-led study found that a two-phased program combining body image group counseling sessions and nicotine patches was more effective in helping young women quit smoking and maintain weight loss. The program showed an 18% rate of smoking cessation, compared to 8% for the exercise-only group.
A national survey of 1,178 American youths aged 8-18 found nearly one in 10 to be pathological players, causing harm to their functioning. Pathological gamers exhibited symptoms such as excessive playing, poor grades, and health issues.
Research by CAMH and German researchers finds that drinking alcohol poses a significant risk of acetaldehyde-related cancer, even at low levels. The study's findings have sparked recommendations for reclassifying acetaldehyde as a carcinogen and reducing its content in alcoholic beverages.
A new study reveals that smoking habits are deeply intertwined with relationship dynamics, with couples experiencing increased positive emotions and synchrony when both partners smoke. This finding highlights the importance of considering social factors in health interventions.
Researchers found that increased temptation, such as sweets in a gym setting, can actually decrease desire for them. This counteractive self-control theory suggests the mind dampens desire to protect greater goals like good health. The study also applied this concept to other temptations like work and play.
A new study analyzing over 30 years of research finds that increasing alcohol taxes leads to a significant decrease in drinking rates, affecting both heavy and light drinkers. The study's meta-analysis of 112 studies suggests that tax hikes are an effective deterrent against excessive drinking.
A comprehensive study of nearly 150,000 people in six states found that substance abuse increases medical care costs for other health problems. The study suggests that targeting older adults with substance abuse disorders could lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
Two Canadian studies found that 20% of people with mental health issues also have substance use problems, with rates highest in BC and lowest in Quebec. Improved integration of mental health and addiction services is needed to address co-occurring disorders.