Articles tagged with Addiction
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to stop smoking regular cigarettes. Between 2018 and 2021, 30.9% of e-cigarette users quit smoking combustible cigarettes, compared to 20% of non-e-cigarette users.
A recent US study has found that sports gamblers are disproportionately more likely to binge drink compared to non-gamblers. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 4,300 adults and discovered that sports bettors were 1.9 times more likely to consume excessive alcohol.
Researchers discovered a feedback loop involving estrogen that may explain why women become more dependent on nicotine. Estrogen-induced proteins called olfactomedins could be targeted with therapies to help control nicotine consumption.
A new study found that both starting smoking and lifetime smoking may increase abdominal fat, especially visceral fat. Visceral fat is hard to see but raises the risk of serious illness. Researchers used genetic studies to determine whether smoking causes an increase in abdominal fat.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
Flinders University researchers investigated the impact of different vaping prevention public health media campaigns among young South Australians. They found that explicit messaging and shock tactics worked better for non-vapers, while information challenging vaping myths resonated with existing vapers.
Almost a quarter of Australians with disabilities smoke, compared to 12.6% of the wider population. Targeted strategies are needed to address socioeconomic challenges, physical restrictions, and lack of trained professionals.
Researchers found that materialistic attitudes and passive social media use are associated with increased stress, addictive behavior, and decreased life satisfaction. This study suggests a downward spiral of materialism leading to negative mental health outcomes.
A new study found that e-cigarettes are more commonly used by pregnant smokers than nicotine patches, and regular use of nicotine products is not associated with adverse effects on mothers or babies. The study suggests that e-cigarettes can be a safe stop-smoking aid for pregnant women.
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
A new study found that cytisine significantly increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than two-fold compared to placebo. The study also suggests that cytisine may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in some cases, making it a promising solution for smokers worldwide.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.
Researchers flag potential concerns over the impact of social chatbots on neurodiverse people, citing risks of fostering bad habits and reinforcing dysfunctional habits. The technology may relieve social anxiety but can also develop into a form of dependency that negatively impacts actual relationships.
The American Heart Association offers a new individual certification for healthcare professionals in tobacco cessation, aiming to standardize training and improve patient outcomes. The certification is based on evidence-based therapies and will help reduce the nation's dependence on tobacco.
A new study by Columbia University researchers indicates that patients with expanded methadone access during the COVID pandemic are not more likely to overdose or drop out of care. The findings suggest that more flexible policies could help improve access to this life-saving treatment and close gaps in care.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
A new study found that individuals with gambling addiction are at an 89% higher risk of being on long-term sick leave for six years. Those with female gender, less education, and living in less densely populated areas were more likely to experience this risk.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to find emerging designer drugs in urine samples, uncovering new synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants that evaded initial screening. The approach can support public health and safety by enabling swift identification of new substances.
Researchers found that more young adults are starting to vape than use traditional cigarettes, with 56% of regular vapers having never smoked cigarettes. The trend is particularly concerning among young women, who have seen a slight increase in vaping popularity over time.
A Stanford University study found that mice resolve conflicts between hunger and thirst through indirect modulation of behavior. The researchers used advanced recording technology to monitor individual neurons in the mouse brain, predicting the animal's choice before it was presented with options.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the 'salience network' in the brain is uniquely activated by intravenous drug use, which may be associated with higher addiction rates and faster relief from withdrawal. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies for substance use disorders.
Research found online shopping for cigarettes and vape products increased 194% and 162% respectively after California's flavor restriction. This highlights the need for stronger regulations to include e-commerce retailers within retailer licensing programs.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
A new meta-analysis suggests that high-dose prescription psychostimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can lower cravings and reduce stimulant use in people with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The study analyzed ten randomized controlled trials and found that effects may increase with higher dosage.
A survey of 1,005 parents found that internet use by adolescents has both positive and negative effects, including concerns about addiction and cyberbullying. The study revealed that twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction.
Starting buprenorphine treatment via telehealth was associated with higher treatment retention rates compared to non-telehealth settings. The study found that 48% of Kentucky patients and 32% of Ohio patients remained in treatment for 90 continuous days after starting telehealth-based care.
A new UK study finds that people with eating disorders are 2.11 times more likely to report physical multimorbidity. Anxiety, insomnia, and perceived stress are key influencers in this relationship.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...
An international team of scientists recommends a global shift in food choices due to the potential for addiction. They suggest that certain ultra-processed foods have characteristics similar to addictive substances, which may improve global health.
Researchers created a unique, cell-by-cell atlas of the amygdala to identify potential new treatments for cocaine addiction. The study revealed connections between addiction behaviors and genes involved in energy metabolism, offering a brand-new way of thinking about the molecular biology of cocaine addiction.
The Ohio State University has been awarded a $20 million grant to conduct research on tobacco product regulation and its impact on public health. The center will examine how nicotine levels affect tobacco use, develop strategies to reduce youth appeal, and monitor the tobacco industry's marketing tactics.
Rice University bioengineers Jerzy Szablowski and Julea Vlassakis have received the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for their creative research projects on gene expression and cancer interactions. Szablowski is developing noninvasive methods to map gene expression, while Vlassakis is studying complex single...
A new internet addiction spectrum categorizes users into five groups based on their online behavior and confidence in using technology. The study found that younger generations are more likely to be addicted to the internet, while older generations show less addictive tendencies.
A $3 million grant will support a culturally tailored group-based intervention to prevent alcohol addiction and consequences in Pacific Islander young adults. The study aims to address the extreme risk of alcohol abuse in this population, which has been linked to high rates of alcohol use disorder.
Scientists at The Florey Institute have identified a brain chemical, CART, that affects the taste of alcohol in females. When inhibiting CART, female mice drank less, but consumed more when drinks were sweetened, suggesting a potential treatment for women's binge drinking.
Researchers found that half of patients need only five tablets or fewer of morphine to manage acute pain, varying by condition. The study aims to adapt opioid prescriptions according to patient need and reduce long-term misuse.
Research shows that young people who vape are more likely to experience chronic stress and have poorer quality of life. However, the study did not find a direct causal link between vaping and stress.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
A new study found that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of interacting with attractive people, but doesn't change how others are perceived. When intoxicated, men were 1.71 times more likely to choose one of their top-four attractive candidates to interact with in the future.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
A recent commentary highlights the misconception that vaping is worse for adults who smoke. Experts emphasize the importance of educating adults about relative risks while preventing youth use. For those who can't quit with medications or counseling, transitioning to e-cigarettes may be a less harmful route.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that most vapers believe a 'Swap-to-Stop' scheme providing free e-cigarettes would have helped them quit smoking. However, some respondents prefer to purchase e-cigarettes commercially due to personal preference for specific products.
A new meta-analysis published in Addiction journal found that cannabis legalisation is associated with increased rates of cannabis poisoning. The risk of poisoning was higher among studies focused on children, who are particularly vulnerable to severe toxicity, including coma and neurological effects.
A Mount Sinai study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to experience tobacco dependence compared to those who use smokeless tobacco or multiple products. The researchers identified three distinct groups of tobacco users and suggested tailored cessation programs for each group.
A new study shows that earlier transfer to specialized care is associated with better outcomes for infants with NOWS, including shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication. The study found that nonpharmacologic interventions, such as swaddling and pacifier use, are critical to clinical outcomes.
A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials on cognitive-behavioral techniques for treating gambling problems found mixed results, including potential overstatements of treatment benefits. The analysis highlighted publication bias and limited funding as contributing factors to the shortcomings of existing research.
Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.
ChatGPT consistently provided accurate, evidence-based answers in public health questions, beating rival AI assistants. Meanwhile, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant struggled to recognize or refer users for help.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A new study reveals that over 80% of people who inject drugs in New York City test positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intend to take it intentionally. The research suggests that widespread use of fentanyl among this population may be driving overdose risk and tolerance development.
Researchers found that conveying simple, scientific facts about THC's harm to a fetus reduced intentions to use cannabis while pregnant. Short and simple communications designed to increase media literacy also had an effect.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
A new study found that social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms played a role in changes to an online gaming site's social structure over time. Members who reported more social support and a greater sense of community were more likely to form communication ties and connect with others.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol use and the presence of metabolic syndrome were associated with a higher risk for advanced liver disease. The study suggests an increasing interaction effect between MetS, heavy alcohol use, and a recent surge in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality.
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A new Twitter analysis reveals that medical dramas like New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and Grey's Anatomy influenced hundreds of people's thoughts on vaping dangers. The study found that nearly half the tweets commented on the realism of the storylines, with some even expressing intention to quit vaping.