Articles tagged with Addiction
A new AI stop smoking app, Quit Sense, detected triggers and provided support to help smokers manage urges to smoke in specific locations. The study found that four times more people who used the app quit smoking six months later compared to those only offered online NHS support.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use changes signaling pathways in the brain, affecting cognitive functions like decision-making and impulse control. The mechanism involves the brain's immune system and the molecule interleukin 1β, which regulates inflammation and neurotransmitter release.
Research reveals that individuals with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates when rewards are less than expected, while those with problem gambling display boosted learning from high rewards and blunted learning from low rewards. This study highlights the benefits of using neurocomputational approaches to understand psychiatric ...
A dramatic rise in unregulated amphetamine use has been observed in Ontario's emergency departments, with a nearly 15-fold increase in ED visits between 2003 and 2020. Individuals accessing EDs for amphetamine-related concerns grew from 233 to 4,146 annually by 2020.
A recent study found that promoting physical activity and behavioral support can help smokers reduce their smoking in the short-term, but delivering lasting benefits is challenging. The research, which recruited over 900 smokers, discovered that engaging with motivational support had some initial benefits, but only a small percentage o...
A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.
A new study by UCL and King's College London researchers found that vaporized cannabis has the same short-term effects on adolescents (16-17 years old) as on adults (26-29 years old), regardless of CBD levels. The study also showed that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
A study of 4,000 twins found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems. Twins in states where cannabis is legal showed fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that recreational runners who use running as a means of escapism, particularly self-suppression, are more likely to develop exercise dependence. In contrast, those who prioritize self-expansion and positive experiences through running tend to have better wellbeing outcomes.
A University of Kansas study found that SMART Recovery holds promise in addressing specific concerns of the LGBTQ population, but improvement is still needed. Participants appreciated being part of an LGBTQ-specific group, but faced challenges such as emotion regulation, coping with stigma, and recalling cognitive tools.
Card game addiction is linked to jerky physical values like unpredictable surprise. Researchers found that certain games balance certainty and uncertainty well, making them fast-paced and rewarding.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
A new national study found that excessive screen time, especially video gaming and watching videos, is linked to an increased risk of developing OCD in US preteens. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that intrusive thoughts about video game content can develop into obsessions or compulsions.
Researchers link loot box purchasing to problem gambling, with 28% of adults who bought loot boxes reporting past-year gambling. The study suggests that loot boxes may prime people to gamble and increase susceptibility to problem gambling.
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
Research finds a strong link between economic inequality and addictive social media use in teenagers, who often escape negative feelings by using these platforms. The study, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren worldwide, highlights the need for new strategies to promote responsible social media use.
A recent study by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found a significant association between vaping and an increased risk of developing cavities. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 patients and found that 79% of vaping patients were categorized as having high-caries risk, compared to 60% of the control group.
A large-scale study found anabolic-androgenic steroid use is relatively common among Canadian adolescents and young adults, associated with dependence and serious side effects. Nearly 1 in 4 steroid users experienced moderate or severe dependence and adverse health issues.
US adults with mental health and substance use disorders saw significant reductions in smoking, while those without MH/SUD did not experience comparable changes. The study attributed these disparities to increased health insurance coverage under the ACA.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.
A survey study of 151,000 students found that e-cigarette users were more likely to initiate tobacco use within minutes of waking. This increase in intensity and addiction is a concern, emphasizing the need for clinicians to address youth nicotine addiction during clinical encounters.
A new analysis reveals that US adolescent e-cigarette use is increasing in intensity, with a significant rise in nicotine addiction over the past few years. The study found that 2.55 million adolescents use e-cigarettes, and 27.6% of them use it daily.
Researchers at HSE University used transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, leading to test subjects making less rational decisions. The study provides insight into the mechanisms behind gaming addiction and offers a potential new approach to understanding risky choice.
Researchers have isolated an effective monoclonal antibody that targets heroin, blocking its painkilling effect and overdose deaths in mice. The findings suggest that targeting heroin itself is more effective than its metabolites, paving the way for a new therapy.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a virtual reality therapy to aid in substance use disorder recovery, using 'future-self avatars' to help people choose long-term rewards over immediate gratification. The technology has shown promising results in lowering relapse rates and increasing future self-connectedness.
A University of Kansas researcher is using a $2.3 million grant to investigate the connection between DNA break-and-repair processes and opioid addiction. The study aims to understand how molecular changes in the brain contribute to addiction, with the goal of developing new therapies.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
A randomized clinical trial found that targeted health-focused advertisements reduced vaping initiation among US adolescents. The study also showed a decrease in cigarette smoking behaviors among participants.
A new study found that women experiencing food insecurity report more symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating and withdrawal symptoms. Participants in food-insecure households had significantly more food-addiction symptoms than those in food-secure households.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children are more likely to develop asthma if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke as a child. The risk is even higher if the father went on to become a smoker himself. The researchers suggest that smoking can damage health not only for smokers and their c...
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in years of life lost to unintentional drug overdose among adolescents, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to the rising trend. Researchers found that mortality due to unintentional overdose in adolescents reached an all-time high in 2020.
A new study published in Information, Communication and Society journal found a strong link between economic inequality and problematic social media use among adolescents. The research, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren from 40 countries, suggests that new strategies are needed to reduce the impact of deprivation on social media use.
A study of Irish teenagers found that those whose parents smoked were 55% more likely to try e-cigarettes. The proportion who had tried e-cigarettes increased from 23% in 2014 to 39% in 2019. This trend is concerning, as vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and other health problems.
A study of over 3,400 adult twins found that residents in states where cannabis is legal use it 24% more frequently than those in illegal states. This trend holds true for identical twins, with those living in legal states using cannabis 20% more often.
People with news addiction experience stress, anxiety, and physical ill health due to constant exposure. A new study reveals a significant link between problematic news consumption and poor mental and physical wellbeing.
A pilot vape shop voucher scheme helped 42% of entrenched smokers quit smoking within four weeks, according to a new study. The scheme, which targeted vulnerable and disadvantaged smokers, saw improved results compared to other forms of smoking cessation support.
A new study found that households in the UK consumed 6.5% less wine when drinking from smaller (290ml) glasses than larger (350ml) glasses. Drinking from smaller bottles reduced consumption by 3.6%. These findings suggest that reducing glass size could contribute to policies for lowering drinking.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.
A digital support tool has been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol intake, with participants experiencing a 25% decrease in consumption after four months. The tool's personalized features and stigma-free approach may make it more appealing to those seeking help.
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
A systematic review found that around 1 in every 400 adults (0.23%) have sought help for gambling problems globally. The prevalence of help-seeking was greater among people with higher gambling severity, affecting 1 in 25 with moderate-risk gambling and 1 in 5 with problem gambling.
Researchers assessed buprenorphine coverage and prior authorization requirements in US commercial formularies from 2017 to 2021. The study found that coverage and requirements changed over time, with more stringent regulations in place by 2021.
The American Heart Association warns that e-cigarette use in adolescents can lead to stunted lung development and altered cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. Long-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been linked to increased blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness.
Research found that food insecure teens are more likely to attempt weight loss, while college students who drink may compensate with unhealthy eating behaviors. Additionally, studies linked sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to higher triglyceride levels in youth and identified potential mechanisms behind this association.
The American Society for Nutrition presents the latest findings on ultra-processed foods, genetic influence on eating habits, and diet quality. Research highlights the risks of ultra-processed foods, the potential impact of genetics on food preferences, and the importance of healthy diets for preventing chronic diseases.
A nationally representative study found that menthol cigarettes increase frequency of smoking among US youth, leading to higher nicotine dependence. The study suggests a strong case for the FDA's proposed ban on menthol flavoring in cigarettes to protect young smokers.
A randomized clinical trial found that smokers who received cigarette packs with graphic warning labels hid their packs 38% more often. However, when they returned to regular packs without the labels, hiding behavior returned to baseline levels. The study suggests that graphic warnings may not be effective in reducing smoking behavior.
Between 2017 and 2019, more than 1 million US youth aged 14 to 17 years became new daily tobacco users, with three-quarters of them vaping e-cigarettes daily. The majority of these young users were introduced to JUUL products, which had high nicotine concentrations and youth-appealing flavors.
A new game called QuitBet is being tested to help people quit smoking by providing a fun and engaging way to adopt healthy habits. Players commit to quitting smoking over four weeks and bet $30, with winners typically doubling their money.
Researchers found that young people aged 12-20 were more likely to become cannabis users in states with legalized recreational use compared to those without. The study also documented an increased likelihood of cannabis use among adults in these states.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.
A new weight-loss intervention has been developed to target the instinctive desire to eat, particularly in individuals who struggle with resisting food cues. The Regulation of Cues program trains individuals to use natural hunger cues, reinforces tolerance of cravings, and inhibits urges to eat palatable foods when not physically hungry.
A global study of over 51,000 adolescents aged 13-15 found that approximately 8.6% reported vaping in the past 30 days, with lower rates for frequent vaping. Countries with higher tobacco taxes tend to have higher adolescent vaping rates.
A new study found that approximately 8.6% of adolescents reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, while only 1.7% engaged in frequent vaping. The researchers suggest that e-cigarettes' novelty and appealing flavors may lead to experimentation but not habit formation.
Researchers at NC State University have created a stem cell-derived model that sheds light on the effect of dopamine on gene activity in neurons, revealing gene desensitization in human cells. The study provides a blueprint for future research into the relationship between dopamine and addiction.
A systematic review found that non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) improves smoking abstinence rates 3 to 6 months after quitting. NIBS methods have shown promising results for tobacco use disorder treatment, but little was known about long-term effectiveness.
Adults exposed to chronic parental domestic violence have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, but many thrive despite their early adversity. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.