Articles tagged with Addiction
New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL delivers almost three times as much nicotine as most other e-cigarettes, with high concentrations in its pods. The study also found that JUUL is addictive and may be a less harmful alternative to cigarettes for smokers.
Researchers tested a two-step task to train people to rely on goal-oriented behaviors, but found no substantial change in behavior or brain activity. The study suggests that the task's methodological drawbacks make it unsuitable for training purposes.
A new study found that one-third of patients seeking treatment for buying-shopping disorder (BSD) report symptoms of online shopping addiction. Younger patients, those experiencing greater anxiety and depression, and those with more severe BSD symptoms were more likely to exhibit addictive online shopping behavior.
Dr. Daniel P. Alford received the John P. McGovern Award for Excellence in Medical Education and Substance Use Research at AMERSA's annual conference. He is a renowned expert in addiction medicine and has trained over 165,000 healthcare professionals through his SCOPE of Pain program.
A new study highlights the disparities in healthcare access and cost-sharing for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The research found that those with these conditions pay more for out-of-network care and experience higher costs due to limited availability of behavioral health providers.
The University of Texas at Arlington will train more addiction recovery specialists with a new $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The project aims to provide evidence-based practices for working with opioid users through hands-on training.
A new study found that as e-cigarette use in England increased from 2011 to 2017, the success rate of quitting smoking also rose. The research estimated that around 50,700 to 69,930 smokers quit using e-cigarettes in 2017, suggesting a positive link between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation.
Researchers developed a bioelectronic implant that can sense dangerously low oxygen levels and administer naloxone to prevent opioid deaths. The device is small, wireless, and can be implanted just beneath the skin to bypass barriers in current overdose treatment.
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.
A new study from the University of Arizona has identified a link between smartphone dependency and symptoms of depression and loneliness. Smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms and loneliness, rather than the other way around.
A new study found that schools are breeding grounds for teenage vaping, with students accessing devices and peer influence playing a significant role. Schools can be effective in preventing teen e-cigarette use if they implement health education programs and restrict access to devices.
Researchers found that abstaining from cigarettes does not affect the motivation for food and water. In fact, smokers are more willing to spend money on cigarettes than food during abstinence.
Research published in eNeuro found that female mice isolated during adolescence showed atypical brain development and habitual behavior in adulthood. Social isolation was linked to dendritic spine excess and impairment of goal-dependent decision making, highlighting the importance of social experience during adolescence.
Researchers are developing a vaccine to counteract opioid addiction, with the goal of helping people stop the addiction and regain control of their lives. The vaccine, consisting of one shot and two boosters, aims to develop antibodies against opioids, alleviating symptoms and potentially saving lives during overdose.
Post-opioid overdose interventions are emerging in the US to provide support to survivors and reduce future overdose risk. The interventions often involve collaboration between emergency departments, law enforcement, and public health departments.
A review of 52 publications found inconsistent results on the effects of prenatal opioid exposure on childhood outcomes and development. Studies showed some null effects of opioid exposure on cognitive and behavioral outcomes, but behavioral effects emerged as children got older.
Research found that users switch between activities on social media platforms to cope with stress, leading to increased technology addiction. Users often use the same features to divert themselves from stress, blurring the line between stress caused and compulsive use.
Patients who receive addiction medicine consultation in hospital are twice as likely to participate in treatment for substance use disorder after discharge. OHSU's innovative program has significantly increased treatment engagement, leading to better health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a soft neural implant capable of delivering multiple drugs and color lights, which can help speed up the discovery of brain diseases. The device uses replaceable drug cartridges and powerful Bluetooth low-energy technology to target specific neurons for prolonged periods.
Researchers at UNC are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to implement and evaluate two new opioid addiction treatment programs for people in the criminal justice system. The initiatives aim to expand access to substance use treatment and reduce overdose deaths nationwide.
Brown University's new Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation (CADRE) will focus on the intersection of substance use and disease, establishing a clinical laboratory to collect blood samples and measure chemical markers. The center aims to reduce the burden of substance use through innovative research projects.
A study found that raising the age of cigarette sales from 18 to 21 led to a 39% decrease in regular smoking among 18-20 year olds who had tried cigarettes. Peer smoking was a critical factor in this reduction, suggesting tobacco-21 laws may help curb youth smoking.
A study tested a short-term treatment for internet and computer game addiction in 143 men, exploring its effectiveness in addressing addiction. The results of this trial provide valuable insights into potential treatments for these conditions.
The University of Montana has received a $3.3 million contract from the National Institutes of Health to develop an opioid addiction vaccine. The vaccine targets fentanyl and prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier, offering a promising safe and cost-effective strategy to treat opioid use disorders.
A new review finds one in ten UK hospital patients are alcohol dependent, with limited services available. The researchers emphasize the need for routine screening and staff training to address the issue.
Research reveals a proliferation of JUUL-related content on Instagram that appeals to young people through product promotion, nicotine and addiction content, and youth culture references. The study's findings suggest that strong regulatory action is needed to restrict promotional efforts for e-cigarette products on social media platforms.
A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...
Researchers at Lancaster University found that existing measures of smartphone use are poorly related to actual usage. The study suggests that high smartphone usage is not linked to anxiety and depression as previously thought, and that scales measuring technology 'addiction' perform poorly in predicting real-world behavior.
A study published in Addiction found that children whose parents have less restrictive attitudes towards drinking are more likely to start drinking and drink frequently. The review of 29 articles covering over 16,500 children and 15,000 parents in the US and Europe showed a mismatch between perceived parental attitude and actual behavior.
A study found that indoor tanning addiction is associated with modified genes related to dopamine activity and depression symptoms, increasing the risk of skin cancer. The researchers collected saliva samples from 292 non-Hispanic white women and found a strong link between genetic mutations and tanning addiction.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that daily stress levels are positively correlated with Facebook engagement and addiction risk. Users who receive little offline social support are most at risk of developing a pathological dependence on the platform.
A recent study published in The American Journal on Addictions found a significant link between childhood maltreatment and e-cigarette use during young adulthood. Childhood maltreatment was also associated with negative urgency, leading to impulsive behavior when distressed, which contributes to increased e-cigarette use.
The world is not on track to achieve global targets to reduce harmful alcohol use, according to a study of 189 countries' alcohol intake. The total volume of alcohol consumed globally per year has increased by 70%, with low- and middle-income countries driving the increase.
A major review of the world literature reveals FASD is 10-40 times higher in vulnerable populations, including children in care and Aboriginal populations. The estimated prevalence varies greatly across regions, emphasizing the need for early interventions and awareness training.
Researchers created a web-based training program for psychiatry residents on tobacco use assessment and intervention. The course improved residents' knowledge and motivation to address patients' tobacco addiction.
A study by WVU researchers finds that 70% of West Virginia teachers report an increase in students impacted by substance use at home, but only 10% feel confident in supporting these students. The study highlights the need for additional training and support for teachers to address the downstream effects of the opioid crisis on children.
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that young adults at risk of addiction show differences in the putamen brain region, which is associated with impulsivity and addictive disorders. The research suggests that individuals displaying higher levels of impulsivity tend to have lower myelin levels in this area.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that marijuana and tobacco co-users with a close link between their use were more dependent on tobacco and smoked more cigarettes per day. This study highlights the need for personalized cessation programs to address the unique challenges faced by co-users.
Game behavior can be analyzed to predict a person's personality features, including gender. Researchers used machine learning on large amounts of game data from the Steam gaming platform to make accurate predictions. The study shows that even limited information about gameplay and achievements can provide good predictive values.
Research published in Addiction found that US doctors receiving direct payments from opioid manufacturers prescribe more opioids than those who receive no such payments. The study analyzed data from over 63,000 physicians who received opioid-related promotional payments and compared them to over 802,000 physicians with no such payments.
Research finds that experiencing pain can motivate individuals to use substances and make it harder to quit, resulting in a positive feedback loop that maintains both conditions. Clinicians should assess patients for chronic pain and address it during treatment to help them manage withdrawal and develop healthier coping strategies.
A study by King's College London found that UK smokers and ex-smokers have common misperceptions about the harm from vaping. Only 57.3% correctly stated that vaping is less harmful than smoking, while 63.4% said nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is less harmful.
A systematic review of the Yale Food Addiction Scale reveals that clinical and non-clinical samples with higher body mass and incidence of eating disorders exhibit higher scores of YFAS. The studies also suggest that food addictions differ according to population studied and sample selection methods.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) carries significant healthcare costs, with an average of $23,000 per person per year for children and $24,000 for adults. The condition also leads to substantial productivity losses and costs in corrections systems.
Researchers suggest that sugar-sweetened beverages may be addictive, particularly among teenagers. A recent study found that deprivation of sugary drinks led to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, decreased motivation, and cravings in 25 adolescent participants.
A study found that individuals with fear of missing out, internet addiction, and certain personality traits exhibit more extreme reactions to digital technology failures. People who are more neurotic and extroverted tend to have the most maladaptive responses when their devices stop working.
The Center for BrainHealth has secured a $225,000 NIH grant to investigate how cannabis use affects motor learning and coordination. The study will examine the effects of acute, prolonged, and long-term cannabis use on motor skills and performance.
Experts emphasize the need for more neuroscience research on long-term recovery from substance abuse, citing the potential benefits for clinical practice and public policy. The International Quit & Recovery Registry provides valuable insights into recovery processes.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that single-step nasal spray naloxone is the most successful and rapid method of administration among community members. Community members were able to administer the nasal spray with a higher rate of success than intramuscular naloxone, and also more quickly.
A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.
A study of 63 healthy individuals found a strong association between elevated gut bacteria and stronger brain function in areas linked to reward and emotions. This suggests that indole-producing gut bacteria may contribute to overeating behaviors.
A prospective study of over 3700 US juveniles found an independent association between conduct disorder and mortality hazard. Conduct disorder was linked to a 4.99 times higher risk of mortality compared to community controls.
The article highlights predatory monetization schemes in video games, such as loot boxes, that can encourage repeated spending and blur the line between gaming and online gambling. These schemes have been linked to Internet gaming disorder and pose significant financial risks to vulnerable players.
The NIH HEAL Initiative aims to advance addiction and pain research in the US to improve opioid treatment and pain management. The program focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to address long-term addiction.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed fluorescence sensors allowing precise capture of dopamine activity in the brain. This breakthrough technology enables high-resolution maps of dopamine transients associated with behaviors such as learning and motivation.
A global coalition of respiratory doctors and scientists warns of the dangers of e-cigarettes to children and adolescents, citing growing evidence of their addictive nature. The authors call for an immediate ban on flavourings and marketing e-cigarettes as lower-risk alternatives to minors.
The study found four broad themes affecting obstacles to treatment: patient eligibility, treatment capacity, knowledge of treatment options, and communication. Researchers recommend improving referral systems with a database of clear eligibility criteria and increased education for providers.
A new study found that Philip Morris continued to study addiction from the mid-1990s to at least 2006, exploring psychological, social, and environmental factors alongside nicotine. The internal research suggested that reducing smoking prevalence requires policies addressing all factors driving addiction.
A new study found that a three-minute version of brain stimulation therapy is as effective as the standard 37-minute version for treating hard-to-treat depression. The therapy, called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), was shown to reduce symptoms in 49% of participants.
Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.