Articles tagged with Addiction
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.
Dr. Jeffrey H. Samet, an internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine care and research, has been awarded the American College of Physicians' Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award #1. He is being recognized for his innovative work in developing theory-based behavioral interventions to address substance use disorders.
Project ASSERT, a peer education program at Boston Medical Center, has been awarded the American College of Physicians' Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award. The program uses team-based counseling to provide alcohol and substance use services, education, and referral to treatment for over 60,000 patients since 1994.
A new study in Journal of Addiction Medicine suggests that people who use medical marijuana are at higher risk for non-medical prescription drug use, including pain relievers. The study analyzed over 57,000 responses and found that medical marijuana users were about 60% more likely to report any prescription drug use.
A new study by NYU researchers found that craving can overshadow healthy choices and make people willing to pay more for unhealthy food items. The study revealed that craving boosts the economic value of tempting, high-calorie foods relative to healthier options.
A new study has linked air pollution exposure during fetal life with brain abnormalities, including a thinner cortex, which may contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Exposure to fine particles was associated with difficulties in inhibitory control, related to mental health problems such as addiction and ADHD.
A new study suggests that smartphone addiction taps into the human need to connect with others, rooted in evolution. By turning off push notifications and setting boundaries, individuals can regain control over their smartphone use.
The new Canadian guideline recommends opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone as the preferred first-line treatment to reduce risk of overdose and death. It also identifies common practices that should be avoided, such as withdrawal management alone without transition to long-term treatment.
Researchers observed how the brain learns to repeat patterns of neural activity that elicit a feeling of pleasure in mice, providing new strategies for targeting disorders characterized by abnormal repetitive behaviors. The findings also have implications for treating addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recent studies on medical marijuana laws find no significant link to increased adolescent recreational use, contradicting previous claims. The evidence also suggests that legalizing medical marijuana does not necessarily reduce opioid overdose deaths, as other factors contribute more significantly to the decline in deaths.
A new study found four types of collaborative programs in Massachusetts connecting overdose survivors with addiction treatment, harm reduction, and community support services. Public health and public safety partnerships have been shown to be effective in reaching high-risk populations.
The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge has awarded $10,000 prizes to five innovative concepts addressing drug abuse and addiction. The top ideas include digital therapies, augmented reality coaching systems, and virtual reality prevention tools.
A study of nearly 3,000 drinkers found that only a small percentage successfully reduced their alcohol consumption over six months. Despite good intentions, motivation alone is insufficient for reducing intake, with structural support and tools like smartphone apps potentially being effective.
A large observational study found that the duration of opioid treatment is more strongly associated with misuse than the dose. The researchers suggest that giving moderate to higher doses for shorter durations may be a more effective way to manage pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
A new study by USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics found that doctors' offices are the main source of prescription opioids, accounting for 83% of prescriptions in 2012. This contrasts with emergency departments, which accounted for only 4.4% of opioid prescriptions during the same period.
Ontario students are drinking, smoking, and using drugs at the lowest rates since the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey began. However, new data on fentanyl use raises health risks for this potent opioid drug.
A new study found that e-cigarette users are more than four times as likely to begin smoking tobacco cigarettes within 18 months. The research, published in the American Journal of Medicine, suggests that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to traditional smoking, contradicting their use as a smoking cessation tool.
A new study from Washington State University found that frequent marijuana use can strengthen the relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with opioid addiction. This suggests that marijuana may not be an effective treatment for managing these symptoms.
A recent study found that how children use devices, not hours spent on them, is the strongest predictor of emotional or social problems. Warning signs include interfering with daily activities, conflict, and unhealthy media habits leading to relationship, conduct, and emotional issues.
Researchers found a significant increase in GABA levels and disrupted balance between neurotransmitters in the brains of smartphone- and internet-addicted teenagers. Cognitive behavioral therapy improved these imbalances, suggesting a potential treatment pathway for addiction.
Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.
A new program at Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction has shown promising results in engaging patients with substance use disorders in medication treatment during hospital stays. The study found that 70% of patients initiated methadone treatment and 49% linked to an outpatient clinic were still engaged in treatment afte...
A group statement by three organizations opposes the addiction model in relation to frequent sexual behavior and pornography viewing. The statement cites a lack of scientific rigor and validity in current assessments for these concepts, as well as neglecting important cultural factors.