Terms Of Addiction Research Articles

The Prevalence of Tobacco Product Use Among Students in the Faculty of Medicine at Pamukkale University and Their Views on the Smoke-Free Campus Implementation.

Tobacco use is an important risk factor for more than 20 types of cancer, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and many other health problems. Cigarettes are one of the most commonly used tobacco products in the world, and they can cause both physical and mental addiction. Adolescence is known to be the highest-risk period in terms of addiction among all age groups. As a result, smoke-free campus practices have become even more important in universities. This study investigates the prevalence of smoking among Pamukkale Medical School students and their views and behaviors regarding smoke-free campus practices. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 medical students at Pamukkale Universıty Faculty of Medicine during the academic year 2021-2022, between April 1-29, 2022. A face-to-face interview was conducted. Students' smoking status and their views about a smoke-free campus were assessed. In the questionnaire, the independent variables were socio-demographic characteristics, duration of staying in a smoke-free environment, smoking status in the place of residence, areas where smoking is most common, Fagerström nicotine dependence level, knowledge about smoke-free campus applications and campuses with the smokefree application. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 package program was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics are presented with numbers and percentages for categorical variables, while the arithmetic mean and standard deviation are used for continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables,and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis was used to test the compatibility of data to normal distribution. The student smoking rate increased significantly as the number of semesters increased (P = .021). The smoking rate of male students was higher than that of female students (P = .001). The smoking rate of students living with their family or relatives was lower (P = .020). Smokers (14.7%) were more likely to have heard about the introduction of smoke-free zones on campus than nonsmokers (11%) (P = .280). 81.4% of students affirmed the statement, "The number of smoke-free rooms should be increased," and 84.3% responded, "I support the existence of smoke-free spaces." Nonsmoking students (90.8%) are more likely to agree that smoke-free spaces should be increased than those who smoke (57.7%) (P < .001). Among the students, 17.6% of nonsmokers and 37.8% of smokers find the information about smoke-free spaces sufficient (P < .001). The rate of those who consider smoke-free space inspections to be sufficient is lower for nonsmoking students than for nonsmokers (P = .017). Nonsmokers (89.5%) support the existence of smoke-free spaces to a higher degree than smokers (71.2%) (P < .001). One-third of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine students smoke, and smoking rates are higher among men and those who do not live with family or relatives. All participants strongly support the existence of smoke-free zones (84.3%), while a proportion of tobacco users (31.4%) support the implementation of a smoke-free campus. Student opinions of the smoke-free zones and the smoke-free campus application are more positive among nonsmokers than smokers.

“Making Peace With Oneself”: Internal Conflict in Addictions and Its “Resolution” in Therapeutic Group Interactions

"Counselors and therapists on addictions and recovery from addictions are employing a variety of methods and techniques to break through the wall of denial and resistance. Accordingly, new methods of research are needed in order to describe and eventually understand the phenomenon of addictions and the ways of recovery from addictions. The paper attempts to define and describe the internal conflict and the way it is brought to the surface and “resolved” (processed and eventually transformed) in therapeutic group interactions. For that, we are using a phenomenological approach to conceptualize addiction in terms of connectedness and methods inspired by the analysis of interactions in order to document the transformative experience necessary for the recovery from addiction. Keywords: addiction; recovery from addictions transformative experience; internal conflict; therapeutic group; phenomenological approach; analysis of interactions. "

What Adolescents Have to Say about Problematic Internet Use: A Qualitative Study Based on Focus Groups.

In this paper, the study presented is designed to gain a deeper insight into how adolescents describe, understand, and suggest dealing with Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Eight focus groups were activated with a total of 70 students from the 9th and 11th grades (Mean Age = 15.53 ± 1.202; Female = 44.4%) in four different schools in Southern Italy. A Thematic Analysis was applied to the verbatim transcripts, and seven macro-categories were identified throughout the discourses collected: definition of PIU, symptomatology, impact, determinants, intervention strategy, opportunities and limits of the digital world, and needs that adolescents try to satisfy by surfing the net and which the offline world does not fulfill. Participants converge in seeing PIU in terms of addiction but adopt heterogeneous viewpoints in talking about the reasons for problematic engagement and possible preventive intervention strategies. In the overall picture emerging from the responses, PIU appeared to be the outcome of a psychological dynamic emerging from the interaction of individual, interpersonal, and sociocultural dimensions.

The relationship between digital game addiction, cyberloafing, and psychological well-being in primary school students

Aims: Today, with the advances in technology, the use of devices such as computers, digital game consoles, phones, and tablets has also increased. However, with the widespread use of internet access, digital platforms have started to be used frequently in interpersonal interaction and relations. The use of digital games and the internet, where the user age is in a wide range, has decreased to very young ages, and the time spent by individuals in games and on the internet has gradually increased. In this context, the duration of stay in the digital environment can be seen as an important criterion in terms of addiction. Spending excessive time in the digital environment can cause individuals to be adversely affected by psychosocial aspects. The purpose of our study is to reveal the reasons for the complex and multifaceted relationship between cyberloafing, digital game addiction, and well-being, and to discuss potential solutions. &#x0D; Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The study group was formed of 1330 students in the second stage of primary education in grades, 5, 6, 7, and 8, in state schools. The sample Group consisted of 614 females and 716 males in almost the same age group. The game addiction scale, perceived cyberloafing scale, and psychological well-being scale were applied to students. The necessary permission to conduct the study was obtained from, then the data were collected in face-to-face interviews on a voluntary basis. The data obtained in this study were analyzed statistically using SPSS vn. 23 and AMOS 23 software.&#x0D; Results: The Gaming Addiction Scale score was determined to be mean 42.09 for the whole group, 36.96 for females, and 46.96 for males. The Cyberloafing Scale score was determined to be a mean of 24.01 for the whole group, 21.94 for females, and 25.79 for males. The Psychological Well-Being Scale score was found to be a mean of 30.60 for the whole group, 32.02 for females and, 29.39 for males. A positive correlation was observed between gaming addiction and, cyberloafing, (p=0.00) and both of these conditions were determined to be negatively correlated with psychological well-being. (p=0.00)&#x0D; Conclusion: Activities to support students’ psychological well-being can help prevent vicious cycles between cyberloafing, game addiction, and psychological well-being by contributing to controlling cyberloafing and game addiction tendencies.

Beyond the Screen: An In-Depth Examination of Social Media Habits Among University Students

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of social media addiction among university students. The research was conducted during the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year with 386 students from both public and private/foundation universities. In this descriptive research, the "Social Media Addiction Scale" developed by Tutgun-Ünal and Deniz (2015) and the "Personal Information Form" developed by the researcher were utilized. Participants voluntarily joined the study, and data was collected online. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software, employing statistical methods (frequency, t-test, and ANOVA) appropriate for the research objectives. The findings suggest that students generally exhibit a low level of addiction to social media (slightly addicted), but demonstrate a moderate level of addiction in terms of engagement and mood regulation dimensions. The study found that gender does not affect social media addiction, but age and type of university do influence addiction levels. Notably, students from private or foundational universities showed higher addiction levels compared to those from public universities. Moreover, an increase in time spent on social media correlates with an increase in addiction level. These findings contribute to a better understanding of university students' social media usage habits.

Exploring Addiction Mechanism of Different Game Types

Video game addiction is a term that describes games that dominate a person most of the time. However, the degree of addiction and the amount of time spent playing vary from one type of game to another. So this literature review will explore the mechanism of addiction in terms of different game types, analyzing the relationship between the causes of game addiction in terms of 3 models (dopamine, operant conditioning, and feeling-state theory). In order to figure out what the most attractive type of game is, This is done by classifying all kinds of games into 10 categories and creating a ranking list for all games from 5 different websites. Those websites are chosen randomly from the search engines such as Google and Bing. The results are based on prior studies that looked into the causes of game addiction in each category and analyzed those games by three models. The results suggest that the mechanism of video game addiction varies between games.

Research Related to Self-Efficacy in Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUD) are now a major global problem, including substance abuse, addiction, and relapse. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significance of self-efficacy in the treatment of addiction as well as the prevention of relapse. Self-efficacy is defined as an individual’s perception that he or she is capable of carrying out behaviors that produce desired effects. The level of patients with substance use disorders’ perceived self-efficacy is influenced by a variety of factors in the reality of society, and the outcome expressed in terms of addiction and relapse rates can also be influenced by personal and social factors. In addition, the level of patients’ perceived self-efficacy is influenced by many different factors. However, self-efficacy remains highly correlated with addiction and relapse rates over time. The study of self-efficacy in SUD is beneficial for the clinical prevention and treatment of SUD, as well as for the provision of appropriate social support. This paper illustrates the current theoretical and practical research on self-efficacy and makes suggestions for future research on self-efficacy.

Yetişkinlerde Kumar Bağımlılığı ile İlişkili Sosyodemografik Değişkenlerin İncelenmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı kumar bağımlığını bazı demografik değişkenler açısından incelemektir.&#x0D; Yöntem: Araştırmanın verileri Google Form aracılığıyla elektronik ortamda toplanmıştır. Çalışmada, nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden tarama modeli tercih edilmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu İstanbul ili Bakırköy ilçesi Osmaniye mahallesinde yaşayan, çeşitli internet sitelerinden çevrimiçi bir şekilde şans oyunu oynayan ve uygun örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen 400 erkek bireyden oluşmaktadır. Araştırma verilerini toplama amacıyla araştırmacı tarafından hazırlanan Kişisel Bilgi Formu ile South Oaks Kumar Bağımlılığı Ölçeği kullanılmıştır.&#x0D; Bulgular: Yapılan çalışmada South Oaks Kumar Tarama Testi ölçeği puanları bireylerin medeni durumlarına, aile ilişkilerini algılama düzeylerine, bireylerin eğitim düzeylerine, bireylerin kendilerini şanslı algılama durumlarına göre anlamlı farklılık belirlenmiştir. , South Oaks Kumar Tarama Testi ölçeği puanlarında, bireylerin kardeş sayılarına, gelir düzeylerine, sahip olduğu çocuk sayılarına, bireylerin kumara başlama yaşlarına, bireylerin annelerinin eğitim düzeylerine, bireylerin babalarının eğitim düzeylerine, bireylerin alkol kullanma durumlarını, bireylerin sigara kullanma durumlarına, bireylerin psikolojik sosyal destek alma durumlarına göre anlamlı farklılıklar tespit edilmemiştir.&#x0D; Sonuç: Bireylerdeki problemli kumar oynama davranışının toplum içerisinde popülaritesinin artması ve gelişen bilişim sistemleri ile birlikte kumara erişimin kolay ve denetiminde yetersiz olması sebebiyle tehlikeli boyutlara ulaşabileceği düşünülmektedir.

Adolescents’ Internet Addiction, Cyber Bullying, and Cyber Victimization in Terms of Various Variables

Adolescents’ Internet Addiction, Cyber Bullying, and Cyber Victimization in Terms of Various Variables

Evaluation of the Relationship between Cyberbullying Perpetration and Cyber Victimization with Social Media and Game Addiction among Youth

Objective: Both cyberbullying perpetration and cyber victimization are becoming a increasingly important problem among adolescents with the development of technology. It is suggested that there are many factors in the emergence of cyberbullying. This study, it is aimed to evaluate the relationship between cyberbullying and victimization, social media addiction, and game addiction. Material and Methods: A total of 537 adolescents aged 10-18 were included in our cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the sociodemographic data form, social media addiction scale, game addiction scale, and cyberbullying scale. Results: In our study, both cyber perpetrators (0.021) and cyber victims (p&amp;lt;0.001) were more frequent in girls. While social media addiction scores were higher in cyber victims (p=0.020), gender (OR [Odds Ratio]= 0.09 CI [Confidence interval]:[ 0.04- 0.23] ) and game addiction score were found to be predictors. (OR=1.09 CI: [1.03-1.16] ). Conclusion: Social media and game addiction seem to be especially related to cyber victimization. Although a causal relationship could not be revealed in our study, it is thought that it may be useful to increase the awareness of adolescents about cyberbullying during gaming and using social media, which have an important place in their lives, and to evaluate the groups with addiction in terms of cyber victimization.

СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ СТАТУС И ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОКАЗАНИЯ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ У НАРКОЗАВИСИМЫХ ПАЦИЕНТОВ, ПРИНИМАЮЩИХ СИНТЕТИЧЕСКИЕ НАРКОТИЧЕСКИЕ ВЕЩЕСТВА

The subject. Clinical manifestations of dependence on synthetic narcotic substances have been thoroughly studied by specialists in the field of psychiatry, narcology, therapy, immunology at the tissue, organ and system levels. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about dentistry. When receiving a drug-dependent patient, most dentists cannot determine drug addiction and, accordingly, competently draw up a treatment plan for such patients. &#x0D; Objectives. To study the features of the management of dental diseases in patients taking synthetic narcotic substances, according to the literature.&#x0D; Methodology. Within the framework of this article, the analysis of publications from the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary and Cyberleninka describing the toxicological properties and clinical manifestations of synthetic narcotic substances is carried out. The search included full-text articles for the last 5 years. Informational letters were excluded from the analysis.&#x0D; Results. The fight against the spread and use of narcotic substances throughout the world is not slowing down. However, the creation of analogues of studied and illicit drugs by correcting their chemical structures, as well as new narcotic substances with known properties, reduces the effectiveness of this struggle. The dental status of patients taking synthetic narcotic substances has been little studied, since they rarely seek dental care, arriving, as a rule, for urgent indications, or by referral from a narcological institution. &#x0D; Conclusions. The analyzed literature data suggest that in patients taking synthetic "designer" substances, the most studied are the manifestations of drug addiction in terms of their effect on the central nervous system. This problem is relevant for doctors of narrow specialties, since knowing the signs of drug use, it is possible to correctly plan treatment tactics, preventing the occurrence of complications during the administration of drugs. Since the manifestations of drug addiction in dental patients are practically not described in the scientific literature, this topic requires further research.

The role of desire thinking in the problematic use of social networking sites among adults

The problematic use of social networking sites (SNS) is associated with several psychiatric disorders. This behavior closely resembles addiction in terms of neurological basis and behavioral patterns. Nevertheless, successful intervention strategies and the etiology of problematic SNS use are not yet thoroughly investigated. We aimed to study whether desire thinking is associated with problematic SNS use among adults when controlling for some confounders, including boredom, affect, and impulsivity. With the help of convenience sampling, we enrolled 546 Turkish adults in this study to whom we administered a sociodemographic form, the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), the Leisure Boredom Scale (LBS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and the Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ). To explore the association between the variables, we performed Pearson correlational and hierarchical regression analyses. The results showed that higher scores on two sub-dimensions of desire thinking, namely verbal perseveration and imaginal prefiguration, were associated with higher scores on problematic SNS use after we controlled for boredom, affect, and impulsivity. This study demonstrates that desire thinking may play a role in problematic SNS use among adults. We recommend targeting desire thinking as a potential area in treatments which may help alleviate problematic SNS use.

TÜRKİYE HANEHALKI ALKOLLÜ İÇECEK TÜKETİMİ KARAKTERİSTİKLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA

The study is a research to find out the differences among households that consume alcoholic beverages and those that do not, and also aims to find out the determinants that affect the likelihood of alcoholic beverage consumption of households. It is aimed to find out the features of households that consume alcoholic beverages, of what’s marketing activities are restricted by law. Study is conducted based on 2019 data obtained from Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK) yearly household spending research data. The data obtained from the dataset are examined using a probit model, and results are analysed separately. Based on the results obtained from the study, demographic factors such as gender, marital status, education level, income level are found to be among the affecting factors for the presence of alcoholic beverage consumption, besides behavioral factors like out of the house food consumption, paid gym membership, car ownership, and cigarette consumption. In this study, in a product group where there are similar products and similar prices due to taxes and competition conditions, promotion activities are determined by law and are more difficult than many other products, marketers could use distribution channels more effectively in reaching households that are more inclined to spend alcohol consumption in physical and/or online environments. Similarly, households with a higher likelihood to spend on alcoholic beverages can be targeted in the fight against alcohol addiction in terms of public policy according to the results of this study. The results of the study are largely parallel with the results of other studies examining the same subject before, and it aims to improve and update it in terms of method and result.

Göç ve Bağımlılık: Suriyeli Göçmenlerde Madde Kullanım Profili

In the literature, the experience of migration and its effects are considered as a risk in terms of addiction. This study aims to determine the substance use processes of Syrian immigrants and related risk factors, and to draw attention to the relationship between migration and addiction. In this context, first of all, the literature on the relationship between migration and addiction was examined, and then a field study was carried out. In the research, phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs, was used and interviews were conducted with 4 substance users living in Bursa, who were selected by purposive sampling method. The study group is male and they have traumatic memories (such as the death of family members, imprisonment, being under siege, witnessing explosions, etc.) related to the civil war. According to the findings, the factors that encourage substance use are curiosity, influence of friends, the presence of substance users among relatives, anxiety about future and family problems. It has been observed that health problems, legal problems, family problems, anger control problems and financial problems are experienced as a result of substance use and social support resources are not sufficient, especially in this regard. Although they had the motivation to be treated, it was observed that they could not continue the treatment processes due to the language barrier, fear of deportation, and lack of information about treatment. Based on the findings, it is recommended to establish social assistance programs for immigrants, inform them about the treatment processes, and carry out studies to remove the barriers to their access to treatment.

Is a brain-based understanding of addiction predominant? An assessment of addiction researchers' conceptions of addiction and their evaluation of brain-based explanations.

Brain-based explanations of addiction have become a prominent explanatory model in recent decades. Although opposing views have been published, there is no large-scale study of researchers' opinions, unlike for treatment staff, the public and affected individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine international addiction researchers' perspectives on: (i) brain-based explanations of addiction; (ii) the perceived dominance of the concept in science, society, treatment and among those affected; and (iii) researchers' general conception of addiction in terms of ontologies and causes. A sample of 1440 international addiction researchers was compiled. Views were assessed online via LimeSurvey using a 'mixed methods light' approach (Likert-type scales, free-text fields). Qualitative content analyses of free-text comments complemented descriptive statistics. One hundred and ninety researchers participated (13.19% response). The classification of substance use disorders as brain diseases/disorders was shared by about 60% of the respondents. Approximately 80% considered it the dominant view in science, but fewer in treatment, society and affected persons. Approximately 75% found it an oversimplification, but regarded it as helpful for understanding substance use disorders. Altogether, various biological, psychological and social factors were considered causal. Comments indicated that an over-simplistic nature of brain-based explanations of addiction was viewed as particularly problematic. A rejection of a simplistic view of addiction in favour of a multi-causal concept in which the brain plays a role seems to be the majority view of participating researchers. Therefore, the orientation of future research, treatment and support for addicted persons need to be reconsidered accordingly.

Social Media Addiction in Terms of Gender in Junior High School

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social media addiction in terms of gender in junior high school students. This research is quantitative research with correlation research type. This study was conducted at SMPN 19 Bandar Lampung, with the research subjects as many as 60 students, 30 male students and 30 female students. Taking the research subject using purposive sampling with the category of students who have an addiction to social media. This study uses a social media addiction scale. Data analysis using phi correlation. The results of this research hypothesis test in 0.05 (0.026&gt; (0.05), which means that there is a correlation between social media addiction in terms of gender. The study results can be used as for guidance and counseling teachers or counselors to provide guidance and counseling services about social media addiction.

“I got a little addiction”: Adolescent and young adult cigarillo users’ self-perceptions of addiction

BackgroundWhile prior research has informed how cigarette smokers understand and apply the term addiction, little is known about how this term is used by cigarillo smokers. This is an important area of study given the decline in cigarette use and increase in cigar product consumption. Purpose/Objectives: This paper examines how cigarillo smokers self-identify in terms of addiction and the association of this identification with tobacco use, quitting experiences, and level of nicotine dependence. Methods: Transcripts from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2015–2016 with 57 participants (aged 14–28) about cigarillo use and beliefs were analyzed using a phenomenological approach to examine themes around addiction and cessation experiences. Analyses were limited to participants endorsing having a habit. Quantitative analyses were conducted to assess associations with demographics, tobacco use, addiction, cessation, and nicotine dependence for two groups: participants endorsing having an addiction to cigarillos and those who did not. Results: All participants described the term addiction similarly. Participants with an addiction had significantly higher nicotine dependence and self-rating of addiction than those without an addiction. Although most quitting experiences did not differ between the two groups, participants who did not identify as addicted felt that they could quit smoking cigarillos at any time. Conclusions: Variations in identification with addiction are not associated with differences in definitions, use and quit experiences. Understanding self-perceptions of addiction can inform targeted communication to encourage cessation and the use of cessation resources.

Exploring Core Addiction Themes and Their Resolution in Recovery Narratives Using the “Life as a Film” (LAAF) Procedure

Though narrative studies have provided important insights on addiction and recovery, social desirability and self-protective factors may limit the richness and relevance of standard “life story” accounts. In marginalized populations, the “Life as Film” (LAAF) procedure has proved useful for addressing these concerns. Building on this literature, the present study adopted the LAAF approach with an objective to undercover features distinguishing addiction and recovery narratives. Achieving this objective serves to model addiction and recovery in terms of narrative constructions and reconstructions. Thirty-two participants, active or in recovery from addiction, were recruited, producing LAAF narratives of their lives. Interviewees completed a Recovery Inventory (RI), to compare narrative material with recovery outcomes. Content analysis revealed three structures: (1) a high prevalence Core Plot, featuring interpersonal conflict, negative arousal and self-management via substance use; (2) an Addiction Narrative, with themes of victimization, betrayal, compulsion, and escapist protagonists; and (3) a Recovery Narrative, with themes of redemption, self-mastery, caring, unity, and healer protagonists. Findings build on existing literature, suggesting narrative processes through which core conflicts become embedded in addiction stories and resolved in recovery stories. These processes indicate psychological pathways to positive change, carrying implications for interventions.

Shared gray matter alterations in subtypes of addiction: a voxel-wise meta-analysis.

Numerous studies based on voxel-based morphometry (VBM) have revealed gray matter (GM) alterations in multiple brain regions for addiction. However, findings are poorly replicated, and it remains elusive whether distinct diagnoses of addiction are underpinned by shared abnormalities. Our aim was to conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies investigating GM abnormalities in two main categories of addiction: substance use disorders (SUD) and behavioral addictions (BA). A systematic database search was conducted in several databases from Jan 1, 2010, to Oct 23, 2020, to identify eligible VBM studies. Meta-analysis was performed with the seed-based d mapping software package to compare alternations between individuals with addiction-related disorders and healthy controls (HC). A total of 59 VBM studies including 2096 individuals with addiction-related disorders and 2637 HC met the inclusion criteria. Individuals with addiction-related disorders showed shared GM volume decrease in bilateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral insula, bilateral rolandic operculum, left superior temporal gyrus, and right Heschl gyrus and GM increase in right lingual gyrus and right fusiform gyrus comparing with HC (p < 0.005). Subgroup analysis found heterogeneity between SUD and BA mainly in left inferior occipital gyrus and right striatum (p < 0.005). Meta-regression revealed that GM atrophy in right anterior cingulate (r = 0.541, p = 0.03 (uncorrected)) and left inferior frontal gyrus (r = 0.595, p = 0.015) were positively correlated with higher impulsivity. This meta-analysis identified a concordance across subtypes of addiction in terms of the brain structural changes in prefrontal and insula areas, which may relate to higher impulsivity observed across addiction diagnoses. This concordance provides an organizing model that emphasizes the importance of shared neural substrates in addiction.

Therapeutic benefit with caveats?: Analyzing social media data to understand the complexities of kratom use

BackgroundMitragyna speciosa, referred to as “kratom”, is increasingly used in the United States for self-treating pain, psychiatric, and substance use disorder symptoms. It is used by some to attenuate opioid withdrawal and as a longer-term drug substitute. Most self-report data have come from online surveys, small in-person surveys, and case reports. These may not be representative of the broader kratom-using population. PurposeAnalyze user-generated social media posts to determine if independent, descriptive accounts are generally consistent with prior U.S. kratom survey findings and gain a more nuanced understanding of kratom use patterns. MethodsReddit posts mentioning kratom from 42 subreddits between June 2019–July 2020 were coded by two independent raters. FindingsRelevant posts (number of comments, upvotes, and downvotes) from 1274 posts comprised the final sample (n = 280). Of the 1521 codes applied, 1273 (83.69%) were concordant. Desirable kratom effects were described among a majority, but so too were adverse effects. Reports of kratom as acute self-treatment for opioid withdrawal were more prominent compared to longer-term opioid substitution. Quantitative analysis found higher kratom doses associated (p < .001) with greater odds of reported kratom addiction (OR = 3.56) or withdrawal (OR = 5.88), with slightly lower odds of desirable effects (OR = 0.53, p = .014). Despite perceived therapeutic benefits, kratom was characterized by some in terms of addiction that, in some cases, appeared dose-dependent. Polydrug use was also prominently discussed. ConclusionsResults validated many prior survey findings while illustrating complexities of kratom use that are not being fully captured and require continued investigation.