Addiction Research Articles

Social rank modulates methamphetamine-seeking in dominant and subordinate male rodents via distinct dopaminergic pathways.

Social status has a profound impact on mental health and propensity towards drug addiction. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of social rank on drug-seeking behavior remain unclear. Here we found that dominant male rodents (based on the tube test) had denser mesocortical dopaminergic projections and were more resistant to methamphetamine (METH)-seeking, whereas subordinates had heightened dopaminergic function in the mesolimbic pathway and were more vulnerable to METH seeking. Optogenetic activation of the mesocortical dopaminergic pathway promoted winning and suppressed METH seeking in subordinates, whereas lesions of the mesocortical pathway increased METH seeking in dominants. Elevation of social rank with forced win training in subordinates led to remodeling of the dopaminergic system and prevented METH-seeking behavior. In females, however, both ranks were susceptible to METH seeking, with mesocorticolimbic pathways comparable to those in subordinate males. These results provide a framework for understanding the neural basis of the impact of social status on drug-seeking.

Cannabis in Acute Injury Rehabilitation: Analgesic Efficacy, Functional Outcomes and Dependency Risks

Background: Musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation is challenged by inadequate pain management using opioids and NSAIDs, which pose risks of addiction, side effects, and delayed healing. Cannabis has emerged as a potential analgesic, yet its efficacy, safety, and impact on functional recovery in acute injuries remain unclear, particularly for athletes. Purpose of Research: To evaluate the role of cannabis in acute injury rehabilitation, focusing on analgesic efficacy, functional outcomes, addiction risks, and implications for athletic recovery. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of PubMed and Google Scholar (2015–present) identified 24 studies (RCTs, observational studies, meta-analyses) assessing cannabis in acute injury rehab. Inclusion criteria prioritized pain scores (VAS/NRS), functional metrics (mobility, strength), and dependency rates (CUDIT). Non-English articles and animal studies were excluded. Basic Results: Cannabis demonstrated moderate analgesic efficacy, with 30% pain reduction vs. placebo in acute musculoskeletal injuries. Low-dose THC matched opioid efficacy with fewer side effects, while CBD showed anti-inflammatory effects (22% IL-6 reduction). Functional improvements in mobility and therapy adherence were noted, but psychoactive effects (sedation, cognitive impairment) and a 10–15% cannabis use disorder (CUD) prevalence were reported. Discrepancies emerged between subjective pain relief and objective biomarkers. Conclusions: Cannabis may offer short-term analgesic and functional benefits in acute injury rehab but requires careful risk-benefit assessment due to addiction potential, cognitive side effects, and variable dosing responses. Standardized guidelines, athlete-specific protocols, and multidisciplinary monitoring are critical to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Future research should prioritize long-term safety, dosing standardization, and sport-specific functional impacts.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЙ О ПРОБЛЕМЕ УПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ НАРКОТИЧЕСКИ ДЕЙСТВУЮЩИХ ВЕЩЕСТВ РАБОТАЮЩЕЙ МОЛОДЕЖИ В СРАВНЕНИИ СО СТУДЕНЧЕСТВОМ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КУРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

The study of knowledge and attitudes towards the prevention of issues related to the use of psychoactive substances among students revealed that working youth are significantly less covered by such initiatives, making this issue highly relevant. The goal of the research was to assess the awareness, self-assessment of susceptibility to drug use, and preventive attitudes towards drug addiction among students and working youth in the Kursk region. The research program involved 1,924 respondents: 1,511 students and 413 representatives of working youth aged 20–35. The survey examined awareness, self-assessment of susceptibility to drug use, and preventive attitudes towards drug addiction among students and working youth in the Kursk region. Both samples were representative in terms of age, gender, place of residence within the region, and educational profile. The results were compared between the groups using the student’s t-test. The findings showed that the majority of both students and working youth objectively recognize the dangers of non-medical use of psychoactive substances (81.3±2.0%; 84.7±3.5%). Notably, the differences in the distribution of positions between these groups were minor. However, 12–14% of respondents underestimated the risks of certain substances or their single or occasional use, which represents one of the most common misconceptions. The majority of young people supported testing for psychoactive substance use in legally significant situations. Youth assessments of the prospects for drug treatment revealed a trend towards increased pessimism regarding recovery from drug addiction as they transition from student life to employment. This may be related to observing a greater number of negative outcomes of drug use among working individuals compared to students. The final conclusion indicated that perceptions of the problem of psychoactive substance use among working youth and students are similar, which allows preventive measures to be implemented within a unified system.

Disposable e-cigarettes and their nicotine delivery, usage pattern, and subjective effects in occasionally smoking adults

New disposable e-cigarettes are popular, especially among young people. This study aimed to assess their addictive potential by examining puffing behaviors, subjective effects, and conducting laboratory investigations in an experimental setting. Single-center, four-arm, crossover study. Laboratory setting in Munich (LMU-University Hospital), Germany. Eighteen occasionally cigarette-smoking adults aged 19–28. Two disposable e-cigarettes of the same brand (strawberry-kiwi/ tobacco flavored) were tested with a cigarette and a conventional pod e-cigarette as comparators. Usage was ad libitum for 5 min (or the duration of smoking one cigarette) while puffing topography was recorded. Distributed over 30 min blood samples for nicotine plasma concentrations were drawn and hemodynamic parameters and subjective effects assessed. Nicotine delivery of disposable e-cigarettes (Cmax strawberry-kiwi: 7.1 ng/ml, tobacco: 6.9 ng/ml) was similar to the cigarette (8.1 ng/ml) and higher than for the pod e-cigarette (3.1 ng/ml). The nicotine plasma increase in the first minute was the fastest for disposable e-cigarettes. Tmax for the disposable e-cigarettes (strawberry-kiwi: 5 min, tobacco: 6 min) was reached faster than for the cigarette (8 min). Compared to the pod e-cigarette (6 min), tmax was reached faster with the disposable e-cigarette tobacco. Total nicotine uptake was the lowest for the pod e-cigarette. Puffing behavior differed between e-cigarettes and the cigarette and slightly between both disposable e-cigarettes. Satisfaction and motivation to consume the product again were higher for disposables with a slight preference for strawberry-kiwi flavor. New disposable e-cigarettes hold great addictive potential for young people unestablished in smoking. Besides conducting further research, it is crucial to observe usage trends and strengthen regulations.Trial registration number: DRKS00030978. Date of registration: 21.02.2023.

Native American Adolescents' Substance Use and Opportunity of Usage Substances: An Explanation Within Self-Control Theory.

Background: Substance abuse and addiction among Native American adolescents have continually been problematic in the United States as their substance use can lead to detrimental consequences related to physical and mental health. Objectives: Relevant to the problem, this study applied Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory to explore the relationship between parental monitoring, low self-control, opportunity, and substance use among Native American adolescents. This study utilized a research project which Native American adolescents participated in a survey regarding substance abuse (n = 2,291). Results: The results indicated that opportunity significantly mediated the relationship between low self-control and substance use. Further, we found that parental monitoring played a crucial role in the relationship between opportunity and substance abuse. Conclusions: Overall, the findings provide a better understanding of why Native American adolescents may partake in substance use.

From Harm Reduction to Forced Treatment

Canada’s implementation of Supervised Consumption Sites remains controversial, despite a growing opioid overdose mortality crisis. In 2019, the Alberta United Conservative Government published in affiliation with Alberta Health, ‘Impact: A Socio-Economic Review of Supervised Consumption Sites in Alberta’. Following publication, the review became an important referent document used by governments to prevent supervised consumption sites from operating; as Alberta’s overdose deaths increased, the provincial government froze supervised consumption site funding, shutting down North America’s busiest sites. These events indicate the need to analyze how supervised consumption sites and harm reduction is now communicated by the Alberta Government, with Alberta Health. This cross-sectional case study asks: what discourse is produced in Alberta Health’s ‘Socio-Economic Review of Supervised Consumption Sites in Alberta?’ The methodology is informed by Van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis and Michel Foucault’s concepts of knowledge and power. The two major themes identified, site inefficiency and risk to society, evidence a neoliberal governmental discourse on health services. Findings indicate that neoliberalism silences the voices of site users and social issues to emphasize the negative community impact of supervised consumption sites. Consequently, the review’s neoliberal governmental discourse repositions the fundamental problem underlying drug addiction away from the silenced, systemic, socio-economic marginality site users face to the salient, socio-economic challenges that harm reduction sites impart on the community. This discourse erodes health and social services like harm reduction to rationalize the Alberta Government's newest addiction treatment proposal, the forced treatment model, increasing disciplinary measures against society’s most vulnerable.

Shohani Save Guard (SSG): Dietary Supplement to Support Drug Addiction Treatment

Shohani Save Guard (SSG): Dietary Supplement to Support Drug Addiction Treatment

Recurrent anesthesia applications in pediatric radiotherapy: a retrospective observational study

Aims: Pediatric radiotherapy is used for various indications in childhood malignancies. This descriptive study aims to describe the demographic data, anesthesia method and complications of pediatric radiotherapy patients. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively and observationally in a tertiary care center. Patients aged 18 years and younger who received anesthesia for radiotherapy were included. Data were obtained from the hospital information system and anesthesia observation forms. Demographic data, radiotherapy indication, fraction number and dose, anesthesia method, anesthetic drug and dose, patient position, complications and recovery time were analyzed. Results: 485 patients received radiotherapy and anesthesia was administered to 19 of these patients (3.91%). 3 patients were excluded due to missing data, and 16 patients received anesthesia 417 times. Patients were between the ages of 1-17 years, mean age was 4.9 years. Sedation was used in 92.3% of the procedures and general anesthesia in 7.7%. The most common indication for radiotherapy was glial tumor. The number of radiotherapy fractions ranged between 8-33 sessions, the median number of sessions was 30 and the mean number of sessions was 24.8. Treatment doses were 150-200 Gray. Complication rate was 2.87%. A statistically significant difference was found when the doses of propofol, fentanyl, midazolam used in the first and last fractions and recovery times of the patients were compared (p<0.01). Conclusion: Anesthetic management in pediatric radiotherapy requires multidisciplinary treatment due to the unique requirements of the procedure. Patients should be thoroughly re-evaluated at each session and protected from the potential for addiction.

Polysubstance Abuse, Pharming, and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorder

Abstract Polysubstance abuse is the use of multiple substances with no single predominant substance of abuse. There is an increasing trend of polysubstance abuse with prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products known as pharming. The medications which are not known to have dependency potential are being abused in super high doses to attain euphoria. Some of the medications/substances that are abused have a higher risk of lethal consequences. Psychiatric comorbidity is frequently found accompanying polysubstance abuse in the patients. Comorbidity complicates the presentation and management. Personality disorder, also commonly found with polysubstance use, worsens the chance of recovery and achieving remission even further. We present three cases of polysubstance abuse, binge use of OTC medications with concurrent psychiatric illness, and a personality disorder. The awareness regarding the medications/substances with unknown addiction potential but are being abused is the need of the hour. The complexity of diagnosing and treating such patients is also worth pondering over.

E-Cigarettes: Biological Effects, Addiction Risk, and Public Health Challenges – A Narrative Review

E-cigarettes have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, a growing body of research highlights potential health risks associated with their use. Chemical analyses have revealed the presence of toxic organic compounds and heavy metals, the inhalation of which is linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including cancer. This risk may exceed acceptable safety thresholds, particularly with prolonged exposure. Although e-cigarettes exhibit a lower addictive potential compared to traditional cigarettes, their use—especially among adolescents—has been associated with worsening asthma symptoms and a higher frequency of wheezing episodes. Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system have also been demonstrated, along with potential negative outcomes during pregnancy and for fetal development. A clear link has been established between e-cigarette use and EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury), a severe lung condition related to vaping. While some evidence suggests that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may aid in smoking cessation, the safety of their use for this purpose remains uncertain.

The effect of propofol on mental health in Saudi Arabia

Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent with a rapid onset and short duration of action. While extensively utilized for sedation and anesthesia, recent research has raised concerns regarding its impact on mental health, particularly addiction potential, hormonal effects, and neuropsychiatric implications in individuals with underlying neurological conditions. This review aims to examine the neurobiological, hormonal, and psychiatric effects of propofol with a focus on addiction mechanisms, its role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative syndromes, and its modulation of stress- and mood-related hormones, especially within the healthcare landscape of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing from experimental studies, clinical trials, and pharmacological analyses that explored propofol’s interaction with dopamine pathways, hormone regulation, and its implications in syndromes such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome (FXS), and Tourette syndrome (TS). Propofol’s interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system and dopamine transporter (DAT) contributes to its addictive properties. It alters hormonal responses by modulating GABAergic pathways, reducing stress hormone levels such as cortisol and epinephrine. In patients with specific syndromes, propofol demonstrates differential effects on cognition, recovery, and neurological activity, requiring tailored clinical considerations. While propofol remains a cornerstone of modern anesthesia, its psychoactive and addictive potential, especially among healthcare professionals, necessitates stricter regulation and education. Its impact on stress modulation and mental health highlights its dual therapeutic promise and risk, warranting further clinical research and policy development, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where regulatory oversight remains limited.

Michael A. Wheeler: Psychedelics and neuroimmune circuits—what a strange trip, indeed

In a thought-provoking Genomic Press interview, Dr. Michael Wheeler emerges as a brilliant scientific innovator at the intersection of neuroscience and immunology. As an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and an investigator at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Wheeler's groundbreaking research explores how brain-immune communication shapes our behaviors and emotions. His innovative laboratory weaves together genomic screening, single-cell technologies, and behavioral studies to unravel the fascinating dialogue between peripheral immune cells and brain function. Most remarkably, Wheeler's NIH-funded research has shown that psychedelics like psilocybin can reverse stress-induced fear behaviors by targeting a previously hidden neuroimmune pathway connecting inflammatory cells in the meninges to critical brain regions controlling emotions and rewards. This groundbreaking work has just been further validated in a Nature article (23 April 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08880-9) showing how psychedelics regulate the complex interplay between brain and immune cells in fear responses. By revealing how psychedelics modulate not just neurons but also immune responses, Wheeler's paradigm-shifting research opens exciting new therapeutic possibilities for depression, addiction, and stress-related disorders. Through his warm, authentic scientific approach and deep curiosity about mind-body connections, Wheeler represents a new generation of researchers redrawing the boundaries between psychiatry and immunology to transform our understanding of mental health.

A single-centre, prospective, qualitative analysis of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of sunbed use among patients attending a pigmented lesion clinic in a tertiary referral centre

Abstract Background Indoor tanning through sunbeds is linked to a heightened risk of skin cancers, particularly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, with significant increases in risk for users aged < 35 years. Despite regulations established by the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 in Ireland, sunbed use persists, primarily for cosmetic reasons. Objectives To analyse the characteristics, attitudes and behaviours of sunbed users attending an Irish dermatology outpatient clinic. Methods We undertook a prospective qualitative analysis of 104 consecutive patients attending a pigmented lesion clinic in a tertiary referral dermatology department in Ireland. This was done using a self-reported anonymous survey where respondents answered questions relating to their own demographic data, frequency of sunbed use, motivation for sunbed use and use of unregulated tan-enhancing agents (namely Melanotan I and II). Results The results showed that patient demographics were consistent with previous studies on sunbeds use, namely younger female patients living in urban areas. Many sunbed premises did not comply with safety regulations; over half lacked protective goggles, and nearly half received no health risk information. The reasons for sunbed use included improving appearance and confidence, with a significant number using tan-enhancing agents. Surprisingly, increased awareness of health risks did not correlate with reduced usage; many users continued tanning practices despite concerns about its adverse effects. Users of tan-enhancing agents also used sunbeds more frequently compared with nonusers. Conclusions This study suggests a potential psychopathological aspect of tanning behaviours similar to addictive disorders like smoking and alcohol. Patients may benefit from psychological and behavioural interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy to address their compulsive behaviour. Furthermore, there was a concerning lack of compliance with regulations in tanning salons, highlighting a public health issue. The rising use of unregulated tanning agents, especially among younger people, poses additional risks, including blood-borne infections. This study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions among younger age groups and stricter enforcement of regulations to mitigate health risks associated with indoor tanning. Understanding the complex motivations behind sunbed use is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce its prevalence and promote safer alternatives.

Engaging Health Professional Doctoral Students in Research Training to Expand Evidence-Based Practice in Rural Substance Use Prevention and Treatment: Curriculum for the Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training (C-CART) Program

In Arizona, United States, long distances to services, diverse populations, and medical provider shortages impact substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment for Indigenous and historically excluded populations. To address these issues, the Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training Program (C-CART) is designed to engage doctoral students and future and practicing clinicians in culturally-centered, community-engaged, interdisciplinary team-based research. C-CART Scholars engage in team-based projects designed in collaboration with community partners and academic mentors, focusing on culturally-responsive interventions for SUD. Evaluation of the C-CART program indicates significant growth in Scholars’ research skills, cultural competency, and collaboration experiences. The C-CART Curriculum is designed with the goal of advancing health equity and improving SUD treatment outcomes in diverse healthcare settings. This paper describes the C-CART Curriculum with the hope that it will serve as a model for future initiatives that aim to train students in culturally-centered methodologies and further the interests of other diverse communities that are under or improperly served. C-CART’s model is a step toward connecting rural, community-based programs and clinics with university researchers, thereby building trust and improving practice through strong networks and culturally-centered clinical research training.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF RESILIENCE IN DRUG REHABILITATION: A STUDY OF RECOVERING ADDICTS IN PAKISTAN

Background: Drug addiction is a critical public health issue affecting over 6.7 million individuals in Pakistan, with youth disproportionately impacted. Despite growing efforts in rehabilitation, long-term recovery remains a challenge, particularly in resource-constrained and socially conservative settings. Resilience—the psychological capacity to adapt and recover—is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in sustainable recovery. This study explores how psychological and social variables, including family dynamics, self-perception, and social support, shape resilience among individuals undergoing rehabilitation for substance abuse in Islamabad, Pakistan. Objective: To examine the influence of self-esteem, self-stigma, family functioning, family connectedness, and social support on resilience among substance abuse patients undergoing rehabilitation in Islamabad. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative design was employed. Using a multistage random sampling approach, 200 participants were selected from five rehabilitation centers in Islamabad. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed via SPSS version 26.0. Statistical techniques included independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression to identify group differences and predictors of resilience. Results: Family functioning (B = 0.127, p < 0.001) and family connectedness (B = 0.026, p < 0.001) emerged as significant predictors of resilience, explaining 23.8% of variance (Adjusted R² = 0.218). Female participants reported significantly higher resilience (M = 40.29, SD = 2.82) and social support (M = 42.24, SD = 3.47) compared to males (M = 38.65, SD = 4.51; M = 39.88, SD = 5.57). Self-esteem and social support were not significant predictors. However, self-stigma, despite its small effect size (B = 0.005, p < 0.001), was statistically significant. Conclusion: Resilience in substance abuse recovery is predominantly shaped by family-based factors and internalized stigma. Interventions should emphasize family engagement and culturally appropriate stigma-reduction strategies to enhance recovery outcomes.

Challenges Faced by Rehabilitation Workers in Drug Addicts Rehabilitation in District Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Qualitative Study

This study being qualitative in nature used a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of drug addiction rehabilitation through in-depth interviews with rehabilitation workers in four centers in District Swat, Pakistan. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation from rehabilitation workers in four selected centers in Swat, Pakistan. Convenient sampling was used to select 20 participants from each group. The collected data was analyzed with the help of thematic analysis. It was concluded that individual, societal, and environmental factors significantly contribute to drug addiction. Understaffing and resource limitations slow down client recovery and negatively affect worker well-being. Effective rehabilitation necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates evidence-based practices, addresses individual needs, and provides sufficient support during the recovery process. This study recommends an integrated approach of improving drug addiction rehabilitation, focusing on personalized treatment, accessible services, effective aftercare, staff welfare, holistic care, effective social support, and community involvement to improve treatment outcomes and client well-being.

Knowledge, attitudes, and awareness toward cannabis use at a Historically Black University

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and perceptions of cannabis use among different ethnic groups, assess the beliefs about Perceptions of cannabis safety’s varied role as a gateway drug, evaluate the perceptions of its safety, particularly during pregnancy, and explore attitudes toward cannabis addiction and accessibility to minors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Historically Black Colleges and Universities students, faculty, and staff. The survey collected data on cannabis use patterns, perceptions of cannabis safety and addiction potential, and opinions on cannabis as a gateway drug. Participants were categorized by ethnicity to identify significant differences in attitudes and beliefs. The study found high cannabis use among Black students compared to other minority groups. Perceptions of cannabis safety varied, with a majority viewing it as safe, but this varied by ethnicity. Most participants agreed that cannabis use is unsafe during pregnancy. The belief that cannabis is addictive was notably high among Black faculty and other minority groups. Additionally, there was strong opposition across all ethnicities to making cannabis accessible to minors. Our study reveals significant ethnic variations in cannabis use and perceptions on campus. Beliefs about cannabis as a gateway drug and its health risks were consistent across ethnicities, as were negative views on cannabis use during pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention strategies, educational programs, and support services to promote healthier lifestyles and well-being for the diverse campus community.

Sex and gender in relation to use of e-cigarette product characteristics in united states datasets: a systematic review.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) product characteristics impact appeal, addictive potential, toxicity, and/or harm reduction potential. We conducted a systematic review to characterize sex and gender differences in e-cigarette product characteristics used in the United States (US). Included studies used US population representative datasets to assess sex/gender differences, sex-specific findings, or differences by sexual or gender minority (SGM) status in relation to e-cigarette product characteristics (e.g., flavors, nicotine (i.e., nicotine in e-liquid), cannabis vaping (i.e., cannabis in e-liquid), device types, other). Additionally, articles had to be written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals. Searches were conducted in PubMed on March 9, 2024 and in PsycInfo and Medline on February 23, 2025. The 52 included papers used 7 datasets and addressed flavor (N=28), nicotine (N=14), cannabis vaping (N=15), device (N=6), and other characteristics (N=3; 1 package size; 2 other toxicant exposure). Samples included youth (N=23) and/or adults (N=32). Although data are somewhat mixed, taken together findings indicate that while prevalence of e-cigarette use is higher in males, within those who use e-cigarettes, prevalence of flavor use is higher in females, prevalence of nicotine and cannabis vaping and open (adjustable) device type use is higher in males. E-cigarette product characteristics are a tractable target for regulation. Understanding e-cigarette product characteristics used by males and females in the US could shed light on sex and gender differences in the course of e-cigarette use and the addictive potential, appeal, or harm reduction potential of e-cigarette products. There are sex and gender differences in the use and cessation of tobacco products like combustible cigarettes. E-cigarettes have become more popular and characteristics such as flavors, nicotine, cannabis vaping (i.e., cannabis in e-liquid), and device types impact appeal and addiction potential. This review is the first to synthesize the literature on sex and gender in relation to e-cigarette characteristics among United States youth and adults and highlight gaps where more research is needed. This information can help guide that regulation and other efforts related to e-cigarette so they are as effective as possible across sex and gender groups.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome - case report

In 2018, research conducted by Kantar Polska and the National Bureau for Counteracting Drug Addiction showed that marijuana was the most commonly used drug in Poland among the general population. Its usage rate was 12.1%. The age group most likely to use marijuana was 15-24 years old. Marijuana use was more common among males. Despite promising results regarding the use of medicinal marijuana for certain conditions, easier access to this drug among the young population generates the problem of addiction and the occurrence of negative effects from its use. The suspicion and diagnosis of the effects of cannabinoid intake – including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome – should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting to pediatric emergency departments, especially in cases with unclear etiology of symptoms, their recurrence, and the age group typical for more frequent use of this drug.

A Study Evaluate the Effectiveness of Integrated Elementary Educational Programme (IEEP) On Knowledge Regarding Prevalence Of Drug Addiction And Its Associated Risk Factor Among PU Students At Selected PU Colleges, Dharwad.

The study was conducted at BEST PU, Dharwad. The study was conducted from 10/01/2025 to 16/01/2025. Preexperimental one group pre-test and post-test design was used in this study. The total period of data collection was 1 week. 60 samples were selected using convenience sampling technique. Oral consent was obtained. During the first week, assessment of the level of knowledge on Prevalence of Drug Addiction And Its Associated Risk Factor. The Integrated Elementary Educational Programme (IEEP) regarding Prevalence of Drug Addiction And Its Associated Risk Factor was provided. After 15 Days of Integrated Elementary Educational Programme (IEEP) the level of knowledge among PU students were assessed by using Structured Knowledge Questionnaire. The descriptive statistics was used for categorical data, mean and standard deviation, inferential statistics, Paired‘t’ test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Integrated Elementary Educational Programme (IEEP) regarding Problems of Prevalence of Drug Addiction and its associated Risk factors among PU students and Chi square was used to find out association between the level of knowledge regarding problems of Prevalence of Drug Addiction and its associated Risk factors among PU students and their demographic variables. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) found between the pre-test 10.16(± 2.08) and post-test 15.9 (± 1.81) mean score on level of knowledge regarding problems of Prevalence of Drug Addiction and its associated Risk factors among PU students. There was no significant association on demographic variables. The finding of the study shows that Integrated Elementary Educational Programme (IEEP) is more effective to improve the level of knowledge regarding problems of Prevalence of Drug Addiction and its associated Risk factors among PU students.