Addictive Behaviors Research Articles

A case control study investigating the methylation levels of GHRL and GHSR genes in alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042). GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD.

Desire Thinking About Gambling: Assessment and Associations With Gambling Disorder and Responsible Gambling Among Chinese Gamblers.

Desire thinking, within the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors, is conceptualized as a transdiagnostic process linked to the escalation and maintenance of craving for various addictive disorders; however, its application to the understanding of gambling and the Chinese community remains at an early stage. The present study aimed to introduce desire thinking into gambling research in the Chinese context by: (1) testing the applicability of its two-factor conceptualization and assessment tool, the Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ), and (2) exploring its association with dysregulated and regulated engagements in gambling (i.e., Gambling Disorder [GD] and responsible gambling [RG], respectively). We conducted a telephone survey in Macao, China, and obtained a probability sample of 837 Chinese adult past-year gamblers (48.5% men; age:M = 41.11,SD = 14.31) with a two-stage cluster random sampling method. Our data indicated the psychometric adequacy of the two-factor DTQ (i.e., verbal perseveration and imaginal prefiguration) for measuring Chinese gamblers' desire thinking about gambling. After controlling for craving and demographics, desire thinking contributed to an additional 12.1% and 18.9% variance explained in GD tendency and RG behaviors, respectively. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the utility of desire thinking and the DTQ in facilitating gambling research on Chinese gamblers. Our findings also suggest the value of incorporating desire thinking in detecting and treating GD and in promoting RG.

Glial modulators as novel therapeutics for comorbid pain and opioid use disorder.

Chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) are major public health problems, with rising opioid-related overdose deaths linked to increased opioid prescriptions for pain management. Novel treatment approaches for these commonly comorbid disorders are needed. Growing evidence supports a role for glial activation for both chronic pain and substance use disorders, including OUD. This review provides an overview of glial modulators as a novel treatment approach for comorbid pain and OUD. We aim to synthesize clinical studies investigating the efficacy of glial modulators in treating these comorbid disorders. We conducted a literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases in October 2023 to identify relevant clinical trials. The included studies varied in terms of patient population, study methodology and outcomes assessed, and were often limited by small sample sizes and other methodological issues. Additionally, several glial modulators have yet to be studied for chronic pain and OUD. Despite these limitations, these studies yielded positive signals that merit further investigation. Both chronic pain and OUD remain significant public health problems, with many treatment challenges. Glial modulators continue to hold promise as novel therapeutics for comorbid pain and OUD, given positive indications that they can improve pain measures, and reduce addiction-related outcomes. As our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the contributions of glial modulators to pain and addiction behaviours deepens, we will be better equipped to identify more specific therapeutic targets for chronic pain and OUD.

Electronic-Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (e-SBIRT) for Addictive Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Addictive disorders are significant global public health burdens. Treatment uptake with these disorders is low and outcomes can be mixed. Electronic screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (e-SBIRT) programs have potential to improve uptake and treatment outcomes. To date, however, no prior review of the literature has been conducted to gauge the effectiveness of e-SBIRT for addictive disorders. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature concerning e-SBIRT for addictive disorders by surveying the MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PsycInfo databases on January 17, 2023. Ten articles were included at analysis reporting evaluation of e-SBIRT interventions for substance use disorders including alcohol use in a variety of settings. No articles were identified regarding treatment for behavioral addictions such as disordered/harmful gambling. Meta-analysis found e-SBIRT to be effective at reducing drinking frequency in the short term only. e-SBIRT was not found to be advantageous over control conditions for abstinence or other treatment outcomes. We identified and described common components of e-SBIRT programs and assessed the quality of available evidence, which was generally poor. The present findings suggest that research regarding e-SBIRT is concentrated exclusively on higher-risk substance use. There is a lack of consensus regarding the effectiveness of e-SBIRT for addictive disorders. Although common features exist, e-SBIRT designs are variable, which complicates identification of the most effective components. Overall, the quality of outcome evidence is low, and furthermore, high-quality experimental treatment evaluation research is needed.

Shopaholism From The Point of View of a Household Member of An Addicted Person

The aim of the author of this article is to present the issue of shopping addiction and its social consequences, with particular emphasis on family relationships and daily existence from the point of view of a person who is codependent and lives in the same house as a shopping addict. The article was created because of a request from a member of the household of a person who buys excessively various products or services. It consists of three parts. The first is to present the issue of shopping addiction in the context of behavioural addictions. The second is a quotation of current, although rudimentary, research on excessive buying, and the third one is a description and analysis of a conversation with a codependent person, a daughter, who talks about a household member in the context of excessive buying. The article ends with a summary that contains conclusions based on the literature and analysis of the collected research material. A case report: The concept of an interview was developed on the basis of a survey of the psychological and sociological literature. The final part contains an analysis of the conversation (free interview) and conclusions from this analysis. The article outlines the research issues by analysing a conversation with the daughter of a person whose household members suspected addictive buying, and verifying the concept of addictive buying based on this case. Casual interview, conducted in December 2023 with a 28-year-old woman, resident of Krakow. Comment: During the analysis of the presented case, it was noted: the respondent's satisfaction with the purchases made, combined with the justification of the purchase with the desire to improve the family's financial situation, because the products were at attractive prices or promotions; however, higher sums of money were spent due to collective, group purchasing of specific products (packing several pieces); while shopping, the person is as if in a trance, i.e., in another world, focused on shopping and what is happening in the store; shopping includes not only the purchase of things or products, but also continuous browsing and matching of service offers, e.g. purchases of various TV, Internet, and mobile phone packages; the surveyed person has had loans or other financial obligations for over 20 years, explaining them by the need to ensure the current functioning of the household (inability to save); uses the services of leasing companies (frequent car replacement - every two years).

Religious Education as a Platform for Pupils’ Social Development and Prevention of Internet Addiction: The Case of Slovakia

The authors present changes in the content and teaching methods of religious education (RE) in the third decade of the 21st century, as proposed by the current curricular reform of compulsory education in Slovakia. First, they analyse the reform documents in terms of social competence development as one of the RE content requirements. Second, they seek a teaching methodology that applies a balanced approach to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) while protecting RE pupils and their building of healthy human relationships from the potential threat of digital addiction. The authors based their teaching ideas on the findings from their research. To explore the relationship between addictive Internet behaviour and social intelligence, they used a questionnaire including the Internet Addiction Test and the TSIS Scale. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Data on 386 adolescent respondents revealed a statistically significant difference between males and females in social awareness, with males performing significantly better. A weak positive relationship (ρ = 0.240) was identified between social awareness and addictive Internet behaviour. In the discussion, the authors suggest teaching methods for developing social competence via RE without resisting the opportunities provided by ICT, while also avoiding an increase in the risk of online social media addiction. They suggest that even denominational RE should prioritize cultivating healthy relationships not only with God but also relationships with other people, the outside world, and oneself.

Spirituality and behavioural addictions: narrative review

The relationship between spirituality and behavioural addictions is complex. Although some studies have suggested spirituality to be a protective factor helping in recovery from addictive behaviours, others have found spirituality to be a potential risk factor. To better understand the relationship between spirituality and various behavioural addictions, this review summarises the literature on the association between spirituality and the following behavioural addictions: gaming disorder, gambling disorder, problematic internet use, problematic smartphone use, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder and compulsive buying/shopping disorder. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

The factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on theory of planned behavior in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Southern Iran

BackgroundGiven the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021–2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression.Results190 people (47.50%) were aged 31–40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16–20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends’ houses (Tables 1 and 2).342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1–5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current study’s findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends’ insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB’s structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

The Bergen–Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS): longitudinal measurement invariance across a two-year interval

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to examine the longitudinal measurement invariance of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) over a two-year interval, addressing a gap in research on its consistency over time. Method Confirmatory Factor Analysis with a robust maximum likelihood chi-square estimator was utilised to assess the BSMAS among 276 adults (mean age = 31.86 years; SD = 9.94 years; 71% male) at three time points across two years. This method evaluates the scale’s structural consistency and reliability longitudinally. Results The analysis supported full measurement invariance (configural, metric, scalar, and error variance) of the BSMAS, indicating stable measurement properties over time. Furthermore, temporal stability and equivalency of the BSMAS total mean scores were confirmed across the three-time points, suggesting consistent measurement of social media addiction. Conclusions The findings validate the BSMAS as a reliable instrument for measuring social media addiction over extended periods. Demonstrating its psychometric stability enhances its utility for longitudinal studies, making it a valuable tool for tracking changes in social media addiction behaviours. These results have significant implications for future research and clinical practice, highlighting the BSMAS’s applicability in long-term studies.

Structured clinical interview for diagnosing obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.

BackgroundThere are several established structured diagnostic interviews that cover common mental disorders seen in general psychiatry clinics. The administration of more focused diagnostic interviews may be useful in specialty clinics, such as OCD clinics. A semi-structured clinician-administered interview for obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (SCID-OCSD) was developed and adapted for DSM-5/ICD-11 obsessive-compulsive and related disorders as well as other putative obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions. ObjectiveTo introduce a semi-structured diagnostic interview for in-depth assessment of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs), and to report on its implementation in adults with primary OCD attending an OCD-specialized unit. MethodsPatients with primary OCD were interviewed using the SCID-OCSD. The SCID-OCSD assesses disorders drawn from several diagnostic categories that share some core features of obsessive-compulsive phenomenology and that are often comorbid in OCD (e.g., obsessive-compulsive related disorders, impulse-control disorders, and a spectrum of compulsive-impulsive conditions such as tics, eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, and behavioral addictions. Participants had to be at least moderately symptomatic on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Severity scale (YBOCS, i.e., a total score ≥ 14) to be included in the current study. ResultsOne hundred and one adult patients with current OCD (n = 101, 37 men and 64 women), took part in the study. Forty-two participants (n = 42) had OCD and one or more current or past comorbid OCSDs, with excoriation (skin-picking) disorder (n = 16) and body dysmorphic disorder (n = 14) being the most common. Nine (n = 9) participants reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury, and 6 participants reported a history of comorbid tics. ConclusionsIn OCD clinics, the SCID-OCSD may help diagnose the full range of putative OCSDs, and so facilitate treatment planning and research on these conditions.

A cluster analysis of the family dynamics in a family prevention programme for adolescents from vulnerable families

ABSTRACT In social work with families, evidence-based programmes increase the chances of effective applications. Additionally, family prevention programmes are an excellent opportunity to bond with families and work effectively with them. The Family Competence Programme-AFECT 12–16 pursues the prevention of new risk behaviours in adolescents in the field of addictions and affective-sexual relationships, given the social changes that have occurred in adolescence in recent years. After the application of the programme with new contents and the incorporation of the motivational interview, an evaluation is carried out. This evaluation confirms three types of participating families. It is relevant to verify the effectiveness of the programme and that the different results of the families are not associated with family vulnerability or with the structure of the families. In conclusion, it should be noted that a preventive intervention of a selective type, aimed at families at risk, is effective after its content update, with the incorporation of new content related to addictive behaviours and affective-sexual relationships.

A disinhibitory microcircuit of the orbitofrontal cortex mediates cocaine preference in mice.

Both clinical and animal studies showed that the impaired functions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) underlie the compulsive drug-seeking behavior of drug addiction. However, the functional changes of the microcircuit in the OFC and the underlying molecular mechanisms in drug addiction remain elusive, and little is known for whether microcircuits in the OFC contributed to drug addiction-related behaviors. Utilizing the cocaine-induced conditioned-place preference model, we found that the malfunction of the microcircuit led to disinhibition in the OFC after cocaine withdrawal. We further showed that enhanced Somatostatin-Parvalbumin (SST-PV) inhibitory synapse strength changed microcircuit function, and SST and PV inhibitory neurons showed opposite contributions to the drug addiction-related behavior of mice. Brevican of the perineuronal nets of PV neurons regulated SST-PV synapse strength, and the knockdown of Brevican alleviated cocaine preference. These results reveal a novel molecular mechanism of the regulation of microcircuit function and a novel circuit mechanism of the OFC in gating cocaine preference.

No evidence for a reciprocal relationship between daily self-control failures and addictive behavior in a longitudinal study

No evidence for a reciprocal relationship between daily self-control failures and addictive behavior in a longitudinal study

Suicidal attempt in a patient with gambling disorder: A rare case report

Background: Gambling disorder is characterized by a compulsive, repetitive and maladaptive pattern of gambling that results in significant distress. It is now classified into the “Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders'' group in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Some participants do present with psychiatric complications ranging from mood, substance use, abnormal personality traits and even suicidality. This comorbidities complicates both presentation and treatment. Methods: In this report, we presented a case of a 32 year old civil servant who presented with repeated engagement in online sport gambling with ensuing accrued debts, strained interpersonal relationships, depressive symptoms and subsequent suicidal attempt by hanging himself in a closed room at night. This was a rare case of pathological gambling that was complicated by a severe depressive episode and suicidal attempt with a fatal means (hanging) in a patient with family history of gambling and psychotic illness. Conclusion: Pathological gambling is an addictive behavior with far reaching consequences such as mood disorders, suicidal behaviors and subsequent affectation of functioning of the individuals involved. Early detection and prompt intervention is essential to prevent further complications.

4. The Proposed More Heuristic/Addiction Bias in the Psychobiology of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions: Ominous Implications for Societal Problems Such as Global Warming

4. The Proposed More Heuristic/Addiction Bias in the Psychobiology of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions: Ominous Implications for Societal Problems Such as Global Warming

Retraction of "Event-level risk for negative alcohol consequences in emerging adults: The role of affect, motivation, and context" by Waddell et al. (2024).

Reports the retraction of "Event-level risk for negative alcohol consequences in emerging adults: The role of affect, motivation, and context" by Jack T. Waddell, Scott E. King, Sarah A. Okey and William R. Corbin (Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2024[Feb], Vol 38[1], 8-18). This article is being retracted at the request of the publisher, and the editor and all authors of the original article consented. This article was published in error, as it is a first stage Registered Report that has received in-principle acceptance. Given the workflow of a Registered Report, the first journal publication appears after data collection and results have been reported in the second stage Registered Report submission (see workflow at https://www.cos.io/initiatives/registered-reports). This stage one article is being removed from the literature to avoid confusion and will instead be preregistered as a Registered Report Protocol Preregistration (https://osf.io/7euzd/). (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2022-80654-001.) Objective: Decades of research has found support for the motivational model of alcohol use, such that positive/negative affect are indirectly associated with drinking behavior through drinking motives. However, research on event-level drinking motives is in its nascent stage, and studies have yet to consider how drinking context plays a role in the motivational pathway to both event- and person-level drinking behavior. Therefore, the present study seeks to test whether drinking context mediates the effect of affect and motivation on drinking outcomes at both the event- and person-level. Method: Data for this Stage 1 Registered Report will come from a recently completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study in emerging adults. The study collected data on 131 emerging adults, of whom 107 reported event-level social and solitary drinking during the EMA period. Multilevel structural equation modeling will be used to test whether predrinking affect is associated with predrinking motives, and whether drinking context (social vs. solitary drinking) mediates the effect of drinking motives on drinking outcomes. Models will parse within-/between-person variance, allowing the present study to test whether drinking context serves as a mechanism of risk in the motivational model at the event-level, or solely at the between-person level. Findings will inform personalized interventions and motivational models of drinking behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The relationship between short-form video use and depression among Chinese adolescents: Examining the mediating roles of need gratification and short-form video addiction

Short-form video apps, such as TikTok, have become popular worldwide. Compared to traditional social media, they have powerful push algorithms and are more entertaining, which might lead to some negative effects. Research has attempted to identify the relationship between short-form video use and depression, but the processes mechanism underly the relationship was few in number. The present study explored the association between short-form video use and depression among Chinese adolescents and analyzed the mediating roles of need gratification and short-form video addiction. The participants included 1302 senior high school students (Mage = 16.03, SD = 0.76, 42.6% boys). And a structure equation model with chain mediating was established using Mplus. The results showed (1) a direct association between short-form video use and adolescent depression, (2) that entertainment need gratification, social-related need gratification, and short-form video addiction acted as chain mediating factors, and (3) no gender difference in the model. The present study’s findings revealed the important mediating role of addictive behavior between normal use behavior and depression and suggested that preventative and interventional plans based on need gratification should be developed to reduce short-form video addiction and improve mental health.

Совершенствование медико-социальных мер по охране психического здоровья подростков в системе первичной медико-санитарной помощи (обзор литературы).

Actuality. To develop effective tools for protecting the mental health of adolescents, medical workers need to clarify the leading reasons for its formation in modern conditions, predictors and criteria for the risk of its deterioration. Currently, there are no integrated medicalpsychological- social monitoring studies of adolescent mental health, including dynamic monitoring of psychological, pedagogical, social and medical indicative indicators. The purpose of the study is to review scientific publications devoted to the analysis of the state of mental health of children and adolescents in the Russian Federation. Research methods. Using the search image: («mental health of children and adolescents», «organization of psychiatric care for children and adolescents», «addictive behavior of children and adolescents», «risk factors for mental health of children and adolescents»), a collection of 63 relevant articles published by domestic and foreign authors over the past 15 years (2013–2023) have been formed, indexed in the bibliometric databases WoS, Scopus, RSCI, and in the search engines PubMed, Google Scholar. Research results. The performed analysis allows us to note that such issues as the manifestation of clinical mental disorders, their predictors with age-related detail, and the development of integral indicators of mental health deterioration have not been sufficiently studied. Studies indicating the presence of problems in the system of mental health protection of minors during their studies in general education organizations do not provide specific recommendations for their solution.. Conclusion. To develop effective tools for the protection of adolescent mental health, medical professionals need to clarify the leading causes of its formation in modern conditions, predictors and criteria for the risk of its deterioration. This will make it possible to fill the existing deficit in the algorithms of medical support for adolescents during their studies in general education organizations and medical, psychological and pedagogical integration.

Comparison of Tiktok Application Users Between the Implementation of Creativity and Addictive Behavior

TikTok application users have now reached all levels of society, especially teenagers who use the TikTok application as a medium to express themselves. Teenagers who access TikTok are considered to have the opportunity to use creative abilities in creating content on TikTok, but the Tiktok application, in fact, will also have a bad impact on individuals, especially teenagers who are still very unstable. Tiktok can have a negative impact where it makes its users more and more addicted every day. This study aims to understand and analyze the implementation of creativity and addictive behavior of TikTok users. Implementation using Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and addictive behavior using Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. There are four aspects of creativity, namely fluency, flexibility, elaboration, and originality. While addictive behavior there are aspects of importance, tolerance, mood swings, withdrawal and relapse. The method used is quantitative descriptive, to find out more between creativity and addiction that TikTok users use. Based on the findings, 85% were able to implement their creativity on the TikTok application with the biggest aspect lying in the flexibility in utilizing the ability to identify problems or provide solutions to their problems by utilizing the features and visualizations available on TikTok. As for addictive behavior, it was found that 75% of addictive behavior existed, with the largest dimension in mood swings, this is because TikTokers are looking for fun and entertainment to forget for a moment about the problem.

The Current Status of Internet Fiction Addiction among Chinese Middle School Adolescents and Its Association with Self-Efficacy and Boredom Proneness

With the widespread utilization of the Internet, symptoms associated with Internet Fiction addiction are increasingly prevalent among Chinese netizens. This addictive behavior not only poses risks to personal well-being and emotional stability but also jeopardizes physical health. However, the relevant studies remain scarce and the definition of IFA is controversial. In order to address this gap, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 412 Chinese middle school students to investigate their levels of Internet Fiction addiction, self-efficacy, and boredom proneness. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between Internet Fiction addiction and boredom proneness while no significant correlation is observed between IFA and self-efficacy. This discrepancy may be attributed to the fact that heightened levels of boredom proneness contribute to mood fluctuations, increased indulgence in daydreaming activities, as well as a distorted perception of time -- all factors that exacerbate the symptoms associated with Internet fiction addiction. The study further investigated risk factors for Internet fiction addiction among Chinese middle school students, enhancing research in this area and providing a reference for the prevention and correction of this issue.