Addictive Behaviors Research Articles

Emotional dysregulation in relation to substance use and behavioral addictions: Findings from five separate meta-analyses

Background/objectiveEmotional dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic variable underlying various psychiatric disorders, including addictive behaviors (ABs). This meta-analysis examines the relationship between ED and ABs (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, and gaming), and indicators of AB engagement (frequency, quantity/time of use, severity, and problems). MethodSearches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and PsycINFO. Five separate meta-analysis were run using random-effects models. Moderators (age, sex, continental region, and sample type; community vs. clinical), and publication bias were evaluated. ResultsA total of 189 studies (N = 78,733; 51.29 % women) were identified. ED was significantly related to all ABs. Problems and severity indicators exhibited the largest effects (r’s .118-.372, all p <.023). There were larger effect sizes for cannabis problems (r = .372), cannabis severity (r = .280), gaming severity (r = .280), gambling severity (r = .245), gambling problems (r = .131), alcohol problems (r = .237), alcohol severity (r = .204), and severity of nicotine dependence (r = .118). Lack of impulse control exhibited some of the largest effects in relation to ABs. Clinical samples of cannabis users vs. community-based exhibited larger magnitude of associations. ConclusionsInterventions targeting ABs should address lack of strategies and impulsive behaviors as an emotion regulation strategy specifically, as it is a common risk factor for ABs.

Особливості прояву адиктивної поведінки вірян Церкви Адвентистів сьомого дня в умовах війни в Україні

The study is dedicated to analyzing addictive behavior among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the context of war in Ukraine. The paper establishes a connection between religious identity and survival strategies in conflict conditions, and also examines the role of church practices in overcoming addictions. Specifically, it explores how religious beliefs can prevent or, conversely, contribute to the development of addictions, what forms of addictive behavior are typical for this religious group during war, and how psychosocial support from the church community can influence the overcoming of stress and anxiety. The research findings show that Adventists have certain advantages in managing addictive behavior during war, but they are also susceptible to the influence of stress and traumatic events. In conclusion, the paper proposes practical measures aimed at protecting believers of this denomination from addictions, particularly through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and active support from spiritual leadership and the community. Special attention is paid to the strategies Adventists use to overcome stress and maintain psychological balance. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which war affects the manifestation of addictive behavior and is important for developing strategies of mental support for Christian believers in conditions of prolonged conflict. Key words: addictive behavior, believers, Seventh-day Adventist Church, war, Ukraine.

Addictive behavior and mental health of adolescents aged 11-17 years in Bangladesh in 2014: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with addictive behavior and mental health in adolescents aged 11-17 years in Bangladesh. This study analyzed data from the Bangladesh Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in 2014. Adolescents aged 11-17 years studying government schools were considered as respondents for this survey. A two-phase group sample design was utilized to deliver illustrative information of all understudies in grades (classes) 7-10 in Bangladesh. Bivariate analyses followed by a weight-adjusted multiple logistic regression was fitted to a sample of size 2989 adolescents. One in ten and one in four adolescents had different substance addictions and some forms of mental health conditions, respectively. Sex of participants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.49; confidence interval [CI]:2.28-8.84), being bullied (AOR: 3.08; CI:1.46-6.49), use of tobacco among parents (AOR: 5.82; CI:3.16-10.75), parental understanding of adolescents' problems (AOR: 0.45; CI:0.23-0.82), and food affordability (AOR: 1.24; CI:1.09-1.42) were associated with addictive behaviors of adolescents. Bullied males with nonempathetic parents were found to be more vulnerable to addictive behaviors and bullied females showed higher tendencies to mental health issues. Considering the elevated prevalence of reported mental health concerns, identifying vulnerable groups and formulating intervention-oriented policies engaging youths can pave the way towards achieving robust health and well-being for them in Bangladesh.

Links to Cyberbullying of Risky Online Behavior and Social Media Addiction among Students in Grades 7-9 in Bangkok

Objective: This present study examined the connections regarding cyberbullying, risky online behavior and social media addiction, among 7th–9th grade students in Bangkok; Thailand. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a self-report questionnaire consisting of: demographic data, cyberbullying, risky online behavior and the Social Media Addiction Screening Scale (S-MASS), involving 3,667 students.Results: Cyberbullying involvement was significantly associated with almost all risky online behaviors. The three riskiest behaviors, according to the odds ratios, were disclosing personal information (odds ratio (OR)=3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.7, 5.1]), making appointments to meet with online strangers (OR=3.0, 95% CI [2.1, 4.2]), and having conversations with online strangers (OR=2.6, 95% CI [2.3, 3.0]). Additionally, cyberbullying involvement exhibited a strong association with the high-risk category of social media addiction (OR=4.4, 95% CI [3.3, 5.8]). Furthermore, all subgroups of cyberbullying, including cyber-victims, cyberbullies, bystanders and the combined subgroups, demonstrated associations with almost all risky online behaviors. Moreover, the high risk category of social media addiction, with the combined subgroup, exhibited the highest odds ratio. Conclusion: Cyberbullying involvement was found to be associated with risky online behavior and social media addiction among middle school students in Bangkok.

DRD4 gene polymorphism and impulse control disorder induced by dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease.

Impulse control disorders and their consequences display variability among individuals, indicating potential involvement of environmental and genetic factors. In this retrospective study, we analyzed a cohort of Parkinson's disease patients treated with dopamine agonists and investigated the influence of the dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphism, DRD4 7R+, which is linked to psychiatric disorders, impulsive traits, and addictive behaviors. We found that DRD4 7R+ is a significant genetic risk factor associated with the severity of ICD.

Differences in Attentional Bias Toward e-Cigarette Cues Between e-Cigarette Users and Nonusers.

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has increased rapidly in recent years, particularly among young adults. There is a dearth of research on the cognitive factors that contribute to ENDS use. One of the possible cognitive mechanisms involved with addictive behavior is attentional bias (AB). AB can manifest as either facilitated attention engagement toward or delayed attention disengagement from a relevant stimulus. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in AB toward ENDS-related cues between ENDS users and non-ENDS users. ENDS users (n = 29) and nonusers (n = 24) between the ages of 18 and 29 years participated in the dot-probe and eye-tracking picture-viewing tasks. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the variance of AB between the two groups. In the eye-tracking task, ENDS users displayed significantly greater net dwell time and fixation time at time frames of 6-9, 9-12, and 12-15 seconds, compared to nonusers. It is noteworthy that ENDS users exhibited attentional fluctuation toward ENDS cues as well as difficulties disengaging attention from ENDS cues. The current findings offer insight into the nature of attentional processes associated with ENDS cues and provide useful data to guide the development of a nurse-led cognitive intervention focusing on biased attentional processing related to ENDS cues.

Self-control and Problematic Social Media Use: A Meta-Analysis

Failure to exercise self-control is one of the leading causes of substance and behavioral addictions. Problematic social media usage (PSMU), a type of behavioral addiction, has become an increasingly serious problem with a significant impact on the lives of individuals of all generations. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanism of PSMU to effectively address the issue. This study performed a meta-analysis, which systematically synthesized existing research in the field, to establish the current empirical state of the relationship between self-control and PSMU. The study included 57 independent samples that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (N = 29.576). The analysis results indicated a moderate negative association between self-control and PSMU (r = -.29). Furthermore, the moderator analysis outcomes suggested that the association between self-control and PSMU did not differ significantly based on variables such as developmental period, educational stage, geographic region, and publication status. The study’s findings are expected to inspire future investigations and therapeutic approaches.

How negative life events affect mobile phone addiction among college students

Mobile phone addiction, as an unhealthy internet usage habit, has had a significant negative impact on the physical and mental health of college students, especially in this vulnerable group. In view of this, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on various factors and their mechanisms that affect mobile phone addiction among college students, in order to provide a new perspective and methodology for preventing and intervening in data addiction among college students. In this research context, this study will comprehensively apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to deeply analyze the intrinsic relationship between negative life events, depression, and mobile phone addiction, in order to provide strong scientific basis for solving this problem.This study aims to explore the impact of negative life events on mobile phone addiction among college students and examine the mediating role of depression in this process. A two-year longitudinal study was conducted to conduct three consecutive questionnaire surveys on 5608 college students from a certain university. Research has found a significant positive correlation between negative life events and mobile phone addiction among college students, indicating that college students who experience more negative life events are more likely to develop mobile phone addiction behavior. Further analysis shows that depression plays a partial mediating role between negative life events and mobile phone addiction, that is, negative life events not only directly affect mobile phone addiction, but also indirectly promote the formation of mobile phone addiction by increasing individual depression levels. In addition, the study also found that gender Factors such as BMI and family economic level play important roles in the occurrence of mobile phone addiction.This study found that negative life events affect mobile phone addiction among college students, with depression as a mediating factor. This provides a new perspective for the theory of mobile phone addiction and a scientific basis for intervention. Reducing negative events, lowering depression, and improving self-control can effectively reduce addiction rates and promote the physical and mental health of college students. Future research can expand samples and regions, delve deeper into the mechanisms of action, and explore more intervention strategies.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Association with Psychological Disorders Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia.

Internet addiction is increasing worldwide. Internet addiction (IA) refers to excessive Internet usage in an uncontrolled and time-consuming manner, causing loss of time and disruption of daily life. However, the prevalence of IA may vary according to age, sex, and ethnicity, and is more prevalent among college students. There is a strong link between problematic Internet usage and an increased risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD and depression symptoms. Medical students were chosen for this study due to their unique stressors, including rigorous academic demands, extensive study hours, and clinical practice requirements. It is critical to address behavioral addictions and their psychological effects in this group, as they are linked to the future quality of healthcare provision compared with their non-medical peers. To estimate the prevalence of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) in medical students and explore their correlation with the medical students' PTSD and Patient Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ9) scores. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted including 506 medical students in the second year of medical school up to internship year at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) between June 2021 and January 2022. The questionnaire consisted of consent forms, sociodemographic data, and screening tools for PTSD, the GPIU, and PHQ-9. The prevalence of problematic internet usage (PIU) was 30.6% in the sample group. Students with moderate-to-moderately severe PTSD were 1.7 times more likely to have PIU OR (95% CI): 1.7 (1.091, 2.879). Students with moderate to severe depression were 2.2 times more likely to have PIU OR (95% CI); 2.2 (1.333, 3.950).Having a Saudi nationality, lower income, and being single was significantly associated with PIU. Single Saudi medical students with lower income are at risk of developing more problematic internet use. Especially those who score moderate to high on PTSD and PHQ-9 scales.

Assessing the Role of Low Body Image as a Risk Factor for developing Addictive Behavior towards Exercise among Regular Exercising Women of Higher Socioeconomic Status

Assessing the Role of Low Body Image as a Risk Factor for developing Addictive Behavior towards Exercise among Regular Exercising Women of Higher Socioeconomic Status

NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL ABYSS: EXPLORING THE NEXUS BETWEEN LONELINESS, AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, AND SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Smartphone addiction has become a growing concern, potentially linked to negative outcomes in adolescents. This study aimed to analyze the influence of loneliness and aggressive behavior on smartphone habits among teenagers. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilized a correlational design with a sample of 87 students. The study instruments included validated and reliable scales for measuring loneliness, aggressive behavior, and smartphone addiction. Data analysis involved multiple aggression analysis. The results revealed a significant association between both loneliness and aggressive behavior with smartphone use. This suggests that adolescents experiencing loneliness or exhibiting aggressive tendencies might engage in more frequent or problematic smartphone use. Building upon these findings, future research could delve deeper into the potential of digital education and media literacy programs to support healthy smartphone habits and reduce excessive use among adolescents. Additionally, investigating the impact of such programs on the development of guidance and counseling services for university students could be valuable.

Features of the value-semantic sphere of personality in students prone to using psychoactive substances

The article is devoted to the study of the value-semantic sphere of the personality of students who are prone to the use of psychoactive substances. The importance of timely organization of corrective work to overcome addictive behavior is noted. The article examines the factors determining the occurrence of dependent behavior, the classification of motives for the formation of dependent forms of personality behavior in college age. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of the emergence of addictive forms of personality behavior are considered. The empirical part of the study describes the structure, methods and results of the study of the student's personality attitude to psychoactive substances. The relationship between value-semantic characteristics and attitude to psychoactive substances has been established.

Entorno y políticas en relación a las adicciones a las redes sociales entre universitarios

The two main topics were essentially addressed. Firstly, and of great concern in the university setting, is related to addictive behaviors in the use of social media by students. Secondly, less explored in the country, is the various policies being implemented to address this phenomenon.

A scoping review: Screening questionnaires for identifying tanning addiction

AbstractIntroductionThere is a growing body of evidence that ultraviolet (UV) tanning, whether practiced in indoor tanning salons or outdoors in the sun, is not only linked to detrimental health outcomes but is also addictive through both psychological and physiological mechanisms. In clinical practice, it can be challenging to determine which patients will continue tanning despite being at high risk for developing skin cancer. Our study seeks to identify all available screening questionnaires for tanning addiction that could be used in clinical practice and report on published measures of validity for each screening questionnaire.MethodsAn exhaustive literature search of EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus was performed using search criteria including the concepts “UV” and “Addiction.” The most recent search was performed in March 2024 and included all articles from database inception to the time of the search. Studies were included if they reported on screening questionnaires for UV addiction. Articles were excluded from the study if they did not report primary data or did not report on measures of questionnaire validity. Methodology was created using best practices for scoping reviews.ResultsAfter identifying 171 articles, 106 articles underwent full‐text review, and 26 were included in data extraction. We identified nine questionnaires for tanning addiction, with the modified Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye‐opener (mCAGE), and modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (mDSM) being most frequently reported on, and the Behavioral Addiction Indoor Tanning Screener (BAITS) being the most promising for future use.ConclusionsThis information should be used to choose questionnaires to be studied against a “gold‐standard” of a panel of psychologists. After defining accuracy of diagnostic tests, studies can be designed to examine interventions for treating tanning addiction, so at‐risk patients can receive specialized therapy, reducing the overall burden of skin cancers.

Prevalence and clinical phenotypes of adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid behavioral addictions.

Although the correlation between substance use disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been largely studied, less is known about the correlation between behavioral addictions and ADHD. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of behavioral addictions in a large sample of adult patients with a primary diagnosis of ADHD and to compare the clinical profile of ADHD patients with and without behavioral addictions comorbidity. 248 consecutive adults newly diagnosed as ADHD patients were assessed through a series of validated scales for gambling disorder, internet, sex, shopping and food addictions. ADHD patients with at least one comorbid behavioral addiction were compared to non-comorbid patients on ADHD symptoms, impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms and functional impairment. 58.9% of patients had at least one behavioral addiction comorbidity. Of the whole sample, 31.9% of the patients had a comorbidity with one behavioral addiction while the 27% showed a comorbidity with two or more behavioral addictions. Internet addiction was the most common comorbidity (33.9%) followed by food addiction (28.6%), shopping addiction (19%), sex addiction (12.9%) and gambling disorder (3.6%). ADHD patients with comorbid behavioral addictions showed higher ADHD current and childhood symptoms, higher cognitive and motor impulsivity, higher mood and anxiety symptoms and higher functional impairment. Behavioral addictions are highly frequent in adult ADHD patients. Comorbid patients seem to have a more complex phenotype characterized by more severe ADHD, mood and anxiety symptoms, higher impulsivity levels and greater functional impairment.

Co-occurring compulsive sexual behaviour in an inpatient substance use population: Clinical correlates and influence on treatment outcomes.

Many individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) present with co-occurring mental health disorders and other addictions, including behavioral addictions (BAs). Though several studies have investigated the relationship between SUDs and BAs, less research has focused specifically on compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB). Given that poly-addiction can hinder treatment outcomes, it is necessary to better understand the impact of co-occurring CSB and SUD. Therefore, the current study aimed to 1) determine the rate of CSB in a sample seeking treatment for SUDs, 2) identify demographic and clinical correlates of co-occurring CSB, and 3) to determine if co-occurring CSB impacts treatment outcomes for SUD. Participants were 793 adults (71.1% men) ranging in age from 18-77 (M = 38.73) at an inpatient treatment facility for SUDs who were assessed for CSB upon admission into treatment. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires upon admission and at discharge to assess psychological and addiction symptoms. Rates of CSB were 24%. Younger age and being single were associated with greater CSB. Mental distress and addiction symptoms were higher in participants with CSB. Predictors of CSB severity included greater symptoms of traumatic stress and interpersonal dysfunction. Rates of treatment completion were similar between participants with and without CSB. These results highlight several clinical and demographic correlates of CSB amongst individuals in treatment for SUD. However, CSB was not associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Further identifying characteristics associated with CSB can help clinicians identify individuals who may be at higher risk.

Linking negative cognitive bias to short‐form video addiction: The mediating roles of social support and loneliness

AbstractAlthough the relationships between some antecedents (such as affective disorders and negative emotions) and short‐form video addiction have been verified by previous studies, the association between negative cognitive bias and this addictive behavior has not been examined, and the underlying psychological mechanisms are still unclear. The present study explored the relationship between negative cognitive bias and short‐form video addiction as well as the mediating roles of social support and loneliness in this association. The participants of the current study included 336 university students (197 females). The findings showed that (1) negative cognitive bias was positively correlated with short‐form video addiction; (2) social support and loneliness separately mediated the relationship between negative cognitive bias and short‐form video addiction; and (3) social support and loneliness sequentially mediated the relationship between negative cognitive bias and short‐form video addiction. These results might be helpful for understanding the relationships and the underlying psychological mechanisms between these study variables. Future studies were encouraged to investigate effective intervention approaches for relieving negative cognitive bias, which might be conducive to decreasing the severity of short‐form video addiction.

Frontal white and gray matter abnormality in gambling disorder: A multimodal MRI study.

Changes in brain structural connections appear to be important in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders, but their role in behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder (GD), is unclear. GD also offers a model to study addiction mechanisms without pharmacological confounding factors. Here, we used multimodal MRI data to examine the integrity of white matter connections in individuals with GD. We hypothesized that the affected areas would be in the fronto-striatal-thalamic circuit. Twenty individuals with GD (mean age: 64 years, GD duration: 15.7 years) and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent detailed clinical examinations together with brain 3T MRI scans (T1, T2, FLAIR and DWI). White matter (WM) analysis involved fractional anisotropy and lesion load, while gray matter (GM) analysis included voxel- and surface-based morphometry. These measures were compared between groups, and correlations with GD-related behavioral characteristics were examined. Individuals with GD showed reduced WM integrity in the left and right frontal parts of the corona radiata and corpus callosum (pFWE < 0.05). WM gambling symptom severity (SOGS score) was negatively associated to WM integrity in these areas within the left hemisphere (p< 0.05). Individuals with GD also exhibited higher WM lesion load in the left anterior corona radiata (pFWE < 0.05). GM volume in the left thalamus and GM thickness in the left orbitofrontal cortex were reduced in the GD group (pFWE < 0.05). Similar to substance addictions, the fronto-striatal-thalamic circuit is also affected in GD, suggesting that this circuitry may have a crucial role in addictions, independent of pharmacological substances.

Characterization of Gut Microbiota in Rats and Rhesus Monkeys After Methamphetamine Self-administration.

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most abused drugs globally, but the mechanism of its addiction remains unclear. Several animal studies have shown that the gut microbiota (GM) influences addictive behaviors, but the pattern of GM changes during addiction in animals of different species remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between dynamic changes in GM and MA self-administration acquisitionamong two classical mammals, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and rats, MA self-administration models. Male Sprague-Dawley rats and male rhesus monkeys were subjected to classical MA self-administration training, and fecal samples were collected before and after MA self-administration training, respectively. 16S rRNA sequencing was used for GM analyses. We found that GM changes were more pronounced in rats than in rhesus monkeys, as evidenced by more GM taxa producing significant differences before and after MA self-administration training in rats than in monkeys. We also found that the expression of the genus Clostridia_vadinBB60_group significantly decreased after MA self-administration training in both rats and rhesus monkeys. Lactobacillus changes were significantly negatively correlated with total MA uptake in rats (Pearson R = - 0.666, p = 0.035; Spearman R = - 0.721, p = 0.023), whereas its change was also highly negatively correlated with total MA uptake in rhesus monkeys (Pearson R = - 0.882, p = 0.118; Spearman R = - 1.000, p = 0.083), although this was not significant. These findings suggest that MA causes significant alterations in GM in both rhesus monkeys and rats and that the genus Lactobacillus might be a common therapeutic target for MA uptake prevention across the species.

Eating Behavior, Sleep Disorders and Digital Game Addiction in Children and Determination of Associated Factors by CHAID Analysis

Background: Healthy nutrition and good quality sleep are one of the most important factors for growth and development in a child. Digital game addiction may cause some problematic behaviors and affect children's nutrition and sleep. We aimed to investigate the relationship between digital game addiction, eating behavior, and sleep disorders in children. Methods: The study was conducted with 252 mothers with children between the ages of 4-7 years, selected by convenient sampling methods. The Digital Game Addiction Scale, Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire and The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) were used to collect data. The correlation coefficient and the decision tree CHAID algorithm were used in the data analysis. Results: Digital game addiction negatively affects children's eating behavior and sleep patterns. It was found that there was a mostly positive but weakly significant relationship between digital game addiction and children's eating behaviors (P&lt;.01; P&lt;.05) and a highly significant relationship was found between the sleep disorder scale sleep hyperhidrosis sub-dimension (P&lt;.05). While digital game addiction is affected by gender, the mother's education level, and eating behavior are affected by the mother's age, the parent's education level, and the child's gender (P&lt;.05). The child's age is the variable that affects the children's sleep disorder (P&lt;.05). Conclusion: Intervention programs for children and families can be created for the causes of digital game addiction, its effects on child development and the correct use of the digital world.