Common Addiction Research Articles

Exploratory study of associations between monetary reward anticipation brain responses and mu-opioid signalling in alcohol dependence, gambling disorder and healthy controls

Alcohol dependence (AD) and gambling disorder (GD) are common addiction disorders with significant physical and mental health consequences. AD and GD are associated with dysregulated responses to reward which could be due to a common mechanism of dysregulated endogenous opioid signalling. We explored associations between reward anticipation responses, using the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task, and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) availability and endogenous opioid release capacity using [11C]carfentanil positron emission tomography (PET), in 13 AD, 15 GD and 14 heathy control (HC) participants. We also examined differences in MID task reward anticipation responses between AD, GD and HC participants. These were secondary exploratory analysis of data collected to examine differences in MOR PET in addiction. We did not find significant differences in MID win > neutral anticipation BOLD responses compared between participant groups in a priori ROIs (ventral striatum, putamen, caudate) or whole brain analyses. We found no significant correlations between MID win > neutral anticipation BOLD responses and [11C]carfentanil PET measures, except for limited negative correlations between putamen MOR availability and MID win > neutral anticipation BOLD response in AD participants. Previous research has suggested a limited role of endogenous opioid signalling on MID task reward anticipation responses in AD and HCs as these responses are not modulated by opioid receptor blockade and this may explain our lack of significant correlations in HC and AD or GD participants. Our results, particularly the lack of differences in MID win > neutral anticipation BOLD responses across participants groups, may be limited due to only including AD or GD participants who are abstinent or in active treatment.

Comparison of CT-Determined Pulmonary Artery Diameter among Smokers and Non-smokers: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a common addiction in our society. The toxic chemical compounds present in tobacco smoke cause epithelial damage and inflammation of the airways. Chronic smoking results in the thickening of the pulmonary arterial wall and vasoconstriction, leading to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hence, measurement of pulmonary artery diameter using Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) may be helpful in the early detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Aim: To compare the diameters of the Main Pulmonary Artery (MPA), Right Pulmonary Artery (RPA), and Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) using CECT thorax in smokers and non-smokers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022 in the department of radiodiagnosis, KS Hegde Hospital, Karnataka, India, consisting of 100 patients referred for CECT thorax in the age group of 18-85 years. They were divided into two groups: smokers and non-smokers, with 50 patients in each group. They were further categorised into three age groups: < 50 years, 50-60 years, and >60 years. The widest diameters of the MPA were measured at the level of bifurcation of the artery and perpendicular to the long axis of the artery. At this level, RPA and LPA diameters were measured at the widest portion on 1.25 mm axial images of the arterial phase. Variation in the pulmonary artery diameter was compared between smokers and non-smokers with respect to age and analysed by unpaired t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: Diameters of MPA, RPA, and LPA were statistically significant (p<0.05) in smokers compared to non-smokers. In smokers, MPA and RPA diameters correlated with age, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). No significant correlation (p>0.05) was shown between age and MPA, RPA, and LPA diameter in non-smokers. The mean MPA diameter showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in all three age groups. Conclusion: The diameter of the pulmonary artery is statistically significant in smokers compared to non-smokers. Hence, assessment of pulmonary artery diameters among smokers using CECT thorax will help to diagnose Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) at an early stage.

Social Media Addiction Among Adolescents: A Brief Overview About Recent Findings

This is a brief overview article about social media addiction; what is it? What is the difference between its addiction and common addiction ones? What is the difference between internet sites and social media ones, the reasons and symptoms of addiction, then final conclusion for teenagers?

Role of FNAC in Early Detection and Diagnosis of Lung Lesions with Histo-radiological Correlation and Clinical Insights in a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Carcinoma of lung has now become increasingly frequent during the last 60 years; this increase is seen in males and especially in the females. Cytological evaluation from respiratory tract is the initial investigation along with radiological investigations in patients suspected to have pulmonary diseases. The various cytological samples included transbronchial needle aspiration, guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears and pleural fluid. Present study was undertaken to study the spectrum of lesions diagnosed by cytomorphological analysis of various cytological samples and correlation of the histopathology, cytology and radiology of lung lesions. Materials and Methods: Centrifuged and direct smears from received samples were stained with MGG and PAP stain. Cytohistological correlation was done when biopsy was available with radiological correlation & comparison of topographic display. Results: Present study was carried out during the period of December 2018 to November 2019. During this period, of total 52 cases, 36 (69.2%) were males and 16 (30.8%) were females. Their age ranged from 26 years to 73 years, most patients (53.8) belonged to the age group of 56 – 65 years. The literacy status of the patients was assessed. 2 out of 52 (3.8%) patients were illiterate, 8 out of 52 (15.4%) patients were educated above H.S. level. Adenocarcinoma was seen to be the most prevalent 29 (55.7%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma 12 (23.0%) among the cases studied. Smoking was seen to be the most common addiction i.e. 34 out of 52 cases (65.4%). Among non-smokers 66.7% presented with adenocarcinoma and 16.6% cases with squamous cell carcinoma. The topography of the neoplasms within the lungs was assessed radiologically. On chest X ray (82.6%) lung lesions were identified; (48%) of patients were found to have pleural effusion. By using CT SCAN, all masses were located definitely. Conclusion: A good correlation between cytology and histopathology is revealed in our study. Guided FNAC helps in early detection and diagnosis of lung lesions and facilitates appropriate management of patients. Keywords: Lung, Carcinoma, Detection, Diagnosis, Fine needle aspiration, Cytology, Histopathology, Radiology, Correlation

A Comparative Clinical Study on Efficacy of Ahiphenmochanadi Vati and Sameeragaja Kesari Rasa in Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

ABSTRACT Background: Ahiphen Vyasan (opium and its derivatives addicts) is a common addiction in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The main symptoms of opiate withdrawal are Nadimandata (resting pulse rate), Swed Pravrutti (sweating), Arti (restlessness), Netratarak Vispharana (dialeted pupil size), Asthi or Sandhi Shoola (bone and joint pain), Nasasrava or Ashrusrava (running nose or tearing), Agnibaishamya (gastrointestinal upset), Kampa (Tramor), Jrimbha (Yawning), Vishada (feeling of unhappiness – depression), and Romanch (horripilation). Kuchla (Strychnos nux-vomica) has been mentioned as antidote for opium. Aim and Objective: The intention or aim here is to combat the opiate withdrawal effects by using opium in tapering method along with S. nux-vomica. For which the study refers to evaluate the efficacy of Ahiphenmochnadi Vati and Sameer Gaja Kesari Rasa in opium withdrawal symptoms. Material and Method: Open-labeled randomized clinical trial of thirty patients of either sex. Intervention: Group A (15 patients) was given Ahiphenmochnadi Vati, whereas Group B (15 patients) treated with Sameer Gaja Kesari Rasa. Duration: 1 month. Intragroup comparison of group A and Group B were found statistically extremely significant. Result: Intergroup comparison of Group A and B were found statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study supports the use of Ahiphenmochnadi Vati and Sameer Gaja Kesari Rasa in treating Ahiphen Vyasan with good acceptance by all treated patients.

The general practitioner in charge of addictive behavior

IntroductionRecent reports confirmed that more than 22% of adult world population are suffering from addiction. Tobacco and alcohol use remain the most prevalent addictive behaviors reported in Tunisia. The management of addiction is a multidisciplinary team concept. This entity may be underdiagnosed due to perception default at the first line of management.The aim of this study was to identify the limiting factors for addictive behavior approach in general practitioner (GP) clinic.Recent reports confirmed that more than 22% of adult world population are suffering from addiction. Tobacco and alcohol use remain the most prevalent addictive behaviors reported in Tunisia. The management of addiction is a multidisciplinary team concept. This entity may be underdiagnosed due to perception default at the first line of management.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the limiting factors for addictive behavior approach in general practitioner (GP) clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 84 GPs in the city of Monastir, Tunisia. Self‐reported questionnaire was designed to survey the prevalence of patients with detectable addictive behavior among the outpatient GP clinic visitors.ResultsThe participation rate was 93.3% (84/90). The prevalence of addictive behaviors was variable (38-59.5%). Tobacco use was the most common addiction (91.7%). More than seventy percent of questioned GPs were regularly consulting patients with known addictive behavior. The diagnosis was incidental in 7% of cases. Sixty percent of patients had predisposing factors for addiction. Diagnostic with screening difficulties for addictive behavior were independently related to doctor’s age >40 (OR = 6.51; p = 0.005), exercise in private clinic (OR= 6.46; p=0.004). Thirty-three percent of GPs were more involved in addiction monitoring. The use of assessment scales was noted in 15%. Young physician age (OR=5.20; p=0.002) and the absence postgraduate diploma in addictology (OR=9.66; p=0.01) were significantly associated addiction management avoidance.ConclusionsThis study aimed to assess of the attitude of GP in Monastir city regarding the addictive behaviors of their patients. The diagnosis and the management of addiction is not standardized for these health practitioners and this will not contribute to the battle against this social entity.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF CLINICAL PROFILE, RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT OUT COME OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASES OF LOWER EXTREMITIES

Objectives: To study the pattern of clinical presentation, aetiology, various investigations for diagnosis and management of Peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This is a cross-sectional s Materials And Methods: tudy including 50 patients who presented to OPD at Government General Hospital, Anantapur, with Peripheral arterial occlusive disease. patients above the age of 18 years with symptoms of rest pain, claudication pain, ulceration and gangrene with evidence of lower limb arterial occlusive disease on doppler are included in this study. Patients less than 18 years of age and PAD of upper extremities, patients with history of trauma of lower extremities and pain due to musculoskeletal or neurological origin are excluded. The results of the Statistical Analysis: study are expressed in terms of proportion. In this study the most common etiological factor contributing for Peripheral arterial o Results: cclusive disease is atherosclerosis (76%) followed by thromboangiitis obliterans (24%). This disease has male preponderance and the most common age group affected is 41 years and above. The most common mode of presentation is rest pain and 50% of patients presented with gangrene affecting foot and lower 1/3rd of leg. The most common co-morbid condition associated with Peripheral arterial occlusive disease in this study is diabetes mellitus. Tobacco smoking is the most common addiction associated with Peripheral arterial occlusive disease. 45% patients with atherosclerosis showed involvement of infra-popliteal site. Almost all patients required surgical intervention due to the late presentation at tertiary care center. 66% of patients in this study required amputation. None of the patient died following amputation in this study.The cardiac evaluation showed abnormality in almost 20% of the study group. This emphasises the need for cardiac evaluation in all cases of peripheral arterial disease and this condition is called atherosclerosis. peripheral arterial disease is due Conclusion: to atherosclerosis in most of cases with male preponderance after 41 years and above with gangrene as the most common clinical presentation. Prompt surgical intervention in the form of amputation, reduced mortality rate.

Smartphone Addiction and Sleep Quality in Adolescents

Objective: To determine the frequency of smartphone addiction and poor sleep in high school adolescents and to evaluate the relationship between phone addiction and sleep, together with demographic characteristics.
 Methods: A face-to-face survey was applied to 730 high school students in the Kahta district of Adıyaman, Turkey, between November 2021 and January 2022. The Smartphone Addiction Inventory-Short Form (SPAI-SF) was used to assess smartphone addiction, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality.
 Results: The rate of smartphone addiction in adolescents was 41%, and poor sleep quality was 61%. When smartphone addiction increases, sleep quality decreases, and when sleep quality decreases smartphone addiction increases. Smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality were higher in girls compared to boys. As the parents’ education level and family income increase, the level of addiction increases, but sleep quality remain the same. We found that as age increases, the risk of smartphone addiction and the risk of deterioration in sleep quality increase.
 Conclusion: Smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality trigger each other in a vicious circle. The COVID-19 pandemic may have made smartphone addiction the most common addiction in the world. This addiction can increase the risk of substance addiction by impairing the quality of sleep in adolescents and lead to many physical, social, and mental problems. A multidisciplinary approach is vital for solving the problem.

Betel quid: New insights into an ancient addiction.

The use of areca nuts (areca) in the form of betel quids constitutes the fourth most common addiction in the world, associated with high risk for oral disease and cancer. Areca is a complex natural product, making it difficult to identify specific components associated with the addictive and carcinogenic properties. It is commonly believed that the muscarinic agonist arecoline is at the core of the addiction. However, muscarinic receptor activation is not generally believed to support drug-taking behaviour. Subjective accounts of areca use include descriptions of both sedative and stimulatory effects, consistent with the presence of multiple psychoactive agents. We have previously reported partial agonism of α4-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by arecoline and subsequent inhibition of those receptors by whole areca broth. In the present study, we report the inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and other types of neurotransmitter receptors with compounds of high molecular weight in areca and the ability of low molecular weight areca extract to activate GABA and glutamate receptors. We confirm the presence of a high concentration of GABA and glutamate in areca. Additionally, data also indicate the presence of a dopamine and serotonin transporter blocking activity in areca that could account for the reported stimulant and antidepressant activity. Our data suggest that toxic elements of high molecular weight may contribute to the oral health liability of betel quid use, while two distinct low molecular weight components may provide elements of reward, and the nicotinic activity of arecoline contributes to the physical dependence of addiction.

Willingness to Oppose Smoking among Pregnant Women.

Even though smoking causes numerous threats to the developing foetus, it is the most common addiction in Polish women of reproductive age. Most studies undertake to examine the subject of opposing second-hand smoking or creating tools to reprimand pregnant women more effectively using a qualitative methodology. The study aimed to determine the profile of a pregnant woman who is willing to oppose the smoking of another pregnant woman. The research was conducted using an original multiple-choice questionnaire. The survey was shared on websites for expecting parents. Completed questionnaires were collected from 11,448 pregnant women. The Wald test for logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Predictors of whether someone would draw another pregnant women’s attention to the fact that smoking is harmful were: intellectual work (OR 1.136; p-value 0.020) and currently being a student (OR 1.363; p-value 0.004), involvement of the child’s father (OR 1.377; p-value < 0.001), contact with social campaigns (OR 1.150; p-value 0.005) and knowledge about the consequences of smoking, as well as talking to the midwife about the harmfulness of cigarettes during pregnancy (OR 1.655; p-value < 0.001). Interpersonal relationships leave scope for public health interventions. It is worth enhancing criticism against smoking by specialists through information and education campaigns.

MICRO FINANCE THROUGH WOMEN SELF-HELP GROUPS

Self-help groups also known as mutual help, mutual aid, or support groups, or groups of people who provide mutual support for each other. In a self-help group, the members share a common problem, often a common disease or addiction. Their mutual goal is to help each other to deal with, if possible to heal or to recover from, this problem. In traditional society, family and friends provided social support. In modern industrial society, however, family and community ties are often disrupted due to mobility and other social changes. Thus, people often choose to join with others who share mutual interests and concerns.

Effects of passive smoking on the health of children and adolescents: a systematic review

Despite growing global efforts to control tobacco use, it remains a common addiction. Passive smoking is the inhalation of smoke from tobacco derivatives by non-smokers, breathing in the same toxic substances that the smoker inhales. The objective of this systematic review was to identify the possible effects of passive smoking on the health of children and adolescents. The PICO tool was used to prepare the research question. The protocol of this study was submitted to PROSPERO and the PRISMA guidelines were followed. The following databases were used: LILACS, MEDLINE and EMBASE. As a result, 493 articles were identified from the last 5 years, 8 articles were removed for being duplicates, 439 articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, 8 articles were excluded for poor methodological quality and 38 were included in the study. It was concluded, as evidence, that passive smoking has negative effects on the health of children and adolescents and was associated with respiratory, infectious, psychoneurocognitive, metabolic, cardiovascular, otorhinolaryngological, allergic disorders and increased mortality.

Willingness to reprimand smoking among pregnant women

Abstract Introduction Even though smoking can cause numerous threats to the developing foetus, it is nevertheless the most common addiction in Polish women of reproductive age. Pregnant women feel an intense conflict when someone smokes in their surroundings and little research has been done to assess the relations and support in an exclusive group of pregnant women. Most studies undertake to examine the subject using focus methodology of opposing second-hand smoking or creating tools to reprimand pregnant women more effectively. The aim of our study was to determine the profile of a pregnant woman who is willing to oppose smoking of another pregnant woman. Methods The survey was shared on Polish websites for expecting parents with a request for completion that was addressed at pregnant women, regardless of pregnancy trimester, Study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017. Participants: Complete questionnaires were collected from 11,448 pregnant women. The cross-cutting research was conducted using an original questionnaire. A computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) was used to reach the respondents. The snowball sampling method was used to collect the questionnaires. The logistic regression model was used to determine the probability. Results Predictors of drawing other pregnant women attention to the fact that smoking is harmful were: mental work (OR1,1136) and study (OR1,363), involvement of the child's father (OR1,377), contact with social campaigns (OR1,150) and knowledge about the consequences of smoking, as well as talking to the midwife about the harmfulness of cigarettes during pregnancy (OR1,655). Conclusions Interpersonal relationships leave scope for public health interventions. It is worth enhancing criticism against smoking by specialists through information and education campaigns. Key messages The conducted research shows that actions aimed at raising awareness of the harmfulness of smoking in pregnancy have a positive effect. Interpersonal relationships leave scope for public health interventions.

En Block Versus Separate Management of Cervical Nodes in Tongue and Floor of the Mouth Cancers- Is There a Difference? An Analysis of 85 Cases in a Tertiary Care Institute.

To evaluate difference in local recurrence, regional (neck) recurrence as well as distant metastases between cases operated with en-block excision of primary cancer and neck nodes versus their separate removal, in squamous cell carcinomas of anterior 2/3 of tongue and floor of the mouth. A total 85 patients of cT1-T4a N0-N2b of carcinomaanterior 2/3 of tongue and floor of mouthwere evaluated. Amongst these patients39 cases of in-continuity en-block neck dissection and 46 cases of discontinuous neck dissection were evaluated for post-operativecomplicationsas well as oncological outcome for a follow up period of 3years. Patient population was similar in both groups with tongue cancers being the commonestsiteand tobacco being the most common addiction. Primary site hematoma was seen more in the in-continuity en-block neck dissection group with a p-value of 0.0276, which was statistically significant. Post-operative oro-cutaneous fistula occurred more in in-continuityenblockneck dissection as compared to discontinuous neck dissection, but the difference was not statistically significant. Local recurrence rate was significantly more in cases of discontinuous neck dissection (19.565) as compared to in-continuity en-block neck dissection (5.12%) with a p-Value 0.0481. A statistically non-significant but higher loco-regional recurrence was observed in cases of discontinuous neck dissection as compared to cases ofin-continuity en-block neck dissection (10.56% vs 2.56). In the present study recurrence-free survival RFS 3year in cases of en-block in-continuity neck dissection (84.06%) cases as compared to discontinuous neck dissection cases (63.04%) with p Value 0.025698. In-continuityen-block in continuity neck dissection has lower loco-regional recurrence and may impact overall distant metastases. Though early postoperative complications are more in in-continuityen-block in continuity neck dissection as compared to discontinuous neck dissection, most are managed conservatively. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate its outcome in a comprehensive manner.

A Case-Control Study on Behavioral Addictions and Neurocognition: Description of the BANCO and BANCO2 Protocols.

IntroductionOnly two behavioral addictions (BAs) are currently recognized in international classifications (gambling disorder: GbD; gaming disorder: GmD), while some of them await further investigation (food addiction: FA; sexual addiction: SA). Neurocognitive functioning is considered a risk factor for BAs. Research is quite abundant for GbD and highlights specific deficits in several cognitive functions. Nevertheless, grey areas still exist. The aim of this research programme is to investigate the neurocognitive profiles of patients presenting with various BAs and to establish parallels between different forms of BA to achieve a common addiction concept.Methods and AnalysisThis research program is composed of two studies sharing the same methodology but focusing on different samples: the BANCO study aims to include 30 individuals with a GbD, whereas the BANCO2 study aims to include 30 individuals with a GmD, 30 with a SA, and 30 with a FA. Moreover, for each BA group, 30 healthy controls will be recruited, matched by sex, age and education level. Several cognitive tasks will be completed by participants. Cue reactivity and physiological responses, as well as clinical data regarding addiction characteristics and personality, will also be investigated. A composite score based on the cognitive tasks will be computed using principal component analysis (PCA). Overall cognitive performance and detailed performance on the different cognitive tasks will be compared between individuals with BAs and their matched healthy controls using linear models with random effects. Comparisons will also be made between BA groups to investigate specific alterations associated with each disorder.DiscussionThe results of this research programme will impact both research and clinical areas by (i) providing new knowledge for discussions regarding the inclusion of BAs under the spectrum of addictive disorders; (ii) improving understanding of addiction mechanisms in general; (iii) providing clarity in the grey areas in neurocognitive research on BAs and improving the understanding of less studied BAs, (iv) guiding clinicians to propose therapeutic alternatives and complementary programmes.Trial RegistrationBANCO study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03202290); BANCO2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03967418).

Abuse Drug Addictive’s: Beginning and Causes of Drug among Different Gender in District Charsadda, Pakistan

According to our results 80 % of abuse drug addictive causes by friend. Ice and chars is the most common addiction in male and transgender compare to female.

Study of mortality and morbidity patterns and various emerging non communicable diseases in the elderly

Background: The geriatric population is defined as population aged 60 years and above. The mixed profile of communicable and non-communicable diseases among the elderly population in developing countries places a huge burden on the existing health care delivery system. Present hospital based cross-sectional study was focused on the morbidity profile of the elderly and improve the health care services so as to enable them to lead a productive life. Material and Methods: Present study was single centre, descriptive observational study, conducted in subjects above 60 years and both gender, visiting to OPD and IPD, willing to participate in study after written consent. Results: We included total 200 geriatric population in our study. Majority of them were from 60-70 years age group (50 %) followed by 71-80 years (37%) and 81-90 years age group (13%). Mean age was 70.75±7.25 years. Males were 56.5% and females were 43.5%. Males were predominant in our study with male to female ratio 1.29:1. Most common addiction seen among the patients are tobacco chewing (49.5%) followed by smoking (27%), followed by pan (24.5%), nut (21.5%) and alcohol (10.5%). Family history of diabetes and hypertension was present in 63.5% and 72% cases respectively. Prevalence of cataract as commonest observed morbidity in our study was 60%, DM 37%, hypertension 34%, IHD 33.5%, anemia 21%, hearing loss 11.5% and cancer was 4%. Out of 45 deaths, 44.4% deaths occurred in patients with IHD as risk factor, 26.6% deaths occurred in patients with COPD as risk factor, 22.2% deaths occurred in patients with CVA/stroke as risk factor and 17.8% deaths occurred in patients with AKI as risk factor. So IHD, COPD, CVA and AKI were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Commonly observed morbidities were cataract (60%), diabetes mellitus (37%), hypertension (34%), ischemic heart disease (33.5%) Significant association of mortality was seen with ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular accident and acute kidney injury.

Predictive utility of the brief Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions for identifying self-attributed problems

Background and aimsThe Brief Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions (SSBAs) was developed to assess a common addiction construct across four substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine), and six behaviors (gambling, shopping, videogaming, eating, sexual activity, and working) using a lay epidemiology perspective. This paper extends our previous work by examining the predictive utility of the SSBA to identify self-attributed addiction problems.MethodParticipants (N = 6,000) were recruited in Canada using quota sampling methods. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROCs) analyses were conducted, and thresholds established for each target behavior's subscale to predict self-attributed problems with these substances and behaviors. For each substance and behavior, regression models compared overall classification accuracy and model fit when lay epidemiologic indicators assessed using the SSBA were compared with validated screening measures to predict selfattributed problems.ResultsROC analyses indicted moderate to high diagnostic accuracy (Area under the curves (AUCs) 0.73–0.94) across SSBA subscales. Thresholds for identifying self-attributed problems were 3 for six of the subscales (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, shopping, and gaming), and 2 for the remaining four behaviors (gambling, eating, sexual activity, and working). Compared to other instruments assessing addiction problems, models using the SSBA provided equivalent or better model fit, and overall had higher classification accuracy in the prediction of self-attributed problems.Discussion and conclusionsThe SSBA is a viable screening tool for problematic engagement across ten potentially addictive behaviors. Where longer screening tools are not appropriate, the SSBA may be used to identify individuals who would benefit from further assessment.

Predictive utility of the brief Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions for identifying self-attributed problems.

The Brief Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions (SSBAs) was developed to assess a common addiction construct across four substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine), and six behaviors (gambling, shopping, videogaming, eating, sexual activity, and working) using a lay epidemiology perspective. This paper extends our previous work by examining the predictive utility of the SSBA to identify self-attributed addiction problems. Participants (N = 6,000) were recruited in Canada using quota sampling methods. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROCs) analyses were conducted, and thresholds established for each target behavior's subscale to predict self-attributed problems with these substances and behaviors. For each substance and behavior, regression models compared overall classification accuracy and model fit when lay epidemiologic indicators assessed using the SSBA were compared with validated screening measures to predict selfattributed problems. ROC analyses indicted moderate to high diagnostic accuracy (Area under the curves (AUCs) 0.73-0.94) across SSBA subscales. Thresholds for identifying self-attributed problems were 3 for six of the subscales (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, shopping, and gaming), and 2 for the remaining four behaviors (gambling, eating, sexual activity, and working). Compared to other instruments assessing addiction problems, models using the SSBA provided equivalent or better model fit, and overall had higher classification accuracy in the prediction of self-attributed problems. The SSBA is a viable screening tool for problematic engagement across ten potentially addictive behaviors. Where longer screening tools are not appropriate, the SSBA may be used to identify individuals who would benefit from further assessment.

Shopping Addiction Is Driven by Personal Focus Rather than Social Focus Values but to the Exclusion of Achievement and Self-Direction

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between shopping addiction and a comprehensive model of motivational principles conceptualized within the Schwartz’s values theory. On the basis of previous research on the associations of shopping addiction with personality and particular values, it was hypothesized that shopping addiction would be positively related to all personal focus values that refer to self-enhancement and openness to change, and negatively related to social focus values that emphasize conservation and self-transcendence. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale, a tool based on common addiction components, and the Short Schwartz Values Survey were administered to 1156 undergraduate students. The results mostly supported the hypotheses; however, contrary to what was expected, shopping addiction had negative associations with achievement and self-direction. These results suggest that while compulsive buyers are strongly motivated to pursue prestige and pleasurable, hedonistic life, they diminish the importance of productivity or creativity that would allow achieving their goals. To some extent, shopping addiction could be understood as a striving for the ideal lifestyle with minimum effort by those who struggle with maintaining positive and healthy social relations. The findings contribute to the understanding of individual differences related to the development and persistence of shopping addiction.