Common Addiction Research Articles

Effect of snuff on nasal mucosa

Purpose The inhalation of nasal snuff (powdered tobacco) is a common addiction in the Indian subcontinent. In the western world, there is a resurgence of interest in nasal snuff because it does have the morbidity associated with smoked tobacco. Very few studies have reported the long-term effects of snuff on nasal mucosa. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of long-term use of snuff on the nasal mucosa. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective study on 29 snuff users. We investigated the reasons for initiation of this particular form of addiction along with the clinical signs and symptoms of long-term snuff usage. At the time of the study, all patients complained of one or more nasal symptoms. Nasal obstruction and nasal discharge taken together were reported by 62.5% of patients. Gross mucosal edema of the septum and turbinates was the main finding on nasal examination. The absolute eosinophil count and total serum immunoglobulin E were elevated in 62.5% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. On skin prick test, 41% of patients reacted positively to snuff and 25% to tobacco. Histopathologic examination of the turbinates (16 patients) showed squamous metaplasia, capillary proliferation, capillary and venous dilatation, inflammatory cell reaction, subepithelial edema, and fibrosis. Conclusions Much has been written about the advantages of nasal snuff over products that deliver tobacco smoke. Our study shows that snuff users, after long-term abuse, develop a form of chronic rhinitis, as a consequence of which they develop blocked and stuffy noses. We conclude that nasal snuff is not a suitable substitute for smoked tobacco because it does not avoid ill health.

Addiction liability of Tryon rats: Independent transmission of morphine and alcohol consumption

Two inbred strains of Tryon rats were tested for consumption of morphine (0.5 mg/ml) and alcohol (10% w/v) solutions in both free and forced choice situations. Statistically significant differences in intake by strain were found both for morphine and alcohol. The Tryon S 3 strain consumed significantly more morphine than the S 1 strain in two of the four phases of the experiment. The Tryon S 1 strain consumed significantly more alcohol than the S 3 in two of the four phases. Factors affecting consumption of drug solutions including sex and activity level were assessed using analysis of covariance. Strain differences were apparent even when these factors were removed from the analyses. These results are discussed in relation to previous reports suggesting a common addiction liability for both morphine and alcohol in inbred strains of animals.

Chemistry of the Hemp Drugs

THE resinous exudate from the female flowers of the hemp plant (Carinabis sativa) has for centuries formed the basis of a variety of narcotics known under a host of names (charas, hashish, ganja, etc.) according to locality and mode of preparation. The hemp drugs are eaten or smoked, the effects varying somewhat accordingly. Recently the smoking of hemp under the name of marihuana has attained particular prominence in America, where strenuous efforts are being made to combat its spread. Of all the common addiction drugs, least of a scientific nature is known about Cannabis, and this despite the fact that it has quite remarkable pharmacological properties. The isolation and characterization of the active principle or principles might well prove of considerable medical importance.