Consumption Of Addictive Substances Research Articles

Health, risk behaviour and consumption of addictive substances among physicians\xa0- results of an online survey

BackgroundPrevious studies were able to show that hazardous alcohol and substance abuse among physicians is not rare. Currently no recent data to detect risk groups are available either on the prevalence of hazardous drinking disorders and risky health behaviour among physicians or on influencing factors (age, gender, role, institution, specialization, working hours).MethodsA 42-item online questionnaire was distributed to 38 university hospitals, 296 teaching hospitals and 1290 physicians in private practice. The questionnaire addressed health behaviour and alcohol/substance consumption as well as demographic and work-related properties.ResultsOut of 1338 a total of 920 questionnaires could be evaluated. 90% of physicians estimate their health status as satisfying. 23% of doctors consume hazard quantities of ethanol, 5% are nicotine addicted, and 8% suffer from obesity. Childlessness (p = 0,004; OR = 1,67; KI = 1,17-2,37) for both genders and the role of a resident for females (p = 0,046, OR = 3,10, KI = 1,02-9,40) poses a risk factor for hazardous alcohol consumption. Weekly working hours of more than 50 h (p = 0,009; OR = 1,56; KI = 1,12-2,18) and a surgical profession (p < 0,001; OR = 2,03; KI = 1,47-2,81) may also be a risk factor towards hazardous and risky health behaviour.ConclusionA more structured and frequently repeated education on help offerings and specific institutions for addicted and risk groups seems essential.

Consumption of licit and illicit substances in Portuguese young people: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe consumption of addictive substances is common in adolescence and raises concerns about future addiction. We investigated addictive substance consumption among young people to inform the design of drug intervention programmes.MethodsParticipants were a population-based sample of 14- to 24-year-olds from Paredes, northern Portugal. A self-report questionnaire measured social and health variables, including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug consumption.ResultsData were analysed for 731 valid responses. Participants who had drunk alcohol did so first at 14.7 years (mean); 15.3% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.9–18.1) drank alcohol regularly (more than 1/week, adjusted for age and sex) (95% CI: 12.9–18.1). Participants who had smoked tobacco did so first at 14.8 years (mean); 16.6% (95% CI: 14.0–19.5) were regular smokers. Illicit drug consumption was reported by 16.7% of participants (95% CI: 14.2–19.6) and 10.4% consumed drugs regularly.ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of addictive substance consumption, particularly alcohol. As cultural attitudes likely influence alcohol consumption, a multigenerational approach is needed to address adolescent consumption. Participants’ main sources of drug information were family members. Strategies are needed to promote drug literacy in parents and other relatives to change adolescents’ culturally acquired habits of addictive substance consumption.

The welfare implications of addictive substances: A longitudinal study of life satisfaction of drug users

This paper provides an empirical test of the rational addiction model, used in economics to model individuals’ consumption of addictive substances, versus the utility misprediction model, used in psychology to explain the discrepancy between people’s decision and their subsequent experiences. By exploiting a unique data set of disadvantaged Australians, we provide longitudinal evidence that a drop in life satisfaction tends to precede the use of illegal/street drugs. We also find that the abuse of alcohol, the daily use of cannabis and the weekly use of illegal/street drugs in the past 6 months relate to lower current levels of life satisfaction. This provides empirical support for the utility misprediction model. Further, we find that the decrease in life satisfaction following the consumption of illegal/street drugs persists 6 months to a year after use. In contrast, the consumption of cigarettes is unrelated to life satisfaction in the close past or the near future. Our results, though only illustrative, suggest that measures of individual’s subjective wellbeing should be examined together with data on revealed preferences when testing models of rational decision-making.

The Welfare Implications of Addictive Substances: A Longitudinal Study of Life Satisfaction of Drug Users

This paper provides an empirical test of the rational addiction model, used in economics to model individuals’ consumption of addictive substances, versus the utility misprediction model, used in psychology to explain the discrepancy between people’s decision and their subsequent experiences. By exploiting a unique data set of disadvantaged Australians, we provide longitudinal evidence that a drop in life satisfaction tends to precede the use of illegal/street drugs. We also find that the abuse of alcohol, the daily use of cannabis and the weekly use of illegal/street drugs in the past 6 months relate to lower current levels of life satisfaction. This provides empirical support for the utility misprediction model. Further, we find that the decrease in life satisfaction following the consumption of illegal/street drugs persists 6 months to a year after use. In contrast, the consumption of cigarettes is unrelated to life satisfaction in the close past or the near future. Our results, though only illustrative, suggest that measures of individual’s subjective well-being should be examined together with data on revealed preferences when testing models of rational decision-making.

Prevalence of consumption of addictive substances amongst Moroccan fishermen.

The prevalence of toxic habits is constantly increasing in developing countries and all professional sectors are concerned. Seafarers are a particular target because of the dangerousness and complexity of their work. However, few studies have investigated toxic habits in this population. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the use and misuse of addictive substances in seafarers and to appreciate poly-consumptions according to socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 1,219 fishermen. Subjects filled a questionnaire during their medical examination. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, toxic habits (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and others psychotropic substances). The misuse was assessed by specific tests: dependence on smoking tobacco (Fagerstrom), Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The prevalence of consumption was 58.5% for smoking tobacco, 36.2% for cannabis, and 36.5% for alcohol. Amongst consumers, the prevalence of dependence or misuse was 49% for smoking tobacco, 61.2% for cannabis and 86% for alcohol. Only 115 (9.4%) people had no toxic habit. 56.4% had one toxic habit, 20.4% had two toxic habits, 11.9% had three toxic habits and 1.9% had four toxic habits. The most frequent associations were tobacco-cannabis (10.5%) and tobacco-alcohol (6.1%). In this sector, occupational health physicians have to play a key role in raising awareness and fighting against toxic habits.

The Welfare Implications of Addictive Substances: A Longitudinal Study of Life Satisfaction of Drug Users

This paper provides an empirical test of the rational addiction model, used in economics to model individuals' consumption of addictive substances, versus the utility misprediction model, used in psychology to explain the discrepancy between people's decision and their subsequent experiences. By exploiting a unique data set of disadvantaged Australians, we provide longitudinal evidence that a drop in life satisfaction tends to precede the use of illegal/street drugs. We also find that the abuse of alcohol, the daily use of cannabis and the weekly use of illegal/street drugs in the past 6 months relate to lower current levels of life satisfaction. This provides empirical support for the utility misprediction model. Further, we find that the decrease in life satisfaction following the consumption of illegal/street drugs persists 6 months to a year after use. In contrast, the consumption of cigarettes is unrelated to life satisfaction in the close past or the near future. Our results, though only illustrative, suggest that measures of individual's subjective wellbeing should be examined together with data on revealed preferences when testing models of rational decision-making.

Professionals' perception on the management of patients with dual disorders.

BackgroundThere is a need to evaluate the professionals’ perception about the consequences of the lack of therapeutic adherence in the evolution of patients with co-occurring disorders.MethodsAn online survey, released on the Socidrogalcohol [Spanish Scientific Society for Research on Alcohol, Alcoholism and other Drug Addictions] and Sociedad Española de Patología Dual [the Spanish Society of Dual Pathology] web pages, was answered by 250 professionals who work in different types of Spanish health centers where dual diagnosis patients are assisted.ResultsMost professionals perceived the existence of noncompliance among dual diagnosis patients. Almost all of these professionals (99%) perceived that noncompliance leads to a worsening of the progression of the patient’s disorder, in both the exacerbation of mental disorders and the consumption of addictive substances. Most of the professionals (69.2%) considered therapeutic alliance as the main aspect to take into account to improve the prognosis in this population. The primary purpose of treatment must be the improvement of psychotic-phase positive symptoms, followed by the control of behavior disorders, reduction of craving, improvement of social and personal performances, and reduction of psychotic-phase negative symptoms.ConclusionMost professionals perceived low adherence among dual diagnosis patients. This lack of adherence is associated with a worsening of their disease evolution, which is reflected in exacerbations of the psychopathology and relapse in substance use. Therefore, we propose to identify strategies to improve adherence.

ÁLCOOL NA ESCOLA – UMA REFLEXÃO SOBRE PREVENÇÃO E CONSEQUÊNCIA

Este artigo de revisão científica sobre o consumo, neurobiologia e efeitos do álcool visa a reflexão sobre os programas de intervenção, sobretudo programas primários, uma vez que o público-alvo são jovens/adolescentes, num ambiente escolar. Portanto o subsistema escolar tem uma função crucial, podendo corresponder a alterações menos saudáveis dos hábitos dos jovens numa fase crucial do seu desenvolvimento. Sabendo que a escola tem um contacto privilegiado com os alunos, quer pelo meio ambiente educador, quer pelo tempo que passam na escola, é de particular interesse tornar-se regra ser este subsistema a detectar comportamentos de risco e consequente referenciação e encaminhamento às autoridades/apoios competentes. Torna-se pois fundamental munir a escola de programas adaptados de treino de competências sociais e gestão emocional, pois é neste ambiente e momento crucial do desenvolvimento que os adolescentes treinam e aprendem a dizer não ao consumo de substâncias aditivas, particularmente o álcool, e treinam a autoestima, autoconceito e resiliência, características primordiais ao bem-estar e indeléveis factores de protecção. Palavras-Chave: Álcool, Adolescência, Escola, Programas Preventivos, Revisão

Survey on Smoking, Consuming Alcohol, and using Illicit Drugs in Patients with Epilepsy.

Addiction can be defined as the continuous consumption of addictive substances or repetition of certain behaviors despite adverse consequences. Epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published data regarding addictions in patients with epilepsy. Considering the high incidence of psychopathology, we planned a survey using a self-report questionnaire to study some of the addictive behaviors in patients with epilepsy and in control subjects. Patients from our outpatient epilepsy clinic (n=106) and control subjects (n=96) aged between 18 and 65 years took the 20-question questionnaire that screened for smoking, consuming alcohol, or using other illicit drugs. Fifty-three percent of patients with epilepsy were male (n=57) and in the control group, 52% were male (n=50) (p=.062). The mean age was 32.66±2.23 years for patients with epilepsy and 35.70±0.59 years for the control group (p=.810). Mean duration of epilepsy was found to be 14.33±11.26 (1-46) years. Majority of patients with epilepsy (84%) had focal epilepsy. Alcohol intake was found to be significantly lower in patients with epilepsy (p=.0001). There was no difference regarding smoking (p=.530) or using illicit drugs between the groups (p=.262). Smoking cigarettes was lower in new onset epilepsies (<5 years) compared with epilepsies of longer duration (p=.031). Recent studies connote to some common substrates in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and addiction. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate some addictive behaviors in patients with epilepsy. Although this study did not show significant differences other than low frequency of alcohol use in patients with epilepsy and low rate of smoking in patients with epilepsy duration of <5 year, further studies among homogeneous epilepsy subgroups with larger scale along with their neuropsychological profiles may still be required.

The bidirectional relationship between gambling and addictive substances

This study aims to analyse the co-occurrence of gambling activity and the consumption of addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs. By using a sample of 709 gamblers in Sardinia (Italy), a multivariate probit approach is proposed since it allows simultaneous study of the extent of correlation between the consumption of different substances.Our findings document that, on the one hand, betting more money leads to an increase in the propensity to consume tobacco in the middle of the game, and, on the other hand, the simultaneous co-occurrence of smoking, alcohol and drugs drives up the probability of getting more involved in gambling activity. Knowing the positive reinforcing effects of addictive substances is the first step towards implementing the most effective prevention and treatment modalities for problem/pathological gamblers.

Consumption of addictive substances in mariners.

For many years, studies have confirmed that there is a high prevalence of addiction amongst seafarers. The effect of this is even more serious when one considers their isolated and even hostile living environment presenting risks which require vigilance and rapid reactions. The purpose of this article is to determine the extent of knowledge about addiction among seafarers. This is a review of the literature between 1993 and 2013 with respect to the prevalence of consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs amongst seafarers. Total prevalence was calculated using the virtual population represented by the subjects of each article, when drug consumption definition was the same between articles and when mariners studied were different. 63.1% (range 38.4-96.3%) of seafarers smoked tobacco. 14.5% (range 8.8-75%) of seafarers drank alcohol. 3.4% (range 9-45%) had used cannabis during the previous month. Few studies concerned other drugs; 3-10% of seafarers used drugs on board. The prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption amongst seafarers was higher than that in the general population. Further studies on the use of drugs at work would be valuable for this population who are subject to significant occupational risk.

Estilos de consumo de sustancias adictivas en función del género. Una aproximación desde el análisis de discurso

The intention with this article is to shed light on the different characteristics in the consumption of addictive substances considering gender, in order to provide the tools and instruments which are essential to the design of programs and treatments that incorporate that perspective in their daily practice. The final aim is that these treatments are of greater efficiency, both in access/joining these women with addictions, and the outcome of rehabilitation. It is, thus, to acquire more knowledge to better use of resources and services that are operated reintegration of addicts both private and public partnerships.Differences socially assigned to each gender inequalities produced an impairment affecting the health, development and welfare of women relative to men. Through qualitative methods (interviews and focus groups), it has been evident from the analysis of discourse, how women consume, what kind of substances are more associations, social charges in addition to being a woman addicted (multiple discrimination) and difficulties show themselves when accessing drug treatment.

Exploración y validación de las preguntas relacionadas con las condiciones de empleo y trabajo incluidas en la Encuesta Domiciliaria sobre Alcohol y Drogas en España (EDADES)

To identify and validate a factor structure from items on working conditions included in the 2007 edition of Spanish Household Survey on Alcohol and Drugs (EDADES-2007) for use in research on consumption of addictive substances with this survey. We performed a factor analysis of the questionnaire items using a cross-validation technique with a subsample of EDADES 2007 (N=13,005). Exploratory factor analysis with half of this sample yielded a latent factor structure. This structure was subsequently validated via confirmatory factor analysis with the remaining half of the sample. Standard criteria were used to test the model's goodness of fit, and a model-based internal consistency index was used to test the reliability of the structure. The structure obtained showed an adequate confirmatory fit and involved four factors related to the dimensions environmental conditions (F1), workload (F2), precariousness (F3) and social support (F4). The internal consistency index confirmed the reliability for the total structure (0.755) as well as for each of the factors (F1=0.755, F2=0.661, F3=0.529 and F4=0.680). The structure obtained represents a valid tool for assessing the relationship between use of addictive substances and certain work and employment conditions in the context of the EDADES survey. However, the inclusion of a more comprehensive and validated tool for the measurement of these conditions should be considered in future editions of the survey.

Estilos de comunicación intrafamiliar en jóvenes adictos de una Clínica de Medicina Familiar de la ciudad de México

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Resumen&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objetivo:&lt;/strong&gt; identificar los estilos de comunicación que prevalecen en las familias con hijos adictos y como se traducen en conductas que contribuyen o no a mantener las adicciones de acuerdo con el significado atribuido por las familias. &lt;strong&gt;Material y métodos:&lt;/strong&gt; estudio cualitativo e interpretativo de tres familias con adolescentes adictos, los cuales acuden a la Unidad de Medicina Familiar (UMF) “Gustavo A. Madero” del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Se realizó un muestreo no aleatorio, por conveniencia de seis personas: tres madres y tres hijos, utilizando la técnica de entrevistas semiestructuradas y audiograbadas; la participación fue voluntaria, se protegió su identidad con el anonimato, se respetó su dignidad y se aseguró la confidencialidad de sus testimonios. &lt;strong&gt;Resultados:&lt;/strong&gt; los adolescentes adictos de las tres familias crecieron en hogares con patrones de comunicación negativos y violentos, asociados a conductas disfuncionales (bajo rendimiento escolar, relaciones interpersonales agresivas así como sentimientos de desconfianza, inseguridad, y abandono), las cuales afectaron su desarrollo cognitivo, relacional y emocional. En este contexto el consumo de sustancias adictivas aparece como un mecanismo de evasión ante la disyuntiva de enfrentar y modificar sus pautas de interacción. De esta manera, también se explica el papel homeostático de la adicción con el propósito de desviar la atención sobre otra situación familiar. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusiones:&lt;/strong&gt; con patrones de comunicación más reflexivos y propositivos, cambian los estilos para afrontar los conflictos, evitando que se hagan crónicos. La comunicación adecuada protege a las familias e influye en otros contextos minimizando las influencias sociales adversas.&lt;/p&gt;

Culture, Economics and Drugs Addiction

The use of addictive substances is one of the most critical issues facing humanity since time immemorial. The ground reality exhibits that there are direct relationship of drug use with violence, corruption, incest and numerous other immoral and corrupt activities. The present study therefore made an attempt to exhibit and highlights the policy prescription provided by economists and different religions. Towards addictive substances the policy prescription of economists are usually based on confusion and contradiction. One group of economists encourages the prohibition of addictive substances, while another influential group propagates the philosophy of lasses faire and market economy. This influential group of economist advocates that all addictive substances should be legalized on the basis of their strength and effectiveness. Like Judaism the Christian church also encourage the use of addictive substances through the ceremony of Eucharist, Sacred Meal, and Holy Communion. In sharp contrast Islam consider addictive substances as the mother of all evils and ills. In the philosophy of Islam, on one side the production and consumption of addictive substances are strictly prohibited, while on the other side through moral education the use of addictive substances are discouraged.

Consumption of addictive substances by Gabonese teenagers: An epidemiological survey

To study the characteristics of the consumption of addictive substances by adolescents in Gabon. For this cross-sectional, descriptive study, we used an anonymous questionnaire to collect information from 1469 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in six cities in Gabon during 2008. Alcohol was the addictive substance most often consumed (55.5%), followed by tobacco (21.5%) and illegal drugs (5%). In all, 47.6% of the teenagers reported having already been drunk. Combined consumption of these different substances was reported by 44.5%. Our results show the extent of the consumption of addictive substances among adolescents in Gabon and the existence of groups at risk of addiction and abuse. Prevention strategies must be set up.

Influence of Circadian Typology on Drug Consumption, Hazardous Alcohol use, and Hangover Symptoms

Few studies have focused on the influence of circadian typology on drug use, and none has considered the use of illegal drugs and hazardous alcohol consumption. This study analyzes the influence of circadian typology on several types of drug consumption (habitual or sporadic), hangover symptoms (past 12 mos), and, more specifically, hazardous alcohol consumption of young adults. Five hundred seventeen university students (173 males), between 17 and 30 yrs of age, answered the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and a self-referred questionnaire on drug consumption during the previous month and on the prevalence of different hangover symptoms during the previous year. Our results confirm a higher prevalence of consumption of addictive substances, both legal (nicotine and cola drinks) and illegal (cannabis and ecstasy), in evening- compared to morning- and neither-type subjects (p < .001 in all cases). Evening-type subjects also obtained a higher total score on the AUDIT (p < .001) and showed a greater prevalence in the subscales of potential alcohol problems (p < .02), as well as more frequent different hangover symptoms (learning difficulties, thirst, tiredness, headaches, sensorial hypersensitivity, anxiety, and irritability; p < .04 in all cases) compared with morning- and neither-type subjects, except for sensorial hypersensitivity and anxiety, for which the evening-type did not differ from the neither-type. Our results provide substantial evidence that the evening circadian typology is a risk factor for the development of drug consumption and that it should be taken into account both in preventive and treatment approaches. Moreover, the data regarding hazardous alcohol use and hangover symptoms emphasize the need to include circadian typology in future studies on the pattern of heavy episodic drinking. (Author correspondence: gprat@ub.edu)

Estudio de los factores asociados al uso de sustancias en la adolescencia mediante Reglas de Asociación

The aim of this study is to analyse the factors related to the use of addictive substances in adolescence using association rules, descriptive tools included in Data Mining. Thus, we have a database referring to the consumption of addictive substances in adolescence, and use the free distribution program in the R arules package (version 2.10.0). The sample was made up of 9,300 students between the ages of 14 and 18 (47.1% boys and 52.9% girls) with an average age of 15.6 (SE=1.2). The adolescents answered an anonymous questionnaire on personal, family and environmental risk factors related to substance use. The best rules obtained with regard to substance use relate the consumption of alcohol to perceived parenting style and peer consumption (confidence = 0.8528), the use of tobacco (smoking), cannabis and cocaine to perceived parental action and illegal behaviour (confidence = 0.8032, 0.8718 and 1.0000, respectively), and the use of ecstasy to peer consumption (confidence = 1.0000). In general, the association rules show in a simple manner the relationship between certain patterns of perceived parental action, behaviours that deviate from social behavioural norms, peer consumption and the use of different legal and illegal drugs of abuse in adolescence. The implications of the results obtained are described, together with the usefulness of this new methodology of analysis.

Prevalencia y factores asociados a la ideación e intento suicida en adolescentes de educación media superior de la República Mexicana

Objective. To identify the prevalence of and factors associated with suicidal ideation and intent in adolescent students in Mexico. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 12 424 students from public schools in 2007. We used logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results. A total of 47% of the students reported at least one suicidal ideation symptom and 9% reported an antecedent of suicidal intent. Factors associated with suicide ideation and intent include low confidence in communication with parents (OR=1.30; OR=1.54), sexual abuse (OR=1.92; OR=1.57), depressive symptoms (OR=5.36; OR=1.51), tobacco use (OR=1.30; OR=2.57), alcohol use (OR=1.60; OR=1.31) and, for women, having had sexual relations (OR=1.28; OR=1.65). Conclusions. Roughly 50% of high school students had at least one symptom of suicidal ideation. To lessen this problem, associated factors should be considered, including consumption of addictive substances, gender, history of sexual abuse and depression.

Evidenzbasierte Psychotherapie

A large number of studies have shown that various psychotherapeutic methods have a positive effect on the course of addiction and personality disorders when they are treated separately. Co-morbid occurrence of both disorders is common but a chronologically separated treatment often leads to renewed occurrence of the symptoms of the initially treated disorder. Failures of abstinence motivation, severe drug craving and the activation of dysfunctional behavior patterns frequently lead to renewed consumption of addictive substances and thus endanger the further course of treatment. So far, evidence of effectiveness exists only for dialectic behavior therapy and dual focus schema therapy. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge and introduces both methods by highlighting the core therapeutic strategies.