Substance Abuse Research Articles

DepXGBoot: Depression detection using a robust tuned extreme gradient boosting model generator

In terms of severity and prevalence, depression is the worst. Suicide rates have risen because of this and are on the rise universally. Consequently, effective diagnosis and therapy must reduce the impact of depression. There is often more than one factor at play when determining why someone has been diagnosed with depression. In addition to alcohol and substance abuse, other possible causes include problems with physical health, adverse reactions to medications, life-changing events, and social circumstances. In this paper, exploratory data analysis is conducted to understand the insights of the sensorimotor database depression comprising depressive experiences in individuals who are either unipolar or bipolar. This study proposes a robust tuned extreme gradient boosting model generator to automatically predict the state of depression. The performance is optimized by determining the best combination of hyperparameters for the extreme gradient boosting model. By harnessing the power of advanced machine learning methodologies, this study underscores comparative analysis and the importance of data-driven innovation in mental health and clinical practice. Future developments for the robust tuned extreme gradient boosting model’s application and study to forecast depression in the sensorimotor database depression can be used to track changes in depressed states over time by integrating it with longitudinal and multimodal data.

Nonsedating anxiolytics.

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric pathology with substantial cost to society, but the existing treatments are often inadequate. This has rekindled the interest in the GABAA-receptor (GABAAR) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) compounds, which have a long history in treatment of anxiety beginning with diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and alprazolam. While the GABAAR PAMs possess remarkable anxiolytic efficacy, they have fallen out of favor due to a host of adverse effects including sedation, motor impairment, addictive potential and tolerance development. A substantial effort was thus devoted to the design of GABAAR PAMs as anxiolytics with reduced sedative liabilities. Several non-benzodiazepine (BZD) GABAAPAMs progressed to clinical trials (bretazenil, abecarnil, alpidem, and ocinaplon) with alpidem obtaining regulatory approval as anxiolytic, but later withdrawn from market due to hepatotoxicity. Advances in molecular biology gave birth to a host of subtype selective GABAAR-PAMs which suffered from signs of sedation and motor impairment and only three compounds progressed to proof-of-concept studies (TPA-023, AZD7325 and PF-06372865). TPA-023 was terminated due to toxicity in preclinical species while AZD7325 and PF-06372865 did not achieve efficacy endpoints in patients. We highlight a new compound, KRM-II-81, that is an imidazodiazepine selective for GABAAR containing α2/3 and β3 proteins. In preclinical studies KRM-II-81 produced anxiolytic-like effects but with minimal sedation, respiratory depression, and abuse liability. Thus, KRM-II-81 is a newly discovered, non- BZD anxiolytic compound, which targets a selective population of GABAAR for improved therapeutic gain and reduced side effects.

Detected substance abuse among injecting drug users through analysis of used syringes in Tunisia.

Injecting drug use poses significant public health risks due to unsafe practices such as syringe sharing, reuse, and risky sexual behaviors, which increase the transmission of bloodborne viruses. In Tunisia, limited data on injecting drug use hinders the development of informed health and harm reduction policies. A syringe collection campaign was conducted in Tunis in November 2022. The used syringes were provided by the Tunisian Association for Information and Orientation on AIDS and Addiction (ATIOST), a harm-reduction service. These syringes had been distributed to people who inject drugs (PWID) as part of a mobile syringe exchange program. The objective of the study was to analyze the contents of the used syringes to gain further insights into drug use patterns among PWID. The residual substances in the syringes were examined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), in accordance with the standardized protocol of the European Syringe Collection and Analysis Project Enterprise (ESCAPE). A total of 261 syringes from five collection sites were analyzed. Among these, 87 % contained at least one psychoactive substance, while 32 % contained more than two psychoactive substances. The most frequently identified psychoactive substances were buprenorphine (50.28 %), amphetamine (11.65 %) and tramadol (9.66 %). No substances were detected in 34 syringes. This method provides rapid data on drug use trends in specific regions and timeframes, revealing differences that can inform tailored prevention and harm reduction strategies. Such analyses are valuable for comparative studies across countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP-South) region.

The influence of social media on adolescent mental health and substance abuse patterns

Adolescents' widespread use of social media has become a serious public health issue, especially considering its effects on substance abuse and mental health. The aim of this review is to examine the complex relationship between the use of social media, mental health issues, and the rise in substance abuse among teenagers. An overview of social media engagement trends is given at the start, emphasising that teenagers are among the most frequent users and that platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are essential to their social lives. According to recent studies, high social media use has been linked to a rise in mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The prevalent behaviours of social comparison, cyberbullying, and validation-seeking in online interactions exacerbate mental health challenges. The review also explored the patterns of substance abuse among adolescents, with particular attention to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal narcotics. Peer pressure, family dynamics, early substance exposure, and other factors have been identified as contributing factors to substance misuse. A critical analysis is conducted on the function that social media plays in normalising substance use, since media portrayals of substance use can glamourise these behaviours and make them seem socially acceptable to impressionable teens. The ways in which peer pressure and heightened stress are two of the methods through which social media impact substance abuse are examined, offering a thorough grasp of the difficulties that young people today face. The urgent need for multifaceted interventions that address social media use and mental health education is emphasised in the review's conclusion. Along with programs to promote digital literacy and ethical social media usage, recommendations are made for parents, schools, and policymakers to reduce the risks associated with social media use. The results highlight the need for additional investigation into the complex interactions among social media, mental health, and substance addiction and support cooperative endeavours aimed at safeguarding and enabling young people in the digital age.

Developing a data-driven predictive model for substance abuse prevention among youth using behavioral analytics

Substance abuse among youth presents a critical public health challenge, necessitating innovative approaches for early intervention and prevention. This study proposes the development of a data-driven predictive model that leverages behavioral analytics to identify youth at risk of substance abuse. The model utilizes data from multiple sources, including social media activity, school performance records, and mental health screenings, to analyze behavioral patterns that may indicate a predisposition toward substance misuse. The core methodology integrates machine learning algorithms to process and analyze large datasets, uncovering correlations between specific behaviors and the likelihood of substance abuse. Predictive features such as changes in social engagement, academic performance fluctuations, and indicators of emotional distress are identified and incorporated into the model to enhance its accuracy. By applying supervised learning techniques, the model is trained to recognize patterns in historical data, allowing it to make predictions about future substance use risks. Furthermore, the model's design emphasizes real-time monitoring and adaptability, enabling health professionals and educators to receive timely alerts and intervene early when behavioral warning signs are detected. The application of behavioral analytics in this context offers a more proactive, personalized approach to prevention, targeting at-risk individuals before they develop harmful substance use habits. In addition to its predictive capabilities, the model also provides actionable insights into effective intervention strategies. By identifying the most influential behavioral factors, it informs tailored prevention programs that address specific risk behaviors among youth. These findings can support policymakers and healthcare providers in developing data-driven, evidence-based prevention initiatives that better allocate resources to high-risk populations.

EMPOWERING B40 YOUTH IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: RISK LITERACY FACTORS AND WELL-BEING

ABSTRACT The prevalence of drug abuse, self-injury, and juvenile delinquency highlights the concerning social risks faced by young people today. Hence, educating this group on risks or risk literacy is crucial. Risk literacy is perceiving risks to make rational decisions for healthier well-being. This study aims to determine risk literacy factors influencing the well-being of B40 youth. To achieve the study's objective, data was gathered from a survey involving 423 youths from the low-income group (B40) in Peninsular Malaysia. A two-stage sampling technique was employed, and data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study shows that thoughtful decision-making and effective risk communication are the main predictors of youth well-being. Being a risk-literate youth is essential to reduce the risk of poor decisions. The study's findings, which have the potential to significantly impact policy formulation, are crucial for assisting this group in escaping poverty. This, in turn, can enhance their overall well-being. Keywords: Decision-Making, Risk Literacy, Risk Communication, Youth, Well-Being

Enhancing adolescent mental health through cognitive and social support: Insights from study on depression in Chinese adolescents

Adolescent depression is a growing global health concern, affecting 14% of adolescents and leading to severe consequences such as academic failure, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. The study by Yu et al , investigates the cognitive and social factors influencing depression in 795 Chinese adolescents. Findings reveal that negative life events (NLEs) and dysfunctional attitudes are strongly associated with depressive symptoms, while social support moderates the impact of NLEs but not dysfunctional attitudes. The study highlights the need for cognitive-behavioural interventions targeting perfectionism and autonomy, and the importance of strengthening social support systems in schools and communities. Culturally sensitive, holistic approaches to adolescent mental health are crucial for addressing both the internal vulnerabilities and external pressures contributing to depression. Further research is needed to explore the roles of peer and parental support and the long-term effects of these factors across diverse cultural contexts.

Using the PROMOTE Screener to Identify Psychosocial Risk Factors for Prenatal Substance Use

Introduction There is an urgent need to improve the identification of psychosocial vulnerabilities in clinical practice (eg, stress, unstable living conditions) and examine their contribution to prenatal substance use, especially for legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and recently, cannabis. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1842 patients who completed the PROMOTE screening instrument during their first prenatal visit to outpatient clinics of a New York State health system in 6/2019–11/2020. The PROMOTE includes 18 core items to assess psychosocial vulnerabilities including the NIDA Quick Screen assessing past year substance use. Outcomes were tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol use during pregnancy based on electronic medical record abstraction including clinical notes, self-report, or urine toxicology. Results A total of 188 (10.2%) patients used at least 1 substance prenatally, including 132 (7.2%) tobacco, 50 (2.7%) cannabis, and 45 (2.4%) alcohol. Two of the NIDA Quick Screen items (past year tobacco use and past year illegal drug use) were associated in the bivariate analysis with greater use risk of all 3 substances. Additional risk factors uniquely associated with specific prenatal substance use variables include low education predicting tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–5.23), being unpartnered predicting cannabis use (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.21–9.39), and major life events predicting alcohol use (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.439–7.38). Conclusions Utilizing brief psychosocial self-screening instruments such as the PROMOTE can help identify and refer at-risk patients to appropriate care. Particular attention should be paid to life context including partner support, emotional health, stress, and past year substance use.

Teaching Note—Positioned for Success at a PWI: A Minority Fellow Narrative

ABSTRACT The Council on Social Work Education’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) supports the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to increase the number of individuals who are trained to work with underrepresented and underserved persons with or at risk for mental health or substance abuse disorders. This teaching note is a critical autoethnographic investigation of a doctoral MFP alum reflecting and sharing her journey to overcome barriers to advance her nontraditional social work research agenda in a predominantly White institution. It is the intention that this teaching note provides suggestions of how to maintain a research agenda in a teaching university. Discussion of the author’s MFP affiliation, career trajectory, community effect, research findings, and remarks regarding the necessity of MFP will be provided.

SAMHSA: Substance use by teens across sexual identities

A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that LGB+ youth are more likely than straight youth to have major depression and serious thoughts of suicide. But patterns of substance use by sexual identity were nuanced.

USO INDISCRIMINADO DOS OPIOIDES POR PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a global public health crisis that affects several regions, including one that is not always highlighted: health professionals. General objective: to analyze the complexity of the indiscriminate use of opioids by health professionals. Method: This is an integrative literature review, following five stages with a search in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases from 2019 to 2024. Results: 109 articles were found; 06 articles were used to prepare the study. Discussion: According to the Brazilian guidelines on opioid abuse, patients with chronic pain and healthcare professionals are among the groups most at risk of acquiring opioid dependence. Concern about the abuse of psychoactive substances by healthcare professionals is not new. Historically, the population of doctors and other healthcare workers has been more exposed to the risk of abusing psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines. Conclusion: The disordered use of opioids by healthcare professionals is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat. Healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies and society in general have an important role to play in promoting a safer and more supportive working environment. Emphasizing the importance of the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective interventions, is essential to reducing opioid use and ensuring that these professionals can continue to provide quality care while protecting their own health and safety.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON ADHERENCE TO ORAL ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which prevalence has been increasing steadily all over the world and one of the main reason for this is poor adherence to oral anti-diabetic drugs, which can lead to therapy failure and increase risk of complications. So we planned this systematic review with an aim to get an adherence estimation to oral anti-diabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients for which a literature search was performed in pubmed, Google Scholar, scopus, and central databases to find observational studies on therapeutic adherence in users of oral anti-diabetic drugs. Our analyses showed that adherence rate to oral anti-diabetic drugs therapy ranged from 23 to 90%. This review confirms that many patients for whom diabetes medication was prescribed were poor compliers with treatment of oral anti-diabetic drugs.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

National Institute on Drug Abuse director Nora Volkow, M.D. published a blog last week calling for community involvement in addiction science, and this means “[i]ncluding people with experience of substance use and addiction in the scientific workforce — and making sure they feel safe and recognized as valuable members of the research team…” Their perspectives, she wrote, “are invaluable in making sure that the right research questions are asked.” For the blog, go to https://nida.nih.gov/about‐nida/noras‐blog/2024/11/improving‐community‐engagement‐in‐addiction‐science

Women, gender and drugs: between research and action.

This article is part of Harm Reduction Journal's special issue on harm reduction research in the francophone context and specifically the Harm Reduction Network (HARENE). After highlighting the history and current context of harm reduction for women in France, we present the results of four research studies addressing the links between gender and drugs which were presented in the book Espaces genrés des drogues. Parcours dans la fête, l'intimité et la réduction des risques ('Gendered Spaces of Drugs. A journey of intimacy, party and harm reduction'). This article is divided into three parts, each addressing a specific space: the space of institutional care, the intimate marital space, and the urban festive space. We begin by describing gender inequalities within harm reduction and care structures, by demonstrating how single-sex spaces facilitate the care of women, and how care professionals can perpetuate unequal gender norms in their relationship with a woman in a situation of addiction expressing a desire for pregnancy. Concerning the marital space, we highlight the reproduction of gender norms within socially included heterosexual couples who use drugs and are socially included, particularly concerning the choice of the intimate partner, the distribution of tasks linked to the purchase and sale of drugs, and parenthood. Finally, concerning the festive space, the article highlights the differentiated strategies of men and women in urban festive places, and the maintenance of a gendered order of festive places and drug consumption. This leads us to discuss the current issues of stigmatization of women drug users, and the initiatives put in place in the French context to promote harm reduction for women who use drugs.

Idiographic Family Assessment Method for Substance Users

ABSTRACT With the aim of identifying the family systemic factors associated with substance use, the Idiographic Family Assessment Method for Substance Users was designed. The Method was applied in an outpatient counseling center for drug users in a city in central Mexico. Fifteen families were included in the study, totaling 34 participants. From a poststructuralist stance, a bridge was created between clinical practice and science, through an idiographic inquiry. The Method can be utilized with other populations. The research methodology was predominantly qualitative, phenomenological, and interpretative, with grounded theory for content analysis of in‐depth interviews, and complementary quantitative techniques, including a self‐report instrument. Findings subsumed: Structure, Dynamic, and trigenerational Family History aspects for each case. All dimensions were interrelated, and differences in perception between the user and his family member(s) were identified in most cases. Risk and protective factors were distinguished, and some hypotheses were formulated. Protective factors were rooted in Mexican traditional family values.

The Heterogeneous Effects of College Education on Outcomes Related to Deaths of Despair.

College education features prominently in research on determinants of deaths from substance use disorders and self-harm-outcomes collectively referred to as "deaths of despair" (DoD). Limited attention has been given to whether the protective effects of college education on indicators of despair vary by individuals' likelihood of college completion. We use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health for 6,145 individuals to test whether the protective effects of college completion on precursors to DoD vary according to individuals' propensity to attain a college degree. Understanding whether the benefits of college education differ depending on the propensity to complete it is important for designing effective educational policies. Using the heterogeneous treatment effects approach, we find that individuals with a relatively low propensity for graduating from college but who complete it have a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms, binge drinking, prescription drug abuse, and hard drug use.

Building trauma informed schools in non-western contexts: Teachers’ perceived competence in identification and trauma-informed practices in schools

ABSTRACT The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration trauma model was used as conceptual framework in guiding the development of the Teacher Trauma Identification and Management Scale completed by 284 teachers in inclusive schools in Egypt. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Analysis of Moment Structures (SPSS AMOS) and Andrew Haye’s moderation model were used to estimate the relationship between perceived knowledge of trauma identification and practices among teachers. The result supported the hypothesized relationship between trauma identification and trauma-informed practice. The study concludes with recommendations for developing a homegrown trauma policy to guide schools and teachers.

The effect of cognitive control on addiction relapse

Background and Aims When entering substance abuse treatment centers, some individuals with substance use disorder relapse whilst others do not. Predicting who is likely to relapse or not would enable for more effective treatment by targeting those who are at increased risk. Previous research would indicate that aspects related to cognitive control including cognitive bias, inhibitory control, and working memory may all be strong indicators of relapse likelihood. Therefore, this paper explores whether aspects of cognitive control can predict relapse likelihood. Method Participants were patients in substance treatment centers who were abstaining. They were tested on measures of cognitive bias (REsT), inhibitory control (go/no-go), and working memory (nBack). A follow-up survey was then issued after a twelve-week period to ascertain whether participants had remained abstinent or if they had relapsed. Results Relative to abstainers, individuals who relapsed had shown significant impairments in working memory and inhibitory control at baseline. They had also demonstrated increased preoccupation with substance-related stimuli as indicated by the cognitive bias measure. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that deficits in cognitive control contribute to the maintenance of substance use disorder and substance usage. The results indicate that inhibitory and working memory deficits may contribute to initial engagement in substance abuse, followed by an increase in cognitive bias and further deficits in inhibitory control and WM contributing to an increased likelihood of relapse. This suggests that decreased cognitive control may increase relapse likelihood.

From historical drugs to present perils: UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS determination of methaqualone and its designer analogs (NPS) with comprehensive fragmentation pathways study (QTOF)

Methaqualone, introduced in the 1960s as a sedative-hypnotic alternative to barbiturates, was withdrawn from the market due to its side effects and growing recreational use. Despite this, interest in methaqualone and its analogs remains high, raising concerns about potential abuse in the future. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was developed to determine nine methaqualone-related compounds simultaneously. Biological samples were prepared using liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate at pH9; quantification was performed in blood using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Methaqualone-d7 served as an internal standard. The limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.1 to 0.2 ng/mL, with precision and accuracy within 20%. Recovery ranged from 84.2% to 113.7%. The developed method allowed chromatographic separation of all compounds tested, including two structural isomers: methylmethaqualone and etaqualone. The mass spectra acquired from quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer allowed for the elucidation of comprehensive fragmentation study of methaqualone derivatives. The described situation poses a significant problem from the analytical point of view, as well as interpretation and forensic toxicological expertise. The developed method will contribute to increased analytical capabilities and enhanced detection of compounds from the methaqualone group that may appear on the illicit market.

Prescription and nonprescription drug misuse and abuse in community pharmacies in Iraq: a cross-sectional survey.

There is little known regarding prescription and nonprescription medicine nonmedical use (abuse and misuse) in Iraq, with limited treatment. Pharmacists could be a valuable source of information in the absence of any national monitoring system. This study aimed to explore Iraqi community pharmacists' perspectives on prescription and nonprescription medicine abuse/misuse, including motives for use and how often they encounter people whom they think are misusing or abusing medicines. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken between November 2020 and February 2021. Community pharmacists in Iraq were asked to complete a prepiloted self-administered questionnaire, distributed through online social media platforms. 300 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The most commonly reported nonprescription drugs suspected of abuse/misuse were cough and cold medications (n = 80, 26.6%), topical corticosteroids (n = 54, 17.9%), and allergy products (n = 33, 11%). The most common reported prescription drugs suspected of abuse/misuse were systemic antibiotics (n = 111, 36.9%), gabapentinoids (n = 56, 18.6%), and moderate-weak opioids (n = 34, 11.3%). The most commonly method used by pharmacists to limit access to such drugs was responding that the requested medication was unavailable (n = 273, 51.7%), followed by advising on risks (n = 152, 33.2%). Prescription/nonprescription medicine abuse and misuse are suspected in community pharmacies in Iraq. Current methods for controlling the problem are likely to be ineffective in the absence of prescription drug enforcement. Pharmacists could have a more proactive role in managing this issue, networking with other pharmacists, and referring suspected users to support.