Substance Abuse Behavior Research Articles

Combined Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Its Healing Impact on Drug Abusers Who Are Addicted to Drugs: A Scoping Review

Aims: The aim of this study is to assist individuals in healing from addiction; it is essential to implement a combination of interventions, such as CBT, that are proven to be effective in treating drug abuse with a holistic approach that integrates psychological and social aspects for optimal results, according to empirical evidence. Methods: The search databases for this study were PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Identify articles published in the last 10 years (2014-2024), Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), English and Indonesian, Full-Text, and Teenagers to the Elderly. Using the PRISMA flowchart, data extraction and scoping with keywords (English): "Drug Addict OR Substance Abuse AND Cognitive Behaviour Therapy AND Dependence OR Substance-Related Disorder" and keywords in the Indonesian language "Pecandu Narkoba OR Penyalahguna Zat AND Cognitive Behaviour Therapy AND Ketergantungan OR Gangguan Terkait Zat." Results: The study found eight articles that met the criteria, the main findings showed the use of Modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (M-CBT) in enhancing recovery motivation among cocaine-dependent individuals. Interventions such as galantamine, C-CBT, and computer-based CBT also show promise in reducing cocaine use. Additionally, combining CBT with contingency management (CM) facilitates changes in neural activity related to cognitive control. CBT paired with MET+ABI+ATTI and Female-Specific CBT (FS-CBT) effectively addresses alcohol use in adolescents and women. Conclusion: This study highlights various CBT approaches that can be combined, such as M-CBT for cocaine independence and computer-based CBT, as well as the combination of CBT with contingent management that influences neural activity related to cognitive control.

The Relationship between Adolescent Dating Violence and Risky Health Behavioral Outcomes.

Dating violence is a serious public health issue among adolescents due to the detrimental short- and long-term consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and adverse health behavioral outcomes related to substance abuse, mental health, and select risky health behaviors such as feeling unsafe, school performance, and inadequate sleep within the state of Florida. This study used data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The high school students represented a weighted total of 542,818 (n = 4301). Logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender, examined the relationship between ADV and health risk behaviors after adjusting for race and grade. Proportions of ADV were as follows: 3.1% of students reported being abused both physically and sexually; 3.4% reported being abused only physically; 3.9% reported being abused only sexually; and 89.6% were uninvolved. ADV was associated with almost all the health risk behavior outcomes studied, with a few exceptions. Experiencing both kinds of abuse held the highest odds ratio among the four mutually exclusive categories of ADV. The findings from this study could be helpful in identifying youths who demonstrate warning signs of ADV abuse and thus could provide opportunities for targeted preventive interventions.

Exploring the link between intelligence and drug abuse among juvenile felons in India

ABSTRACT Children involved in the juvenile justice system are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and intellectual disabilities. Substance abuse is a major public health concern among young individuals globally, including juvenile felons. This study examines the relationships and factors that influence juvenile felons’ substance abuse, intelligence, and delinquent behaviour. This study applies a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a purposive sampling technique. The participants included 163 male juveniles from Tamil Nadu, India. The psychological measures used for the study were the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scale, the Standard Progressive Matrices, and the Australian Self-reported Delinquency Scale. According to the study’s findings, intelligence does not have a significant impact on juvenile felons’ delinquent behaviour. Furthermore, the study identified repeated offences and runaway behaviour as factors that increase the risk of substance abuse. Juvenile felons’ substance abuse significantly influences and predicts their delinquent behaviour.

Effect of Anxiety on Impulsivity: Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility

Impulsivity is linked to adverse outcomes, such as substance abuse and risky behaviors. Understanding how anxiety contributes to impulsivity is crucial for intervention. This study explores the potential mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between anxiety and impulsivity. This study investigates whether cognitive flexibility serves as a mediating factor between anxiety and impulsivity, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their association. A convenience sample of 505 participants aged 18-30 without psychiatric or substance abuse disorders was included. Participants completed the General Anxiety Disorder-7, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Path analysis was conducted to examine the potential mediating role of cognitive flexibility. The study revealed a significant direct link between anxiety and impulsivity (β = 0.1807, p = 0.001). However, it was found that cognitive flexibility did not mediate this relationship. The indirect effect of anxiety on impulsivity through cognitive flexibility was not statistically significant (β = -0.0163, p = 0.074). These findings suggest that cognitive flexibility, as assessed in this study, does not account for the relationship between anxiety and impulsivity. While this study explored cognitive flexibility as a potential mediator, it did not find evidence to support this role. This implies that other factors may play a more significant part in explaining the link between anxiety and impulsivity. The study highlights the complexity of these psychological constructs and underscores the need for further research to unravel their interplay. It emphasizes the importance of considering nuanced aspects of anxiety, impulsivity, and cognitive flexibility in future investigations. This research contributes to the ongoing discussion surrounding these psychological traits and the factors influencing their relationship.

Treatment of addictions with special reference to anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disease affecting mainly young women. It involves a pathological desire to be thin and has a complex etiology. Treatments, which have varying degrees of success, focus on medication or supervised counseling, sometimes in a hospital setting. AN has several possible co-morbidities, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety. In this article, it is hypothesized that since AN has characteristics in common with those of addiction, it could possibly be treated with supplements, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which act to restore glutamate homeostasis in the nucleus accumbens and have been successfully employed in the treatment of substance abuse and various addictive behaviors.

Exploring the Nexus between Poverty and Academic Performance: A Case Study in Lugazi Town Council, Mukono District, Uganda

Poverty remains a persistent challenge globally, affecting millions of individuals and families. In Uganda, poverty significantly influences various aspects of life, particularly education. This study investigates the intricate relationship between poverty and academic performance among learners in Lugazi town council, Mukono district, Uganda. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from teachers, students, and parents to comprehensively understand poverty's impact on education. Results reveal pronounced disparities in access to essential school facilities and resources due to financial constraints, including inadequate textbooks, classrooms, and practical materials. Moreover, limited staff development opportunities and large class sizes exacerbate teaching challenges, hindering effective learning. Poverty is found to be a key driver of high dropout rates among students, driven by the necessity to work, unfavorable school environments, hunger, lengthy commutes, and early marriages, particularly among girls. Additionally, poverty correlates with increased student indiscipline, including drug abuse and deviant behavior, further undermining the educational environment. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address structural challenges posed by poverty. Recommendations include increased funding for schools serving underprivileged communities, support for teacher training initiatives, and efforts to mitigate socioeconomic barriers to education. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering collaborative partnerships between government agencies, educators, parents, and community leaders to create a conducive learning environment that promotes academic achievement despite socioeconomic obstacles. Ultimately, addressing poverty's impact on education is essential for enhancing educational outcomes and reducing inequality in Uganda. Keywords: Poverty, Academic Performance, Education, Uganda, Dropout Rates, School Facilities, Teacher Training, Socioeconomic Barriers, Collaborative Partnerships

Impact of social factors responsible for Juvenile delinquency - A literature review.

Juvenile delinquency appears to be the most widespread social issue in comparison to other social issues. Social factors and conditions have a significant impact on the prevalence of delinquency. Individuals who engage in criminal behavior before reaching the age of 18 are commonly referred to as juvenile offenders. The aim of this study is to comprehensively elucidate the research and work carried out on juvenile offenders, with a specific focus on the critical role played by social factors in all facets of juvenile delinquency. Additionally, this research seeks to investigate the social roots and influences that contribute to the criminal behavior of young offenders. This article uses a literature review methodology to analyze research on social factors influencing juvenile delinquency. It synthesizes and evaluates prior findings to understand the complex interplay between social factors and young individuals' involvement in delinquent behaviors. The study analyzed 80 articles from reputable online databases, focusing on juvenile delinquency, offenders, crime, and social factors. Out of the 80 articles, 53 were cited, meeting inclusion criteria, including publication within 2000-2023, rigorous peer-review, and reputable database indexing. As per the findings of the research, it has been observed that children who grow up in households that exhibit affection, hospitality, and encouragement are comparatively less susceptible to the manifestation of societal maladies. Children who have experienced parental abandonment are at heightened risk of developing delinquent behaviors. The presence of negative family dynamics and associations with delinquent peers are widely recognized as significant contributors to the development of drug abuse behavior. It is imperative for policymakers and preventive initiatives to have a comprehensive understanding of this complex relationship. Therefore, this literature review presented a distinct overview of the influence of social factors on juvenile offenders in India.

Exploring Research Trends and Hotspots: A Bibliometric Analysis of Men who Have Sex with Men in Africa (2010–2021)

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa are more prone to social stigma and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than their counterparts in developed nations. The exposure of MSM to STD threatens the ability of Africa to meet the Agenda 2063 goals of ensuring equitable healthcare for all Africans. Therefore, this study focused on examining research trends and hotspots of MSM in Africa. Countries in Africa with the highest interest in MSM, an aspect of MSM that attracts more research funding and practice, were also examined. This study adopted the bibliometric approach, and articles were extracted from the Scopus database. A total of 184 articles were extracted and subjected to a citation, total link strength, and co-occurrence keyword analysis using VOSviewer software. The findings from the study revealed that the research of MSM in Africa had grown steadily. The highest growth was recorded in 2020, with the interest and hotspots centred on healthcare workers’ psychology, drug abuse, sexual abuse, transmitted disease, and risky sexual behaviour. Based on the research trend and the practice, this research into MSM will be focused on the acceptance and legalisation of MSM sexual behaviours in other countries. The study recommends that African countries enable policies supporting same-sex relationships and equal access to healthcare for MSM. Such policies will also ensure that Africa meets the goals of the Agenda 2063 framework.

Commitment, Cold War, and the battles of the self: Thomas Schelling on behavior control.

Economist Nobelist Thomas C. Schelling (1921-2016) is known for his contribution to the analysis of international conflict and many see him as the Cold Warrior par excellence. At a time of great uncertainties and dangers, Schelling combined a deep understanding of strategic analysis, a detailed knowledge of US commitments around the world and an inimitable talent for dissecting everyday behavior, which made him a think tank all on his own. When he turned to the analysis of bargaining in the mid-1950s, one question dominated policy discussions: "How to demonstrate the US commitment to the 'free world'"? Schelling answered unequivocally: By restricting one's choices so as to shift others' expectations and thereby influence their behavior in the desired direction. By the mid-1970s, after he had broken with the US administration and joined the Committee on Substance Abuse and Habitual Behavior, Schelling transposed the tactics deployed in international conflict to the analysis of individuals trying to achieve self-control. In the process, he reproduced the logic of military conflict at the level of the self. The view of a conflicted self itself comprised of two selves made restricted choice the daily routine of individuals who wish to avoid the negative consequences of their present behavior in the future while it promised those who enjoy unbounded freedom of choice an unsettling future.

Healthy Village Development Program (Ppds) Halfway House Health Reform Agent For Marginalized Groups In Jakarta

Street children are a social problem that has hit big cities in Indonesia, especially Jakarta. The government has not fully addressed the aspects of developing literacy education for street children, considering the low literacy culture in Indonesian society. Negative impacts arise due to the lack of children's literacy skills, especially among street youth groups who are vulnerable to drug abuse and bad behavior.
 This research aims to overcome this problem through an Operational Study with three stages: problem identification, shelter program development, and shelter intervention implementation. This program involves street teenagers in Jabodetabek who are still returning home, with statistical tests such as chi-square, logistic regression, and t-test. Interventions are carried out through education, counseling services, coaching, mentoring, home visits, skills training, and waste management.
 The analysis results show a significant increase in the average score of adaptive behavior for street teenagers and family resilience related to efforts to prevent drug abuse and other bad behavior after implementing the Healthy Village Development Program (PPDS) Shelter Home for Health Reform Agents for Marginalized Groups. The success of this program can become a model for the development of other shelters by providing additional skills to street children.

Study of the Socio-Demographic Profile, Pattern of Substance Abuse and Criminal Behaviour in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

With the ongoing increase in supply, temptations, stressful lifestyle and easy availability, substance abuse is growing amongst different populations at an alarming rate. Its demand is increasing alarmingly in the younger generation due to various socio-economical reasons. Substance abuse has also been found to be associated with violent behaviour and infectious diseases. The aims of this study were to find out the socio-demographic profile, pattern of substance abuse and criminal behaviour associated with Opioid Use Disorder. 106 diagnosed patients of Opioid Use Disorder registered at the OSTCentre, Department of Psychiatry, S.R.N. Hospital, associated with Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj were included. All patients were interviewed according to a semi-structured questionnaire prepared for the purpose of collection of information regarding patterns of opioid abuse and history of criminal behaviour, if any. Out of 106 cases, 48 were found with a history of criminal behaviour. Criminal behaviour was found mostly amongst the cases of unemployed and uneducated cases. Cannabis was found to be the most common substance used prior to initiation of opioid abuse. The 20-29 years age group was found to be the most vulnerable age group for initiation of opioid abuse and commission of crime. Accordingly, the 2nd and 3rd decade of life needs better familial and social support along with strict law enforcement related to the supply of illicit substances.

Voices of Change: Stakeholders' Roles in the Fight Against Substance Abuse in Mogadishu, Somalia.

This study explores the roles, challenges, and collaborative efforts of key stakeholders engaged in addressing substance abuse. Using a qualitative narrative approach, the study examined stakeholder roles in tackling substance abuse in Mogadishu, Somalia. Purposive sampling was utilised to select all available community stakeholders actively addressing substance abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, allowing participants the freedom to share their experiences openly. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns, commonalities, and diversities in the stakeholders' roles. The study focused on a population of five key stakeholders, including the Somali police force, a National Medicines Regulatory Authority officer, two social workers, and a representative from the Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs. The research reveals a significant prevalence of psychoactive substances in Mogadishu, with emerging trends like the misuse of pregabalin driven by accessibility and affordability. Emphasising collaborative efforts, the study highlights the importance of effective communication and coordination among stakeholders to provide comprehensive support for individuals with substance abuse issues. Despite these challenges, such as limited resources, evolving drug trends, and addiction complexity, ongoing efforts and adaptation are crucial. Additionally, the research elucidates the established link between substance abuse and criminal behaviour, emphasising the potential consequences of drug addiction on financial desperation, violent acts, drug trafficking, and other criminal behaviours. The study reveals widespread substance abuse, necessitating adaptable authorities. Collaborative stakeholder efforts are vital for supporting individuals affected. Challenges demand sustained efforts. The study links substance abuse to crime. Effective resolution requires stakeholder unity, prevention programs, expanded treatment access, and adaptation to the evolving drug landscape while supporting those affected.

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual disorder refers to a wide variety of problems that may affect a man’s or woman’s ability to enjoy intercourse and make healthy sexual connections. It consists of miscellaneous problems that have connections with lust, arousal, appearance, and vindication and can deeply impact an individual’s standard satisfaction of boom and intellectual fitness. There are various normal forms of sexual disorder. Erectile dysfunction (ED), as an example, is the failure to acquire or uphold enough erection to make love, typically shifting partners. On the other hand, wives can also enjoy environments such as girl intercourse choice disease (FSAD) or hypoactive sexual preference ailment (HSDD), which may bring about dwindling intercourse hobbies or trouble, turning into sexual excitement. Mental determinants, including pressure, fear, depression, and dating questions, play a significant role in the occurrence and persistence of sexual dysfunction. Additionally, recuperation environments such as diabetes, heart failure, hormonal imbalances, and certain tablets can have an impact on intercourse questions, and lifestyle determinants such as substance abuse, warmth, and motionless behaviour can further inflame these issues. Sex disorders are treatable conditions. A comprehensive approach to conditions concedes opportunities, together with an analysis of individuals and couples, to address psychological issues and enhance thoughts. Medications, such as Viagra, for EDD or delivery may be recommended when vital. Nevertheless, lifestyle adjustments, including adopting an extra-energetic weight loss program and making workouts habitual, can have a beneficial effect. Sexual disorders are complex and difficult cases, and pursuing expert assistance from a healthcare worker or counsellor is vital for those experiencing these difficulties. Open thoughts and auxiliary surroundings are vital in forwarding and dealing with sex disorder, subsequently reconstructing an individual’s standard intercourse energy and well-being. consumer-key conversation Sexual disorder dysfunction kinds Erectile disorder (ED) lady sex tickling ailment (FSAD) Hypo active lust disease (HSDD) mental determinants pressure tension despair courting troubles medical environments Diabetes is a cardiovascular ailment Hormonal imbalances medicinal drugs Viagra Hormone medicinal drug way of life determinants Substance abuse Smoking Sedentary behaviour remedy therapy and couples medication medicinal drugs and lifestyle modifications verbal exchange Healthcare provider Supportive environment Sexual well-being

Building Health Empowerment for Adolescents in Geblagan, Kasihan, Bantul

Abstract. Adolescents have a high curiosity, so they need to be directed to get the right information for their growth and health. The results of a study conducted on adolescents in Geblagan Hamlet found that some adolescents carried out risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, drug abuse, and risky sexual behavior. This was because Geblagan Hamlet was a densely populated area, and there were many immigrants from outside the area, so negative cultural acculturation cannot be avoided especially among adolescents. In addition, in the region, there was no program to address health problems in adolescents. The solution offered to this problem was the establishment of Posyandu Remaja- an integrated service centre for adolescents- to facilitate adolescents in understanding health problems, finding alternative solutions to problems, forming adolescent support groups, and expanding access to health services for adolescents. This community service program was carried out through several stages including initial planning by conducting explorations related to problems and identifying resources in the community. Furthermore, a workshop and poll were carried out together with community leaders and adolescents related to the commitment to make a program followed by the election of youth administrators and cadres. The next activity was cadre training related to the 5 Posyandu – integrated service center- table system and the launching of the Posyandu Remaja named Posyandu SIGAP- Sehat, Inovatif, Aktif, Agamis, dan Produktif- or healthy, innovative, active, religious, and productive. This empowerment program is expected to continue as a community-based health effort that can improve the health of adolescents in Geblagan area.

Impact of perceived discrimination and coping strategies on well-being and mental health in newly-arrived migrants in Spain.

To explore how perceived discrimination impacts the emotional well-being and mental health of newly-arrived migrants in Spain; and to identify the coping strategies and behavioral changes used to deal with perceived discrimination. 102 individual audio-recorded in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through content analysis. Negative emotions related to perceived discrimination included disgust, sadness, fear, loneliness, humiliation, sense of injustice, rage, feeling undervalued or vulnerable, and mixed emotions. Change in behaviors due to perceived discrimination comprised westernization or cultural assimilation, creating a good image, avoiding going out or leaving alone, hypervigilance, stop participating in politics, self-sufficiency, a positive adaptation, and paradoxically, becoming an oppressor. The identified coping strategies to deal with perceived discrimination were ignoring or not responding, isolation, self-medication, engagement in intellectual activities, leisure and sport, talking or insulting the oppressor, denouncement, physical fight or revenge, seeking comfort, increasing solidarity with others, crying, or using humor. Discrimination-related stress and related mental health problems were conveyed, as challenges related to substance abuse and addictive behaviors, mood, and anxiety. Findings establish initial evidence of the great impact of perceived discrimination on the health, emotional well-being, and behavior of newly-arrived migrants in Spain, alerting to the need for targeted policies and services to address the effects of discrimination in this population. Further research is needed to explore more closely the causes and effects of perceived discrimination on mental health, to develop more targeted and effective interventions.

Relationship Between Psychopathological Symptoms, Psychoactive Substances, And Antisocial Behaviour Among Undergraduate Students Of The University Of Lagos, Nigeria

Background Antisocial behaviour and its attendant effect are undesirable as it often negatively impacts individuals, communities, and overall social cohesion. Given that its threat to students' mental health and the smooth operation of post-secondary institutions is global, this unsettling trend has raised serious research concerns among interested stakeholders worldwide. Objective:The study assessed the relationship between psychopathological symptoms, substance abuse, alcohol use, and antisocial behaviour among undergraduate students. Method:The research utilised a cross-sectional survey method with one hundred (100) undergraduates purposively selected as participants. The Psychopathic Deviate scale, Symptom Distress Checklist (SCL-90), Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), and Alcohol Screening Questionnaire (AUDIT) were adopted to gather data for the study. Result:The findings showed that there is a significant positive correlation (r = 0.582, p<.01) between substance abuse and antisocial behaviour; additionally, there is a significant positive correlation (r = 0.501, p<.01) between alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour. Psychopathology factors (somatization, obsessive, interpersonal, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, neuroticism, overall SDC) and antisocial behaviour also show a significant positive correlation at (r = 0.248, p<.05; r = 0.238, p<.05; r = 0.449, p<.01; r = 0.404, p<.01; r = 0.400, p<.01; r = 0.461, p<.01; r = 0.503, p<.01; r = 0.314, p<.01; r = 0.408, p<.01; r = 0.314, p<.01 & r = 0.471, p<.01) respectively. Conclusion:The study concluded that psychopathological symptoms and substance and alcohol abuse are positively associated with antisocial behaviour, thus likely to induce antisocial behaviour among undergraduates in Nigeria.

Mental health of transgender children and adolescents: a systematic review

Introduction: Studies on the mental health of transgender children and adolescents express high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It is important to highlight that this is probably due to the minority stress with which these individuals deal since the infrastructures and social policies are designed to treat and welcome cisgenders, based on a normative character. This configuration is associated with a long and past history, of continuous prejudice, stigmatization, and discrimination, conflicts between appearance and gender identity, and rejection in social and family environments. All of these factors contribute decisively to the serious psychiatric morbidity perceived in this population. Objective: The present article aims to identify the relevant aspects of the mental health of transgender children and adolescents and explore other factors associated with the reduction of psychopathological disorders in this population. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library indexed databases, using the descriptors "mental health", "transgender persons" and "children" with the Boolean operator AND. Studies discussing the subject, published between 2010 and 2020 in all available languages, were included, and those that did not meet the criteria were excluded. The survey and screening were carried out in parallel by three researchers, disclosing in the selection of 56 articles. Results: The studies indicated a higher frequency of psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, ideation and suicide, self-harm, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and other risk behaviors in the studied population when compared to the rest of the population. The studies also presented other aspects related to the mental health, such as the importance of family support, social transition, and institutional, medical, and psychological support. Conclusion: The evidence presents the challenges faced by this population in their needs and assured rights, culminating in the developing or worsening of psychological disorders.

Gambling Behavior Among LGBTQ + Individuals: The Role of Gender and Gender Identity.

While past literature suggests that LGBTQ + individuals may be at a greater risk for gambling related-harms and addiction, few studies have specifically looked at gambling behavior among LGBTQ + persons based on gender and gender identity. A study of LGBTQ + individuals in four U.S. States was conducted to assess differences in gender and gender identity for (1) gambling prevalence; (2) gambling behavior based on type and location; and (3) comorbidity with substance abuse and/or other problematic behaviors. Individuals assigned male at birth had greater prevalence of gambling than those assigned female at birth, regardless of current gender identity. Gender identity, on its own, is only significant for certain types of gambling and in some analysis only when combined with gender assigned at birth. Findings suggest that gender assigned at birth has a stronger relationship with gambling prevalence and behavior than adult gender identity.

Using Behavioural Economics to Explain Substance Abuse Among Indian Adolescents

Understanding the behavioural factors that influence adolescent risky behaviour including substance abuse in India is critical for government agencies and organisations working to combat the now upsurging problem caused by substance use amongst adolescents. The objective of this study is to find out the behavioural biases that influence risky behaviour, including substance abuse among adolescents in India. An exploratory factor analysis is conducted on the responses of 682 teenage respondents from a close-ended questionnaire administered electronically in five schools in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Bandwagon Effect, Hard Easy Effect, Optimism Bias, Sunk Cost Fallacy, Social Norms, Disposition Effect, Illusion of Validity, and Availability Heuristic emerged as the factors most affecting the risky behaviour of adolescents including substance abuse. The findings of this research can be used to develop effective interventions to mitigate the effect of these biases on adolescent substance abuse and other risky behaviours. This study enriches the behavioural economics literature by focusing on teenage substance abuse, filling a critical research gap, and providing valuable insights for public health interventions. It also provides benchmarks for future research and policy-making in behavioural economics.

Sexual Identity–Behavior Discordant Heterosexuals in Britain: Findings from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle 2010–2012 (Natsal-3)

This study delves into heterosexual identity–behavior discordance, exploring the interaction between sexual identification and behavior in the UK. Analyzing representative 2010 data from the British population (N = 12,472), this research categorizes participants into different groups: nonheterosexual, concordant heterosexual, and three discordant heterosexual categories (closeted, experimenters, and desisters). These groups were compared in terms of sociodemographics, attitudes toward sexuality, risk behaviors, and health indicators. Discordance was associated with permissive social attitudes, including behaviors such as adultery and one-night stands, and with increased substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, especially among the closeted. Surprisingly, the physical and mental health of discordant heterosexuals was similar to concordant heterosexuals, in contrast to the poorer health of nonheterosexuals. Due to the significant variations in lifestyles and health indicators among different groups, this study highlights the importance of providing targeted services and interventions.