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Last week, a report from the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling concluded that gambling industry growth has been fueled by the rise of online betting. Gamblers, including young people who are not allowed into casinos, can now easily gamble. The commission also found, alarmingly, that the spread is notable in low‐income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the increased visibility of health anxiety in mainstream media, particularly in high-fashion publications like Vogue, highlighting the shift from its previous lack of coverage and the significance of understanding and addressing health anxiety's impact on both physical.

The author reflects on the compulsive act of hair-pulling, known as trichotillomania, as both a coping mechanism and a source of self-destruction. Topics include the emotional turmoil of a failed relationship, the haunting nature of adolescent struggles with self-control, and the deep yearning for relief from the anxieties that manifest in physical habits.

The last issue of August is sometimes quiet; lots of vacations, little of note in the news. This year, the Journal of Addiction Medicine came to the rescue with bold commentaries from top experts in the field introducing new concepts: specifically, "treatment‐refractory addiction." The commentaries also play into a rich literature of treatment resistance in general, starting with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the author's experience of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how the practice of St. Ignatius' Examen prayer helped them cope with their condition. Topics include the author's struggles with OCD, the definition and impact of the disorder, and the transformative effect of incorporating the Examen into their daily routine.

Proposed legislation that has been introduced in both houses of Congress would establish the first dedicated stream of federal funding for gambling addiction treatment, prevention and research. Supporters of the measure acknowledged that the effort to pass it likely will extend beyond the current session of Congress, given an overall lack of movement on new legislation and the reality of a national election this year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the transformative experience of Mark Haddon discovering the ceramics of Jean-Nicolas Gérard, which challenged his previous indifference to the art form. It also discusses the unique qualities of Gérard's work, including its functionality, spontaneity, joyousness, and its rejection of contemporary art's ironic detachment.

This article provides an overview of addiction, focusing on substance addiction and behavioral addiction. It covers a wide range of substances that can lead to addiction, such as alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, sedatives, and hallucinogens. It also discusses various behavioral addictions, including gambling, disordered eating, excessive exercise, shopping, sexual activity, social media usage, video gaming, shoplifting, fire setting, hoarding, and hair pulling. The article explores signs of addiction and the role of forensic psychological consultation in addiction cases. It also offers strategies for representing both the addicted person and the non-addicted spouse in family law matters, highlighting the impact of addiction on finances, children, and relationships. The author, Dr. Tilley, is a board-certified forensic psychologist and the CEO of Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC, which provides a range of services in the field of behavioral health, medical, and forensic assessment. Dr. Tilley is also a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. [Extracted from the article]

Last week's annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) featured much more than the usual addiction‐focused programming, which has been growing year by year. It was, under the direction of outgoing president Petros Levounis, M.D., himself an addiction psychiatrist, based on addiction. So is the current issue of the APA's flagship journal, the American Journal of Psychiatry, which featured three major articles on addiction. Two were presented last week; one, a commentary by Keith Humphreys, Ph.D., and colleagues, focused on the barriers to Medicaid reimbursement for treatment, mainly erected by a few states (ADAW will cover that in depth next week). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the links between addiction, autism, and coexisting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), highlighting how many individuals with undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions turn to substance abuse. The lack of awareness about these connections and the potential consequences, including an increased risk of suicide, is emphasized. It stresses the importance of recognizing the needs of neurodivergent clients and offering accommodations.

The article focuses on the stories of various individuals who have used massage therapy and bodywork to address diverse health and wellness needs. Topics include intercultural healing in LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, the importance of massage in cancer treatment, and providing massage for individuals with Down syndrome.

Underneath her outward persona, Washington - the Bronx-born only child of mom Valerie, a professor, and dad Earl, a real estate agent - always felt like something was missing. If my childhood had been spent in the constant pursuit of being better, the seeds of perfectionism had blossomed into self-contempt. b Adapted from I Thicker Than Water i by Kerry Washington. LEARNING A PAINFUL FAMILY SECRET LED THE STAR TO LOOK INWARD - AND SHARE HER EMOTIONAL JOURNEY A "TOXIC" EATING DISORDER I The star details the "self-contempt" she battled in college i B By the time I got to college, my relationship with food and my body had become a toxic cycle of self-abuse that utilized the tools of starvation, binge eating, body obsession, and compulsive exercise. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the use of metaphors in therapeutic practice, particularly in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Topics discussed include the ontological metaphor of a bully commonly associated with OCD, the practical application of the kidnapper metaphor in therapy, and the importance of compassion in addressing OCD symptoms.

The article discusses the author's transformative experience with therapy, particularly when meeting a therapist in recovery from addiction, which sparked a newfound belief in the possibility of change and personal responsibility. Topics include the impact of lived experience in therapy, the complexity of addiction and eating disorders, and the balance between personal recovery and professional practice.

The article highlights how physical therapy plays a crucial role in the multifaceted process of opioid addiction recovery. Topics include Addressing physical health, where physical therapy helps individuals recover from muscle weakness; Managing addiction symptoms, focusing on how physical therapy aids in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and improving mood; and Reducing reliance on medication, by using targeted exercises to treat underlying pain and health problems.

The article focuses on lessons learned from working with addiction, it highlights vulnerability to addiction, developmental factors influencing vulnerability, and the importance of social context. It discusses how genetics and environmental factors interact to increase addiction risk, the role of developmental factors such as adolescence in addiction vulnerability, and how social environments and cultural beliefs contribute to addiction.

The article focuses on the addiction of compulsive cryptocurrency trading. Topics include the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the similarities of trading addiction with gambling addiction, and information from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Many substance use treatment provider agencies in Pennsylvania consider state regulatory requirements to be their primary barrier to hiring more staff and operating at full capacity, but agency officials have said that they face state officials' unwillingness to budge from the longtime mandates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers suggestions to control screen time and overcome the addiction of games, social media networks, and other apps.

The article focuses on emotional eating as a form of escapism and how fast-food drive-thrus have become a coping mechanism for clients who are stressed or struggling emotionally. The topics includes the normalization of processed food consumption in U.S. culture, the role of clinicians in identifying emotional eating, and how emotional eating creates a cycle that can lead clients to stay stagnant.

The shorter the amount of time between administration and a drug's effects, the more addictive it is. This has been known for decades. It's one of the reasons why smoking nicotine is so addictive — smoking as a route of administration goes directly from the lungs to the brain. This applies to crack cocaine as well. Insufflation (through the nose) is also very rapid. Injection into a vein is not as fast as inhalation, as the drug must first go through the bloodstream to get to the brain, but it is very fast. Slowest of all is oral administration, especially "extended release" therapeutic formulations. But a new clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) suggests that a "salience network" in the brain is responsible for the difference between intravenous and oral response to a drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is possible to fight cravings — whether for opioids due to addiction or opioids for pain relief — with mindfulness, according to Eric L. Garland, Ph.D., associate dean for research and a professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, who presented to a packed plenary at the Cape Cod Symposium for Addictive Disorders on Sept. 9. The annual meeting of treatment professionals is an important gathering spot, and now, sponsored by HMP, included a lounge for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). The former sponsor, C4, used to be a direct competitor of NAATP for the conference space. "Mindfulness," in terms of avoiding use of all substances including methadone and buprenorphine, played well into the notions of many of the attendees, who were looking for help for their patients beyond taking a pill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges public libraries face regarding patrons viewing pornographic content on library computers or personal devices within library premises. It raises questions about whether this behavior falls under "reasonable use/free speech" and explores the impact it may have on other patrons, library staff, and the library's internet usage policy.

"Nation‐leading" legislation to combat addictive social media feeds and protect kids online was signed into law on June 20 by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, making the state the first in the nation to establish these types of protections to safeguard children on social media, especially given the youth mental health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fastest way for a student to attain a coveted burgundy or red shirt, Breshears soon learned, was to embrace the Lord and help Brother Bryan - Bryan Clemensen, the school's co-founder and eventual director and principal - enforce the rules. In response to a detailed list of follow-up questions, Clemensen, through Agapé's attorney, says he "has never abused any boy in the history of Agapé", and denied that restraints were ever used for punishment. RS Reports WHEN Andrew Breshears arrived at the Agapé Boarding School in 2018, he was a sandy-haired 12-year-old who weighed less than 100 pounds. That evening, as Agapé's 150 students and staffers were finishing up dinner, Breshears spotted a fellow conspirator flash a thumbs-up. [Extracted from the article]

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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 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patent application titled "Loss Of Control Detection, Alerts, And/Or Management Thereof" by inventor Casey HALPERN aims to address compulsive behaviors and provide alerts for upcoming loss of control events related to various conditions such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and compulsive behaviors. The application describes a computer executable method and a patient device that can detect and alert individuals about potential loss of control events, providing guidance, therapy, and risk forecasts based on physiological data. This innovation seeks to offer support and intervention for individuals struggling with impulse control and compulsivity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital in Baotou, People's Republic of China, focused on food addiction as a chronic psychological disorder resulting from the consumption of highly palatable foods. The research analyzed 941 articles published between January 2013 and April 2023, revealing a steady increase in publications on food addiction globally, with the United States leading in research output. Key topics included obesity, eating disorders, addiction, and overeating, with a focus on understanding psychological and neurological underpinnings, metabolic implications, addictive behaviors, and treatment modalities. Future research aims to develop personalized prevention and intervention strategies for food addiction. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the National Research University Higher School of Economics explores the contrasting media consumption habits of news avoiders and doomscrollers. News avoiders consciously limit their exposure to negative news for emotional well-being, while doomscrollers compulsively consume negative news. Both groups understand each other's perspectives but criticize each other's habits, with news avoiders viewing doomscrollers as addicted and doomscrollers seeing news avoiders as uninformed. The study suggests that these opposing media consumption styles contribute to societal fragmentation by widening the gap in awareness of current events. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Osijek in Croatia found that gambling disorder is a prevalent issue among university students in the country. The research, which surveyed 844 students, revealed that 21.1% of participants may have a gambling disorder, with specific risk factors including being male, repeating a year of study, and having a mother with a gambling disorder. The study suggests the need for targeted public health interventions to prevent the development of gambling addiction among university students. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism have conducted a study on anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in mice. The study found that an imbalance of striatal dopamine receptors in mice led to preexisting risk-avoidance behaviors and enhanced alcohol relief. The research suggests that an anxiety phenotype may be a predisposing factor for AUD. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between anxiety and AUD for potential future interventions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06659094, focusing on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (sc-ICBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in China. The study aims to compare sc-ICBT with reduced support to cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) and investigate optimal transition points for effective treatments. The trial will assess outcomes using various measures, including the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), with a focus on improving patient symptoms and evaluating treatment acceptability. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Ariel University in Israel explored the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and compulsive sexual behavior in a predominantly female population using dating applications for sex. The research found positive associations between childhood sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse, and physical neglect with compulsive sexual behavior. The study suggests that these findings may have clinical implications for understanding and treating compulsive sexual behavior. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Rutgers University in New Jersey explored different profiles of mindfulness among adult video game players, focusing on five facets of mindfulness and nonattachment. The research identified four profiles of players: highly mindful, moderately mindful, reactive and attached, and judgmental and unaware. The study found that the judgmental and unaware profile reported the highest level of problem gaming, while the reactive and attached profile showed greater psychological inflexibility and escapism motivation. Both profiles exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the nuanced role of mindfulness in gaming behavior. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Arizona examined the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage, psychological distress, and problem drinking in a diverse sample of adults. The research found that neighborhood disadvantage was associated with increased psychological distress, which in turn was linked to problem drinking. The study suggests that psychological distress may be a key factor connecting living in disadvantaged neighborhoods to problem drinking. The findings were published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal and have been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Memphis focused on the effects of cognitive behavioral techniques on recovery outcomes for individuals experiencing gambling-related harms. The research found that these techniques significantly reduced anxiety and depression post-treatment, while also increasing quality of life. The study emphasized the need for future research to explore the longitudinal associations between gambling harms, psychological symptoms, and quality of life. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of cognitive behavioral techniques in addressing gambling-related issues. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Missouri conducted a study on the relationship between adolescent polysubstance use and high school noncompletion among Australian twins. The study found that genetic and shared environmental factors played a significant role in the association between substance use and school dropout, with limited evidence for a direct causal link. The researchers suggest that further research with more detailed substance use measurements is needed to fully understand this relationship. The study was supported by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse and published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital conducted a study on the relationship between pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, and substance use among Black individuals with chronic pain who use opioids. The study found that pain catastrophizing was associated with risky substance use, opioid dependence, and use of tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. Addressing these psychological reactions may help reduce health complications and costs related to substance use among this population. The research was funded by NIH and Harvard Medical School and has been peer-reviewed and published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Department of Pharmacology in San Antonio, Texas, have detailed the effects of chronic stress on cognitive function in psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and addictive behavior. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments and the development of effective interventions. Funded by organizations like the NIH and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the research emphasizes the importance of addressing cognitive impairment in stress-related disorders for the advancement of therapeutic approaches. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo conducted a study on the impact of bullying and sexual harassment victimization on adolescent alcohol use. The study, which involved 800 adolescents aged 13-15 from Western New York State, found that moderate levels of bullying along with increasing sexual harassment were associated with greater alcohol use in adolescence. The research highlights the importance of considering the cumulative effects of multiple types of peer victimization on adolescent health outcomes. The study was supported by the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Bar Ilan University in Ramat-Gan, Israel, explored the impact of parental practices on adolescents' compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). The research found that maternal support and paternal quality of communication with children were significant predictors of lower severity of current and future CSB. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting a familial perspective to promote healthy sexual development and reduce risky behaviors among adolescents. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field of adolescent health and medicine. [Extracted from the article]