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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.04.006 Byline: Jason P. Connor (a), Ross McD. Young (b), Bruce R. Lawford (c), John B. Saunders (d), Terry L. Ritchie (e), Ernest P. Noble (e) Keywords: DRD2 gene; Comorbidity; Alcohol and nicotine dependence Abstract: Cigarette smoking in those who are alcohol dependent is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The A1 allele of the D.sub.2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene has been independently associated with alcohol and nicotine dependence. Whether this polymorphism is associated with nicotine dependence in those who are also alcohol dependent has not been investigated. Subjects were 84 (61 males; 23 females) Caucasian DSM IV diagnosed nicotine- and alcohol-dependent subjects sampled from consecutive admissions to a hospital alcohol detoxification ward. Data were obtained through standardised measures of nicotine and alcohol consumption and dependence severity. A1.sup.+ allelic (A1/A1 or A1/A2 genotype) compared to A1.sup.- allelic (A2/A2 genotype only) patients were characterised by higher levels of alcohol and cigarette consumption. A1.sup.+ allelic patients reported greater alcohol dependence severity, but not nicotine dependence severity. When the combined nicotine and alcohol dose was examined, A1.sup.+ allelic patients consumed significantly more of these drugs than their A1.sup.- allelic counterparts. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane 4102, Australia (b) Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Carseldine, Brisbane 4034, Australia (c) Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia (d) Department of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia (e) Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA

A study involving 380 participants in five heroin detoxification trials whose data were pooled to enable direct comparison of five detoxification trials in the Australian National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapies for Opioid Dependence (NEPOD) project is detailed. The participants with more previous detoxification attempts were more likely to enter postdetoxification treatment.

Video games are a source of positive experiences and joy for many people. However, some interaction styles may lead to negative consequences. We aimed to examine the potential negative physical problems associated with video gaming behaviors. Data were from the 2022 International Gaming Study (IGS22), a cross-sectional survey of 955 individuals aged 18–94 (M = 46.10 [16.19]; 45% male) who played video games. We examined the association between prolonged continuous game play and physical problems identified in the past 12 months. Playing video games for three or more hours in one session was associated with higher odds of negative physical symptoms (e.g., overall physical problems, OR = 2.80 [95% CI: 1.52–5.16, p < 0.001 and back or neck pain, OR = 2.19 [95% CI: 1.28–3.74], p < 0.01). Those who met the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) threshold for internet gaming disorder had four times higher odds of physical problems. The positive associations between extended gaming behavior and physical symptoms were not moderated by age, gender, plans to be a professional player, or meeting the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder. Physical problems and pain occur disproportionately in individuals who engage in extended hours of continuous game play, including risk, women, individuals in older age groups, and those without internet gaming disorder. Video game players across the demographic spectrum should be alerted to these risks, • Study found that playing over 3 or 6 h in one session associated with physical problems. • Specific problems reported included eye fatigue, hand or wrist pain, and back or neck pain. • The increased risks of physical problems existed across age and gender groups. • Those planning to be professional players and those without internet gaming disorder also reported physical problems. • Awareness of physical problems and interventions for those engaged in extended hours of video gaming are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have introduced steps such as spatial distancing and "staying at home" to curb its spread and impact. The fear resulting from the disease, the 'lockdown' situation, high levels of uncertainty regarding the future, and financial insecurity raise the level of stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by people all around the world. Psychoactive substances and other reinforcing behaviors (e.g., gambling, video gaming, watching pornography) are often used to reduce stress and anxiety and/or to alleviate depressed mood. The tendency to use such substances and engage in such behaviors in an excessive manner as putative coping strategies in crises like the COVID-19 pandemic is considerable. Moreover, the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) is even higher in the present crisis than usual. ICT has been crucial in keeping parts of the economy going, allowing large groups of people to work and study from home, enhancing social connectedness, providing greatly needed entertainment, etc. Although for the vast majority ICT use is adaptive and should not be pathologized, a subgroup of vulnerable individuals are at risk of developing problematic usage patterns. The present consensus guidance discusses these risks and makes some practical recommendations that may help diminish them. • The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on individuals' mental health. • Technology is being used to help alleviate stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. • The risk of problematic internet use (PIU) is increased during the pandemic. • Guidance is needed related to decreasing the risk of PIU. • Practical recommendations to diminish the risk of PIU are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Buprenorphine, a μ-opioid receptor partial agonist, has been shown to be safe and effective for treatment of opioid dependence. A novel implantable formulation of buprenorphine (Probuphine®), using a polymer matrix sustained-release technology, has been developed to offer treatment for opioid dependence while minimizing risks of patient noncompliance and illicit diversion. The goal of the current study was to conduct an initial, open-label, evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of two doses of Probuphine in subjects with opioid dependence maintained on sublingual buprenorphine. Two doses of Probuphine were evaluated in 12 heroin-dependent volunteers switched from daily sublingual buprenorphine dosing to either two or four Probuphine implants based upon their buprenorphine daily maintenance dose of 8mg or 16mg respectively, and were monitored for 6 months. Probuphine implants provided continuous steady state delivery of buprenorphine until their removal at 6 months. Withdrawal symptoms and craving remained low throughout the 6 months. For the 12 subjects, an average of 59% of urines were opioid-negative across the 6 month treatment period. Injection site reactions were present in half of patients, but none were serious. No safety concerns were evident. These results suggest that Probuphine implants offer significant promise for enhancing delivery of effective opioid substitution treatment while minimizing risk for abuse of medication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Psychological risk and genetic risk for alcohol dependence are rarely examined in concert. The current study used path analysis (via structural equation modelling) to explore the relationship between the A1 allele of the D2 dopamine receptor DRD2 gene region, age of problem drinking onset, alcohol expectancy and drinking refusal self-efficacy towards alcohol consumption and dependence severity. One hundred and forty-three (93 male, 50 female) alcohol dependent inpatients provided an extensive clinical history, including age of onset of problem drinking and quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. The Drinking Expectancy Profile and the Alcohol Dependence Scale were completed, and 10 milliliters of blood were obtained for genetic analysis. The results showed that the posited model fitted the data set well and support the pattern of direct (allele status to drinking) and indirect (allele status influenced by psychosocial variables) relationships hypothesised for the model. A formal test of mediation showed some support for a psychosocial mediational model. The results are discussed in terms of a possible developmental trajectory that involves both genetic risk that influences brain dopamine activity and reinforcement expectancies that both operate via diminished drinking refusal self-efficacy. The prevention and treatment possibilities that arise from understanding this trajectory are examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: It is important to incorporate a screening test for unhealthy alcohol use into primary and other health care settings. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is one of the most commonly used of such tests. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of AUDIT, and to determine the best cut-off points for detection of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders.Methods: We translated the AUDIT to Persian and assessed its face and content validity, reliability, and criterion validity against the diagnosis of alcohol use disorders according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic guidelines, as assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). We determined the best cut-off points for detection of hazardous use, harmful use, and dependence using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Psychometric properties were assessed in a sample of 400 participants attending medium-term residential drug treatment centers located in Tehran, Iran.Results: The Persian AUDIT had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84). The questionnaire also had excellent face and content validity as well as criterion validity when compared with CIDI. The best cut-off points for alcohol dependence, harmful use, and hazardous use were 11 (sensitivity = 95.6, specificity = 80.4), 7 (sensitivity = 85.5, specificity = 84.2), and 5 (sensitivity = 87.6, specificity = 92.9), respectively.Conclusions: The Persian version of the AUDIT has excellent psychometric properties as a screening tool for alcohol use disorders and hazardous alcohol use in settings in which alcohol use is common. Further research on the AUDIT in the general population and in primary health care settings is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The volatile and 24/7 nature of the cryptocurrency market allows traders to engage in speculative trading patterns closely resembling gambling. Its potential for harm and financial loss warrant investigation from a public health perspective. Therefore, we summarized the emerging literature on cryptocurrency trading and its link to problematic gambling and other mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. We also examined demographic or psychological factors associated with cryptocurrency trading.Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for published, original studies investigating associations with cryptocurrency trading behavior. We also conducted supplementary searches using Google Scholar.Results: Eight papers were included after eligibility screening. Our scoping review revealed associations between problem gambling symptoms and cryptocurrency trading engagement and intensity. Furthermore, we found cryptocurrency traders share similar demographic and personality characteristics with share-traders and problem gamblers. Studies on cryptocurrency trading and mental health produced mixed results.Discussions and Conclusions: Our scoping review indicates a likely relationship between problem gambling and cryptocurrency trading. Findings also suggest overlap with high-risk stock traders, with similarities in gambling behaviors, demographics, and personality traits. These findings justify further research into problem cryptocurrency trading behaviors and their potential for harm, especially concerning mental health. To assess what behaviors are problematic, future research should also look to explore differences between long-term investors and short-term traders of cryptocurrency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the rates of primary psychotic disorders (PPD) and substance-induced psychotic disorders (SIPDs) in methamphetamine (MA) users accessing needle and syringe programs (NSPs). The aim was to determine if there are systematic differences in the characteristics of MA users with PPDs and SIPDs compared to those with no psychotic disorder. Participants were 198 MA users reporting use in the previous month. Diagnosis was determined using the Psychiatric Research Interview for DSM-IV Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM-IV). Current psychiatric symptoms and substance use were also measured. Just over half ( n =101) of participants met DSM-IV criteria for a lifetime psychotic disorder, including 81 (80%) with a SIPD and 20 (20%) with a PPD. Those with a younger age of onset of weekly MA use were at increased risk of a lifetime SIPD. A current psychotic disorder was found in 62 (39%), comprising 49 SIPDs (79%) and 13 PPDs (21%). MA users with a current PPD were more likely to have received psychiatric treatment in the past month than those with a current SIPD, despite a similar level of psychotic symptom severity. A high proportion of MA users accessing NSPs have psychotic disorders, the majority of which are substance-induced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceived impaired control over alcohol use is a key cognitive construct in alcohol dependence that has been related prospectively to treatment outcome and may mediate the risk for problem drinking conveyed by impulsivity in non-dependent drinkers. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether perceived impaired control may mediate the association between impulsivity-related measures (derived from the Short-form Eysenck Personality Questionnaire--Revised) and alcohol-dependence severity in alcohol-dependent drinkers. Furthermore, the extent to which this hypothesized relationship was moderated by genetic risk (Taq1A polymorphism in the DRD2/ANKK1 gene cluster) and verbal fluency as an indicator of executive cognitive ability (Controlled Oral Word Association Test) was also examined. A sample of 143 alcohol-dependent inpatients provided an extensive clinical history of their alcohol use, gave 10ml of blood for DNA analysis, and completed self-report measures relating to impulsivity, impaired control and severity of dependence. As hypothesized, perceived impaired control (partially) mediated the association between impulsivity-related measures and alcohol-dependence severity. This relationship was not moderated by the DRD2/ANKK1 polymorphism or verbal fluency. These results suggest that, in alcohol dependence, perceived impaired control is a cognitive mediator of impulsivity-related constructs that may be unaffected by DRD2/ANKK1 and neurocognitive processes underlying the retrieval of verbal information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have examined the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use in the hospital outpatient setting. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use among patients attending a broad range of outpatient clinics at a large public hospital in Australia. Methods Adult hospital outpatients were invited to complete the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption questions (AUDIT-C) using an iPad as part of a randomised trial testing the efficacy of alcohol electronic screening and brief intervention. Unhealthy alcohol use was defined as an AUDIT-C score ≥5 among men and ≥4 among women. Results Sixty percent (3616/6070) of invited hospital outpatients consented, of whom 89% (3206/3616) provided information on their alcohol consumption (either reported they had not consumed any alcohol in the last 12 months or completed the AUDIT-C). The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use was 34.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.0–36.3%). The prevalence among men aged 18–24 years, 25–39 years, 40–59 years and 60 years and older, was 74.4% (95% CI: 68.4–80.4%), 54.3% (95% CI: 48.7–59.8%), 44.1% (95% CI: 39.9–48.3%), and 27.0% (95% CI: 23.6–30.4%), respectively (43.1% overall; 95% CI: 40.8–45.5%). The prevalence among women aged 18–24 years, 25–39 years, 40–59 years, and 60 years and older, was 48.6% (95% CI: 39.2–58.1%), 36.9% (95% CI: 31.2–42.6%), 25.2% (95% CI: 21.5–29.0%) and 14.5% (95% CI: 11.7–17.3%), respectively (24.9% overall; 95% CI: 22.7–27.1%). Conclusion A large number of hospital outpatients who are not currently seeking treatment for their drinking could benefit from effective intervention in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A significant minority of Australians engage in concurrent drug use (using more than one drug in a given period). We examined clusters and correlates of concurrent drug use using the latest available nationally representative survey data on Australian young adults. SAMPLE: 3836 participants aged 18-29years (mean age 24years) from the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS). METHOD: Clusters were distilled using latent class analysis of past year use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, ecstasy, ketamine, GHB, inhalants, steroids, barbiturates, meth/amphetamines, heroin, methadone/buprenorphine, other opiates, painkillers and tranquillisers/sleeping pills. RESULTS: Concurrent drug use in this sample was best described using a 4-class solution. The majority (87.5%) of young adults predominantly used alcohol only (50.9%) or alcohol and tobacco (36.6%). 10.2% reported using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and ecstasy, and 2.3% reported using an extensive range of drugs. CONCLUSION: Most drug use clusters were robust in their profile and stable in their prevalence, indicating little meaningful change at the population level from 2007. The targeting of alcohol and tobacco use remains a priority, but openness to experiencing diverse drug-related effects remains a significant concern for 12.5% of young people in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction and aims: Despite evidence that many Australian adolescents have considerable experience with various drug types, little is known about the extent to which adolescents use multiple substances. The aim of this study was to examine the degree of clustering of drug types within individuals, and the extent to which demographic and psychosocial predictors are related to cluster membership. Design and method: A sample of 1402 adolescents aged 12–17years were extracted from the Australian 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Extracted data included lifetime use of 10 substances, gender, psychological distress, physical health, perceived peer substance use, socioeconomic disadvantage, and regionality. Latent class analysis was used to determine clusters, and multinomial logistic regression employed to examine predictors of cluster membership. Result: There were 3 latent classes. The great majority (79.6%) of adolescents used alcohol only, 18.3% were limited range multidrug users (encompassing alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana), and 2% were extended range multidrug users. Perceived peer drug use and psychological distress predicted limited and extended multiple drug use. Psychological distress was a more significant predictor of extended multidrug use compared to limited multidrug use. Discussion and conclusion: In the Australian school-based prevention setting, a very strong focus on alcohol use and the linkages between alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are warranted. Psychological distress may be an important target for screening and early intervention for adolescents who use multiple drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite considerable recent interest in the issue of comorbid substance use disorders in people with serious mental illness, there remains a need to refine approaches to screening. This paper describes the development and testing of a new screen for substance-related comorbidity, the 12-item DrugCheck Problem List (PL). Exploratory factor analysis with inpatient samples suggested a single-factor structure, although confirmatory factor analysis in a further sample found similar fit from a two-factor model. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting DSM-IV substance use disorders were both high and comparable to performances of the Severity of Dependence Scale and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Australian version). The list of problem areas provided by the PL has utility in driving further assessment and treatment planning, and offers suggested foci for motivational interviewing. While further testing is indicated, these data provide strong initial support for its use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The allied psychological drinking constructs of alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint have shown considerable promise, both independently and in combination, in understanding problematic drinking. However, previous research examining the relationship between these two constructs has only occurred in pre-dependent, convenience samples. This study examined the role of both alcohol expectancies and drinking restraint in an alcohol dependent sample. 143 DSM-IV alcohol dependent participants (93 males, 50 females) completed measures of drinking restraint (Temptation and Restraint Inventory, TRI) and alcohol expectancy (Drinking Expectancy Profile, DEP), along with quantity and frequency of consumption and dependence severity (Alcohol Dependence Scale, ADS). The results showed that although alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint do share common underlying properties, there was unique variance attributed to the prediction of dependence severity and consumption. The results also failed to replicate the drinking restraint model observed in non-clinical samples. It was concluded that alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint models appear to show superior utility in pre-dependent populations. The implications of these findings in refining social cognitive models of alcohol misuse are discussed, with a particular focus on prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Consistent relationships have been demonstrated between problem drinking and certain personality characteristics. A contemporary cognitive model of alcohol misuse, drinking restraint, has recently shown promise in furthering our understanding of problematic drinking. This study examined the potential association between drinking restraint and personality characteristics in 168 alcohol dependent inpatients. Subjects completed the short-scale Revised Eysenck Personality Scales (EPS-R; Eysenck, Eysenck, & Barrett, 1985), Temptation and Restraint Inventory (TRI; Collins & Lapp, 1992), Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS; Skinner & Allen, 1982) and drinking measures including quantity, frequency and weekly drinking total. Results indicated that although there was some conceptual overlap between drinking restraint and personality factors, the TRI had a unique relationship with indices of problem drinking once personality factors were taken into account. This indicates that restrained drinking and personality, although related, are discrete constructs. While restrained drinking may aid in the understanding of current drinking behavior, personality characteristics appear to contribute to the etiology and maintenance of drinking problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]