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AbstractThis study aims to explore how sleep quality act as a mediator between smartphone addiction and mental health problems among Vietnamese undergraduate students. In this study, self-report questionnaires, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Short Version (SAS-SV), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, 21 (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI), were filled out by 905 students who had an average age of 19.83 years (SD = 1.30). 561 students, accounting for 62% of all participants do not suffer from smartphone addiction, while 344 students, representing 38.0% of all participants suffer from smartphone addiction. Female students exhibited a higher level of smartphone addiction compared to male students (p < 0.05). This study found a positive correlation between smartphone addiction and stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. The relationship between smartphone addiction and mental health problems (stress, anxiety, and depression) was shown to be mediated by sleep quality. Several research and practice suggestions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. Recent research suggests that persistent, uncontrollable and repetitive NSSI can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction. The addictive feature of NSSI behavior can be assessed using Ottawa self-injury inventory (OSI), the higher addiction score indicates the more serious NSSI behavior. This study aims to explore the relationship of impulsivity and decision-making on the addictive features of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder, to explore the influencing factors of behavioral addictive features of NSSI and to predict the addictive features of NSSI. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 126 adolescent outpatients and inpatients with a mean age of 15.49 years old (M = 15.49, SD = 1.56), male students (n = 28, 22.2%) and female students (n = 98, 77.8%) diagnosed with depressive disorders were recruited according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and clinical interviews were completed by two psychiatrists. NSSI addictive features according to the OSI's addictive features items. The final group was categorized into three groups: depression without NSSI (n = 42), depression with NSSI without addictive features (n = 44), and depression with NSSI and addictive features (n = 40). The present study employed the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Chinese Revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), OSI, and the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire (ANSSIQ). Cognitive decision-making abilities were assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results: The depression with NSSI addictive features group had significantly lower total net scores and net scores of block3, block4, and block5 in the IGT than the depression without NSSI group, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the two in net scores of block1 and block2. Lower scores mean more unfavorable decisions and strategy adjustments. The addictive features of NSSI behaviors were significantly and positively correlated with the severity of NSSI behaviors, depression, and cognitive impulsiveness, and significantly and negatively correlated with the total net score of the IGT. The severity of NSSI behaviors, severity of depression, cognitive impulsiveness positively predicts the addictive features of NSSI behaviors, the total net score of the IGT negatively predicted the addictive features of NSSI behaviors. Conclusion: Adolescents with depressive disorders with NSSI behavioral addictive features had higher severity of depression, exhibited higher cognitive impulsivity, and made more unfavorable decisions when making choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model of the dual addiction dissemination dynamics of alcoholism and smoking was created and examined in this work, along with cost-effectiveness and optimal control techniques. The primary goal of the research is to determine which cost-efficient management techniques are most helpful in lowering the problem of dual addiction dispersion in the community. The smoking addiction sub-model, the alcohol addiction sub-model, and the dual addiction model between alcohol and smoking were all calculated, and their stability was examined in this study. The effective reproduction numbers of the models are computed using the next-generation operator technique. When the model's effective reproduction number is smaller than one, the backward bifurcation phenomenon is seen. Six time-dependent control measures are taken into consideration when formulating and analyzing the optimum control issue. Utilizing and applying the parameter values and using MATLAB ode45 solver we performed numerical simulations for both the dual addiction model and its optimal control problem. Furthermore, using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), we carried out the cost-effectiveness analyses. The cost-effectiveness analysis shows that implementing all the protection (education) control measures simultaneously (i.e., implementing Strategy A) is the most cost-effective strategy. Finally, we recommend that the public health stakeholders must put great effort into the implementation of Strategy A to reduce the smoking and alcoholism dual addiction dissemination problem in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile Phone Addiction represents an emergent addictive disorder that gravely jeopardizes the physical and mental health of adolescents worldwide, necessitating exhaustive research. Current reviews of MPA are in dire need of updates and enhancements. Therefore, this review aggregates the extant research spanning the past two decades on the prevalence, pathogenesis, comorbidities, assessment, and treatment of MPA, aiming to furnish a reference for future investigations into this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents may have anxiety due to a series of events such as school work and social interaction. Improper handling of anxiety often leads to some negative consequences, such as Internet addiction. Therefore, this study further explored the relationship between anxiety and Internet addiction, as well as the mediating role of inhibitory control between the two, and also considered the moderating role of physical activity between anxiety and inhibitory control. Methods: A total of 1607 adolescents, comprising 664 boys and 943 girls with an average age of 15.86 years (SD = 0.73), from Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, and Hunan provinces completed a self-report survey on physical activity, anxiety, inhibitory control, and Internet addiction. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation test were conducted. Results: The results revealed a significant positive correlation between anxiety and adolescent internet addiction (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation with inhibitory control (r = -0.423, p < 0.001). Inhibitory control was found to be significantly positively correlated with physical exercise (r = 0.143, p < 0.001) and significantly negatively correlated with internet addiction (r = -0.368, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, anxiety significantly positively predicted Internet addiction (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) in adolescents, and it also indirectly predicted Internet addiction through inhibitory control (β = -0.231, p < 0.001). Physical activity significantly weakened the predictive effect of anxiety on inhibitory control (β = -0.092, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study further explored the issue of psychological mechanisms between anxiety and Internet addiction in adolescents, and added that physical activity alleviates the negative effects of anxiety on adolescents. Schools and families are encouraged to promote physical exercise among adolescents to alleviate the influence of negative emotions on their psychological and behavioral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This summary discusses the integration of EEG biomarkers in the neurocognitive screening of executive functions in substance and behavioral addiction. It emphasizes the importance of understanding neurocognitive impairment in addiction to develop effective assessment and treatment strategies. The article suggests using standardized procedures for screening that include computerized cognitive tasks and EEG data collection, as well as wearable devices for continuous monitoring and personalized treatment. While wearables have the potential to enhance addiction treatment, challenges such as privacy concerns and cost need to be addressed. The summary also mentions a separate study on the use of wearable EEG devices to detect distractions during motor rehabilitation, which found promising results. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: This study explores whether high alexithymia values correlate with low levels of empathy, while also trying to identify potential connections with social media addiction. Methods: We hypothesized that alexithymia mediates the relationship between social media addiction and empathy levels in a sample of undergraduate students. The study population consisted of 649 medical students in the 4th/5th/6th University year, recruited between March and May 2021. For this assessment, we employed three psychometric instruments: the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), the Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). A pathway analysis investigated alexithymia as a mediator between social media addiction and the degree of empathy in medical undergraduates. Sobel's test and the Baron and Kenny approach were used for testing mediation. Results: The TEQ totalmean score was 48.76 ± 5.65, while the TAS-20 totalmean score was 47.71 ± 11.49. Further analysis of the TAS-20 scale scores showed that 21.42% of students had possible alexithymia, while 14.02% had clear alexithymia. The SMAS-SF total mean score was 73.20 ± 14.59. None of the students reported levels consistent with major social media addiction. The mediated effect of the TAS-20 is about 1.3 times larger than the direct effect of the SMAS-SF on TEQ. Discussion: We found a significant negative correlation between empathy and alexithymia inmedical students. Alexithymia was a mediator between social media addiction and empathy. Therefore, we recommend further efforts to identify potential levels of alexithymia in medical students, in order to successfully develop tailored interventions aimed at increasing their emotional awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TaqIA polymorphism is a marker of both the Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain containing I gene (ANKK1) encoding a RIP-kinase, and the DRD2 gene for the dopamine receptor D2. Despite a large number of studies of TaqIA in addictions and other psychiatric disorders, there is difficulty in interpreting this genetic phenomenon due to the lack of knowledge about ANKK1 function. In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma models, we show that ANKK1 interacts with the synapse protein FERM ARH/RhoGEF and Pleckstrin Domain 1 (FARP1), which is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of the RhoGTPases RAC1 and RhoA. ANKK1–FARP1 colocalized in F-ACTIN-rich structures for neuronal maturation and migration, and both proteins activate the Wnt/PCP pathway. ANKK1, but not FARP1, promotes neuritogenesis, and both proteins are involved in neuritic spine outgrowth. Notably, the knockdown of ANKK1 or FARP1 affects RhoGTPases expression and neural differentiation. Additionally, ANKK1 binds WGEF, another GEF of Wnt/PCP, regulating its interaction with RhoA. During neuronal differentiation, ANKK1–WGEF interaction is downregulated, while ANKK1–FARP1 interaction is increased, suggesting that ANKK1 recruits Wnt/PCP components for bidirectional control of F-ACTIN assembly. Our results suggest a brain structural basis in TaqIA-associated phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, with the rapid development of technology, research on behavioral addiction concepts such as digital gaming disorders and problematic internet use has increased. As anime-watching has become widespread worldwide, it is thought that this behavior may be one of the areas of problematic technology use, especially in adolescence. However, studies evaluating problematic anime-watching behaviors within the framework of behavioral addictions are quite limited in the literature. In this study, problematic anime-watching behaviors, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and possible psychosocial factors were evaluated in 86 anime watchers aged between 12 and 18 years. Problematic anime-watching behaviors were evaluated according to the diagnostic criteria of other defined disorders related to addictive behaviors in ICD-11. A semi-structured interview tool was used to assess psychiatric comorbidities, and the IGDS9-SF adapted form for anime-watching, the Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, KIDCOPE, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents were used to collect other data. Results: It was determined that 36.8% of the 86 adolescents in our study had problematic anime-watching behavior. Compared to other adolescents, the problematic anime-watching group had significantly lower self-efficacy scores and significantly higher social anxiety and avoidant coping scores. A significant relationship was found between social anxiety disorder and watching problematic anime. Conclusions: The present study showed that problematic watching of anime may be a variant of behavioral addiction. In conclusion, the relationship between problematic anime-watching behaviors and mental health warrants further examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the potential moderating role of instability in living arrangements in the association between 14 clinical factors of the Historical Clinical Future Revised (HKT-R) and 5-year violent recidivism. The sample included 316 male forensic psychiatric patients who were unconditionally released from Dutch forensic psychiatric institutions between 2004 and 2008. Results showed that instability in living arrangements did not moderate the association between the clinical factors and violent recidivism, however, it directly and positively predicted (OR = 3.28) violent recidivism. Likewise, hostility (OR = 4.36) and addiction (OR = 1.65) were directly and positively related to violent recidivism, while psychotic symptoms (OR = 0.25) were inversely related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rhinitis medicomentosa (RM) is a form of non-allergic rhinitis caused by the use of nasal decongestants for longer than the recommended duration. Because of this problem of use, addiction to the drug occurs in individuals. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of RM patients to substance addiction. Methods: The study was planned as a prospective, multicentric study between September 2022 and September 2023. Patients diagnosed with RM were included in the study. Beck depression scale, Drug use disorders identification test, Substance Abuse Proclivity Scale were applied to the patients participating in the study. The research data were analyzed electronically with SPSS program version 25. Results: The study included 86 patients with an average age of 31 years. The average duration of medication use was 22 months. Age, gender, duration of nasal congestion, duration of drug use and smoking were not independent predictors for depression and substance use tendency. Conclusion: The relationship between RM and addictive substances is not clear. The tendency to use drugs did not increase in RM patients. In the light of these data, we think that there is no need for a practice other than routine functioning in the use of drugs and similar substances that are likely to cause addiction in RM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Problematic alcohol and drug use (AOD) is a contributing factor to escalate domestic violence (DV). Yet, combined DV and AOD interventions remain limited. This article examines a combined pilot intervention for men with comorbid AOD and DV use. Methods: Mixed methods with concurrent triangulation design. Data comprises victim-survivors' reports of abuse at intake and exit, interviews with men and victim-survivors at exit and 6-month followup, and 12-month follow-up court data. Study participants included 30 male program participants and 14 female victim-survivors. Results: Findings suggest reduced AOD and DV use at program exit, that appears maintained for most men at 6-month followup. The victim-survivor data suggests more positive outcomes among men who maintained or resumed their relationship with the victim-survivor than separated men. Conclusions: Findings indicate benefits of combined early interventions addressing comorbid AOD and DV use and highlight the importance of victim-survivor voices in program reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attentional bias toward addiction-related stimuli has been implicated in the development and maintenance of addiction disorders. Several previous studies have reported an attentional bias toward pornographic cues in individuals with problematic pornography use (PPU). Since attentional bias can occur without conscious awareness, the purpose of this study was to use electroencephalography to examine whether individuals with a high tendency for PPU exhibit attentional bias at the level of the preconscious processing. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while male participants with high (n = 24) and low (n = 23) levels of subclinical PPU performed a masked version of the dot-probe task measuring attentional bias toward subliminally presented pornographic stimuli. Behavioral data revealed that participants from both groups with high and low tendencies for PPU reacted faster to probes replacing pornographic images than to probes replacing neutral images. ERPs revealed that individuals with a high tendency for PPU exhibited larger probe-locked P1 amplitudes following masked pornographic images (valid condition) compared with masked neutral images (invalid condition). Additionally, PPU symptom severity correlated positively with the P1 amplitude difference between valid and invalid conditions. These results highlight the automaticity of attentional capture by pornographic stimuli and support the hypothesis of an addiction-related attentional bias during preconscious processes. The implication of these findings for understanding the clinical phenomenon of out-of-control addictive behavior are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pornography viewers often report being addicted to pornography even if their behavior does not indicate such addiction. In this study with 1099 participants (52% male), we explored how the specific belief in being addicted to pornography could predict both individual and relational outcomes beyond actual pornography use and reported compulsive pornography use (i.e., considering one's use to be out of control). Using a structural equation model, our results showed that higher agreement with the pornography addiction label, without accounting for compulsivity, was associated with higher depression, suicide ideation, communication discomfort about pornography, and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. After accounting for compulsivity, higher agreement with the pornography addiction label was only associated with higher communication discomfort about pornography and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. This study highlights that identifying as addicted to pornography may include a stigma that is particularly detrimental to relationship outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Self-transcendence and the associated decrease in ego-centeredness are understood to foster altruistic and positive behaviors that promote prosociality and pro-environmental actions. However, the lack of an agreed valid and reliable measure of self-transcendence has posed difficulties in examining this subject. The main aim of this study was to use the recently developed Ontological Addiction Scale (OAS), which assesses dysfunctional ego-centeredness as an inhibiter of self-transcendent change, as a proxy measure to examine whether self-transcendence is indeed related to such "selfless" prosocial and pro-nature behaviors. Secondary aims were to examine ontological addiction (OA) and these behaviors in relation to competitiveness and ego-driven manifestations of prosociality. These relationships were examined via self-report measures in a cross-sectional cohort study of 287 UK adult participants. Findings revealed associations with competitiveness that broadly reflect its association with ego-centeredness through significant correlations with OA, and significant negative correlations with both prosociality and pro-nature behavior. They also supported earlier findings of a significant relationship between OA and measures of anxiety and depression. However, the expected negative correlations between OA and both prosociality and pro-nature behavior were not evidenced, which raises questions regarding the notion of OA as a conceptual antithesis of self-transcendence and/or whether measures of pro-sociality and pro-nature behavior adequately account for "selfish" or "impure" motivations that may underly these behaviors. Implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS; Andreassen et al., 2015) is a theory driven self-rating questionnaire for assessing shopping addiction. The current study employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis to examine its factor structure, and its longitudinal measurement invariance among adult participants (N = 276) aged 18 to 62 years (mean = 31.86 years; SD = 9.94 years) over a two-year period, with assessments conducted at three time points. Overall, there was support for full measurement invariance (configural, metric, scalar, and error variance invariance). Additionally, there was support for temporal stability and equivalency for the BSAS total mean scores across the three time points. The psychometric and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic induced psychological distress, which is linked to emotional eating and symptoms of addiction to ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether symptoms of addiction to UPFs mediate the relationship between psychological stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and emotional eating behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted from May to November 2021 among 368 undergraduate Brazilian students. The participants answered demographic questions and completed validated scales, including the Coronavirus Stress Measure, Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and Emotional Eating Questionnaire. Mediation analysis was employed to examine the hypothesised relationships. Results: The results revealed a significant indirect effect, indicating that symptoms of food addiction mediated the association between perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and emotional eating behaviour. Specifically, 61% of the influence of perceived stress on emotional eating during the pandemic was explained by symptoms of UPF addiction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that addressing symptoms of UPF addiction could be pivotal in public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among distressed undergraduate students in the post-COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children and adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) often grapple with significant non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), linked to interpersonal challenges, insecure attachment, and internet addiction. This study explores these relationships in children and adolescents using network analysis, drawing data from seven hospitals in China. Results: The study included 162 youths with depressive disorder and 102 healthy controls from seven hospitals. The MDD + NSSI group exhibited severe internet addiction, heightened depressive symptoms, and insecure attachment. Network analysis identified central symptoms (compulsive use) and key bridge symptoms (tolerance symptoms) in the networks related to depressive symptoms, internet addiction, and attachments. These findings suggest potential targets for intervention among children and adolescents at risk for or suffering from depression. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between NSSI, attachment issues, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents with MDD. The network analysis pinpointed central and key bridge symptoms, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions in children and adolescents at risk for or experiencing depression and associated challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. Objective: This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. Materials and methods: In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15–36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. Results: It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addiction to smartphone is defined as the disability to cease using the device despite the physical, psychological, or social consequences. The diagnosis of this disorder is increasing exponentially among teenagers, even more so after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to analyze the risk of mobile phone addiction among teenagers in Italy and its relationship with other risk behaviors, such as drug consumption and emotional well-being, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Catania, Sicily, during 2022. The study sample comprised 342 students from a secondary education center that answered to a validated Italian version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) accessing through computers and mobile devices. Subjective Wellbeing was measured with the Personal Wellbeing Index-School Children (PWI-SC). Also, they completed the NIAAA Brief Alcohol Use Screener. Results: Our results showed that 30.1% of students who participated in the survey were classified with a smartphone addiction. Besides, most of the participants used the Smartphone for social networks (86.0%). Regarding the other aspects measured, the mean self-perceived well-being score measured with the PWI-SC was 55.5, and 36.2% of participants were categorized as "high risk" for depression. Finally, four out of ten participants were at "moderate or high risk" of an alcohol use disorder. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the use of mobile phones is increasing in adolescents, an age group also exposed to social and health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Playing video games is associated with cognitive changes and possibly psychosocial difficulties. Problematic gaming occurs upon the loss of control over videogame playing; gaming disorder is considered a behavioral addiction in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases. Models used to understand behavioral addictions include cognition as an essential factor in the development, maintenance, and relapse of addiction. Nevertheless, some aspects of cognition, such as social cognition, remain underexplored, despite evidence of alterations in cognitive and social function among patients with problematic gaming. This review aimed to describe the current understanding of social cognition in individuals exposed to videogames. We included all studies assessing social cognition in participants of any age with a wide range of exposure to video games (from simple use of video games (such as at least two exposures) to problematic gaming, defined according to the included study). This wide range of exposure allowed us to explore the whole process from repeated exposure to addiction. We included only studies that used neuropsychological tasks to assess social cognition. Patient-reported outcomes that could be biased by subjective self-report data were not included. The search was conducted from inception to January 2022 in three databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science). The systematic search identified 39 studies that assessed facial emotion processing, empathy, theory of mind, social decision-making, aggressive behavior, and moral competence. In general, results have been mixed, and a number of questions remain unanswered. Nevertheless, several studies showed cerebral changes when processing facial emotion that were linked with problematic gaming, while no link was obtained between nonproblematic gaming and empathy alterations. The influences of cooperation patterns, theory of mind, moral competence, and gaming frequency were highlighted. Finally, there was substantial heterogeneity in the population assessed and the methods used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug addiction, characterized by compulsive drug use and high relapse rates, arises from complex interactions between reward and aversion systems in the brain. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN), located in the anterior hypothalamus, serves as a neuroendocrine center and is a key component of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Objective: This review aimed to explore how the PVN impacts reward and aversion in drug addiction through stress responses and emotional regulation and to evaluate the potential of PVN as a therapeutic target for drug addiction. Methods: We review the current literature, focusing on three main neuron types in the PVN—corticotropin‐releasing factor, oxytocin, and arginine vasopressin neurons—as well as other related neurons, to understand their roles in modulating addiction. Results: Existing studies highlight the PVN as a key mediator in addiction, playing a dual role in reward and aversion systems. These findings are crucial for understanding addiction mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Conclusion: The role of PVN in stress response and emotional regulation suggests its potential as a therapeutic target in drug addiction, offering new insights for addiction treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of people immersed in excessive gaming has increased in this age of rapid digitalization. The World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association Organization recognize a gaming disorder as a condition that results in significant problems in daily life as a result of excessive gaming. Both organizations emphasize the similarities to behavioral addictions such as gambling. We examined the appropriate usage of video games from the perspectives of health and management in this study. For the general population, video games provide positive impacts such as stress alleviation and memory improvement. Game playing leads to a loss of time and money for the individual. It also has a negative impact on the individual's family and social life, evolving into a social problem. Gaming addiction is often accompanied by psychological disorders and other addictions, and long-term medical treatment, including approaches to the individual's psychological background and cognitive-behavioral therapy, is necessary. Therefore, the prevention of gaming disorder is essential. From a societal standpoint, action is required in three contexts: the government, game developers, and within the household as a whole. Simultaneously, the public needs to understand the positive potential of gaming, such as e-sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kratom/ketum is a psychoactive herbal preparation that has been used for a long time as a remedy and performance-enhancing substance in Southeast Asia. The advancement of globalization is making kratom increasingly more available in the western world, where it is becoming increasingly more used. Objective: The current research on kratom and its ingredients is presented. Material and methods: An overview of the use and effects of kratom is exemplary given on the basis of reports. The instrumentalization of the drug and its consequences up to the development of addiction are discussed. Results: Consumption is accompanied by several instrumentalizeable effects so that kratom is used as a therapeutic substance in the self-management of pain, anxiety and depression as well as other substance addictions. Another benefit comes from the performance-enhancing effects on physical work and in a social context. Consumption is usually well controlled, rarely escalates and has few and mostly mild aversive side effects. The danger arises from consumption particularly when there is an escalation of the dose and from mixed consumption with other psychoactive substances. The main alkaloid mitragynine and the more potent 7‑hydroxy-mitragynine are considered mainly responsible for the effect. Both have a complex pharmacology that involves partial µ‑opioid receptor agonism. Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical and neurochemical studies have shown that kratom only has a limited addictive drug profile, which might suggest a medical use as a remedy or substitute in addiction treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic diarrhea affects approximately 5% of the population. Opioids inhibit gastrointestinal motility, and opium tincture has shown anti-propulsive effects in healthy, but no controlled studies of its clinical efficacy exist. We aimed to investigate the anti-propulsive and central nervous system (CNS) effects of opium tincture in patients with chronic diarrhea. Materials and methods: The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial in subjects with chronic diarrhea refractory to standard treatment. Participants received opium tincture or placebo during two intervention periods, each lasting seven days. Bowel movements were recorded daily, and gastrointestinal transit time was investigated with the wireless motility capsule system. Gastrointestinal symptoms, health-related quality of life, and CNS effects (pupil size, reaction time, memory, and general cognition) were also investigated, along with signs of addiction. Results: Eleven subjects (mean age: 45 ± 17 years, 46% males) with a median of 4.7 daily bowel movements were included. The number of daily bowel movements was reduced during opium tincture treatment to 2.3 (p = 0.045), but not placebo (3.0, p = 0.09). Opium tincture prolonged the colonic transit time compared to placebo (17 h vs. 12 h, p < 0.001). In both treatment arms, there were no changes in self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms, health-related quality of life, or CNS effects, and no indication of addiction was present. Conclusion: Opium tincture induced anti-propulsive effects in patients with chronic diarrhea refractory to standard treatment. This indicates that opium tincture is a relevant treatment strategy for selected patients with chronic diarrhea. Moreover, no evidence of opioid-induced sedation or addiction was found. Trial Registration Number: NCT05690321 (registered 2023-01-10) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Theories of addiction guide scientific progress, funding priorities, and policy development and ultimately shape how people experiencing or recovering from addiction are perceived and treated. Choice theories of addiction are heterogenous, and different models have divergent implications. This breeds confusion among laypeople, scientists, practitioners, and policymakers and reduces the utility of robust findings that have the potential to reduce the global burden of addiction-associated harms. Objective: Here we differentiate classes of choice models and articulate a novel framing for a class of addiction models, called contextual models, which share as a first principle the influence of the environment and other contextual factors on behavior within discrete choice contexts. Results: These models do not assume that all choice behaviors are voluntary, but instead that both proximal and distal characteristics of the choice environment–and particularly the benefits and costs of both drug use and non-drug alternatives–can influence behavior in ways that are outside of the awareness of the individual. From this perspective, addiction is neither the individual's moral failing nor an internal uncontrollable urge but rather is the result of environmental contingencies that reinforce the behavior. Conclusions: Contextual models have implications for guiding research, practice, and policy, including identification of novel target mechanisms while also improving existing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a major mental health problem. High school-age adolescents living in the hill tribe villages are especially susceptible to depression due to their remote living environment and stigmatization, a situation that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and determine the associations of individual and contextual factors with depression among hill-tribe high school students in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, during the COVID-19 crisis. Materials and Methods: A school-based, multilevel cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were randomly selected from 18 classes of six high schools located in the hill tribe villages of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A validated questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) were used to collect data. The present study was conducted between May and September 2022. The data were analyzed by the multilevel binary logistic regression at a significance level of α<0.05. Results: A total of 540 hill tribe high school students were recruited for the analysis, 71.3% were female, 81.7% were Thais, and the mean age was 16.81 years. The overall prevalence of depression was 21.9% (95% CI 18.4 to 25.4). In the multivariate multilevel analysis, nine variables were found to be significantly associated with depression: underlying disease, perceived stress, negative life events, smartphone addiction, family functioning, peer group relationship, social stigma, and study program. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of the hill-tribe high school students suffered with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate public health interventions should be developed and implemented to reduce the problem by focusing on those who had underlying diseases, perceived stress, negative life events, anxiety, and smartphone addiction. Moreover, implementation should be integrated into their families, peers, and social environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and purpose N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is one of the more popular drugs, widely available in pharmacies, used to treat wet cough. NAC's diverse mechanism of action has drawn the attention of researchers for its great potential in the treatment of many conditions. Indeed, it has been noted that administration of NAC allows indirect modulation of the central nervous system, which may be important in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. The following review focuses on recent reports of NAC's potentially beneficial effects on psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. Description of the state of knowledge Based on studies conducted on animals (rats), a positive effect of NAC has been proven, observing a reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms. Based on the above data, more and more human studies are being conducted, where the effect of NAC on the symptoms of various mental conditions is being investigated. In recent years, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neurotransmitter function modulating effects of NAC on the brain have been proven, with significant potential in the treatment of mental illness. Conclusions The potential impact of NAC on the treatment of mental illness is a rapidly developing topic in recent years. On the basis of available scientific data, partial reduction of symptoms of mental illnesses through the use of NAC has been confirmed. It is a very promising drug, which in this indication requires additional studies to unequivocally confirm its beneficial effects on the functioning of the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of family communication patterns in the relationship between childhood trauma and the tendency toward addiction in adolescent boys. Methods and Materials: The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of all adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, from seventh to twelfth grade, in the year 2023. The research sample included 380 individuals selected through multistage cluster sampling. They were evaluated using the Ahvaz Addiction Tendency Questionnaire, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Revised Family Communication Patterns (RFCP) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software at both descriptive and inferential levels, and hypothesis testing was conducted using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings: The results showed a positive and significant relationship between dimensions of childhood trauma and the tendency toward addiction (p ≤ 0.05), as well as a positive and significant relationship between conformity and the tendency toward addiction (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was a negative and significant relationship between conversation orientation and the tendency toward addiction (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, family communication patterns moderated the relationship between physical abuse and the tendency toward addiction, as well as the relationship between emotional abuse and the tendency toward addiction. However, family communication patterns did not moderate the relationship between physical neglect and the tendency toward addiction, nor the relationship between emotional neglect and the tendency toward addiction. Family communication patterns did moderate the relationship between sexual abuse and the tendency toward addiction. Conclusion: It can be concluded that family communication patterns mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and the tendency toward addiction in adolescent boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Drug use, considered a socially unacceptable habit across all human societies, has involved countless individuals, particularly from adolescence and youth to middle age. This study aimed to determine the role of stressful events and the behavioral brain system in addiction tendencies among the youth of Yasuj. Methods and Materials: This study was descriptive and correlational in nature. The statistical population included all young people aged 18 to 35 years in Yasuj in 2022. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan table (1987) and using multi-stage cluster random sampling, 384 young people from Yasuj were selected and studied. Data collection was conducted using the Holmes and Rahe Stressful Life Events Questionnaire (1960), the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System by Carver and White (1994), and the Addiction Potential Scale by Weed and Butcher (1992). After data collection and extraction, the participants' scores were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and the fitted values, with the help of SPSS-24 statistical software. Findings: The results of Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant positive relationship between stressful life events and addiction tendencies among the youth of Yasuj (P < 0.01). There was a significant negative relationship between the behavioral inhibition system and addiction tendencies among the youth of Yasuj (P < 0.01). There was a significant positive relationship between the behavioral activation system and addiction tendencies among the youth of Yasuj (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results, by identifying stressful life events and the behavioral activation system in young people, measures can be taken to prevent their tendency toward addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addiction is a behavioral state, in which a person has difficulty controlling her/his will and desires due to mental instabilities or the consumption of certain chemicals, leading to the repetition of certain behaviors. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of yoga training on psychological well-being, emotion regulation, and sleep quality of prisoners suffering from industrial drug abuse. Methods: The current quasi-experimental study used a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all individuals incarcerated in the prisons of Uremia City, Iran, in 2022, who abused industrial drugs. Thirty individuals were screened in a targeted manner based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups (experimental group=15, control group=15). One group was designated as the yoga therapy group and the other was designated as the control group. A training package was used for yoga training, and emotional regulation was assessed using the questionnaires developed by Garnefski. Psychological well-being was measured using the questionnaire by Ryff and Keyes, and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index by Buysse. Data were analyzed using a multivariate covariance test and SPSS software, version 22 was used for data analysis. Results: For the 30 prisoners with drug abuse, the research data were analyzed in the experimental and control groups, with a mean age of 39.23±6.04 and 42.4±7.59 years, respectively. The yoga training had a positive effect on the psychological well-being, emotional regulation, and sleep quality of prisoners suffering from industrial drug abuse (P<0.05). Conclusion: Yoga training could increase the mental well-being, emotion regulation, and sleep quality of prisoners suffering from industrial drug abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding ways to engage and retain young people in treatment for substance use is important in disrupting trajectories of dependence and long-term addiction. Research speaks to the complex interplay of system, client, and clinician factors influencing treatment attendance. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the views of clients (young people [n = 19] and their carers [n = 5]) on the enablers to treatment engagement and retention. Four themes were identified. First the power of first impressions in facilitating trust for young people accessing support. Second, the impact of caseworkers’ approach which acknowledge contextual influences on substance use. Third, young people’s appreciation for AOD workers who shared responsibility for initiating and building trust. Finally, the influence of patient and slow-paced case management styles on treatment attendance. Findings illustrate the importance of humanising approaches to AOD service provision, creating safe spaces in traditionally clinical and stigmatised environments, where biomedical models of care have dominated. The study highlights the potential incongruence between AOD workforce requirements/expectations, and the conditions needed (and sought after) to effectively support young people via good practice social work models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusions This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the measurement and prevalence of betel‐quid (BQ) abuse, dependence, and BQ use disorder (BUD), as well as to evaluate the impact of BQ addiction on oral malignant diseases.We used the PRISMA guidelines to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched for relevant publications up to April 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The articles were evaluated for BQ addiction and its relationship with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer.The prevalence of BQ abuse, dependence, and BUD in South, Southeast, and East Asia varied between 0.8%–46.3%, 0.4%–43.5%, and 4.7%–39.2%, respectively. Among BQ chewers, the corresponding proportions of these disorders ranged from 40.5%–99.6%, 20.9%–99.6%, and 55.2%–99.3%. The pooled risks of OPMD associated with BQ abuse, dependence, and BUD were 16.3, 18.7, and 9.6–35.5, respectively. The risk of oral cancer for mild, moderate, and severe BUD was 8.5, 8.2, and 42.3, respectively.BUD mediates the link between BQ use and an increased risk of oral malignant disorders. Addressing and treating BQ addiction is an important component of comprehensive OPMD and oral cancer preventive and intervention programs that go beyond simple cessation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an introduction to a special series titled "Substance Use Care in Rural Communities." It highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in the United States in addressing the ongoing overdose epidemic and providing adequate services for individuals who use drugs and have substance use disorders (SUDs). The document emphasizes the limited resources, healthcare infrastructure, and staffing shortages in rural areas, as well as barriers to healthcare access such as financial constraints, stigma, and transportation and internet access. The special series showcases empirical research funded by various initiatives to improve health outcomes for individuals using drugs in rural communities, with a focus on using technology, expanding clinician training, and addressing stigma and health disparities. The document also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on addiction treatment and the need for tailored interventions and increased funding opportunities for rural communities. [Extracted from the article]

Short video addiction refers to the uncontrollable desire of users to watch short videos, leading to significant behavioral loss of control or attention disorders, which in turn result in difficulties in social interaction, learning, and work adaptation. With the "invasion" of short videos into people's daily lives and their spread among underage groups, the issue of short video addiction has attracted widespread social attention. Firstly, based on the causes of short video addiction, this study analyzes it from four levels: algorithm design, content services, platform control, and user experience. Secondly, combining relevant scientific theories, the psychological mechanisms of short video addiction are explained from four levels: cognition, emotion, motivation, and social factors. Finally, in terms of coping strategies, on the theoretical level, further research on the occurrence mechanism of short video addiction should be deepened, and attention should be paid to the influence of recommendation algorithms on short video addiction. On the practical level, the obligations and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders such as short video producers, platforms, and regulators in preventing short video addiction should be clarified, aiming to promote prevention and management of short video addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies have established a positive correlation between adolescents' internet addiction and mental health problems, most of these studies have overlooked the internal heterogeneity of Internet addiction. This study aims to identify latent profiles among adolescents based on their Internet addiction and to examine the differences in aggression, depression, and anxiety across these profiles. We conducted a survey involving 7422 adolescents and administered the Young's Internet Addiction Test, Aggression Behavior Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Latent profile analysis was utilized to categorize Internet addiction profiles among adolescents. Associations between Internet addiction profiles and related factors were examined using the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars method. Latent profile analysis suggested four profiles of Internet addiction, which were labeled: Regular , Risk , Low Internet addiction , and Internet addiction. The Internet addiction profile showed higher levels of aggression, depression, and anxiety than the Low Internet addiction profile. The Low Internet addiction profile had higher levels of aggression, depression, and anxiety than the Risk profile. The Risk profile demonstrated higher levels of aggression, depression, and anxiety when compared to the Regular profile. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and the self-report measures. The identified Internet addiction profiles offer differential predictions for aggression, depression, and anxiety. These results underscore the significance of employing latent profile analysis when exploring the associations between Internet addiction and mental health issues. • There are four profiles of Internet addiction among adolescents. • The four profiles of adolescents' Internet addiction differentially predict aggression, depression, and anxiety. • When examining the associations between Internet addiction and mental health, considering the heterogeneity is crucial. • The findings provide implications for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress has long been associated with substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs). The past two decades have seen a surge in research aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms driving this association. This Review introduces a multilevel "adaptive stress response" framework, encompassing a stress baseline, acute reaction, and recovery with return- to-homeostasis phase that occurs at varying response times and across domains of analysis. It also discusses evidence showing the disruption of this adaptive stress response in the context of chronic and repeated stressors, trauma, adverse social and drug-related environments, as well as with acute and chronic drug misuse and with drug withdrawal and abstinence sequelae. Subjective, cognitive, peripheral, and neurobiological disruptions in the adaptive stress response phases and their link to inflexible, maladaptive coping; increased craving; relapse risk; and maintenance of drug intake are also presented. Finally, the prevention and treatment implications of targeting this "stress pathophysiology of addiction" are discussed, along with specific aspects that may be targeted in intervention development to rescue stress-related alterations in drug motivation and to improve SUD treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) capture separate Internet-related disorders, comparing CFA, Set-ESEM, and Full-ESEM models on a sample of 839 participants (59.1% females; Mage = 30.31, SD = 10.05). The ESEM solution was selected based on fit-indices [χ2 = 506.810; df = 248, p < .001; CFI = .976; TLI = .963; RMSEA = .035 (.031–.040); SRMR = .019; AIC = 70,390.955; BIC = 71,269.364; aBIC = 70,678.693], inter-factor correlations (.232 < r < .595), parameter estimates (significant primary target loadings and reduced cross-loadings), and theoretical interpretability. This study highlights the conceptual overlap between Internet and smartphone addiction and emphasises the importance of comparing CFA, Set-ESEM, and Full-ESEM models when two or more sets of constructs are included in a single model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The behavioral addiction model posits that repetitive suicidal behaviors can serve as maladaptive strategies for managing stress and negative emotional states, akin to substance addiction. Both behaviors involve negative emotions, offer temporary psychological relief, and persist, indicating shared neurobiological mechanisms. This study explored psychometric differences among major repeaters, occasional attempters, and non-suicidal prisoners. Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey of 363 inmates across four prisons assessed depression, cognitive-emotional regulation, impulsivity, perceived stress, lifetime non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts. Results: Mild depression, moderate suicidal ideation, and moderate impulsivity were common, with nearly half of the participants having attempted suicide at least once. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that repeated suicidal behavior in the past increases susceptibility to future suicidal thoughts, with suicide attempts serving as a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy among repeated attempters. Discussion: The results reveal differences in emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and stress coping strategies among the studied groups, reinforcing the idea of suicidality as a form of behavioral addiction. The addiction approach helps explain the sensitivity to later suicidal thoughts in former attempters and self-harmers, offering valuable insights for tailored interventions within correctional settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the relationship between smartphone addiction nodes was examined by network analysis. The participants consisted of 406 adolescents aged between 13 and 18. Data were collected using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. Network analysis was carried out in three steps, which included estimation of the research model, analysis of the network model, and assessment of the stability of network parameters. Among the nodes of the smartphone addiction scale, smartphone addiction 2 and smartphone addiction 7 were determined as the central node, as they had a high degree, betweenness, closeness, and expected influence value. Smartphone addiction 5, smartphone addiction 4, and smartphone addiction 9 had a medium degree, closeness, and expected influence values. The central nodes obtained were found to play an important role in the prevention and intervention programs for adolescents' smartphone addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between smartphone addiction and depression in primary care. Three hundred fifty-two people who participated in our research, designed as a cross-sectional study, filled out the Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction scale and Beck's Depression Inventory. Among the participants, 28.9% were found to have smartphone addiction and 52.3% were found to have depressive symptoms. The mean score of participants in the Smartphone Addiction Scale was 24.32 ± 11.24 points (n = 352). The mean score in Beck's Depression Inventory was 10.80 ± 7.94 points. A positive significant relationship was found between depression frequency and social media usage duration (1-2 hours/day) and length of social media usage (≥5 hours/day). A weak but positive and significant correlation was found between Smartphone Addiction Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory (r = 0.147; p = .006). In the regression analysis, it was determined that having an income between 1000 and 1999 TL, having a computer at home, having other addictions other than smoking, and being addicted to a smartphone increase the risk of depression development. The relationship between smartphone addiction and depression should be given attention. The factors influencing smartphone addiction should be considered. Especially the social media and smartphone usage should be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals whose basic needs are naturally satisfied are much less dependent on their environment and more autonomous. Basic psychological needs (i.e., the general motivators of human actions) are significant predictors of online gaming addiction. Moreover, it has been posited that meaning and responsibility in life are at the center of life from an existential point of view. Therefore, a hypothetical model was tested to examine the relationships between basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), online gaming addiction, responsibility, and meaning in life. Data were collected from a sample of 546 participants. Mediation analysis was conducted, and the results indicated that basic psychological needs, online gaming addiction, responsibility, and meaning in life had significant negative and positive relationships. The findings indicated that responsibility and meaning in life had a serial mediating effect in the relationship between basic psychological needs and online gaming addiction. The findings also showed that the inverse relationship between online gaming addiction and basic psychological needs was at least partially explained by meaning in life and responsibility. The results of the present study are of great importance and suggest that interventions to satisfy the basic psychological needs of adolescents may help prevent online gaming addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized addiction services (SAS) are typically designed for people with a transient substance use disorder (SUD). However, some people who use these services have a persistent SUD. Apart from the need to offer continuity in services over time, there is little scientific data on the resources to deploy to better meet the needs of this population. Using a modified Delphi method, a consensus-building process was conducted with managers and clinicians from seven SAS centres in Quebec. The three phases of the process led to the identification of 93 service development proposals that were agreed upon by participants. These proposals were organized along three axes (duration, acuity, complexity) and four clinical principles. The resulting model can be used as a basis for further reflection on the development of services for people with a persistent SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children are more likely to become addicted as they become accustomed to using smartphones, and as they observe and imitate their parents using smartphones. This study aims to confirm longitudinally the effect of mother's smartphone addiction on children's smartphone addiction. Latent growth modeling was used to analyze longitudinal relationships between 3615 pairs of children and their mothers from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) (2018–2020). As a result, both the mothers and children's smartphone addiction significantly increased over time. The initial value of the mother's smartphone addiction was found to have a significant effect on the child's initial value and the change rate. Moreover, children's smartphone addiction change rate was significantly affected by the change rate of the mother's smartphone addiction. To intervene in children's smartphone addiction, a family-level approach, as well as parental addiction, must also be addressed, and a preventive approach should focus on those with a low risk of addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Problematic Internet use (PIU) in young people is a topic of great interest both in the field of addictions and mental health, but scientific evidence is limited in Latin America. The aim was to analyze the relationship between PIU and depression in Latin American college students. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 1828 college students (63.7% women), aged between 18–30 years (M = 21.64 years). (3) Results: PIU was detected in 40.2% of cases, and severe or moderately severe depression in 31.7%. Rates of severe depression in students with PIU were 3.02 times higher than in those without PIU (χ2(3) = 168.443; p < 0.000). The presence of PIU was also statistically significantly higher among youth with depressive symptoms. Linear and logistic regression models for predicting PIU, show how the depression level constitutes a risk factor for PIU: seven times higher for severe depression; more than five times higher for moderate depression; and more than two times for mild depression. (4) Conclusions: There is a clear association between depression and PIU, suggesting that a higher level of depression would act as a predictor of PIU. However, this finding is exploratory. Future studies should clarify the directionality of the relationship between both variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of games has received increasing attention due to their high profits and addiction issues. However, previous studies have focused mainly on players' in-game purchases, neglecting the purchase of game derivative products. This article provides the first exploration of the differences and similarities between in-game purchases and derivative product purchases with a mixed-method approach. A quantitative survey collected data from 9864 game players, and the results suggested that there were differences between in-game purchases and derivative product consumption in terms of consumption amount and number of participants, and that derivative product purchases had a stronger relationship with character attachment and game loyalty. Subsequent interviews were conducted with 22 players. The findings supported the quantitative results and revealed that players exhibited a distinct understanding of each type of purchase in terms of ownership. Overall, these findings contribute to the understanding of game derivative product purchases and explore the factors influencing in-game purchases and derivative product purchases. We strongly argue that the pattern of spending on game derivative products is very different from that of spending on in-game purchases and is, thus, worthy of dedicated research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though addiction is a complex empirical phenomenon, some of the most pressing questions about it concern how we should evaluate agents who are living with it. To that end, a fruitful methodology is to tease out from our best sciences consequences at the level of moral psychology. Taking account of epidemiology, behavioral science, animal studies and, chiefly, neuroscience, I argue for a view according to which addiction involves dysfunctional motivational states (which I call "hybrid intentions") as well as cognitive distortions. This argument can be made without needing to settle the traditional debate about whether addiction is a disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence shows that social media use has negative effects on well‐being of children and youths. However, the underlying reasons are unclear, as social media are means that can also serve beneficial purposes. We propose the hypothesis that social media induce users to harmful addiction of a new variety because such use is not toxic per se but becomes toxic by crowding out beneficial activities. We identify, in particular, the key mechanism in the change of time preference: While social media induce users to present‐biassed activities, thus encouraged by how platforms are designed, they crowd out activities that develop skills and are forward‐looking, such as education, volunteering and democratic participation. This triggers a vicious circle leading to a long run deterioration of well‐being and skills that would have acted as an antidote to addiction. As implication, policies should address adequate information and education in general, as well as increased competition in the digital platform market. While the available evidence supports our hypothesis in many respects, more empirical research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Increasing electronic cigarette use among youth has led to a need for a novel intensity measure of e-cigarette use and its association with nicotine addiction variables. Aims and Methods Using a cross-sectional study of the 2018–2019 PATH Wave 5 Youth survey, a new intensity metric of e-cigarette use, the average number of puffs per month as a function of frequency (days of use per month), number of uses per day and number of puffs per use, was developed for adolescent e-cigarette users. Using logistic regression, standard addiction measures were tested for association with higher quartile (Q) of e-cigarette intensity: Q 1 (1–5 puffs), Q 2 (6–50 puffs), Q 3 (51–528 puffs), and Q 4 (529 + puffs). Results Among 1051 current youth e-cigarette users, cravings were associated with greater intensity of use (Q 2: aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.94–3.87; Q 3: aOR = 6.91, 95% CI: 3.25–14.69; and Q4: aOR = 21.48, 95% CI: 10.03–45.97). Craving associations exceeded the corresponding aORs for the identical regression using the frequency of use. Higher intensity was significantly associated with being an older adolescent (aOR = 1.85), best friend use (aOR: 3.35), not thinking about quitting (aOR: 2.51), and lower perceived addiction (aOR: 1.95). Conclusions This study found that an intensity metric (puffs per month) was strongly associated with cravings, best friend use, harm perception, and lack of intention to quit. This metric provides a more accurate picture of the intensity of youth e-cigarette use than other commonly used measures and may be important for understanding the current and future impact of the youth e-cigarette epidemic. Implications Adolescent addiction to e-cigarettes affects learning, memory, and attention. However, it is unknown whether the intensity of use, puffs per month, differs from frequency, days of use per month, and in relation to addiction measures. This study provides evidence that high-intensity use characterized by puffs per month has a stronger association with cravings compared to frequency, which suggests puffs per month may be a better measure of nicotine exposure. This new intensity metric may give insights into youth e-cigarette use patterns, addiction, and appropriate treatment of intense but intermittent users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]