Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Drug use patterns predict risk of non-fatal overdose among street-involved youth in a Canadian setting.
Non-fatal drug overdose is a major cause of morbidity among people who use drugs, although few studies have examined this risk among street-involved youth. We sought to determine the risk factors associated with non-fatal overdose among Canadian street-involved youth who reported illicit drug use. ⋯ Rates of non-fatal overdose were high among street-involved youth. Drug use patterns, in particular prescription opiate use, were associated with overdose. These findings underscore the importance of addiction treatment and prevention efforts aimed at reducing the risk of overdose among youth.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Meta AnalysisRegional gray matter deficits in alcohol dependence: A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies.
Many studies have revealed a widespread pattern of gray matter (GM) atrophy by using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies involving the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence. However, the spatial localization of GM abnormalities reported in previous studies is heterogeneous. Here, we aimed to investigate the concurrence across VBM studies to help clarify the structural abnormalities underpinning this condition. ⋯ By conducting the first comprehensive meta-analysis of VBM studies, we identified consistent regional GM atrophy particularly within several neurofunctional networks associated with alcohol dependence. Our study demonstrated a characteristic pattern of GM abnormalities and provided further insights into understanding the underlying nature of alcohol dependence.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of motivational lung age feedback on short-term quit rates in smokers seeking intensive group treatment: A randomized controlled pilot study.
A brief "Lung Age" feedback intervention has shown promise for personalizing the health impact of smoking and promoting cessation in unselected smokers. Now that many healthcare organizations provide face-to-face cessation services, it is reasonable to ask whether such motivational feedback of lung function tests might improve treatment compliance and cessation rates in smokers wanting to quit. This study assessed effects of baseline motivational spirometry-based "Lung Age" feedback on treatment compliance and tobacco abstinence at 28-day follow-up. ⋯ Baseline Lung Age feedback did not improve quit rates or compliance at 28-day follow-up in smokers seeking intensive treatment.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Physical dating violence among adolescents and young adults with alcohol misuse.
This study determined prevalence and correlates of physical dating violence (victimization or aggression) among male and female youth with alcohol misuse and seeking emergency department (ED) care. ⋯ Nearly 1 in 4 youth with alcohol misuse seeking ED care report dating violence. Key correlates of dating violence included alcohol use severity, suicidal ideation, ED services, and peer influences. Evidence-based dating violence interventions addressing these correlates are needed for youth with alcohol misuse seeking ED care.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2015
Comparative StudyComparison of the characteristics of long-term users of electronic cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy: A cross-sectional survey of English ex-smokers and current smokers.
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are non-combustible nicotine delivery devices being widely used as a partial or a complete long-term substitute for smoking. Little is known about the characteristics of long-term users, their smoking behaviour, attachment to smoking, experience of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, or their views on these devices. This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on this and compare users of the different products. ⋯ Compared with people who use NRT for at least 6 months, those who use EC over that time period appear to have a stronger smoker identity and like their products more. Among long-term users who have stopped smoking, ECs are perceived as more helpful than NRT, appear more effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms and continued use may be more likely.