Therapeutic Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD): a Review of the Evidence From Clinical Trials and Human Laboratory Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGlobal policy changes have increased access to products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a primary constituent of hemp and cannabis. The CBD product industry has experienced tremendous growth, in part, because CBD is widely touted as an effective therapeutic for myriad health conditions. However, only 1 CBD product (Epidiolex ®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date. There is substantial interest among consumers and the medical and scientific communities regarding the therapeutic potential of CBD, including for indications that are not recognized by the FDA. The purpo...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - July 24, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
The Digital Health Landscape in Addiction and Substance Use Research: Will Digital Health Exacerbate or Mitigate Health Inequities in Vulnerable Populations?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNovel and emerging digital health technologies are increasingly used in substance use and addiction-related self-management and treatment research. The promise of digital health is exciting, yet there are important factors regarding population characteristics to consider prior to using novel technologies with vulnerable populations. This paper reports a review of scientific literature published between 2015 and early 2020 on the use of digital health strategies in research focused on substance use and addiction in vulnerable populations.Recent FindingsUsing 13 search terms, three databases were scr...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - July 22, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Understanding the Overlap Between Cannabis Use and Gambling Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Empirical Findings and Consideration of Policy Implications
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewGiven recent changes in cannabis legalization across North America, understanding cannabis-gambling relationships is of increasing interest. This review examines the current state of the research literature on the co-occurrence of cannabis and gambling. Specifically, the relationship between cannabis and gambling is examined in youth, adults, treatment-seeking individuals, as well as in specific populations.Recent FindingsLiterature search findings show that the majority of studies to date examining gambling and cannabis are epidemiological investigations conducted in youth. Overall, studies su...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - July 20, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Directional Effects of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders with Substance Use: a Review of Recent Prospective Research
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAnxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent, frequently comorbid, and contribute to high rates of disability and death globally. They also commonly co-occur with substance use, including alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis. Yet, the directionality for the onset and progression of these conditions is not fully understood. The present review highlights key findings from recent longitudinal studies on the prospective associations between anxiety and depressive disorders and the most commonly used substances (alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis). Additionally, this article reviews the potential of e...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - July 13, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Parental and Family Factors Associated with Problematic Gaming and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents: a Systematic Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSome adolescents may develop problematic gaming (PG) or problematic Internet use (PIU). We reviewed the literature on associations between specific parental/family (PF) characteristics and adolescents ’ PG and PIU.Recent FindingsIncreasingly, links are being reported between PF factors and PG and PIU. However, questions remain about the nature of the factors involved and the strength of their link with PG and PIU. We addressed these questions in the present review.SummaryOur systematic literature search identified 27 research papers on PG and 73 on PIU and distinguished six categories of parental...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - July 11, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Developments in Mobile Health Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions for Addiction Science
We describe the design of five mHealth JITAIs in addiction and three MRT studies, and discuss challenges and future directions.SummaryThis review aims to provide guidance for constructing effective JITAIs to support addiction treatment and recovery. (Source: Current Addiction Reports)
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 26, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
(Neuro)therapeutic Approaches in the Field of Alcohol Use Disorders
This article discusses these learning mechanisms and modification thereof as possible targets of (neuro)therapeutic interventions for AUD.Recent FindingsPsychological therapies that target dysregulated neurocognitive processes underlying addictive behavior may hold promise as effective treatments for AUD.SummaryDespite the progression in psychological and neuroscience research in the field of AUD, many behavioral interventions fail to systematically integrate and apply such findings into treatment development. Future research should focus on the targeted modification of the aforementioned processes. (Source: Current Addiction Reports)
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 26, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Digital Health for Assessment and Intervention Targeting Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use
This article aims to summarize current research on digital health for assessment and intervention targeting tobacco and cannabis co-use and to answer the following questions: Which digital tools have been used? Which populations have been targeted? And what are the implications for future research?Recent FindingsEcological momentary assessment (EMA) via text messages or interactive voice response calls has been used to capture co-use patterns within a time window or co-administration of both substances via blunts among young adults. Feasibility of multicomponent interventions targeting dual cessation of both substances amo...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 18, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Evaluating the Quality of Smartphone Apps for Overeating, Stress, and Craving-Related Eating Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale
This study included 19 apps, and app quality scores ranged from 2.58 to 4.87, with a mean score of 3.52 out of 5. The large discrepancy in quality is a concern given that these apps are aimed at addressing eating-related behaviors and influence health outcomes. As a result, a high burden is put on consumers to vigilantly screen apps to determine if information provided is based on scientific evidence. (Source: Current Addiction Reports)
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 18, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Choosing the Optimal Brain Target for Neuromodulation Therapies as Alcohol Addiction Progresses —Insights From Pre-Clinical Studies
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewDevelopment of addiction involves a transition from reward-driven to habitual behavior, mediated by neuroplastic changes. Based on preclinical findings, this article article reviews the current knowledge on the use of neuromodulation therapies to target alcohol addiction and essentially reduce relapse.Recent FindingsTo date, only a limited number of preclinical studies have investigated the use of neuromodulation in alcohol addiction, with the focus being on targeting the brain reward system. However, as addiction develops, additional circuits are recruited. Therefore, a differential setup may ...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 11, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Wearable and Wireless mHealth Technologies for Substance Use Disorder
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this scoping review is to evaluate the advances in wearable and other wireless mobile health (mHealth) technologies in the treatment of substance use disorders.Recent FindingsThere are a variety of wireless technologies under investigation for the treatment of substance use disorder. Wearable sensors are the most commonly used technology. They can be used to decrease heavy substance use, mitigate factors related to relapse, and monitor for overdose. New technologies pose distinct advantages over traditional therapies by increasing geographic availability and continuously providing feedb...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 10, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol Use Disorders Across the Lifespan
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLosing and regaining control over alcohol intake varies as a function of individual-level predictors across the lifespan. Specifically, the interplay of protective and risk factors for losing and regaining control, particularly in real-life settings, is thus far poorly understood. Individual differences in cognition, affect, emotion regulation, social factors, and personality traits, together with individual differences in brain structure and function, and biological markers of stress exposure may have different effects on alcohol consumption in different age groups. We will review current evidence...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - June 3, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Considering Food Addiction Through a Cultural Lens
AbstractPurpose of ReviewResearch suggests that cultural factors influence eating behaviors; however, little is known about the relationship between food addiction and culture. This narrative review aimed to (i) review theoretically related work on the relationship between sociocultural demographic variables, food cravings, and eating disorders; (ii) review the available literature assessing cultural aspects of food addiction, specifically the rates of food addiction across the globe and notable differences in relevant sociodemographic variables: race, ethnicity, gender, and acculturation level; (iii) discuss the potential...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 23, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
eHealth Treatments for Compulsive Overeating: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewElectronic or eHealth technologies have resulted in a progressive transformation of healthcare delivery, leading to greater treatment access, and more informed and individualized clinician-patient relationships. These characteristics are especially important for individuals who suffer from compulsive overeating and related disorders such as binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa —where personal feelings of shame and fear, high costs and low treatment availability may deter individuals from obtaining appropriate care. In the following narrative review, the efficacy of eHealth interventions for ...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 22, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Cognitive Correlates in Gaming Disorder and Social Networks Use Disorder: a Comparison
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis overview aims at summarizing studies, which investigated cognitive correlates of gaming disorder and of a problematic use of social networks by using behavioral experimental paradigms and brain imaging techniques.Recent FindingsBased on theoretical models, inhibition/inhibitory control, attentional bias, executive functions, decision-making, and working memory capabilities have been identified as cognitive components, which are assumed to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of an addictive behavior. A systematic search shows that various studies have already examined the inv...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 20, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
