Chemsex: review of the current literature and treatment guidelines
AbstractPurposeof the reviewChemsex mainly concerned men who have sex with men, but seems to spread in general population. Clinical characteristics and expected effects are diverse. This paper aims at reviewing existing literature on chemsex and providing treatment guidelines.Recent findingsThe use of substances for improving or extending sexual intercourses is commonly referred to as chemsex. Substances used are mainly methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, cocaine and cathinones. Prevalence is estimed between 3 and 42% of MSM. Risk factors are mainly living in a metropolis, using dating apps and practicing"hard-sex". Chemse...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 24, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Seeking Pleasure, Finding Trouble: Functions and Dysfunctions of Trait Sensation Seeking
AbstractPurposeof ReviewSensation seeking, a trait-like preference for intense experiences with a disregard for their potentially aversive consequences, is a risk factor for the development of substance use disorders and other hazardous activities. However, there remain several open questions regarding its neurophysiological characteristics, its precise effect on decision-making, and the clinical management of high sensation-seeking individuals.Recent FindingsWe review evidence, including recent neuropharmacological and neuroimaging work, which demonstrates a neurophysiological basis for the construct, particularly regardi...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 23, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
The Role of Socialization Contexts on Adolescent Substance Use Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes theories and empirical work regarding socialization contexts contributing to substance use across marginalized adolescents. Future directions and recommendations to minimize the perpetuation of racial stereotypes are provided.Recent FindingsNeighborhoods high in social cohesion may offset substance use risk. Promoting school connectedness via increased support from teachers and peers could reduce school-based discrimination and enhance feelings of belongingness. The influence of peers on substance use engagement largely differs across racial groups and level of acculturation....
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 23, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
The Use of Ecological Momentary Assessment Methods with People Receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEcological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a data collection method capturing mental states and behavior in participants ’ natural contexts. While EMA is used increasingly in studies with individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), a systematic review of EMA use among people with opioid use disorder (OUD) is not present in the literature. This systematic review aims 1) to synthesize the literature describing EMA use and 2) to characterize the EMA methodology in published studies of people receiving medication for OUD. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISM...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 23, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
“Culturally Responsive” Substance Use Treatment: Contemporary Definitions and Approaches for Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Groups
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCulturally responsive interventions are important for mitigating disparities in substance use outcomes among minoritized racial/ethnic groups, but they are poorly defined and scarcely implemented. This paper provides a dimensional definition and contemporary review of culturally responsive substance use treatment for minoritized racial/ethnic groups.Recent FindingsContemporary culturally responsive approaches remain dominated by cultural adaptations to empirically based programs. Culturally adapted and grounded interventions are generally acceptable and efficacious but are narrowly applied. Within ...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 22, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Pharmacological Interventions for Impulsivity in Addictive Disorders
AbstractPurposeof ReviewNew treatment approaches are needed for addictive disorders. There is a clear link between trait impulsivity and addictions, and impulsivity predicts worse addiction-related outcomes. Therefore, pharmacological treatments targeting impulsivity may enhance outcomes of addictive disorders. This paper aims to review and synthesize the most recent literature on pharmacological interventions for impulsivity in addictive disorders. We focus on studies that include both impulsivity and addictive disorder outcomes.Recent FindingsSeveral studies fit our criteria; however, studies varied in terms of methodolo...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 20, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Forensic Implications of Kratom: Kratom Toxicity, Correlation with Mitragynine Concentrations, and Polypharmacy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewKratom, a preparation of the leaves collected from the Southeast Asian plantMitragyna speciosa, has increased in use within the United States (US) predominantly due to its stimulant and opioid-like effects. It contains many active alkaloids, most notably mitragynine. Clinical pharmacological research and toxicological information are limited, hindering forensic interpretation and an understanding of the role kratom use may play in death. Despite arguments from some vocal proponents and vendors that kratom poses no risk to users, there is a growing body of evidence that kratom use can result in sign...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 19, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Metabolic Profiles Associated with Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder: a Narrative Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing condition that is epidemic in the USA. OUD is associated with serious adverse consequences, including higher incarceration rates, impaired medical and mental health, and overdose-related fatalities. Several medications with demonstrated clinical efficacy in reducing opioid use are approved to treat OUD. However, there is evidence that medications for OUD cause metabolic impairments, which raises concerns over the long-term metabolic health of individuals recovering from OUD. Here, we summarize the scientific literature on the metabolic effects of th...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 19, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Impulsivity in Addictive Disorders: a Narrative Review
Abstract
Purpose of ReviewImpulsivity is considered an important construct in the cycle of addiction, yet the effect of evidence-based treatments on impulsivity is unclear. The goal of this paper was to review the evidence regarding the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most studied psychotherapies for addiction, on measures of impulsivity in addictive disorders.Recent FindingsThere is a robust literature implicating impulsivity as risk factor for development of a range of addictions and poorer treatment outcomes. However, this review identified only four randomized controlled trials evaluating CB...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 13, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Clinical Implications of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use: a Literature Review
Abstract Purpose of ReviewThis work aims to provide an up-to-date review of the preclinical and clinical scientific literature on the therapeutic value of kratom to better understand the underlying mechanisms related to its use and inform future therapeutic applications.Recent FindingsA growing number of studies, mainly of cross-sectional nature, describe the widespread use of kratom by individuals to self-treat pain, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use disorders (SUD) outside a controlled clinical setting. Preclinical evidence suggests kratom is effective as an analgesic agent and might decrease the self-adminis...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 12, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Transdiagnostic Impulsivity-Relevant Phenotypes and the Comorbidity of Personality Disorders with Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders
This article reviews recent research on the co-occurrence of PD and SUD/AUD and discusses how contemporary research on impulsivity-related personality and psychopathology dimensions might partially account for their high comorbidity.Recent FindingsComorbidity between PDs and SUDs/AUD is substantial across population-based and clinical studies and is most apparent in Cluster B PDs. Studies of trait-based impulsivity suggest this comorbidity may be partly explained by UPPS-P model of impulsivity factors (e.g., negative urgency). Research consistent with the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology suggests that impulsivity-r...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 8, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Neural Basis of Altered Impulsivity in Individuals With Internet Gaming Disorder: State-of-the-art Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewImpulsivity is a core feature and a risk factor of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Hence, studies started examining the neural mechanisms that underlie this impulsivity. However, the big picture of such mechanisms is not clear. This paper seeks to survey recent cognitive neuroscience research on IGD and impulsivity and provide a synthesized view.Recent FindingsResearch has indicated that individuals with IGD have a greater degree of impulsivity than healthy controls (HC) and recreational Internet gaming users (RGU). This increased impulsivity has been associated with dysfunction or structural chang...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 2, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Smartphone Apps for Problem Gambling: a Review of Content and Quality
This study included a review of 14 problem-gambling-specific apps. Apps that incorporated cognitive-behavioral therapy concepts and in-app communities were associated with better aesthetics and information quality scores. Additionally, in-app communities were associated with better engagement scores. Our results highlight the importance of evidence-based and engaging features in apps designed to help people with problem gambling. (Source: Current Addiction Reports)
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 2, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Adolescent Neurodevelopment Within the Context of Impulsivity and Substance Use
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of the present review is to provide an update on recent studies examining adolescent neurodevelopment in the context of impulsivity and substance use. We provide a review of the neurodevelopmental changes in brain structure and function related to impulsivity, substance use, and their intersection.Recent FindingsWhen examining brain structure, smaller gray matter volume coupled with lower white matter integrity is associated with greater impulsivity across three components: trait impulsivity, choice impulsivity, and response inhibition. Altered functional connectivity in networks including ...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - May 2, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
Interoception Within the Context of Impulsivity and Addiction
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to examine the relationship between impulsivity and interoception in addiction, to summarize the current understanding of the topic, identify any gaps in knowledge, and provide directions for future research.Research FindingsInteroception may be a contributing factor to impulsive behaviour and, thus, addiction. Substance abuse can negatively impact the brain ’s ability to process interoceptive information and impact the reward system, leading to decreased sensitivity to natural rewards and increased sensitivity to drugs. There is potential for new therapies, such as min...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - April 29, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research
