The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

STASH Vol. 2(2) - Is There a Dangerous Epidemic of Crystal Meth Use Spreading Across the United States?

Methamphetamine, also referred to as “crystal meth,” “meth,” “ice,” “crank” or “glass,” is a fast acting and short-lasting nervous system stimulant. Users experience brief feelings of euphoria and, because of the energizing effects of the drug, can go for many hours or days at a time without sleep or food when on a “meth run.” Chronic stimulant use is associated with euphoria, dysphoria, and paranoia with increasing doses and continued use. In addition, regular users can experience hallucinations and unpredictably violent behavior that is directed toward themselves or others. Withdrawal symptoms include severe depression, lethargy, loss of pleasurable feelings, and... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 11(2) - Down on Your Luck and Down in the Dumps: A Genetic Link?

Many people suffering with pathological gambling also struggle with major depression. The co-occurrence of these two disorders has major implications for treatment and recovery: some symptoms (i.e., suicidality) can be an indicator for either disorder, which complicates both diagnosis and treatment when these disorders are present simultaneously. Past studies have found a genetic basis of pathological gambling (see The WAGER 7(28)). Research also has identified a genetic link between pathological gambling and other disorders, such as alcohol dependence (see The WAGER 5(28), 5 (29), and 7(29)). Though it is known that a relationship exists between pathological gambling and major depression,... Read more →

Op-Ed/Editorials: Legal Technicalities And Creativity In Florida

The views expressed in the Op-Ed/Editorials page are solely the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BASIS, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Prof. I. Nelson Rose, J.D. Professor, Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA BASIS, editorial board member Silly laws create silly barriers, which call for silly solutions. In 1996, the Florida State Legislature, undoubtedly acting with the best intentions, created a mess when it passed a law allowing pari-mutuel outlets to run commercial poker rooms. The tracks and jai alai frontons had lobbied for years. But to get enough votes, they had... Read more →

Addiction and the Humanities, Volume 2(2) - Frey’s Million Little Lies with Oprah

Late last year, The BASIS discussed James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces, an Oprah Book Club selection. Now this popular memoir is tangled in massive controversy. The Smoking Gun, an investigative website, publicly exposed the discrepancies in the memoir and accused Frey of lying about some incidents. Initially, Frey vehemently denied the allegations and even garnered support from Oprah Winfrey, as seen on Larry King Live. As the controversy escalated, Oprah invited Frey back to her show to clarify the allegations and hear his side of the story. On January 26th, in front of millions of viewers, James Frey admitted... Read more →

Op-Ed/Editorials: Some Adults Are Not Allowed To Bet

The views expressed in the Op-Ed/Editorials page are solely the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BASIS, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Prof. I. Nelson Rose, J.D. Professor, Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA BASIS, editorial board member Many casinos, state lotteries, bingo halls and racetracks won’t let anyone under 18 participate in gaming. This does not present any legal issues, since in every state the age of majority is 18, meaning anyone younger is legally a minor. But gambling is also often barred to individuals older than 18, but younger than 21.... Read more →

ASHES Vol. 2 (1) - Cultural differences: Many immigrants pick up bad habits in the US

After migrating to a new country and living there for an extended period of time, people inevitably adopt some new cultural, lifestyle, and health patterns. This holds true even if some of those patterns are not particularly healthy, such as smoking. There is a growing Mexican-American population in the US; currently little is known about their smoking patterns based on country of birth. This ASHES review summarizes a study by Wilkinson and colleagues (2005) that examines differences between U.S.- and Mexican-born smokers, to determine the extent to which exposure to US culture impacts smoking behavior among immigrants. The researchers drew... Read more →