The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

STASH Vol. 2(4) - TV Teaching Teens the Dangers of Marijuana Use

Anti-marijuana advocates have used a number of different types of mass media campaigns intended to reduce the use of marijuana (Schilling & McAlister, 1990). For example, the Sensation Seeking Targeting (SENTAR) prevention approach to reducing use of illicit substances rests on the premise that sensation seeking is a potent risk factor for marijuana use. Accordingly, SENTAR’s style of media campaign crafts messages for television ads using a fast-paced, unconventional, and suspenseful approach considered to appeal particularly to sensation seekers. The ads used teen actors to depict several negative consequences of marijuana use (e.g., impaired judgment, effects on relationships, loss of... Read more →

Addictions and the Humanities, Volume 2(4) - The Montana Meth Project: Scaring the Meth Out of Montana’s Youth

Though some question the existence of a “meth epidemic” in the United States (see STASH 2(2)) others, like Thomas Siebel, aren’t taking any chances. Mr. Siebel, a software billionaire and part-time resident of Montana, is concerned about the increase in methamphetamine (meth) use in the state, especially among the state’s teenagers. According to the Montana Department of Justice, the number of people in treatment for methamphetamine abuse or dependence has increased by 70% during the past six years; currently, methamphetamine-related problems are usurping a disproportionate amount of resources allocated to law enforcement, social services, corrections and treatment (Office of the... Read more →

ASHES Vol.2 (3) - Acculturating to Smoking: Exploring Ethnic Identity and Smoking

The social setting exerts considerable influence on drug using and other behaviors. Acculturation, the process of immigrants and subsequent generations adapting to a new culture while maintaining their prior culture, is important to health behaviors (see, ASHES vol. 2(1)). For example, Guevarra at al. (2005) found that in the United States, the more closely African-American women identified to their African-American culture the less likely they were to smoke. Similarly, having immigrant parents in the United States can be a protective factor for smoking (Acevedo-Garcia, Pan, Jun, Osypuk, & Emmons, 2005). Yet, certain ethnic groups, like Asian Americans, report a higher... Read more →

The Dram, Volume 2(3) - Are Medications to Treat Alcohol Dependence Effective?

According to epidemiologic research, alcohol dependence affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives, with more men affected than women (Grant, 1997). Treatment for acute withdrawal from alcohol dependence, and maintenance of long-term sobriety traditionally has consisted of psychosocial interventions (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, various counseling and psychotherapy approaches) and pharmacologic treatments (used alone or in combination with psychosocial interventions). Given the pressing need to prevent and reduce the prevalence of alcohol dependence, researchers have explored the use of different pharmacologic treatments. This week, The DRAM summarizes findings of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel... Read more →