The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

ASHES Vol. 2 (7) - The influence of peers and families on adolescents’ decision to smoke

There are a variety of relationships and experiences that might influence a person’s decision to smoke. In the last issue of ASHES 2(6), we reviewed a study that examined the influence of parental smoking on the smoking habits of 12th graders. However, it is important to acknowledge that parents are not the only source of pressure and influence in an adolescent’s life. This week we review an article by Bricker, Peterson, Anderson, Rajan, Leroux, and Sarason (2006), which compares the influence of parental smoking and peers/friends smoking on adolescents’ decision to try smoking, and smoking regularly. Participants for this study... Read more →

The Dram, Volume 2(7) - Early Onset Drinking and the Development of Alcohol Dependence: A Fresh Look

Starting to drink during adolescence is associated with alcohol-related problems throughout adulthood (Grant and Dawson, 1997). According to analyses of National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Study (NLAES), a study conducted by the NIAAA from 1991-1992, 45% of individuals who began drinking before age 14 met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, compared with 10% of individuals who waited until age 21 to begin drinking (Grant and Dawson, 1997). But, what is the nature of the relationship between youthful drinking of beverage alcohol and the development of dependence on alcohol? This week’s DRAM reviews a study using a recent dataset to re-examine the... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 11(7) - Nalmefene: Examining a New Treatment for Pathological Gambling

There are a number of different approaches to the treatment of pathological gambling. Some examples include educational interventions (WAGER 11(4)), talk therapy, 12-step programs, support groups, cognitive and behavioral therapies, and medications (WAGER articles 9(15), 8(21)). This week’s WAGER introduces a new addition to the available treatment approaches and discusses the findings from a recent multicenter, randomized controlled trial of the medication nalmefene for the treatment of pathological gambling (Grant et al., 2006). Grant et al. recruited 207 eligible study subjects (i.e., 18 years or older with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of pathological gambling and recent gambling behavior) through newspaper... Read more →

STASH Vol. 2(7) - Toking and Driving: A Danger on the Road?

Although there have been many studies investigating the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol (Nochajski, 2006), few studies have investigated the dangers associated with driving under the influence of other psychoactive (i.e., mind-altering) substances. Preliminary research suggests that both acute marijuana use prior to driving and habitual marijuana use might affect driving ability and crash risk (UK Department for Transport, 2000). Impaired reaction time, attention, coordination and motor skills contribute to this increased risk (Hall, 2001). A more complete understanding of how marijuana use affects driving requires studies with larger sample sizes and assessment of multiple contributing risk... Read more →

Addictions and the Humanities, Volume 2(7) - Hooked on Hookah

Although hookah originated in India, it is a common practice in the Middle East and is now becoming a popular practice in the West (Chaaya et al., 2004). This growing popularity is causing some controversy, as health professionals question its health impact. This week’s Addiction & Humanities describes hookah use in the East and West and the public health significance of this phenomenon. Middle Eastern immigrants created the first American hookah parlors in their communities; now the demand for hookah is more widespread (AP, 2006). Media reports indicate that restaurants and lounges that offer hookah are predominantly located in college... Read more →