The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The Dram, Volume 2(8) - Early onset alcohol dependence, severity, and treatment utilization

Current research shows that starting to drink during adolescence is linked to a number of alcohol-related problems that can emerge during adulthood (Grant and Dawson, 1997). In the last issue of the DRAM (2(7)), we reviewed an article that examined the association between age of drinking onset and the age of onset for alcohol dependence. Compared to individuals who waited to drink until age 21, participants that began drinking alcohol before age 14 were significantly more likely to develop lifetime and past-year alcohol dependence, dependence within 10 years of starting to drink, and dependence before age 25. This week’s DRAM... Read more →

Op-Ed/Editorials - Poker Tournaments In Bars — The New Prohibition?

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 In January 1919, Prohibition became the law of the land, when the 36th state ratified the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That state was Nevada. The fact that it was Nevada that created the “noble experiment” in writing moral restrictions into law, shows that this was truly a different era. Prohibition was the height... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 11(8) - Eyes on the Prize: Do lottery incentives promote gambling?

The possibility of co-occurring gambling-related disorders among substance abusing patients can influence treatment plans for recovery from substance abuse and vice versa. The use of contingency management (CM)1, an approach found to decrease the use of stimulants among users, is an effective treatment strategy. Some have argued, however, that the use of CM includes engaging patients in a prize lottery which could potentially increase gambling rates among individuals in substance abuse treatment programs (Gerstein et al., 1999; Petry, 2005; Welte et al., 2001; all as cited in Petry et al., 2006). The concern underlying this debate is a phenomenon called... Read more →

STASH Vol. 2(8) - Ecstasy: Is What You See Really What You Get?

Recreational use of the illegal drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly referred to as ecstasy, can result in dangerous consequences. The drug effects have included accelerated heartbeat, jaw clenching, grinding of teeth, nystagmus (i.e., rolling or flickering of the eyes), hallucinations, and death (Kalant, 2001; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2006; Zervogiannis, 2005). As Table 1 shows, colors and logos are distinguishing traits of ecstasy tablets. However, because these drugs are trafficked illegally, there is a lack of public knowledge about these identifying features and whether they are indicative of the actual contents of ecstasy tablets. With increased trafficking and seizures of... Read more →

Addiction and the Humanities, Volume 2(8) - Hollywood: Risky Business?

Risky behaviors like, driving under the influence, are common among Hollywood celebrities. For example, Mel Gibson was caught drunk driving this past month and later apologized for his “belligerent behavior” (CNN, 2006). He also admitted that he has struggled with alcoholism for much of his life. Compared to the general population, celebrities are twice as likely to have alcohol-related problems (Ludwig 1995, as cited by Morin & Craig, 2000). A variety of factors might impact celebrity substance abuse and risky behaviors. For example, celebrities might be more drawn to a hedonistic lifestyle that includes alcohol and other illicit substances. Is... Read more →