The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER Vol. 11(10) - What about the Youth? Revisiting Suicidality and Gambling

People with gambling problems are likely to suffer both financially and emotionally. In particular, studies have suggested that the severity of problem gambling is related to suicidality (Ledgerwood, Steinberg, Wu, & Potenza, 2005). The relationship between suicide and gambling is a complicated one, however. The WAGER has published several reviews of this topic. The recent two part series examined the methodological issues associated with assessing the relationship between gambling and suicidality (WAGER 10(8), 10(9)). However, the WAGER has not considered the relationship between youth gambling and suicidality. This relationship is particularly important to examine since both suicidality and problem gambling... Read more →

Op-Ed/Editorials - Will You Be Arrested For Playing Poker Online?

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 I am often asked whether Internet poker is legal. The answer is probably not, but the chances of actually getting into trouble are very slim. How slim? You have a better chance of winning the final no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament at the World Series of Poker. After all, someone wins the WSOP each year.... Read more →

STASH Vol. 2(10) - Prescription Pain Relievers: Friend or Foe?

Prescription pain reliever abuse (e.g., opioids: RxO) is a rapidly growing public health concern in the United States. Use of RxOs is a medical treatment to help individuals manage pain; however, nonmedical use and abuse of RxOs is increasing (Paulozzi, Budnitz, & Yongli, 2006). According to National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data, between 1992 and 1998, 4 to 5 million Americans used RxO for nonmedical purposes during each of those years. These users increased in number to 6.5 million during 1999 and to 8.4 million by 2001 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2006). This week’s... Read more →

ASHES Vol. 2(9) Teen smoking cessation programs can be effective

Rates of tobacco use are high among teens worldwide (see, ASHES vol. 2(2)). Researchers and public health officials direct most of their efforts to influence teen tobacco use toward the prevention of teen smoking and relatively little effort toward teen smoking cessation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). Although curbing tobacco use demands preventing initiation of smoking, cessation programs also are necessary to reduce the likelihood that teen smokers will smoke into adulthood. This week’s ASHES presents evidence about the effectiveness of teen smoking cessation programs. Sussman, Sun, and Dent (2006) (1) performed a meta-analysis of 48 smoking cessation... Read more →

The DRAM, Volume 2(9) - Examining AA Participant Typology: Who does AA Help?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the best known fellowships for those who have experienced drinking related problems. Research shows that attending AA meetings is related to short term as well as long term abstinence (Kaskutas et al., 2005; Moos & Moos, 2006). Following these findings, researchers are examining factors that relate to AA attendance. This week’s DRAM reviews a study by Tonigan, Bogenschutz, & Miller (2006), which examined how a drinking typology relates to AA attendance and AA related behaviors. The investigators used Project MATCH’s (P.M.R.G., 1997) samples of aftercare and outpatient clients (N=454). The researchers assessed participants before... Read more →