The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

Addiction & the Humanities, Vol. 6(10) - A punch in the throat: Anti-smoking advertisements as a case study for the ‘sensationalization’ of anti-vice advertisements

Note: Certain images contained below may be disturbing to some. Please use discretion. The news is abuzz with discussion related to the FDA’s proposed graphic warninglabels for cigarette packs. The new labels are much larger than the previous generation and feature a series of new images. These new images are a source of controversy with some people stating that the images are unnecessarily disturbing, and others doubting the efficacy of the change (Harris, 2010). This FDA effort, however, is by no means the first to employ sensationalistic and potentially disturbing anti-vice warnings and advertisings. Last year, the City of New... Read more →

ASHES, Vol. 6(10) - A cigarette a day won’t keep the doctor away: Low level tobacco exposure is still risky

Epidemiological research shows that individuals exposed to low levels of cigarette smoke (e.g., occasional smoking, environmental exposure, etc.) are at risk for developing lung problems (e.g., disease, decreased lung function, respiratory issues, etc) (Chan-Yeung & Dimich-Ward, 2003; Flouris et al., 2009). This week, ASHES reviews an article that explores whether biological data confirms the epidemiological data by examining genetic features of the lungs of people with different exposure levels to cigarette smoke (Strulovici-Barel et al., 2010 Online First). Methods Researchers recruited study participants (n=121) from New York City using advertisements in local papers and electronic bulletin boards. Inclusion criteria: Participants... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 6(9) – Are you really affected by TV program product placement? Considering the effect of alcohol-related messages on TV viewers

Television programs frequently embed alcohol product information and alcohol-related messages within their content. This week, the DRAM reviews a paper that examines whether warnings about these embedded messages affect viewers’ responses to them (D. W. Russell & Russell, 2008). Method Two hundred fifty college students viewed an episode from the popular TV sitcom, Two and a Half Men. The storyline included both positive and negative messages about alcohol (e.g., the protagonist experienced a bad hangover, but the episode suggested that his drinking allowed him to express his previously undisclosed feelings). The selected episode included several recognizable alcohol brands. Researchers measured... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol 15(9): Audience participation? The effect of co-actors on Electronic Slot Machine gambling

Many factors can affect people’s gambling behaviors. Researchers are exploring the social facilitation effect as a potential influence on gambling behavior. The social facilitation effect states that the presence of bystanders increases performance on simple tasks (Zajonc, 1965).This week’s WAGER examines whether the social facilitation effect is applicable to electric slot machine (ESM) gambling (Rockloff, Greer, & Fay, in-press). Methods One hundred and thirty-five participants (60% female) who responded to local newspaper advertisements in Queensland, Australia participated in the study. Researchers told participants that they would participate engage in ESM gambling with others teleconferenced from a remote site. The “teleconference”... Read more →