The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

Addiction & the Humanities, Vol. 7(7) - What will it take to WoW them? Does gaming addiction exist?

With more than 11 million subscribers, World of Warcraft (WoW) is a very popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) (Helgeson, 2011). Subscribers pay a fee to participate in an online environment called Azeroth where characters advance through levels by gaining experience points for performing quests (e.g., killing enemies, delivering items, raiding). Although it appears that most subscribers play WoW without any significant adverse consequences, for some, playing becomes excessive. Reports have attributed several deaths to excessive video game playing and online game playing. For instance, a New Mexico woman recently was sentenced to a prison term after her daughter... Read more →

ASHES, Vol. 7(7) – What’s the best way to quit smoking?

Many smoking cessation programs recommend abrupt (i.e., “cold turkey”) versus gradual smoking cessation (Fiore et al., 2008; West et al., 2000). However, most heavy smokers attempt the latter approach (Levinson, Shapiro, Schwartz, & Tursky, 1971; Shiffman, Ferguson, & Strahs, 2009). This week, ASHES reports on a large randomized control study that compares gradual versus abrupt versus minimal treatment smoking cessation approaches (Hughes, Solomon, Livingston, Callas, & Peters, 2010). Methods Participants The researchers recruited 746 adult daily smokers (48% women, 91% Caucasians) through newspaper and radio ads. Participants smoked at least 15 cigarettes per day, wanted to quit smoking during the... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 7(7) – Ignition interlock devices: The silver bullet for DUI?

This week, the DRAM continues its series focusing on driving under the influence (DUI). This is the third of five issues concentrating on the body of recent DUI research. In the first two issues, DRAM Vol. 7(5) and DRAM Vol. 7(6), we addressed DUI-related trends and methods to detect heavy alcohol consumption and recidivism. Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are gaining rapid popularity among State governments as tools to reduce DUI recidivism. Figure 1 shows the rapid increase in the number of IIDs installed in recent years. An IID is a dashboard-mounted device that requires an operator to provide a breath... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 16(7) – Guesstimates: Can venue staff accurately identify patrons with gambling-related problems?

Although some researchers suggest that there are visible indicators (e.g., gambling for long periods of time, using ATMs, placing high risk bets, avoiding social contact) associated with problem gambling, they also recognize that, in real-time, it might be difficult for gambling venue staff to correctly identify these indicators (Delfabbro, Osborn, Nevile, Skelt, & McMillen, 2007; Schellinck & Schrans, 2004). This week, The WAGER reviews a study that compares patrons’ self-reported gambling status with gambling venue staffs’ estimation of their gambling status (Delfabbro, Borgas, & King, 2011). Methods The researchers interviewed patrons and staff from seven gambling venues in South Australia... Read more →

STASH, Vol. 7(7) - Flying “High”: Drug Use Prevalence among Aviation Employees

Since the early 1980s, more employers have required their employees to complete random drug tests, for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and more (Li et al., 2011). In particular, the federal government mandates drug testing among employees who hold “safety-sensitive” occupations, including airline pilots. This week, STASH reviews recent research that examined the prevalence rates of positive drug screens among “safety-sensitive” aviation employees who either completed random drugs tests or recently were involved in an aviation accident (Li et al., 2011). The authors examined whether the use of illicit drugs is associated with an increased risk of airline accident involvement.... Read more →