The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER, Vol. 21(5) – Alcohol use and suicidal ideation among gamblers

Both people with gambling problems and people who abuse alcohol are at increased risk for suicidal ideation. Gambling disorders and substance use disorders, such as alcohol abuse, often co-occur. So what are the consequences for suicidal ideation when these conditions are combined? Some researchers suggest that the use of alcohol increases the odds of suicidal thoughts and attempts among problem gamblers. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Hyoun Kim and his colleagues that examined how alcohol moderates the relationship between problem gambling and suicidal ideation among gamblers in Canada. What was the research question? Does alcohol consumption moderate... Read more →

STASH, Vol. 12(4) – Highly questionable: Teenagers’ reasons for using marijuana

Editor’s note: As part of our broader effort to streamline our science reviews, we have changed the way we provide citations to academic papers. Rather than presenting a list of references at the end of science reviews, we now link directly to published abstracts of these papers within the main text. Readers can click on these links to learn more details about the papers. People use marijuana for a lot of different reasons. Marijuana might be a pathway to fun or a quick escape; a medication to relieve pain (either physical or emotional); a prop or symbol of membership in... Read more →

ASHES, Vol. 12(4) – Clearing the air: Exploring patterns of tobacco use among Southern California youth

Editor’s note: As part of our broader effort to streamline our science reviews, we have changed the way we provide citations to academic papers. Rather than presenting a list of references at the end of science reviews, we now link directly to published abstracts of these papers within the main text. Readers can click on these links to learn more details about the papers. Cultural shifts and new technologies are setting the stage for potentially dramatic changes in how people use tobacco. This might be particularly risky for young people, who might start using tobacco because they believe these new... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 12(4) - Feeling your feelings: Expectations in alcohol-dependent drinkers with alexithymia

Editor’s note: As part of our broader effort to streamline our science reviews, we have changed the way we provide citations to academic papers. Rather than presenting a list of references at the end of science reviews, we now link directly to published abstracts of these papers within the main text. Readers can click on these links to learn more details about the papers. People often drink alcohol in an attempt to manage their emotions. For example, some might use alcohol to help cope with unwanted negative feelings or to feel more comfortable in social situations. Surprisingly, roughly half of... Read more →