The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

ASHES, Vol. 12(11) – Elevated risk: Gender-based violence and smoking in Appalachia

Ohio Appalachia residents experience more disease as a result of tobacco use than the general population, the most dramatic example of which is cervical cancer. Women in Ohio Appalachia are 41.7% more likely to die as a result of cervical cancer than the general population. Previous research has identified both smoking and exposure to gender-based violence (GBV) as individual risk factors for cervical cancer, with significantly increased risk if these factors co-exist. Dr. Julianna Nemeth and her colleagues surveyed Ohio Appalachian women to see how common GBV and smoking were in this population, and whether they were related. This week,... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 12(11) – Critical periods: The timing of child abuse and adult drinking

Child abuse is an ongoing public health problem and can have serious consequences for kids as they emerge into adulthood. For example, childhood physical abuse can impact later drinking behavior and increase risk for alcohol abuse. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Domestic Violence, The DRAM reviews a study that examines whether specific patterns of childhood physical abuse lead to more risk for future adult drinking problems. What is the research question? Does the timing of physical abuse play a role in alcohol use during young adulthood? What did the researchers do? Researchers recruited participants... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 21(11) – Links to the past: Childhood maltreatment and gambling disorder

Many of those suffering from gambling disorder also suffer from other issues such as anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. Similarly, people who experience maltreatment during childhood are at risk for a wide range of mental health disorders. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Domestic Violence, The WAGER reviews work by Samuel K. Shultz and his colleagues that studied past childhood maltreatment among those suffering from gambling disorder. What is the research question? Are people suffering from gambling disorder more likely to have suffered from childhood maltreatment? What did the researchers do? Shultz and his colleagues recruited... Read more →

STASH, Vol. 12(10) – Are children from homes that experience domestic violence at increased risk for illicit drug use in adulthood?

Domestic violence comes in many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, financial control, social control, and more. It affects not only the abused, but also their friends and family. Children exposed to domestic violence can experience emotional and psychological consequences including anxiety, depression, and substance use. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Domestic Violence, STASH reviews a longitudinal study by Scott Menard and colleagues that explored the effects of adolescents’ exposure to violence either, themselves or their parents, on drug use as an adult. What is the research question? What role does exposure to violence... Read more →

Introduction to the Special Series on Addiction and Domestic Violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can take the form of financial, physical, or verbal abuse from an intimate partner or other family member. Domestic violence leaves a lasting physical and psychological impact on the victim and their family members, including children. Victims and their loved ones exposed to domestic violence often deal with psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. The reach of domestic violence is far and wide. The World Health Organization reports that globally about 35% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. According to the National Coalition... Read more →