The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

STASH, Vol. 12(13) – Adolescent mental health disorders: A catalyst for substance use?

For many people, adolescence is a time of transition and experimentation. Because of this, it is important to identify experiences that are associated with adopting new risky behaviors. For at least some adolescents, certain mental health problems, such as depression, increase risk for future alcohol misuse. Do mental health problems, generally, increase risk for adolescent substance use behaviors? This week, STASH reviews a nationally representative study by Dr. Kevin Conway and his colleagues that examines the association between lifetime mental health disorders, and both alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents. What was the research question? Does history of mental... Read more →

The BASIS top 10 most read posts of 2016

Today, we reflect on our efforts to share addiction science during the past year. We hope that you’ve benefited from the material we’ve posted this year, from our weekly reviews of scientific studies of smoking, gambling, drinking, and other kinds of substance use to our editorials from researchers, treatment providers, and those who have personally experienced addiction. We’d love to learn more about how you’ve used The BASIS in your own life! Please share your experiences by emailing us at [email protected] Here are our top 10 most viewed articles from this past year: 1. Moderation, Hope and Compassion: A Physician’s... Read more →

ASHES, Vol. 12(13) – Electric slide: Youth transitions from e-cigarettes to traditional cigarettes

Since e-cigarettes first appeared on the market roughly a decade ago, more and more teens have been using them. However, we still don’t know whether people who use e-cigarettes go on to smoke real cigarettes. This week, ASHES reviews a longitudinal study by Jessica Barrington-Trimis and her colleagues that surveyed high school students and tracked e-cigarette use in high school and traditional smoking in early adulthood. What is the research question? Are adolescents who use e-cigarettes more likely to use smoke later in life? Does it depend on their initial intentions to smoke? What did the researchers do? Barrington-Trimis and... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 12(13) - Alcohol control policies, enforcement, and alcohol consumption in the U.S.

Public policy requires striking a balance between protecting the public’s health and respecting individual freedoms. Recent research has shown that states that implement effective policies have lower rates of alcohol consumption. However, only a few studies have looked at the role enforcement plays in the relationship between alcohol control policy and consumption. This week The DRAM reviews a study by Darin Erickson and his colleagues at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health that examined the relationships among state-level alcohol control policies, policy enforcement, and alcohol consumption. What was the research question? How does a state’s alcohol control policy... Read more →

Celebrating breakthroughs in addiction science

For two decades, The BASIS has increased awareness about addiction, helping to reduce stigma and, ultimately, improve lives. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we asked readers to nominate scientific articles that they believe represent breakthroughs in the study of addictive behavior. We thank all who responded. Today, we review the nominated articles: 1. Marlatt, G. A., Baer, J. S., Kivlahan, D. R., Dimeff, L. A., Larimer, M. E., Quigley, L. A., ... Williams, E. (1998). Screening and brief intervention for high-risk college student drinkers: Results from a 2-year follow-up assessment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(4), 604-615. When we... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 21(13)–Show me your (digital) hand! Are social casino gamers the next high-risk gambling generation?

Social casino gaming is a booming industry; in 2016, revenues were estimated at $1,695 million in North America alone, mostly from advertising. In social casino gaming, no money is won or lost, but users play games that simulate casino games. In an effort to better understand characteristics of social casino gamers and inform responsible gaming protocols, Sally Gainsbury and colleagues compared social casino gamers with land-based casino gamblers. This week, The WAGER reviews this research. What was the research question? Among people who gamble, are those who play social casino games at particular risk for the developing gambling problems? What... Read more →