The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

ASHES, Vol. 13(11) - Availability of tobacco screening at substance use disorder treatment: A holistic approach

More than two-thirds of people seeking treatment for Substance Use Disorders (SUD) smoke cigarettes. Incorporating smoking cessation as part of SUD treatment has been difficult for varying reasons, including norms of tobacco use among those in treatment, the high prevalence of use among treatment providers, and the perception that quitting smoking might negatively impact SUD treatment and recovery. As a recent ASHES highlighted, smokers can be successful in quitting smoking during SUD treatment. This week, ASHES reviews a study by Amanda Abraham and her colleagues that assessed the impact state tobacco control policies have on the availability of screening for... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 13(11) – Improved access: Opioid & Alcohol Use Disorders and primary care

Effective strategies exist to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, yet access to treatment is often limited by service availability as well as the stigma associated with seeking help. One approach to overcome these challenges is to make these services available through collaborative care. Collaborative care involves integrating behavioral health into primary care. This week, The DRAM reviews a study on collaborative care by Katherine Watkins and her colleagues. What was the research question? Does use of a collaborative care model lead to higher treatment engagement and better outcomes among patients with opioid or alcohol use disorders than a usual... Read more →

WAGER, Vol. 22(11) - Older adults and new casinos: Do gambling expectations relate to problems?

The opening of a new casino can have a significant impact on the local community’s economy and rate of gambling participation. Because of the potential for community-level changes, it is also important to consider possible individual-level changes, especially among at-risk groups such as older adults. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Anthony Piscitelli and his colleagues which examined how older adults’ expectations for a new casino relate to their experience of gambling-related problems. What is the research question? Are older adults’ predictions regarding new gambling opportunities related to their experience of gambling-related problems? What did the researchers do?... Read more →

STASH, Vol.13(10) - One size fits all? Extracurricular activities, substance use, and conscientiousness in adolescents

Early exposure to substance use during adolescence is tied to many negative outcomes later in life, including an increased risk of substance dependence. Adolescents who participate in non-sports extracurricular activities have been shown to be less likely to use substances than their peers. People who are more conscientious also are less likely to engage in risky substance use. So, could it be simply that these busy kids aren’t using drugs because they’re more conscientious than others? Kira McCabe and her colleagues tackled this question in a 2016 study. This week, STASH reviews their work. What was the research question? Is... Read more →