The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER, Vol. 25(4) - Are safe gambling practices really safe for everyone?

This week, The WAGER reviews Nerilee Hing and colleagues’ investigation into evidence-based safe gambling practices for those most susceptible to gambling harm. Read more →

STASH, Vol. 16(4) – Conduits of change: First responders as treatment initiators following an overdose

This week, STASH reviews an investigation by Christy K. Scott and colleagues into the feasibility of the Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) intervention, which combines assertive outreach and linkage strategies -- initiated by EMS workers -- with recovery management checkups, to engage individuals in Medication Assisted Treatment following an overdose. Read more →

ASHES, Vol. 16(4) - Statewide bans on public vaping predict reduced e-cigarette use in older adults, but not young adults

This week, ASHES reviews a study by Boram Lee and colleagues that examined the relationship between statewide public vaping bans and rates of e-cigarette use. Read more →

Caring for Others with Addiction During a Time of Uncertainty and Social Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating havoc around the world. People are struggling in many ways and healthcare systems are overwhelmed and under resourced. During this time of unease and concern, many stakeholders are publishing hints and tips for making it through. We recently published a blog describing some suggestions for maintaining addiction recovery during current recommendations for social distancing. Specifically, we recommended four key strategies. First, it is important to have a plan for recovery and diligently work the plan. Second, rely on your escape and avoidance skills to limit exposure to risky situations. Be sure to identify alternative activities... Read more →

The DRAM, Vol. 16(4) - Driving tipsy below the legal limit: An investigation of lower BAC motor vehicle crash fatalities

The DRAM reviews an article that characterized motor vehicle crash fatalities that involve positive blood alcohol concentrations that are below the federal legal limit. Read more →

Leading a Public Health Response to the Expansion of Gambling in Massachusetts: Engagement, Equity, and Empowerment

This month's Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction focuses on ways to bring addiction prevention and recovery beyond medical settings and into communities. Today, we feature the fourth in a series of interviews and op-eds with inspiring people who have led efforts to reduce the impact of addiction on their own communities. The Office of Problem Gambling Services, within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, aims to prevent problem gambling and mitigate gambling-related harms across the Commonwealth. In this op-ed, Victor Ortiz, MSW, LADC I, CADC II, discusses the unique public health response this organization has taken to address problem gambling, informed by the principles of engagement, equity, and empowerment. Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 25(3) - What is preventing treatment providers from conducting regular screens for problem gambling? Let's ask them!

This week, as part of our Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction, the WAGER reviews an article by Sara Guilcher and her colleagues that used concept mapping to assess what resources and support treatment providers need in order to make screening for problem gambling regular practice. Read more →

A History of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

This month’s Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction focuses on ways to bring addiction prevention and recovery beyond medical settings and into communities. Today, we feature the third in a series of interviews and op-eds with inspiring people who have led efforts to reduce the impact of addiction on their own communities. Founded in 1983, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling aims to reduce the impacts of gambling disorder by providing education and resources, as well as advocating for responsible gambling practices. In this op-ed, Dr. Howard Shaffer and Kathleen Scanlan reflect on the history of this organization, driven by Tom Cummings’ vision of establishing statewide gambling-related services. Read more →

STASH, Vol. 16(3) - Can volunteers with lived experience fill the treatment gap for parents of people with substance use disorder?

This week, as part of our Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction, STASH reviews a study that evaluated a telephone intervention administered by trained volunteers for parents of individuals suffering from substance use disorder. Read more →

Learning to cope, together: How my son's experience with addiction inspired me to launch a family support network

This month’s Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction focuses on ways to bring addiction prevention and recovery beyond medical settings and into communities. Today, we feature the second in a series of interviews with inspiring people who have led efforts to reduce the impact of addiction on their own communities. In 2004, Joanne Peterson founded Learn to Cope, a non-profit support network that offers “education, resources, peer support and hope” for family members coping with a loved one’s addiction. Learn to Cope, which includes over 11,000 members, is a nationally recognized model for peer support and prevention programming. Here, Ms. Peterson discusses her efforts to launch and sustain Learn to Cope with Heather Gray, Senior Editor of The BASIS. Read more →