Abstract

Background

Recent technological advances have led to increased experimentation in non-invasively modulating the brain to reduce craving and drug use in substance use disorder (SUD). However, many forms of neuromodulation remain costly and require administration in a medical setting, limiting scalability. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) circumvents these limitations. A substantial body of neurobiological and clinical evidence suggests that VNS may be well-suited to target core mechanisms underlying substance use, including craving, mood, and stress dysregulation.

Methods

Fifty-two...

INTRODUCTION: While international attention toward addiction recovery research is growing, in the Czech environment there is still a lack of research data and tools for measuring this concept. The primary objective of the research project was therefore to adapt and validate the Multidimensional Inventory of Recovery Capital (MIRC) for the Czech population.

METHODS: The study included 111 respondents recovering from alcohol addiction who met the original inclusion criteria. An interactive web application was created for data collection, which continues to be used in practice by recovery...

Faith, spirituality and faith-based organisations can play an important role in addressing substance use, supporting recovery and responding to related vulnerabilities as well as crime. Across different cultural and community settings, they can provide identity, belonging, hope and sustained relationships, while often reaching individuals and families in ways that formal services cannot. 

But recognising this potential also raises important questions. How can faith communities ensure that the support they provide is informed by evidence? How can faith leaders be equipped with the knowledge...