BACKGROUND: Exponential growth of addiction specific services accelerated the need and pressure on professionalizing workforce. It is followed by the increasing number of university and higher education programs specifically focused on substance use, hand in hand with curricula development. In such fast condition changes, emphasis on quality assurance is key. The aim of the paper is to describe and reflect the development process of international quality standards and a competency model for clinically oriented university programs in addictions.

METHODS: The study is based on a process...

INTRODUCTION: According to Brichcín (1999), a self-regulating person is someone who can resist the temptation of immediate gratification of their needs and is capable of achieving challenging goals. Self-regulation represents the ability to make free and responsible choices and actions in relation to oneself, others, and the environment, in spite of deterministic influences. In real life, this relationship may also be reflected by the quality of mental health and engagement in risk behaviors during adolescence (Jessor & Jessor, 1977). The aim of the present paper was to investigate the...

INTRODUCTION: The impact of ongoing conflict in the country on substance use among youth remains unclear. This study aims to identify the risk factors for substance use among university students and their association with mental health problems and sociodemographic characteristics during the war in Ukraine.

METHODS: University students (N =1398) in Ukraine aged 18-20 (75.5% female) completed surveys on substance use, PTSD, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and a brief screening for insomnia and suicidal behaviour. ANOVA analysis was used to examine interaction between sociodemographic...

BACKGROUND: The sports sector with all its aspects has become an inseparable part of modern society and its influence is manifested in both, local and global, aspects of the life in every country. Not only does sport create and promote friendship, team play, regardless of gender, age, education, religion, ethnicity, social status, etc., but it is also associated with numerous undesirable consequences. AIM: The primary objective of the research paper at hand was to examine the correlation between the amount invested in sports betting, as a form of gambling, and selected characteristics of...

BACKGROUND: Drug dependence is a public health problem that requires trained professionals to effectively address this issue. The aim of this study was to analyse postgraduate university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain.

METHODS: An exhaustive review of the scientific literature was conducted, and information was collected on university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain. A descriptive documentary analysis of the curricula of Master’s and other postgraduate degrees at Spanish universities was performed. Postgraduate and continuing education programs...

BACKGROUND:

There is a growing trend of development and improvement of education and training in the field of addictions, hand in hand with the increase and changes of substance use-related issues. To ensure a high level of education quality it is necessary to name and define competency-based models and quality standards of different groups of addiction workforce/professionals in various drug demand reduction settings (prevention, treatment/ social reintegration/recovery, and harm reduction) as it is important to guarantee high-quality care to the target group of people dealing with substance...

Tobacco harm reduction is a public health strategy aimed at lessening the health impact of cigarette smoking. This approach involves using non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), which deliver nicotine without combustion. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes produce an aerosol without burning, resulting in lower levels of harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.

This narrative review delves into existing literature examining the chemistry of e-cigarette aerosols, associated toxicology in cell culture and animal models, and clinical...

BACKGROUND: The role of physicians is crucial in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and addiction. The quality of addiction-specific medical education varies, as do postgraduate and continuing medical education programmes in different countries. In order to ensure a high level of quality education, it is necessary to name and define competency-based quality standards that enable physicians to provide the highest quality care to patients.

METHODS: The objective of the study will be the identification of quality standards in competency-based postgraduate and continual...

The Alcohol Use and Mental Health Project ECHO is a no-cost virtual program for health care professionals who are looking for up-to-date and research-based information on working with people who use alcohol. 

The program, which is only in its first year, has the potential to improve care through enhanced screening for severe alcohol consumption and the application of evidence-based therapies, such as behavioural and pharmaceutical ones. The Alcohol Use and Mental Health ECHO has held 11 sessions as of January 2023, averaging 197 participants per session on a standard deviation of 90.2 (Mean...