Research

This is a completely open access whole journal supplemental edition of the American Journal of Public Health on the health effects of incarceration.

This mouse study describes the structural differences in brains of mice who are dependent on alcohol compared to those who are not. Rather than looking at function of specific sections of the brain, the study looked at the overall structure of the brain to understand differences in a new way.

The article is open access - full article available via the link

Open Access Abstract:

Researchers have continuously debated the link between anxiety and alcohol use. However, despite the previous examination of the direction and strength of the association, the form of the relationship remains unclear.

With cannabis the most commonly used drug globally, the perception of the risk associated with cannabis use declining among young adults, and the adverse health conditions associated with cannabis use, understanding whether perceptual patterns exist among young adults, whether perception influences their consumption of cannabis, and the relationship between their perception and sources of drug information, are important public health concerns.

Open Access article

Abstract:

Background

Alcohol use has increased globally, with varying trends in different parts of the world. This study investigates gender, age, and geographical differences in the alcohol-attributable burden of disease from 2000 to 2016.

Abstract

Aims

To estimate trends in the prevalence of cannabis use and risk perceptions of cannabis use from 2005 to 2017 among United States people with and without depression.

Objective: Human resources are crucial for addiction treatment and prevention services, as well as for science and research. The aim of this historical case study is to explain and demonstrate the role of specialized university academic degree study programmes in addictions in the context of a national institutional infrastructure.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and doctorate-level curricula of Addiction Studies (Addictology) were developed and implemented at Charles University (First Faculty of Medicine) between 2003 and 2012. This Prague model combines three evidence-based approaches to addressing substance use - prevention, treatment, and public health - into a balanced professionalised discipline.

Abstract

There is increasing emphasis on screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for unhealthy alcohol use in the general hospital, as highlighted by new Joint Commission recommendations on SBIRT. However, the evidence supporting this approach is not as robust relative to primary care settings.

This retrospective cohort study asks people who are in recovery or have not used alcohol or drugs for at least two years following meeting diagnostic criteria for having a SUD how many quit attempts they had made prior to success. The range was 0-100 previous attempts. 

Key Points

Question: What is the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and depression?

Abstract

Background

There has been increased interest in the role of cannabis for treating medical conditions. The availability of different cannabis-based products can make the side effects of exposure unpredictable. We sought to conduct a scoping review of systematic reviews assessing benefits and harms of cannabis-based medicines for any condition.

Abstract

Health-related stigma remains a major barrier to improving health and well-being for vulnerable populations around the world. This collection on stigma research and global health emerged largely as a result of a 2017 meeting on the “The Science of Stigma Reduction” sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). An overwhelming consensus at the meeting was reached.

Delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol - a psychoactive compound found in cannabis - activates parts of the brain responsible for cognition, perception, anxiety, fear, memory and reward.

There are continuous debates about the link between cannabis use and psychotic disorders.

Globally, an estimated 15·6 million people aged 15–64 years inject drugs. Younger people who inject drugs are at higher risk of overdose, drug dependence, and blood-borne virus transmission and engaging in risky sexual behaviour.

Globally, alcohol consumption is estimated to cause more than 10% of the burden of noncommunicable diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver, respiratory disease, pancreatitis, cancers (oral and pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectal), strokes and hypertension.

Abstract

Background

The use of amphetamines is a global public health concern. We summarise global data on use of amphetamines and mental health outcomes.