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Psychoactive Substances
Psychoactive substances are natural or synthetic substances that act on the central nervous system and alter mental processes such as mood, perception, cognition, consciousness, and behaviour. These substances may be legally prescribed medications (e.g., pain medications or sedatives), legally available substances such as alcohol or caffeine, or controlled or illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances can be used for medical, social, cultural, or recreational purposes, but some carry risks of misuse, dependence, and health or social harms when used in harmful ways.
Research Shows Relationship Between Alcohol, Drugs and Violence
It is already expected that alcohol and other drugs lead the person to a path of violence, but recently this was proven through research by a group from the School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP). They published the results...
Research Explicit Relationship between Alcohol, Drugs and Violence
It is already expected that alcohol and other drugs lead the person to the path of violence, but recently this was proven through a study of the group of the University of São Paulo Medical School (USP). They published results of a survey...
Effectiveness Bank Analysis: Authoritative Recommendations on Improving Group Therapy Outcomes
How can we make the most of group therapy, a common treatment/support format in substance use treatment? Recommendations do not get more authoritative than those advanced in this review commissioned by the American Psychological Association...
Duration of Therapy – Does It Matter?
Highlights
- Planned duration of therapy not associated with outcome in use of alcohol
- Actual attended sessions of therapy not associated with outcome in use of alcohol
- Frequency of research assessments significantly associated with use...
The Global Drug Survey for 2019
The Global Drug Survey for 2019 (GDS2019) was launched on the 29th of October.
Self‐Medication with Alcohol or Drugs for Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Substance use is one way that people deal with the difficult symptoms present in mood and anxiety disorders. As people become more reliant on the effects of the substances to relieve distress the use can develop into dependence. Self‐medica...
Risk of addiction to social networks, self-esteem and self-control in high school students
OVERVIEW
Objective: To determine the relationship between the risk of addiction to social networks, self-esteem and self-control in students of 4th and 5th year of secondary level of a public educational institution of Metropolitan Lima...
Comorbid Opioid Use is Undertreated among Forensic Patients with Schizophrenia
Abstract
Background
Substance use disorders are associated with poorer clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. There is no specific treatment for amphetamine or cannabis use disorder, but methadone and buprenorphine are used as...
Older Adults in Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders: Service Utilisation, Patient Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Abstract
Background
In western countries demographic changes are leading to an ageing society. Consequently, the number of older adults with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) will rise and the demand of treatment is likely to increase. However...
Benzodiazepine Use Is High while Use Disorder Rates Are Low
Benzodiazepines, such as sedatives and sleeping aids, are a widely prescribed group of medicines designed for short-term treatment. Although most people manage benzodiazepines as prescribed, some individuals misuse the drugs and can develop...
Mindfulness for Chronic Pain and Prescription Opioid Misuse
Opioid medication for chronic pain can be an effective treatment. Most patients take the medication as prescribed, however some individuals can become addicted to the drug, leading to opioid misuse. Prescription opioid misuse is a...
History of Child Sexual Abuse among Women Consuming Illicit Substances in Mexico City
Abstract
Introduction:
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem that has been linked to numerous developmental, social, health, and substance use consequences. Nevertheless, the relationship between CSA and the consumption of...
Field Guide to Drug Demand Reduction Program Development, 3rd ed.
The Field Guide to Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Program Development is an annual publication by the U.S. Department of State primarily for its Embassy personnel abroad to guide in the development of substance use prevention and treatment...
The Importance of Social Interaction in Preventing Addictive Behaviour
Negative social interactions and isolation have been linked with heightened risk of drug self-administration and relapse, whereas positive social interactions can act as a protective factor against substance abuse.
Recent research...
Effectiveness Bank Analysis: Think More Than Twice Before Detoxifying from Methadone
Think more than twice before detoxifying from methadone was the message of a study based on the unusually detailed records kept by the Canadian province of British Columbia. It established what seemed the best way to taper from methadone...
Surveillance for Cancers Associated with Tobacco Use — United States, 2010–2014
Abstract
Problem/Condition: Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer, contributing to at least 12 types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx; esophagus; stomach; colon...
Smoking Cessation and Weight Concern
The World Health Organisation has estimated that tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) is currently responsible for the death of about six million people globally each year, with many of these deaths occurring prematurely.
Deciding and...
Effectiveness Bank Course on Drug Treatment Research
COURSE ON DRUG TREATMENT RESEARCH REACHES ITS CONCLUSION
This instalment ends the 2018 refresh of the Drug Treatment Matrix, reminding you of the issues addressed in its five rows (listed below) intersected by five columns stepping up in...
Examining the Links between Adolescent Brain Development, Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
Adolescence is a time where young people go through dramatic changes in body and behaviour. It is an age where young people are most likely to take risks, partake in reward-seeking activities and experience the first symptoms of mental ill...
