Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Robert West, Sharon Cox
Summary: The 1988 US Surgeon General's Report on Nicotine Addiction highlighted the addictive nature of tobacco and the role of nicotine in addiction. While the report's main conclusions have held up well over 30 years, it is now understood that different nicotine products vary in addictiveness and there is a need for updated thinking on this topic.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kar-Hai Chu, Tina B. Hershey, Beth L. Hoffman, Riley Wolynn, Jason B. Colditz, Jaime E. Sidani, Brian A. Primack
Summary: This study examined discussions related to Puff Bar on Twitter and found that the ban of e-cigarette flavors did not reduce interest, but instead shifted the discussion to brands utilizing a legal loophole to continue selling flavored products. The study also identified nicotine dependence and tobacco policy as the main topics of discussion.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Lorenzo Zamboni, Simone Campagnari, Rosaria Giordano, Francesca Fusina, Silvia Carli, Alessio Congiu, Isabella Barbon, Silvia Melchiori, Rebecca Casari, Elisa Tedeschi, Roberta Vesentin, Giuseppe Verlato, Maurizio Valentino Infante, Fabio Lugoboni
Summary: The study aims to compare the effects of two different treatment approaches on nicotine addiction patients, as well as the importance of environmental cues in the smoking cessation process.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Leila Salhi, Laurence Seidel, Adelin Albert, France Lambert
Summary: The study found that the nicotine dependence level assessed by FTND could complement NCC as an important indicator in periodontal research, and the combination of both could better predict the severity of periodontitis.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyeji Lee, Yoonji Jeon, Cheolin Yoo, HeeYoung Seon, Jiwon Park, Minho Hwang, Kwangyeol Baek, Dongil Chung
Summary: Smoking is highly addictive and often leads to relapse. The neurobiological changes associated with smoking addiction are well-known, but it is unclear whether these changes persist after long periods of abstinence. This study used resting state EEG to examine the brain activity of chronic smokers, successful quitters, and never-smokers. The results showed that both smokers and successful quitters had decreased theta power compared to never-smokers, indicating the persistent effect of smoking on the brain. Additionally, other EEG features in the alpha frequency band were found to differ between active smokers and never-smokers, but not between successful quitters and never-smokers, suggesting that these changes may be reversible after long-term abstinence.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ralitza Gueorguieva, Elizabeth K. C. Schwartz, R. Ross MacLean, Elise E. DeVito, Tore Eid, Ran Wu, Stephanie S. O'Malley, Mehmet Sofuoglu
Summary: This study aimed to determine if plasma menthol glucuronide (MG) concentrations can predict changes in subjective drug effects, urges to smoke, and heart rate following concurrent inhaled menthol and intravenous nicotine. The results showed that changes in plasma MG concentrations were proportional to menthol concentration in e-liquids, and were predictive of cooling effect in menthol smokers without active nicotine infusion.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Krishna Subedi, Ashish Shrestha, Tarakant Bhagat
Summary: The study found high levels of nicotine dependence among smokers and smokeless tobacco users visiting dental outreach programs. It is recommended to develop policies to control tobacco use and establish tobacco cessation centers.
Article
Psychiatry
Kerim Abdelkhalek, Mathias Rhein, Maximilian Deest, Vanessa Buchholz, Stefan Bleich, Ralf Lichtinghagen, Benjamin Vyssoki, Helge Frieling, Marc Muschler, Phileas Johannes Proskynitopoulos, Alexander Glahn
Summary: This study investigated the regulation of BDNF protein levels and gene methylation in smokers and during smoking cessation. The results showed that BDNF plasma levels and methylation levels were lower in healthy controls compared to smokers at all time points. BDNF levels decreased significantly during the cessation period. Female smokers had significantly lower plasma BDNF levels than healthy controls, while male and female smokers showed higher mean methylation rates than non-smokers at baseline. In male smokers, mean methylation levels decreased significantly during the cessation period.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kathrine Louise Jensen, Soren Brogger Jensen, Kenneth Lindegaard Madsen
Summary: Psychostimulant use disorder is a major global health issue with no effective pharmacological treatments available. This review provides an overview of pharmacological treatments targeting different aspects of psychostimulant addiction, including the dopamine system, the glutamate system, and the severe side effects of quitting long-term use. Promising results have been found with drugs modulating the dopamine system, cognitive enhancers, and drugs targeting the glutamate system, but further research is needed for sufficient evidence of efficacy and tolerability.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Anne Buu, Zhanrui Cai, Runze Li, Su-Wei Wong, Hsien-Chang Lin, Wei-Chung Su, Douglas E. Jorenby, Megan E. Piper
Summary: This study validates e-cigarette dependence scales using dynamic patterns of e-cigarette use behaviors and finds that more stable use patterns are associated with higher levels of dependence. Additionally, the dependence scales may capture the average consumption but not the instability of product-specific consumption.
NICOTINE & TOBACCO RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Noah B. Walker, Yijin Yan, Melissa A. Tapia, Brenton R. Tucker, Leanne N. Thomas, Brianna E. George, Alyssa M. West, Christopher B. Marotta, Henry A. Lester, Dennis A. Dougherty, Katherine M. Holleran, Sara R. Jones, Ryan M. Drenan
Summary: This study demonstrates that selective activation of nAChRs is sufficient for nicotine self-administration. Expression of β2 subunits with enhanced sensitivity to nicotine in VTA neurons supports nicotine reinforcement and enhances dopamine release.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Segev Barak, Koral Goltseker
Summary: Studies indicate that intervening in the reconsolidation of alcohol and nicotine/tobacco memories may help reduce relapse, serving as a potential strategy to suppress relapse to alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Alan F. Sved, Jillian J. Weeks, Anthony A. Grace, Tracy T. Smith, Eric C. Donny
Summary: Cigarette smoking reduces MAO activity, enhancing the addictive properties of nicotine. Low-dose nicotine self-administration is increased by MAO inhibition. The impact of MAO inhibition should be considered in VLNC cigarettes and tobacco product regulation, especially in vulnerable populations with nicotine addiction.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Michael Bray, Yoonhoo Chang, Timothy B. Baker, Douglas Jorenby, Robert M. Carney, Louis Fox, Giang Pham, Faith Stoneking, Nina Smock, Christopher Amos, Laura Bierut, Li-Shiun Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the association between polygenic risk scores (PRS) and bioverified smoking abstinence through a meta-analysis. The results showed that PRS of later age at smoking initiation and a combined PRS of smoking behaviors were significantly associated with smoking cessation at the end of treatment. This suggests that PRS may be a useful predictor for smoking abstinence and could inform future clinical care.
NICOTINE & TOBACCO RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sudhanshu Patwardhan
Summary: Decades of research have shown that harmful substances in tobacco products are not limited to nicotine. However, many healthcare practitioners still fail to distinguish between tobacco, cigarettes, smoking, cancer, and nicotine, which hinders their ability to support patients in making informed choices about safer nicotine alternatives. This misunderstanding among healthcare professionals poses a challenge to effective tobacco control policies and cessation support worldwide.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Angela M. Haeny, Brian D. Kiluk, Charla Nich, Donna M. LaPaglia, Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: The study found that the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) demonstrated measurement invariance across Black and White adults with cocaine use disorder, and suggested that BIS impulsivity may be associated with poorer cocaine treatment outcomes among White but not Black adults.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Bao-Zhu Yang, Iris M. Balodis, Hedy Kober, Patrick D. Worhunsky, Cheryl M. Lacadie, Joel Gelernter, Marc N. Potenza
Summary: The study found relationships between GABAergic genes and neural correlates of cognitive control in African Americans with CUD. The genetic risk of CUD in this population was associated with precuneus/PCC functional connectivity during cognitive control, suggesting potential targets for treatment development. Further investigation into 16 identified GABAergic genes could inform efforts to develop medications for CUD treatment.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu-lu Wu, Marc N. Potenza, Nan Zhou, Hedy Kober, Xin-hui Shi, Sarah W. Yip, Jia-hua Xu, Lei Zhu, Rui Wang, Guan-qun Liu, Jin-tao Zhang
Summary: The study investigates the impact of tDCS stimulation on dlPFC on addictive behaviors and inhibitory control. Results suggest that active tDCS can reduce interference from gaming-related distractors and attenuate background craving, but does not affect cue-induced craving. Future research with larger samples and multiple sessions is needed to further examine these effects.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Corinne N. Kacmarek, Brian T. Yates, Charla Nich, Brian D. Kiluk
Summary: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of computer-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The results suggest that CBT4CBT may be a cost-effective addition to standard outpatient treatment for AUD, but does not fully offset related costs.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Leonie Koban, Peter J. Gianaros, Hedy Kober, Tor D. Wager
Summary: This Perspective discusses how neural systems construct models of the 'self-in-context', endowing events with personal meaning and enabling predictive control over behavior and peripheral physiology. Key systems include the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the default-mode network, which are important for mental and physical health.
NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Brian D. Kiluk, Corey R. Roos, Mihaela Aslan, Ralitza Gueorguieva, Charla Nich, Theresa A. Babuscio, Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: This study evaluated the sensitivity of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) in detecting changes in psychiatric functioning among cocaine users. Findings suggest that the ASI may have limited sensitivity to detect changes in psychiatric functioning among clinical trial participants who reduce cocaine use. The ASI may be useful for detecting changes among those reporting some psychiatric problems at the start of treatment, but future research should consider an instrument's sensitivity to change when assessing the potential functional benefits of reducing cocaine use.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: A single treatment approach is insufficient for the diversity of individuals with SUDs, requiring personalized interventions through multivariate phenotyping and direct targeting of core mechanisms. Technology-delivered interventions will play a crucial role in ensuring tailored and systematic treatment delivery.
CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hamed Ekhtiari, Mehran Zare-Bidoky, Arshiya Sangchooli, Amy C. Janes, Marc J. Kaufman, Jason A. Oliver, James J. Prisciandaro, Torsten Wustenberg, Raymond F. Anton, Patrick Bach, Alex Baldacchino, Anne Beck, James M. Bjork, Judson Brewer, Anna Rose Childress, Eric D. Claus, Kelly E. Courtney, Mohsen Ebrahimi, Francesca M. Filbey, Dara G. Ghahremani, Peyman Ghobadi Azbari, Rita Z. Goldstein, Anna E. Goudriaan, Erica N. Grodin, J. Paul Hamilton, Colleen A. Hanlon, Peyman Hassani-Abharian, Andreas Heinz, Jane E. Joseph, Falk Kiefer, Arash Khojasteh Zonoozi, Hedy Kober, Rayus Kuplicki, Qiang Li, Edythe D. London, Joseph McClernon, Hamid R. Noori, Max M. Owens, Martin Paulus, Irene Perini, Marc Potenza, Stephane Potvin, Lara Ray, Joseph P. Schacht, Dongju Seo, Rajita Sinha, Michael N. Smolka, Rainer Spanagel, Vaughn R. Steele, Elliot A. Stein, Sabine Steins-Loeber, Susan F. Tapert, Antonio Verdejo-Garcia, Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein, Reagan R. Wetherill, Stephen J. Wilson, Katie Witkiewitz, Kai Yuan, Xiaochu Zhang, Anna Zilverstand
Summary: This study established parameters and reporting standards for cue reactivity research in functional magnetic resonance imaging, and conducted a review on relevant published studies, revealing gaps in the reporting of important items.
Article
Neurosciences
Philip R. Corlett, Jessica A. Mollick, Hedy Kober
Summary: This study used a multi-level kernel-based density meta-analysis to explore prediction error signals in the midbrain and insula during reward, punishment, action, cognition, and perception tasks. The findings demonstrated the existence of domain-specific error signals and provided valuable insight into cognitive functions and dysfunctions in humans and other animals.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Richard B. Lopez, Kevin N. Ochsner, Hedy Kober
Summary: The study confirms the importance of craving regulation in smoking cessation and demonstrates that easily administered training procedures can effectively reduce smoking behaviors by targeting craving.
JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Nilofar Vafaie, Hedy Kober
Summary: The study indicates that drug cue and craving indicators play significant roles in drug use and relapse outcomes, supporting the incorporation of craving assessment across treatment stages, especially in the early stages of care.
Article
Substance Abuse
Bryan Benitez, Tami Frankforter, Charla Nich, Brian D. Kiluk
Summary: This study found that people reduced their drug and alcohol use on days close to their therapy sessions when they were getting treated for a substance use disorder. This might be because what they learned in therapy came to mind more easily on those days.
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lawrence A. Vitulano, John T. Mitchell, Michael L. Vitulano, James F. Leckman, David Saunders, Naomi Davis, Diana Woodward, Bethany Goodhue, Bekir Artukoglu, Hedy Kober
Summary: This study investigated the perspectives and experiences of parents regarding the evaluation and treatment process of ADHD. The findings showed that treatment choices were often based on trust in the provider, research support, and the child's preference. Most parents reported using non-traditional strategies, such as exercise and healthy eating, to improve their child's coping skills, study habits, and anger management. Therefore, treatment development efforts should consider integrating these non-traditional strategies into a comprehensive multimodal treatment approach for ADHD.
CLINICAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Ayana Jordan, Stephanie Quainoo, Charla Nich, Theresa A. Babuscio, Melissa C. Funaro, Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: Reports suggest disparities in substance-use outcomes for minoritised racial and ethnic populations, but few of these disparities have been supported by randomised clinical trials. A systematic review of RCTs on Black or Latinx adults with non-nicotine substance use disorder found limited studies specifically reporting outcomes by race or ethnicity. Significant differences were found in studies evaluating baseline differences in social determinants. This review emphasizes the need for optimisation of RCTs to improve treatment for historically excluded communities.
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
Reuma Gadassi Polack, Yihan Xiong, Jessica Mollick, Hedy Kober
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)