Articles Related to Addiction

Using longitudinal data that tracks bulimic behavior among young girls (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study), we examine (1) whether the persistence in bulimia nervosa (BN) can be attributed to slow learning about the deleterious health effects of BN or if it reflects tolerance formed from an addiction; and 2) whether bulimic behavior is consistent with addiction criteria as stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV. To address the endogeneity of past behavior, we use instrumental variables, and show that past BN positively and significantly impacts current BN after controlling for individual heterogeneity. When accounting for BN ”stock,” the parameter estimates of past behavior are not negative, which casts doubt on the importance of learning. Making the case for treating BN as an addiction has important policy implications. First, it suggests that the timing of educational policy and treatment is crucial: preventive educational programs aimed at instructing girls about the deleterious health effects of BN, as well as treatment interventions, will be most effective if provided in the early stages. Second, it would put those exhibiting BN on more equal footing (from a treatment reimbursement perspective) with individuals with drug or alcohol addictions.

View complete article: PDF  |  Full-text

Psychoactive substances, also known as psychotropic substances are substances that alter the mental state of a person by affecting the way the nervous system and brain work [1]. Psychoactive substances can cause intoxication and this is generally the major reason why most individuals engage in their use. Individuals who take psychoactive substances experience changes in brain function which alter their mood, consciousness, and/or perceptions. Psychoactive substances are present in different medications, alcohol, plants, and animals [2], many, but not all of which are addictive [1]. The most common psychoactive drugs used by people to alter their mental state are caffeine and alcohol [3]. Although they are available legally, yet, they are harmful both psychologically and physically when used in excess. Usually, the decision of how and when to use these psychoactive drugs is left to the individuals [3], however, in certain situations, the drugs are used for exploitation of others by the alteration of their mental state. For example, Rohypnol has been used as a date-rape [4]. Some of the psychoactive drugs are very unpleasant making the users quit their use. This is the case in certain classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin), powerful dissociatives (e.g., Salvia divinorum), and deliriants (e.g., Jimson weed) [5]. Addiction and dependence resulting from the misuse of psychoactive drugs have led to moral debate and legal measures, while governmental controls on prescription, supply, and manufacture have been efforts made to minimize the additive use of these drugs. Also, ethical concerns exist about the marketing of these drugs by manufacturers and their clinical over-use. However, in some countries, there are ongoing popular campaigns geared towards legalizing and decriminalizing the use of some recreational drugs such as cannabis. Many individual, genetic and environmental factors have been reported to work individually or synergistically to decrease or increase the probability that an individual will use a psychoactive drug and to what extent [6]. This review aimed at updating information on the different uses of various psychoactive drugs by humans, the different effects on the biological system, and their reported DNA damaging potential in simulated and real-life scenarios.

View complete article: PDF  |  Full-text

Today, both nonprescription and prescription drugs used by people for disease treatment, illicit or reward purposes have diverse effects on health permanently or long-lastingly. The effects may even continue and lead to the death or disabilities in child when a person is no longer use the substance. Substances that cause addiction trigger intense feeling of euphoria then lead to loss of control of self-behavior and perception.

View complete article: PDF  |  Full-text

Self-mutilating patient is an unusual psychiatric patient in the emergency department. An underlying cause for this psychiatric condition should be known for rehabilitation after saving the life of the patient. Drug abuse is very common and important cause should be searched for in these cases.

View complete article: PDF  |  Full-text

This retrospective review of 17 patients suggests an increased risk of adverse events including premature death with opiate discontinuation long after withdrawal stage. The results are consistent with previously reported yet not fully understood – opiate associated neuro protective mechanism – against premature death for some vulnerable subgroups.

View complete article: PDF  |  Full-text