Addiction & Health
Volume:17 Issue: 1, Winter 2025

Pregabalin (PGB), a gabapantinoid drug, which is commonly prescribed by physicians and some patients abuse it,can lead to seizure. Pregabalin-induced seizures (PGBIS) and their risk factors were systematically reviewed.

The databases were searched from January 1, 2011, to August 1, 2022. Studies that reported PGBIS were included. Therecords were assessed according to the PRISMA-P protocol.

From a total of 224 records, 11 studies were included, comprising four cross-sectional studies and seven case reports. Thedata from the cross-sectional studies were notably limited. Seven studies documented nine cases (five females and four males),with a median age of 51 years (ranging from 16 to 65). PGB was used for therapeutic purposes, abuse, and suicide attempts. Onecase had kidney dysfunction. A significant number of cases used PGB with other drugs. There was no difference between theingested dose of PGB in men (2700 and 4200 mg) and women (3000, 1200, 3825, and 1200 mg). All cases had normal renalfunction, except for one case.

PGBIS is not common. However, it was reported for all purposes of PGB consumption. No specific risk factor forPGBIS was found. It was more commonly reported in females, patients who consumed high doses of PGB (>1200 mg), patientswho ingested multiple drugs, and patients with renal insufficiency. The dosages used for therapeutic purposes were much lowerthan in the other two groups

Previous studies have shown that implementation intentions are moderately effective in reducing smoking amongsmokers, but the factors determining its effectiveness are unclear. CREB1 (rs2253206) and BDNF (rs6265) polymorphisms havebeen proposed as the genes involved in addictive behaviors; therefore, we investigated their association with smokers’ responsesto implementation intentions psychotherapy.

This clinical trial was conducted on smoking male students at Tehran University and Shahid Beheshti University.The research sample was 78 smoking students who smoked at least seven cigarettes weekly. All of the participants received animplementation intentions intervention session. Their smoking rates were measured before and after the intervention, and allof them were genotyped for CREB1 (rs2253206) and BDNF (rs6265) using PCR-RFLP. The prospective-retrospective memoryquestionnaire (PRMQ) was used to evaluate the prospective memory (PM). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and simple linearregression were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 26 at a significance level of 0.05.

The results showed that implementation intentions affect smoking reduction (t = 4.44, P = 0.001). Data analysis showedno relationship between these two SNPs and treatment response. Also, no association was observed between these SNPs and PM.However, regression analysis showed that PM could predict the response to treatment (R2 = 0.10, F = 12.15, P = 0.001).

Implementation intentions can be suitable for reducing smoking. Studying the effect of genetic factors onpsychotherapy in larger samples could be an effective way to individualize psychological treatments in reducing smoking,including implementation intentions.

Research, a systematic inquiry, is the bridge that connects existing knowledge to the research question in an objective and testable manner, ultimately solving problems. Just as the foundation is crucial to a building’s construction, the research problem is the initial and the most vital step in scientific research. Therefore, problem identification is a task of utmost importance and challenge for researchers prior to the design and execution of research. In this paper, we delve into the concept of the research problem, a term distinct from the research topic and question, its potential sources, and the common approaches for its identification. A difficulty or deficiency that needs to be overcome, a desirable condition that needs improvement, a gap in existing knowledge or a conflicting issue, a theory that requires meaningful understanding, a neglected area of knowledge, and an idea that requires validation or confirmation or application are all examples of the research problem. Known problems, existing literature, or serendipitous ideas may serve as potential sources of a research problem. Research problems are often constructed from the literature by structuring intertextual coherence or problematization strategies. Overall, the most common way of defining research problems is gap-spotting.

Research begins with a problem that must be translated into an answerable research question. The research question is a structured interrogative statement based on an unsolved problem, which the researcher tries to answer through the study. The art of articulating a good research question is a crucial part of the research process as it sets the stage for the rest. A critical challenge in biomedical research lies in the frequent shortcomings of research question formulation and presentation. This paper aims to provide a practical guide to assist researchers in formulating answerable and worth-answering research questions in biomedical research. The PICOT/PECOT strategy (addresses population, intervention/exposure, comparator, outcome, and time) is essential to develop an excellent relational quantitative research question. The formulated research question should pass the FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant) criteria, determining the worth-answering aspect of the research question. Research questions are presented as questions, hypotheses, and propositions.

Personality plays a key role in many psychosocial variables. Happiness as a source of motivation can also play a major role in a society's individual and collective development. In this regard, the Instagram platform, as a popular platform among the Iranian population, has attracted a high level of engagement (and can make individuals happy), but it has been associated with the risk of behavioral addiction for a small minority. Therefore, the present study evaluated the relationship between personality traits and happiness with the mediating role of problematic Instagram use. 

The present study comprised an online survey among married individuals living in Tehran (N=418). The survey included the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), the 15-item Instagram Addiction Scale (IAS-15), and the six-item Short DepressionHappiness Scale (SDHS-6). 

The results indicated that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience had a significant negative relationship, and neuroticism had a significant positive relationship with problematic Instagram use. Moreover, conscientiousness and openness to experience had a significant positive relationship and neuroticism had a significant negative relationship with happiness. Problematic Instagram use also has a significant negative relationship with happiness. The results also showed that neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness were significantly associated with happiness and that problematic Instagram use mediated the relationship. 

Personality traits may facilitate or prevent problematic Instagram use. Moreover, addiction to social networks such as Instagram can affect the happiness of users and may lead to further psychosocial problems.

Smoking depictions in Iranian Movies have become a significant cultural and public health challenge, particularly for adolescents, who are highly impressionable during this critical stage of social identity formation. Scientific evidence highlights the causal relationship between exposure to smoking scenes in Movies and increased tobacco use among adolescents. A comprehensive approach is required to address this issue, including legal restrictions on tobacco portrayals in media, awareness campaigns targeting youth, and promoting positive role models. These measures can help mitigate the harmful effects of smoking depictions in Movies and contribute to reducing tobacco consumption in Iran.Keywords: Movie, Tobacco control, SmokTobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use killed 7.7 million people worldwide in 2020. The economic costs of tobacco use amount to billions of dollars. In Iran, tobacco use is the fifth leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (1). According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, 43% of men and 25% of women smoke regularly (2).

There is limited research available on the direct effect of opioid use on esophageal cancer. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to consolidate the results of previous studies and provide an estimate of the pooled relative risk or odds ratio associated with opioid use in relation to the occurrence of esophageal cancer. 

The PRISMA guidelines were utilized to establish a framework for conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted in international and national databases. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and national electronic databases were searched up to February, 2024. The random-effects model was used to report the results at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Stata 11 was used for data analysis.

Out of the 648 retrieved articles, 11 studies remained in the final analysis (one cohort study and ten case-control studies). In all subgroups analyzed based on the type of odds ratios, no significant heterogeneity was observed. The pooled adjusted oddsratio of opium on esophageal cancer was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.24–2.61), and the pooled crude odds ratio of opium on esophageal was 1.82 (95% CI: 1.55–2.14).

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between opium use and esophageal cancer, and opium can be a serious risk factor for esophageal cancer

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuronal plasticity and survival. The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism is hypothesized to be linked with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). We studied the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the clinical features of ADS, including severity, craving, and perceived stress among alcohol-dependent patients.

In this cross-sectional study on treatment-seeking north Indian male ADS patients aged 18 to 60 years, alcohol dependence severity (Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, SADQ), craving (obsessive compulsive drinking scale), and perceived stress (perceived stress scale-4) were measured. The genetic analysis for calculating the BDNF Val66Met allele frequency was carried out using TaqMan assays. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 26.

The participants’ mean age (SD) (n = 80) was 37 ± 8.52 years. Half of the participants had tobacco dependence, too. Almost half of the participants showed alcohol dependence with mild severity. The mean OCDS and PSS-4 scores were 26.08 ± 9.34 and 9.08 ± 2.4, respectively. The allelic frequency of the Val and Met alleles were 73.1% and 26.9%, respectively. Among the Met allele carriers, the OCDS (P = 0.02) and PSS-4 scores (P = 0.03) were significantly higher than observed in the Val group patients.

The study concludes that BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism could impact clinical variables such as craving and perceived stress in alcohol-dependent subjects. It merits the use of genetic analysis in determining the course of clinical maintenance of alcohol-dependent patients.

Morphine dependence is a significant concern because of its potential for inducing addiction and adverse withdrawal symptoms. Naringin, a flavonoid compound found in citrus fruits, has shown promise in various pharmacological activities, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its potential role in inhibiting or reducing morphine dependence has not been extensively investigated yet. This study aimed to determine whether naringin can inhibit or reduce physical morphine dependence in rats.

Morphine dependence was induced in rats through chronic injection of the drug for 7 days. Also, different doses of naringin (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were administered 15 minutes prior to morphine injection in three experimental groups. The effect of naringin pretreatment on drug withdrawal-associated symptoms, including body weight, jumping, abdominal contraction, grooming, ptosis, diarrhea, and teeth chattering, was evaluated.

The animals experiencing morphine dependence exhibited significant body weight loss. However, administration of naringin before morphine injection prevented this loss by 50%. Also, drug withdrawal symptoms such as jumping, abdominal contraction, grooming, diarrhea, and teeth chattering were significantly increased in the rats. Interestingly, the prescription of naringin significantly reduced these symptoms. Ptosis was observed in all rats receiving morphine, while naringin did not significantly affect this symptom. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of naringin on morphine physical dependence was found to be dose-dependent.

Naringin pretreatment demonstrated potential in inhibiting or reducing physical morphine dependence in rats. These findings suggest that naringin may have therapeutic potential in managing morphine dependence and associated withdrawal symptoms

The use of tobacco continues to pose a major public health issue worldwide, requiring effective cessation programs. Digital interventions present advantageous opportunities owing to their accessibility and scalability. This systematic review seeks to consolidate current research on the efficacy of digital interventions for tobacco cessation in adults.

We performed a search utilizing pertinent keywords and databases. The search approach encompassed terms including “digital interventions,” “smoking cessation,” “adults,” and their permutations. Our primary focus was on academic databases including PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, and specialized journals pertaining to public health and smoking cessation. Search terms were limited to the English language exclusively. Databases from 2013 to 2023 were covered. Two writers independently collected data on cessation results and evaluated the likelihood of bias. A random effects meta-analysis was performed.

Following the search, 305 articles were identified. After omitting 151 duplicates, 198 unique papers were analyzed. Of the 47 publications that underwent full-text examination, 8 were finally incorporated into this analysis. Subgroup analysis examined differences in intervention efficacy according to length, intervention type, and participant attributes.

Digital treatments demonstrate the potential to facilitate smoke cessation in adults. Nonetheless, disparities in intervention design and participant attributes affect their efficacy. Additional studies are necessary to clarify effective intervention tactics and fill literature gaps, especially for long-term results and the scalability of digital therapies across varied populations.

Smoking cigarettes leads to serious health problems, and addiction is a major concern. De-addiction therapy includes e-cigarettes and counseling, and the success rate is poor in these approaches, warranting alternate therapeutic interventions. The present study evaluates dry powder inhalation using amino acids as a new method.

A novel formulation was prepared using nanospray drying and ball milling techniques. SEM analysis was conducted to ascertain particle size, and pharmacokinetic assessment was done to evaluate how rapidly the drug is released from the formulation. The optimized ratio of ingredients revealed the best formula, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, and lactose in the ratio of 5 mg:1 mg: 4 mg, which led to the dry powder preparation. SEM analysis revealed that the dry powder comprising L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine had undergone micronization to 2–4 μm.

An innovative treatment, such as an inhalation powder therapy comprising amino acids, can help reduce mood changes. Depletion of tryptophan to kynurenine controls mood changes, and maintaining a steady tryptophan concentration is expected to help overcome mood changes that trigger smoking recurrence. The microparticles produced by spray-drying were confirmed to include loose agglomerates, which are amenable to inhalation and free dispersion. In-vivo studies revealed that drug action is quick with drug delivery and retention at the site of action.

The synergistic effect of the novel formulation’s sustained concentration of tryptophan and tyrosine and inhibition of AChE could diminish the recurrence of smoking. Dry powder inhalation of the formulated drug offers a new and strong method of drug delivery to the alveolus, making it a convenient route of administration that could be superior to other modes of administration in smoking cessation.

Substance abuse, as a major global issue, not only affects individuals but also impacts family members, particularly women. Meanwhile, post-traumatic growth and resilience are important factors in the recovery process for these women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a resilience-based intervention in facilitating post-traumatic growth among women with addicted spouses.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving women with addicted partners (n = 30) in Qom during the years 2021 and 2022. Participants were randomly allocated to the two groups of intervention and control. A demographic information form, post-traumatic growth questionnaire, resilience scale, perceived stress scale, and the Connor-Davidson coping skills questionnaire, were used to collect data at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (three months later). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 22.0), with a significance level of P < 0.05.

The findings demonstrated a significant increase in scores of resilience (η² = 0.015), post-traumatic growth (η² = 0.185), emotion-focused coping skills (η² = 0.253), and problem-focused coping skills (η² = 0.131) in the intervention group between pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages (P < 0.001). However, the intervention did not influence perceived stress (η² = 0.017) (P = 0.473). No significant changes were observed in these variables in the control group.

The findings showed that the resilience intervention resulted in enhanced post-traumatic growth, coping abilities, and resilience in women with addicted spouses. Implementing this intervention in mental health centers and addiction recovery programs not only enhances the mental well-being of these women but also contributes to the psychological well-being of their families.

Drug abuse (DA) continues to be a major global public health concern that has devastating impacts on individuals, families, communities, and countries. While rehabilitation and treatment methods have improved, prevention remains the cornerstone of any effective strategy to control DA (1). Three categories are widely acknowledged in the field of DA when it comes to prevention. Primary prevention targets individuals who are at risk of starting drug use (i.e., modification of risk factors), secondary prevention Involves early diagnosis and prompt treatment of DA (i.e., screening), and tertiary prevention focuses on individuals experiencing substance use disorder or suffering from its consequences (i.e., treatment and rehabilitation) (2). Primordial prevention which was introduced approximately half a century ago as a health promotion concept, focuses on preventing the emergence and development of risk factors for disease, rather than addressing existing risk factors (i.e., primary prevention) or diseases (secondary and tertiary prevention) (3). In the context of DA, it involves addressing the root causes of DA such as the social, environmental, political, and cultural determinants that predispose individuals or communities to substance use (3). It refers to strategies aimed at preventing the emergence or development of risk factors for diseases, which one of the main focuses is on the “first 1000 days” from conception to a child's second birthday.

Many studies have examined the association between smokeless tobacco and the risk of oral cancer. In South and Southeastern Asia, the use of smokeless tobacco, which increases the risk of oral cancer, is very common. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of studies conducted and published in a period of ten years to provide a more accurate assessment of the association between smokeless tobacco and oral cancer.

An electronic search in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library) was conducted using keywords equivalent to oral cancer and smokeless tobacco. After selecting the articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 30 prospective cohort and case-control studies from 2010 to 2020, which investigated the association of smokeless tobacco with oral cancer, were examined. The articles were qualitatively assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment scale checklist. Then, study design (study type, setting, and duration of data collection), sample population (number, gender, and age), cancer type, smokeless tobacco type, effect size, and confounder adjustment were extracted from the studies.

Five studies examined smokeless tobacco and chewing tobacco, and 25 studies reported and evaluated the type of smokeless tobacco, most of which were related to betel quid and supari. While the results of 21 studies revealed a positive and significant relationship between oral cancer and smokeless tobacco use (OR: 0.67–149.5), seven studies did not find a significant correlation.

This systematic review confirms the positive and significant association between non-smoking tobacco use and the risk of oral cancer.

This study assessed the Persian version of the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) in bipolar disorder patients to determine its reliability and validity, as currently no specialized tools are available to evaluate functional impairment in this population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 bipolar disorder patients at Shafa Hospital in Rasht in 2023. The Persian version of the FAST was translated and reviewed for content validity, reliability, and factor analysis. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 26, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed with LISREL version 8.8.

The results indicated a content validity ratio (CVR) above 0.62. To assess convergent validity, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used, yielding a direct and significant correlation (P < 0.001, r = 0.675). The FAST exhibited a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.953, indicating robust internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.74 to 0.98, signifying excellent reliability. The correlation coefficient between scores from repeated tests demonstrated strong reliability. CFA was employed to confirm the dimensions of the FAST, and the construct validity was considered satisfactory.

The Persian version of the FAST demonstrated strong psychometric properties in the study, making it useful for evaluating rehabilitation interventions, assessing medication effects, and supporting research efforts.

This study explored the gender-specific effects of methadone, a synthetic opioid receptor agonist commonly used in opioid addiction treatment, on renal tissue and function. We aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving inflammatory pathways and redox system activity.

Forty-two Wistar rats (200-250 g) were allocated into six groups: three males and three females, each comprised of control, and methadone-treated 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg. Over eight weeks, animals received either saline or methadone syrup orally. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr) were measured in serum. The inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant enzyme activity were assessed in left kidneys, which were preserved at -80 °C, while histopathological analysis via H&E staining was done on the formalin-fixed right kidneys.

Methadone administration resulted in renal tissue injury characterized by enhanced glomerular and interstitial inflammation. Notable increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), BUN, sCr, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 17 (IL-17) were observed in methadone-treated groups, indicating impaired renal function associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, with male rats exhibiting more severe alterations. Conversely, methadone treatment elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (Cat) activities, predominantly in females.

Prolonged methadone therapy exerts a nephrotoxic effect through the activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, with male rats displaying greater renal pathology and dysfunction, potentially attributed to diminished antioxidant defenses.

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use constitutes a considerable public health concern, especially in India, where there are more than 300 million users. This study seeks to assess the influence of graphic health warning labels (GHWLs) on smokeless tobacco (SLT) packaging on encouraging cessation among users.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Sciences, BHU, Varanasi outpatient department, from December 2023 to April 2024. The study involved 387 participants, selected via simple random sampling, who were current smokeless tobacco users. Data was collected through structured interviews using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.

Awareness of GHWLs was high, with 91.7% of participants recognizing the labels. Among these, 66% considered quitting or reducing smokeless tobacco use due to the labels. Increased health awareness and serious consideration to quit were reported by 50.1% of participants, while 28.9% reported no impact. Awareness of tobacco cessation clinics was moderate at 48.1%, and 66.1% expressed willingness to seek help, primarily due to health concerns. Positive correlations were found between education level and awareness (r = 0.387) and education and attitude towards quitting (r = 0.227). Younger participants and those with shorter durations of smokeless tobacco use exhibited higher health awareness and a greater likelihood of considering cessation.

GHWLs are a potent tool in tobacco control, significantly influencing smokeless tobacco users’ intentions to quit. A multifaceted approach involving GHWLs and comprehensive support systems can substantially reduce smokeless tobacco use and its associated health risks.

Drug addiction is one of the social and health problems worldwide. Children are the most vulnerable social stratum in the problem of addiction. The study aimed to design a questionnaire for children’s addiction tendencies and study the psychometric characteristics of Iranian children.

It was a cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2023 among 400 students of Shiraz city (Iran), selected using multi-stage sampling (stratified cluster simple random). Inclusion criteria were students, residents of Shiraz city, studying in the first or second year of high school, and exclusion criteria were non-cooperation and unwillingness to participate in the study. Validity was determined through face, content, and construct validity, with exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Moreover, SPSS 26 was applied for further analysis.

The average age of the participants was 15.39 ± 1.94. The face and content validity of the scale was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed and confirmed, and the construct validity was demonstrated through EFA. The scale consists of 30 items with four factors that explain 40% of the total extracted variance. Cronbach’s alpha and the ICC of the factors indicated strong to excellent reliability of the scale.

The results showed that the current questionnaire has good validity and reliability; thus, it can be applied with confidence to study the addiction tendency and screening of Iranian children aged 12 to 18 years.

The present research aimed to identify the maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications experienced by opioid-dependent mothers (ODMs) within the geographical context of Kerman, Iran.

This study meticulously compared the outcomes of 326 ODMs and an equal number of non-ODMs in Iran, using the data obtained from the Iranian Maternal And Neonatal (IMAN) network, a national health information system in Iran. The selection process involved a census approach, and the participants were carefully matched based on age, gestational age, and nationality. To determine the statistical relationship between opioid dependence during pregnancy and the occurrence of pregnancy and neonatal complications, the chi-square test was employed for analysis.

Women with ODMs exhibited significantly higher rates of placental abruption (P = 0.01) and chorioamnionitis (P = 0.04) compared to non-ODMs. Neonates born to ODMs had increased risks of adverse outcomes, including neonatal death (P = 0.05), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) related mortality (P = 0.01), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (P = 0.001), neonatal intensive care unit admission (P < 0.001), hypoglycemia (P = 0.006), neurological complications (P = 0.004), low birth weight (LBW) (P < 0.001), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in congenital anomalies, Apgar scores, or intrauterine fetal death.

Pregnant women with opioid dependence exhibit a heightened susceptibility to antepartum and postpartum complications compared to their non-opioid-dependent counterparts. The sequelae of these complications may be modulated by the caliber of antenatal care received. This research emphasizes the critical importance of consistent clinical management and robust support systems for this population throughout the gestational period and the puerperium.

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder in which non-adherence to medication leads to symptom relapse, rehospitalization, reduced quality of life, and increased treatment costs; therefore, an appropriate tool is needed to assess the attitudes of patients with schizophrenia towards medication.

Three hundred patients with schizophrenia enrolled at the specialized neuropsychiatric clinic at Shafa Hospital in Rasht 2023 participated in this cross-sectional study. The patients filled out the Drug Attitude Inventory-30 (DAI-30) and a demographic questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate content validity. Face validity was assessed using qualitative content validity, and the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were computed for quantitative content validity. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normal distribution of the questionnaire scores. Reliability was assessed using test-retest procedures and Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and model fit were performed using Smart PLS version 8.8. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

In this study, 211 participants (70.33%) were male and the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age was 40.32 ± 10.87 years. All items of the Persian version of DAI-30 showed a CVR greater than 0.62 and CVI greater than 0.80, confirming their content validity. Construct validity showed sufficient internal correlations for conducting exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach’s alpha for reliability was 0.983. The test-retest correlation coefficient was high (r = 0.936, P < 0.001).

The findings of this study recommend that the Persian version of the DAI-30 is a relevant and reliable measure for evaluating drug attitudes in patients with schizophrenia.

Besides its physical and psychological effects on individuals, addiction is a major personal and societal issue that threatens cultural, political, and community well-being. Genetic factors play essential roles in susceptibility to methamphetamine dependence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between methamphetamine use disorder in Iranian males and the rs2652511 polymorphism in the promoter of SLC6A3.

We recruited 100 men with methamphetamine use disorder as cases and 100 age- and ethnically-matched normal men from East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran as healthy controls. From peripheral blood leukocytes, genomic DNA was extracted. PCR-RFLP was utilized for genotyping.

The genotype distribution of rs2652511 polymorphism in the case group was 56% CC, 33% CT, and 11% 44, whereas in the control group it was 25% CC, 42% CT, and 33% TT. According to statistical analysis, there was a substantial variation in genotype and allele frequencies of the rs2652511 polymorphism between the case group and the healthy control group (P > 0.05).

Our research revealed that the rs2652511 polymorphism in the SLC6A3 gene was associated with methamphetamine misuse disorder in the Iranian population. To clarify the exact role of this polymorphism in the pathology of methamphetamine use disorder, further research is required across different racial and geographic groups.

Congress 60, as an NGO, provides services to people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite offering services and evaluating their effectiveness in several studies, the underlying theory of interventions and the impact process of these interventions have not been investigated within this organization. The purpose of this study is to obtain the underlying theory of changes in treatment outcomes in this organization.

To achieve this theory, the grounded theory methodology was used. The data for this study consisted of the results of in-depth individual interviews with 26 individuals treated at Congress 60 branches, as well as documents. The analysis of these data was conducted using continuous comparison analysis to extract concepts, involving open, axial, and selective coding. Trustworthiness was evaluated according to the grounded theory principles.

The core concept derived from this study was the “Theory of Transformations in the Psyche” as presented in Congress 60. Subcategories of the core concept included the psyche, the addictive psyche, and the healthy psyche.

In Congress 60, psyche is defined as the expression that a person shows, which is the interaction of physical structures and worldview. A person with SUD has an addictive psyche that is demonstrated in daily behavior and, therefore, experiences adverse outcomes. The person treated at Congress 60 achieves a healthy psyche, as shown in daily behavior, and thus experiences positive outcomes. The theory obtained in this study can explain the process of change in the outcomes in Congress 60.

Combination analgesic therapy is a widely employed strategy for pain management worldwide. This study investigated the potential synergistic interaction between caffeine and morphine using the hot-plate test and isobolographic analysis in male NMRI mice. The interaction between caffeine and morphine in pain modulation was evaluated, and it was determined whether the combination produces a synergistic effect.

Mice were treated with morphine (0.135, 1.25, 5, and 20 mg/Kg, s.c.) or caffeine (20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/Kg, i.p.) to obtain the ED50 values of each agent in the hot-plate test, then, an isobolographic analysis was used to evaluate the nature of interaction between the two drugs in mice.

Morphine significantly increased pain thresholds in a dose-dependent manner (ED₅₀ = 2.49 mg/kg; P < 0.001). Caffeine at a lower dose (46.13 mg/kg) potentiated morphine’s analgesic effect, indicating a synergistic interaction (P < 0.001). In contrast, a higher caffeine dose (138.3 mg/kg) reversed this effect, demonstrating an antagonistic interaction (P < 0.001) in the mouse hot-plate test.

A low dose of caffeine synergistically enhanced morphine-induced analgesia in the mouse hot-plate test; this effect was absent at a higher dose. Consequently, only low-dose caffeine administration effectively reduced the required dosage of morphine for acute pain management in the mouse hot-plate test.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of opium on liver function and the biliary tract in patients with bile duct stones, comparing outcomes with non-addicted individuals.

This case-control study was conducted in Iran from 2016 to 2017. A total of 86 patients with bile duct stones were divided into two groups: opium-addicted (n = 40) and non-opium-addicted (n = 46). The patient’s hepatobiliary system was evaluated using liver function tests (LFTs) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software.

LFTs showed significantly elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (90.67 ± 46.99 vs 55.28 ± 45.53 U/L, P = 0.036) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) (120.47 ± 90.15 vs 51.83 ± 35.21 U/L, P = 0.005) in the opium-addicted group compared to controls, and higher direct (4.05 ± 2.84 vs 2.30 ± 1.66 mg/dL, P = 0.002) and total bilirubin levels (5.02 ± 3.94 vs 2.93 ± 2.35 mg/dL, P = 0.007). Furthermore, the common bile duct (CBD) diameter was significantly larger in the opium-addicted group (12.21 ± 3.42 vs 7.80 ± 2.62 mm, P = 0.007). In contrast, pancreatic duct diameters (P = 0.289) and alanine aminotransferase (ALP) levels (P = 0.842) showed no significant differences.

The study revealed that opium addiction is associated with significantly elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), higher bilirubin levels, and an increased common bile duct diameter in patients with bile duct stones, while the pancreatic duct diameter and ALP levels remained unaffected. These findings highlight the potential impact of opium use on the hepatobiliary system and underscore the importance of further research to understand its long-term effects and improve clinical management.

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mortality. It is estimated that by 2025, 1.6 billion people worldwide will suffer from HTN. HTN crisis is characterized by severe HTN exceeding 180/120 mmHg, leading to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute left ventricular failure, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Apelin and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) play a role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Opium addiction has been reported to increase the risk of CVD. In this study, we compared the serum apelin and NT-proBNP levels in HTN crisis and controlled HTN, considering the impact of addiction status among patients referred to Kerman hospitals from 2018 to 2019.

Eighty-nine patients with HTN crisis and 111 controlled HTN subjects as the control group were enrolled. Each group was further divided into two subgroups: non-addicts and opium addicts. Demographic data were recorded, and serum apelin and NT-proBNP levels were measured using the ELISA method.

Our results indicated that patients with HTN crisis had higher apelin levels than controlled HTN individuals (β = 2.08, P < 0.001). Among the patients with controlled HTN, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was higher in opium-addicted subjects compared to their non-addicted counterparts (P = 0.035). NT-proBNP levels were higher in opium-addicted patients with HTN crisis but higher in non-addicted patients with controlled HTN. Furthermore, mean age, SBP, DBP, HR, CR, and apelin were higher in patients with HTN crisis than those with controlled HTN, which was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, regarding NT-proBNP levels, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.175).

Contrary to the general belief that opium addiction has cardioprotective effects, we found that opium addiction in controlled HTN subjects was associated with higher DBP and proBNP levels were elevated in addicts with HTN crisis, indicating potential cardiac damage.

This study aimed to examine the toxico-clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients who have experienced poisoning from common illicit drugs, such as opioids and stimulants.

This retrospective chart review study was conducted on cases of opioid and stimulant poisoning who were admitted to the referral poisoning emergency center in the central part of Iran, Isfahan, from January 2019 to January 2020. The toxico-clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients were evaluated.

Data obtained from 496 patients were analyzed. Poisoning with opioids and stimulants accounted for 67.13% and 7.86% of cases, respectively. Most of the patients in both the opioid and stimulant groups were male. The most common route of poisoning was ingestion (82%) for opioids and inhalation (43.6%) for stimulants. Suicide (40.2%) was common in patients with opioid poisoning, whereas abuse (28.2%) was more commonly observed in stimulant poisoning. There were no significant differences regarding marital status, occupation, education, criminal convictions, history of somatic diseases, and psychiatric diseases between patients with opioid and stimulant poisoning. The mortality rate in opioid poisoning was 0.9%, whereas no deaths were reported in patients with stimulant poisoning. Binary regression analysis showed that age, coma/stupor, abnormal respiratory manifestations, previous cardiovascular disease, incomplete response to naloxone, and endotracheal intubation were predictive factors for worse outcomes (complications/death) in opioid poisoning.

Opioid poisoning was more common than stimulant poisoning. Except for the type and route of exposure, there were no significant differences between patients poisoned with opioid or stimulant drugs. This highlights the necessity for targeted interventions based on specific clinical characteristics to improve patient outcomes.

Despite considerable advances in comprehending the neurobiology of drug addiction, available treatment options remain limited in terms of effectiveness and are often accompanied by adverse side effects that contribute to relapse. Notably, oxytocin administration has demonstrated potential in influencing neurobehavioral changes related to drug abuse. Furthermore, the effect of zinc on male fertility has been established. This study aimed to assess the impact of combining oxytocin with zinc sulfate on reproductive parameters in men addicted to opioids who are undergoing methadone maintenance therapy.

This research followed a double-masked randomized controlled clinical trial design and involved 40 men with opioid dependence receiving methadone treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving a saline nasal spray and a zinc sulfate placebo, and an intervention group receiving 40 international units of oxytocin nasal spray in combination with 220 mg zinc sulfate capsules, daily. Baseline evaluations of testosterone, oxytocin, sperm characteristics, and zinc levels were conducted three days after a 5–10 mg reduction in methadone dosage. Subsequently, a two-week treatment regimen was administered, followed by post-intervention assessments.

The age of participants was comparable in the control and intervention groups. Zinc levels in the control and treatment groups showed no significant difference before the intervention, while a significant increase was seen after the intervention in the treatment group (P = 0.023). A significant increase was reported in testosterone levels (P = 0.002) and the active motility of sperm (P = 0.015) in the treatment group after the intervention. The intervention led to a significant reduction in the total abnormality of sperm (P < 0.001). Prescription of nasal oxytocin spray with zinc supplementation can be an effective remedy in improving reproductive indices in opiate-addicted men and could be considered in addiction management guidelines. The present study is one of the first studies evaluating the effects of combined oxytocin and zinc supplementation on improving the reproductive indices in opiate-addicted men.

According to the results, the combination of oxytocin and zinc supplementation had a positive and significant effect on sperm parameters in opioid-dependent men undergoing methadone treatment.

Poor sleep quality and its relationship with other sleep disorders and medical and psychiatric disorders have been noted in many individuals who use methadone as a maintenance treatment for drug abuse. This study aimed to investigate the quality of sleep and its related factors in people undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

This study was conducted on 80 individuals who were undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in MMT clinics selected by the convenience sampling method. The researcher-made data collection form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale questionnaire were completed by the participants. Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for analyses.

In the present study, 80 participants undergoing maintenance treatment (86.25% male) were studied. Most individuals (75%) had good sleep quality (average questionnaire score of 4.31). In addition, the majority of participants had anxiety (63.75%; average score of 6.2), depression (66.25%; average score of 7.45), and stress at a normal level (91.25%; average score of 6.25). Women had significantly lower sleep quality than men (P = 0.009). The level of education (P = 0.036) and the frequency of alcohol consumption influenced sleep quality (P = 0.018). However, marital status, employment status, smoking, methamphetamine use, or use of drugs other than methadone were not significantly associated with sleep quality. The average score of sleep quality was significantly influenced by the level of anxiety (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), and stress (P = 0.008). The age of starting methadone had a weak negative but significant correlation with the sleep quality score (τ = -0.2 and P = 0.01). The daily methadone dose had a weak but significant positive correlation with poorer sleep quality. (τ = 0.173 and P = 0.049).

Considering the significant relationship found between the severity of anxiety, depression, and stress and the quality of sleep in the participants of this study, it is recommended to screen these disorders more carefully in this group of people so that the necessary interventions can be carried out to improve their conditions. In addition, patients should be warned about consuming alcohol and increasing the daily dose of methadone.

HIV partner notification is known as one of the methods to increase HIV testing. Evaluating the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations to improve it can lead to the increased uptake of HIV testing, as well as achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the approaches, barriers, and facilitators of HIV partner notification from different aspects.

The barriers and facilitators of HIV partner notification were evaluated. Also, some recommendations were presented to improve the HIV partner notification program in Iran.

Based on the results, HIV stigma and discrimination were identified as the most important barriers, and the main facilitator was the support from the spouse or sexual/injection partner and family. Also, the results showed that the HIV partner notification program in Iran was in line with the international guidelines introduced by the World Health Organization. However, it had weaknesses and challenges in various aspects such as the content, the method of implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Overall, this study has shown a critical need to strengthen the HIV partner notification program in Iran. HIV partner notification program can be strengthened by considering the introduced facilitators, from different aspects including content, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. These measures will ultimately increase HIV testing and thus achieve UNAIDS targets.

Disturbance in the sense of taste can destroy appetite and change eating habits, causing a significant decrease in the quality of life. The use of opium causes a disturbance in the sense of taste. Opium is a narcotic drug that can cause temporary or permanent damage to the taste system, making it a source of concern in dentistry. This research was conducted to determine the effects of opium consumption on the sensation of the four main tastes.

This study was conducted in a single-masked and descriptive-analytical manner. The study population included 107opium addicts and 113 smokers who were in the same age group. None of the studied subjects had any systemic disease or consumed herbal or chemical drugs. The four substances, citric acid, sodium chloride, sucrose, and caffeine, were used to evaluate sourness, saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness, respectively. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and the Mann-Whitney U test. P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Opium use did not have a significant effect on the perception of sweetness (P=0.437), saltiness (P=0.536), or sourness (P=0.8), but a significant effect was seen concerning the perception of bitterness (P=0.0000002);

It seems that opium addicts do not have significant problems in perceiving the taste of sweetness, sourness, and saltiness, but impairment was observed in the perception of bitterness

A well-constructed hypothesis is central to scientific knowledge, guiding the research process from a problem to its potential solution. This paper aims to provide a brief history of the scientific hypothesis, emphasize its central role in hypothesis-driven research, and outline the characteristics of a well-formulated scientific hypothesis.

We conducted a narrative review of philosophical and scientific literature to examine the evolution of hypothesis formulation within the hypothetico-deductive (HD) framework, with emphasis on Karl Popper’s principles of falsifiability and deduction.

The HD method remains the cornerstone of scientific inquiry, with hypothesis formulation serving as a critical link between theory and empirical testing. The 5E rule, which is a framework that defines an effective research hypothesis as Explicit, Evidence-based, Ex-ante, Explanatory, and Empirically testable, ensures that hypotheses are clear, relevant, and actionable within scientific investigation.

Despite its importance, hypothesis formulation is often underemphasized in modern biomedical research, where many struggle to construct well-defined, testable hypotheses.

Gamification refers to the use of game elements and game design techniques in non-game contexts. Using gamification in education makes educational materials available to learners in a new and attractive way. To this end, the present study sought to investigate the effectiveness of gamification in the field of addiction information literacy.

This applied study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method. The research population consisted of students at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2023. A total of 32 students were randomly selected as the participants using purposive sampling and were randomly placed in either a control or an intervention group. To conduct the study and collect data, a researcher-made game was used to teach addiction information literacy, and a researcher-made questionnaire was used to assess addiction in the participants. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS-21 software.

The data in this study revealed an average level of addiction information literacy in the students in the control group, who completed the questionnaire without playing the game, while a higher level of addiction information literacy was found in the students in the intervention group, who played the game and completed its stages.

The findings showed that the implementation of gamification positively affected the students’ addiction to information literacy. Providing educational content in the field of addiction through games is more appealing to them and motivates them to pay attention and learn more about addiction. Besides, since students and young people are always busy with their phones, gamification can be implemented anywhere, transferring content to the audience more easily and quickly.

Tobacco control efforts face substantial obstacles from industry interference and regulatory weaknesses. This review synthesizes qualitative evidence on barriers to implementing effective tobacco control measures, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

To identify barriers to implementing tobacco control measures, specifically Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, and propose solutions to overcome them.

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library, using keywords like “tobacco,” “industry,” and “interference.” The search, limited to English-language studies published until July 15, 2024, included qualitative studies addressing barriers to implementing Article 5.3. Eligible studies focused on government policies, institutional actions, economic measures, and public awareness. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024565548). Study quality was assessed using the CASP checklist, and confidence in findings was evaluated with GRADE-CERQual.

Twelve qualitative studies were included, covering regions such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Uganda, and the UK Overseas Territories. Key barriers identified were conflicts of interest involving government officials, lobbying by the tobacco industry, resource constraints, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited awareness of Article 5.3. Economic considerations often overshadowed public health priorities, further enabling industry influence.

Addressing these barriers requires strengthened regulations, improved coordination, and enhanced support for tobacco control initiatives. Efforts should prioritize reducing conflicts of interest, increasing awareness of Article 5.3, and balancing public health and economic interests. Public health dentists and policymakers must collaborate to ensure effective tobacco control measures are implemented and sustained.

The issue of street children and adolescents represents a significant global challenge, often interconnected with issues such as substance abuse. The present research aims to ascertain the prevalence of substance abuse and its associated determinants within the population of street children and adolescents in Zahedan, Iran.

This cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2021 and May 2022, focused on street children and adolescents. A validated questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews to evaluate the prevalence of substance abuse and associated factors within this population. The collected data were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Additionally, penalized logistic regression techniques were employed in the statistical analysis.

A cohort of 200 street children, with a mean age of 13.6 years, was examined. The majority of the sample comprised male individuals (n = 156, 98.15%). The study revealed that 27% of the participants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.33) reported a history of substance abuse (n = 54). Key risk factors identified encompassed increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.55), prior detention (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 1.92–15.42), and a family history of substance abuse (OR = 7.53, 95% CI: 3.02–18.77), indicating a heightened likelihood of substance abuse with each of these factors. The logistic regression model exhibited satisfactory predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72–0.86).

This study identified age, a familial history of substance use, and prior incarceration as significant predictors of substance abuse among street children and adolescents. Consequently, there is a demonstrated need for focused interventions that address familial, social, and psychological determinants to mitigate substance abuse within this at-risk demographic.

Dependence and withdrawal syndrome caused by opioids are the most important and unambiguous factors in the clinical use of narcotic painkillers. Some evidence indicates the beneficial effects of herbal fragments in attenuating this complication. In the current study, the impact of black seed oil (BSO) and opium poppy oil (OPO) was investigated on the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice.

For three days, morphine was administrated to induce dependence in mice. To induce the withdrawal syndrome, on the 4th day, naloxone was injected. Thirty minutes before naloxone administration, various doses of BSO (250, 500 mg/kg) and OPO (150, 300 mg/kg) were given as active treatments, along with saline and clonidine, to 6 groups. The data obtained were compared to those from other groups that received clonidine and saline separately (n = 8). The levels of excitability, anxiety-like behavior, and pain threshold were assessed using the open field test, elevated plus maze (EPM), and hot plate tests.

Clonidine and both studied doses of BSO significantly increased the presence of mice in the light arm of the EPM (P < 0.05). The irritability and locomotion in animals with withdrawal syndrome in the groups that received BSO and clonidine considerably reduced and the pain sensitivity was elevated (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the BSO and clonidine groups. OPO did not significantly improve symptoms.

The present results revealed that the administration of BSO is effective in relieving the manifestations of morphine withdrawal syndrome, including anxiety, irritability, and motor activity, in a manner comparable to clonidine.

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is defined by a loss of control over gaming habits, prioritizing gaming above daily responsibilities, and persistent engagement despite detrimental outcomes. As a rising public health challenge, IGD significantly disrupts individuals’ lives. Investigating attentional biases in IGD is vital for designing targeted interventions.

Attentional bias was measured in individuals with IGD using the Addiction Stroop Task. The participants were classified into three cohorts: IGD, Recreational Game Users, and non-gaming controls. Electroencephalography/event-related potential (EEG/ERP) data were collected and analyzed from electrodes Pz, Cz, and CPz.

Compared to the RGU and control groups, the IGD group displayed significantly greater P300 amplitudes and prolonged response latencies to both gaming-related and neutral stimuli. Furthermore, the IGD group reported elevated impulsivity, anxiety, and depression levels relative to the other groups.

Contrary to conventional attentional bias models in addiction—which emphasize preferential attention to addiction-related cues—individuals with IGD exhibited intensified neural reactivity to all stimuli. This suggests excessive cognitive resource mobilization, potentially indicative of hyperarousal or dysregulated neurobiological processes.

Staying in Juvenile Correctional and Rehabilitation Centers (JCRCs) exposes adolescents to high levels of stress, potentially increasing the risk of substance use cravings and drug-seeking behaviors. Preventive programs should prioritize enhancing protective factors and mitigating risk factors. This research aimed to identify the risk and protective factors related to substance use among adolescents in JCRCs in Iran.

This study was a content analysis based on individual semi-structured, in-depth interviews with volunteer adolescents (aged 12–18 years) who had experienced JCRCs in Iran within the past 12 months. Snowball sampling was used to identify the participants. Open coding was initially conducted by reading transcripts. Then, similar codes were grouped and placed into categories. We ensured the utmost trustworthiness using constant comparison, member checks, peer debriefing, and revisiting the data multiple times.

Twenty-three eligible adolescents participated in the study. There was no substance use treatment protocol to treat adolescent substance users. Buprenorphine was the most accessed substance in JCRCs. Risk factors included peer substance use, substance offers during high-stress situations, stress, depression, hopelessness, slow passage of time, positive past substance use experiences, curiosity, poverty, financial problems, and myths about quitting. Protective factors included establishing rapport, providing counseling and social work services, engaging the adolescents in daily recreational activities, and assigning them responsibilities.

Shifting from punitive to supportive and preventive approaches within JCRCs by addressing peer influence, training staff in adolescent substance use treatment, and facilitating meaningful leisure activities could promote healthier behaviors among adolescents in these facilities.

Substance abuse significantly impacts pulmonary health, with diverse complications arising from the use of tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and other illicit drugs. These substances can directly damage lung tissue and exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases through mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. This study reviewed current evidence on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of pulmonary complications associated with substance abuse. Key findings include the high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among heroin users, the association of cocaine with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions, and the role of alcohol in exacerbating respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The review highlights diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive clinical assessments, advanced imaging, and biomarker utilization. Additionally, it outlines treatment strategies, including pharmacological interventions, smoking cessation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Recognizing the public health implications, the review advocates preventive measures, harm reduction strategies, and integrated care models to mitigate the burden of substance-related pulmonary diseases.

Laser auricular acupuncture is a form of therapy that is non-invasive, aseptic, and painless, thus advantageous over the traditional form of acupuncture for tobacco cessation. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare nicotine dependence, urinary cotinine level, physical effects, and quit rate among tobacco chewers before and one month after laser therapy and behavioral counseling, and to evaluate and compare extrinsic stains one month post-intervention.

The present study was a randomized controlled trial, with laser therapy and behavioral counseling as the test and control interventions, respectively. The laser was focused on both ears once a week for four weeks. Counseling sessions were held once a week for four weeks. Nicotine dependence, urinary cotinine level, physical effects, as measured using the Visual Analog Scale, and quit rate were recorded before and after the intervention.

The results showed significant reductions in nicotine dependence in both laser and counseling groups post-intervention (P < 0.001). Urinary cotinine levels increased significantly in the counseling group post-intervention (P = 0.010). Inter-group comparison revealed significant differences in pre- and post-intervention cotinine levels (P < 0.05). Adjusted analysis confirmed significant post-intervention differences between the groups (P = 0.048).

This study demonstrates that combining laser auricular acupuncture therapy with behavioral counseling yields superior outcomes for smokeless tobacco cessation compared to behavioral counseling alone. The combined approach results in greater reductions in nicotine dependence, lower urinary cotinine levels, slightly higher quit rates, and significant improvements in various physical effects associated with tobacco use.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become significantly popular, especially among young people. E-cigarettes are a form of tobacco use in which the smoke produced by the vaporization of nicotine is inhaled. The increase in the consumption of these cigarettes causes many concerns about their long-term and unknown adverse effects on general and oral health. The present study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of dentists participating in the 15th Annual Scientific Congress of the Iranian General Dentists Association about e-cigarettes.

In this cross-sectional study, the dentists selected by convenience sampling were given a questionnaire including 14 awareness questions. After the participants completed it, the data were statistically analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and an independent samples t-test.

A total of 347 dentists participated in the present study, and 36.9% stated that they had no familiarity with e-cigarettes. The answers of more than half of the participants to questions regarding the relative risk of using this type of smoking as a suitable method to quit other types of tobacco, long-term adverse effects on health, and the risk of explosion of these cigarettes were incorrect. The average score of awareness was 7.88 ± 3.25 out of a total of 14, indicating an overall moderate level of knowledge.

The average knowledge score related to the subject under investigation was moderate, and the knowledge in some aspects was not satisfactory.

Inhalants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) abused to achieve psychostimulant effects. VOCs are found in substances such as paint thinners, glues, and adhesives.

This case illustrates a 27-year-old unmarried, unemployed man from rural Andhra Pradesh with a three-year history of volatile inhalant use, specifically Fevicol. His inhalant use began during college and escalated from occasional use to daily consumption of up to 1 Liter per day through huffing and bagging. He reported a feeling of euphoria and occasional drowsiness accompanied by redness of the eyes. Parallel to the increase in his inhalant use, noticeable behavioral changes, including decreased social interaction, self-talking, irritability, frequent disputes with family members, and multiple job changes, were observed. Upon interview, psychotic symptoms including auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions, started around one year ago, prompting inpatient psychiatric admission. A diagnosis of volatile inhalant-induced psychotic disorder (ICD-11) was made. Management relied on antipsychotics (risperidone) as the cornerstone, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and relapse prevention for sustained recovery.

This case highlights distinctive aspects, including prolonged duration of psychotic symptoms following chronic inhalant exposure, as well as the aggravation of psychotic symptoms (mainly auditory hallucination) occurring 15–20 minutes after acute inhalant use. The nicotine self-medication hypothesis has been proposed to explain this phenomenon, suggesting that nicotine may alleviate distress during acute use.

The focus was not only to explain the psychiatric sequelae of inhalant abuse but also to underscore the importance of comprehensive management strategies for adequate recovery and to unveil the roles of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) disinhibition, glutamate, and dopamine dysregulation. Ultimately, the combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions is essential. To decrease experimentation with inhalants, regulation alone is insufficient without education and awareness-raising. A specific combination of strategies at three different levels, the government (consistent stringent rules at state and national levels, restriction of sales to minors, and community and school-based interventions), producers (adding deterrents and replacing harmful chemicals with safer alternatives), and consumers (education on health consequences and legal implications), can be implemented in India.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a common liver disorder associated with metabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in improving liver function and metabolic profile in patients with MASLD.

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 69 patients with MASLD were randomly assigned to either the NAC group (600 mg, administered three times daily, n = 34) or the placebo group (n = 35) for eight weeks. The severity of hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes, and metabolic profile were measured at baseline and the final trial. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Following eight weeks of NAC administration in patients with MASLD, no significant changes were observed compared to the placebo in hepatic steatosis grade (P = 0.215), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.21), alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.28), malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.79), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P = 0.56), triglycerides (P = 0.15), total cholesterol (P = 0.28), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.32), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.16). However, NAC administration resulted in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P = 0.01), fasting insulin levels (P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001), along with a significant increase in total glutathione levels (P = 0.003), compared to the placebo group.

NAC administration in patients with MASLD does not significantly impact hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes, or lipid profiles; however, it improves oxidative, glycemic, and inflammatory markers. Therefore, NAC may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing metabolic parameters and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in MASLD patients.
Trial Registration: The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20201220049772N1) on February 20, 2021.

Addiction is a chronic and debilitating condition associated with compulsive behaviors, cravings, and high relapse rates. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique for the treatment of substance use disorders by targeting brain areas involved in craving and inhibitory control. This study aimed to assess tDCS effectiveness in reducing cravings in opioid-dependent patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

A total of 60 opioid-dependent participants were randomly assigned to either an active intervention group or a sham group. The intervention group received ten sessions of anodal tDCS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal tDCS over the right DLPFC. Craving was measured using the Desire for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) before and after the intervention.

This study found no statistically significant differences in craving scores between the intervention and sham groups. There was no statistically significant difference in craving score changes between the two groups before and after the intervention.

The findings of this study suggest that the specific tDCS protocol used, targeting the left DLPFC with anodal stimulation and the right DLPFC with cathodal stimulation, did not significantly reduce craving in opioid-dependent patients undergoing MMT. The study highlights the need for further research to optimize tDCS protocols and explore alternative brain targets for the treatment of substance craving and relapse prevention.

Methamphetamine is a common addictive industrial substance. Medicinal plants such as Artemisia absinthium L. with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and antipyretic properties may help patients reduce withdrawal syndrome symptoms.

Five treatment groups received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and an ethanolic extract of A. absinthium diluted in 0.9% normal saline for 7 days. The animals were assigned to five groups: Group I (Control): NaCl 0.9% + Naloxone (SN), administered daily via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection; Group II: MDMA + NaCl 0.9% + Naloxone (MSN), administered daily via i.p. injection; Groups III, IV, and V: MDMA + NaCl 0.9% + Naloxone + ethanolic Artemisia absinthium extract at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 25% (MSNA), respectively, administered daily via i.p. injection. To induce withdrawal syndrome, two hours after the last injection of MDMA on the 7th day, naloxone was injected (i.p.) at a dose of 1 mg/kg, and rats were quickly transferred to glass cylinders, and the symptoms of MDMA withdrawal syndrome based on stomach cramp, diarrhea, bruxism, body dragging, and wet dog shakes were recorded within 30 minutes.

The MSN and MSNA 5% interventions may not be well-tolerated and could require reevaluation to minimize adverse effects; however, MSNA 10% and MSNA 25% showed reduced severity, suggesting potential for better tolerability and effectiveness in managing symptoms like writhing, body dragging, teeth chattering, and diarrhea.

It appears that 10% and 25% ethanolic extracts of A. absinthium can lessen certain behavioral signs associated with animal addiction withdrawal. We need more research to optimize dosages for better results.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global health crisis, contributing to significant public health challenges and economic loss. Although existing treatments are available, there is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review examined the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, primarily used in diabetes management, as a repurposed treatment for OUD.

We explored preclinical studies that demonstrate how GLP-1 receptor agonists can modulate neurobiological pathways involved in opioid addiction, particularly dopaminergic signaling. We also reviewed initial human clinical trials examining the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on opioid self-administration, relapse behavior, and cravings.

Preclinical data suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce opioid self-administration and relapse behavior in animal models. Early human clinical trials indicate promising results, showing a potential role for GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing opioid cravings and improving treatment outcomes.

Although early findings are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm these results, optimize dosing regimens, and clarify the underlying mechanisms of action. Given the interplay between metabolic and neuropsychiatric factors in OUD, GLP-1 receptor agonists offer a unique therapeutic advantage. Large-scale clinical trials are essential to determine their long-term efficacy, safety, and integration into comprehensive OUD treatment plans.

The nexus between internet fraud and drug abuse is a complex and multifaceted issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. The study aims to explore the relationship between internet fraud and psychoactive substance use among patients admitted for substance use disorders in southwest Nigeria.

The study used a cross-sectional approach, using a mixed qualitative and quantitative method, to examine patients admitted for psychoactive substance use disorder in southwestern Nigeria between March 2023 and May 2024. Statistical significance was determined at p-values less than 0.05 for quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative variables.

The study revealed that the average respondent, who was 28.5 years old, experienced their first episode of mental illness at 26.9 years and had 2.5 relapses. They began using drugs at 16.9 years and started internet fraud at 19.9 years. Several factors influenced the likelihood of engaging in internet fraud. Respondents whose parents were together (P < 0.001), those who were employed (P = 0.001), and individuals from monogamous families (P = 0.001) had significantly lower odds of engaging in internet fraud. Additionally, respondents with a secondary school certificate were less likely to engage in internet fraud compared to those with a Bachelor’s degree (P < 0.014). Single individuals (P = 0.001), males (P < 0.001), and those with more relapses (P = 0.001) were much more likely to engage in internet fraud.

The study reported that drug abuse predates internet fraud among the respondents. Relevant stakeholders must invest in curbing the scourge of drug abuse, as it has been linked to internet fraud.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with psychological distress, particularly helplessness, and elevated blood pressure. Yoga as a complementary intervention lacks robust evidence in Indian clinical settings.

This single-arm, non-randomized pretest–posttest study enrolled 34 adult males (age 21–40) with DSM-5 alcohol dependence at a government-supported de-addiction center in India. Twenty-eight completed a six-week group-based Hatha yoga intervention (five sessions/week, instructor-led; 70% asana, 20% pranayama, 10% meditation; ≥ 85% attendance required). The primary outcome was self-reported helplessness measured by the Self-Managerial Helplessness Scale (HS-MGBR; 0–100, higher scores = greater helplessness). Secondary outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (measured with a manual sphygmomanometer, non-dominant arm). Paired-samples 𝑡-tests quantified mean pre–post changes, with analyses exploratory and no multiplicity adjustment.

Mean Helplessness Scale (HS-MGBR) scores declined from 81.2 (SD = 7.8) to 75.4 (SD = 7.2) [𝑡(27) = 4.93, P < .0000368]. Systolic blood pressure reduced from 133.2 (SD = 6.4) mmHg to 126.4 (SD = 6.7) mmHg [𝑡(27) = 6.28, P < .00000102], and diastolic from 86.7 (SD = 4.6) mmHg to 81.2 (SD = 4.4) mmHg [𝑡(27) = 7.02, P < .000000151], using paired t-tests. No serious intervention-related adverse events occurred.

The Six-week structured yoga program was associated with moderate, significant reductions in both helplessness and blood pressure among men with alcohol dependence in residential care. Yoga shows promise as a feasible adjunct to addiction treatment. Controlled studies are warranted to confirm effects.

Understanding drug abuse triggers is crucial for preventing youth from succumbing to addiction. This study aimed to identify the drivers and psychosocial factors influencing illicit drug-substance abuse among individuals undergoing deaddiction treatment at male drug rehabilitation centers in eastern Nepal.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 registered drug rehabilitation centers in Koshi Province, Nepal. The determinants and psychosocial impact were assessed using a semi-structured, five-point Likert scale questionnaire, and an overall factor mean score > 2.5 was considered high. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between predictors and outcome variables.

Overall, 229 participants with a median age of 25 years (Q1 = 21, Q3 = 29) were surveyed; the majority had finished secondary-level education (42.4%). Diazepam (66.4%) and tramadol (48.5%) were the most frequently abused pharmaceutical products, whereas marijuana (92.1%) and brown sugar (62%) were the most commonly abused illicit substances. The most common sources of acquiring illicit products were peers (84.7%), cross-border trade (74.2%), and pharmacies (53.3%). Exploratory analysis revealed that the family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors had a high influence on illicit drug or substance abuse, and these factors were significantly associated with higher odds of developing adverse psychosocial impact (P < 0.05).

Diazepam, tramadol, marijuana, and brown sugar were the most frequently abused illicit drugs and substances in eastern Nepal. Family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors were found to have a substantial influence on drug addiction, and these were significantly associated with high psychosocial consequences.

Trading addiction is an emerging behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in stock market trading despite significant negative consequences. Currently, it lacks formal recognition in diagnostic manuals, such as the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, complicating clinical assessment and treatment. This report aimed to highlight the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations related to trading addiction.

A 35-year-old man presented with excessive trading behavior resulting in losses exceeding €150,000 (~$160,000 USD). Standardized assessments showed moderate gambling risk (Problem Gambling Severity Index [PGSI] score = 7). The patient underwent a multidisciplinary treatment combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychosocial support over six months, achieving a significant reduction in trading frequency and improved psychological functioning.

The patient’s clinical journey illustrates the diagnostic challenges in the absence of formal recognition within widely used diagnostic criteria. The patient’s improvement following a tailored cognitive-behavioral approach suggests that interventions adapted from gambling disorder treatment may be effective but require further validation.

This case emphasized the need to recognize trading addiction as a distinct clinical entity. Clinicians should consider screening for compulsive trading behaviors and advocate for the inclusion of this condition in diagnostic systems.

Nowadays, the emergence of new types of substances and the growing prevalence of addiction have made substance use a global challenge for public health. At the same time, the complications of substance use are observed in various physical and psychological dimensions, including a range of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. This issue is significant, as many young people are affected by these complications. Therefore, understanding these complications is both important and practical.

Clinical articles related to the acute and chronic cardiovascular effects of the main groups of substances were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 2015 to 2025.

Evidence of cardiovascular complications related to the use of major substance groups, including opioids, stimulants, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, cannabinoids, tranquilizers, and anabolic steroids, has been obtained. Some of this evidence only indicates an increase in risk factors for the disease, while some reports also point to acute and chronic cardiac complications and even cardiorespiratory arrest and death.

Given the cardiac complications of substance use, cessation and treatment should be personalized to each patient’s circumstances.