Practical Research on Physical Rehabilitation Training among Male Addicts in Chinese Compulsory Isolated Detoxification Center

Background: Physical rehabilitation training as an effective measure was proposed by relevant government sector recently. Many compulsory isolated detoxification centers had already implemented the measure, but rarely a systematically comprehensive research was published. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of “5433” training program as an exercise intervention on addicts during drug treatment and rehabilitation, in order to provide the experimental data for the research about the effects of mental quality and physical quality of addicts. Methods: The 2132 male addicts were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 1020) and control group (n = 1112), experimental group was training by “5433” program, and control group ordinary was managed alone. Before and after one year training, in accordance with the “SCL-90” and “Standards of People’s Republic of China national physique”, the SCL-90 scores, height/weight, vital capacity, step index, grip strength, vertical jump, push-ups, sit-and-reach, one-leg standing with eye-closed, choice reaction index of two groups were detected. Results: 1) The scores of depression, anxiety, paranoia and psychosis in two groups before the experiment are both lower than those after the experiment, and the experimental group decreased more (P 0.05). Conclusion:These initial findings show that The “5433” Training Program was effective more than a simple kinesiotherapy, thereby opening avenues for the rehabilitation of Chinese drug addicts.

The“1＋1”Therapy for Drug Addicts

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Addicts Treated as Patients

Li （pseudonym）, once a ＂seasoned＂ drug taker, was sent by his family to the Sanshui Drug Rehabilitation Center of Foshan City, Guangdong Province, in mid-2007. He had tried, involuntarily, to get rid of drug taking at three other centers. Shortly after leaving a center, he would be lured into picking up drug taking again.

Abdominal pain related to adulterated opium:An emerging issue in drug addicts

Lead may contaminate opium,heroin and illicit opiates and is particularly observed in Iran.Lead,a natural heavy metal is able to interfere with several organ functions after ingestion or inhalation.Lead poisoning manifestations are non-specific and thus lead poisoning remains difficult to diagnose.Among the manifestations,abdominal pain is almost the most frequent symptom causing patients to seek medical care.In patients with a history of opium addiction presenting with moderate-to-severe abdominal pain,lack of diagnosis of lead toxicity may thus result in time-consuming and unnecessary medical work-ups that can end up in invasive surgery.This paper aims to briefly review abdominal pain as an emergency issue and the leading symptom of lead poisoning that brings most of the patients to healthcare facilities.All published adult cases and case series of opium addicts admitted with abdominal pain due to leadadulterated opium consumption have been reviewed.A trend of increasing numbers of lead poisoning cases has recently emerged among opium addicts in Iran.Due to the non-specific manifestations and hazardous effects,psychiatrists and emergency physicians should consider lead poisoning in patients with a past or present history of opium addiction referred for acute abdominal pain,particularly in case of colicky abdominal pain.

Neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement Intervention for Detoxified Heroin Addicts

This study examined the effects of combined administration of tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan （5-HTP） on heroin withdrawal syndromes and mental symptoms in detoxified heroin addicts. In the cluster-randomized placebo-controlled trial, 83 detoxified heroin addicts were recruited from a detoxification treatment center in Wuhan, China. Patients in the intervention group （n=41） were given the combined treatment with tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and 5-HTP and those in the control group （n=42） were administered the placebo. The sleep status and the withdrawal symptoms were observed daily throughout the study, and the mood states were monitored pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that the insomnia and withdrawal scores were significantly improved over time in participants in the intervention group as compared with those in the control group. A greater reduction in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance, and a greater increase in their vigor-activity symptoms were found at day 6 in the intervention group than in the control group （all P〈0.05）. It was concluded that the neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention is effective in alleviating the withdrawal and mood symptoms and it may become a supplementary method for patients＇ recovery from heroin addiction.

Problematic Internet use in drug addicts under treatment in public rehab centers

BACKGROUND Problematic Internet use(PIU)or Internet addiction has been recognized to be a behavioral addiction characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations,urges,or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress resembling substance abuse.AIM To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Internet use and abuse in a group of drug addicts from Southern Italy,by means of a specific questionnaire[“Questionario sull’Utilizzo delle Nuove Tecnologie”(QUNT)].METHODS All subjects(183)were heavy smokers,almost 50%of them used heroin and/or opioid compounds,30%alcohol,10%cannabis,8%cocaine,and 5%were polydrug users.Almost 10%of the individuals were also suffering from gambling disorder.RESULTS The time spent online was more than 4 hours a day in the total sample,with a slight prevalence in male subjects.Cocaine and cannabis users spent more than 6 hours online,significantly more than opioid and alcohol abusers.Distribution of the QUNT factors was not different in both sexes.Cocaine users showed higher scores at the“loss of control”,“pornography addiction”,and“addiction to social networks”factors,for the stimulant effect of this substance.Moreover,15 out of the total 17 cocaine users were pathological gamblers.Positive and statistically significant relationships were observed between some QUNT factors and body mass index.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that PIU is less severe in subjects taking sedative substances,such as heroin/opioids and alcohol,than in subjects taking stimulants.Alternatively,it may be used as a“stimulant”trigger in cocaine and cannabis users.Flattening effect of abuse drugs was noted on possible sex-related differences in QUNT items.We observed a sort of“protective”effect of a love relationship and/or living together with a partner,as those engaged subjects showed lower scores on different items than single subjects or those living alone.The relationship between time spent online(and related sedentary lifestyle)and body mass index would suggest that Internet use might be a contributing factor to increasing weight gain and obesity amongst adolescents and young adults worldwide.Our findings also highlighted the specific vulnerability of drug addicts who use stimulants,rather than sedative compounds,to other kinds of behavioral addictions,such as gambling disorder.

Addicts with chronic hepatitis C:Difficult to reach,manage or treat?

AIM:To assess the acceptance,safety and efficacy of care and treatment for chronic hepatitis C(CHC)in drug addicts.METHODS:We designed a multidisciplinary,phase IV prospective cohort study.All illicit drug users(IDUs)visited a Territorial Addiction Service(SerT)in the District of Brescia,and hepatitis C antibody(HCVAb)testing positive were offered as part of a standardised hepatologic visit in our Gastroenterology Unit.Patients with confirmed CHC and without medical contraindications were administered peginterferon alfa-2b 1.5μg/kg per week plus ribavirin(800-1400 mg/d)for 16-48wk.All IDUs were unselected because of ongoing addiction and read and signed an informed consent form.Virologic responses at weeks 4 and 12 of therapy,at the end of treatment and 24 wk after the end of treatment were the main measures of efficacy.Adherence was estimated according to the 80/80/80 criteria.RESULTS:From November 2007 to December 2009,162 HCVAb+IDUs were identified.Sixty-seven patients(41%of the initial cohort)completed the diagnostic procedure,and CHC was diagnosed in 54(33%of the total).Forty-nine patients were offered therapy,and 39agreed(80%of acceptance rate).The prevalent HCV genotype was type 1,and the HCV RNA baseline level was over 5.6 log/mL in 61%of cases.Five patients dropped out,two because of severe adverse events(SAEs)and three without medical need.Twenty-three and 14 patients achieved end of treatment responses(ETRs;59%)and sustained virologic responses(SVRs;36%),respectively.Thirty-one patients were fully compliant with the study protocol(80%adherence).The prevalence of host and viral characteristics negatively affecting the treatment response was high:age over40 years(54%),male gender(85%),overweight body type(36%),previous unsuccessful antiviral therapy(21%),HCV genotype and viral load(60%and 62%,respectively),earlier contact with HBV(40%)and steatosis and fibrosis(44%and 17%,respectively).In a univariate analysis,alcohol intake was associated with a non-response(P=0.0018,95%CI:0.0058-0.4565).CONCLUSION:Drug addicts with CHC can be successfully treated in a multidisciplinary setting using standard antiviral combination therapy,despite several"difficult to reach,manage and treat"characteristics.

Establishment of the Initial Sandplay Picture System for Chinese Young Internet Addicts: Based on Valence Assessment of Normal Adolescents

To develop the initial sandplay picture system for Chinese young internet addicts (ISPSCYIA) for the diagnosis and testing studies on internet addiction, 22 pictures were selected from the used pictures of initial sandplay in existing research results of initial sandplay of Chinese young Internet addicts. 54 normal adolescents were recruited to evaluate the valence of the pictures on a nine-point scale in terms of clarity, pleasure and arousal. Results were shown that there were no significant differences between addiction pictures and non-addiction pictures in clarity, while there were significant differences in pleasure and arousal, as the scores of non-addiction pictures were higher. Correlation analysis indicated that there was obvious positive correlation among clarity, pleasure and arousal of addiction pictures & non-addiction pictures. The coefficients of internal consistency reliability and split-half reliability of 22 pictures’ scores exhibited both over 0.90. ISPSCYIA has proved typical and distinctive through valence assessment, which could be preliminarily applied to measure the characteristics of Chinese adolescents’ internet addiction.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy in Controlling under Treatment Addicts’ Drug Cravings

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in controlling under treatment addicts’ drug cravings. This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest. The sample of this study included 30 under treatment male addicts whom were selected through applying random sampling method and were placed in two groups, experimental and control. After holding a preliminary session aiming at aiding the experimental group to become familiar with the procedure, 8 sessions of the mindfulness-based therapy were administered. Assessment tools were Craving Beliefs Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). After calculating mean and standard deviation, the obtained data were analyzed using covariance. The results indicated that the mindfulness therapy was significantly effective in controlling drug cravings, decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression of under treatment addicts (p < 0.05).

Opium withdrawal and some blood biochemical factors in addicts' individuals

Objective: One of the common misinterpretation be- liefs in some societies (especially eastern communities) is the using of opium can reduce serum glucose and lipids. Opium is a derivative from a plant family called Papaveracea and contains almost 80 types of alkaloids. Drug addiction causes physiological dependency and its withdrawal lead to some disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of opium consumption and its withdrawal on some blood biochemical factors in addicted people. Methods: We enrolled fifty-six opium addicted people according to the especial criteria to this study. Biochemical blood parameter levels such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), urea, Creatinine (Cr), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes levels were measured and urine analysis was also performed before and 3 months after withdrawal. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 18 and a P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: our finding showed that opium withdrawal reduces FBS and increases AST but these changes were not significant. Nevertheless opium withdrawal significantly increased blood urea level (P < 0.0001). We didn’t find any significant difference in Cr, ALP, AST and Urea specific gravity (SG). Conclusion: According to the results of the current study we can concluded that opium increases FBS, which is in contrast to the most previous studies and withdrawal has opposite effects.

Event-related potentials in a Go/Nogo task of abnormal response inhibition in heroin addicts

Inhibitory control dysfunction is regarded as a core feature in addicts.The major objective of this study was to explore the time course of response inhibition in chronic heroin addicts and provide the neurophysiological evidence of their inhibitory control dysfunction.The amplitudes and latencies of ERP components were studied in fourteen heroin addicts(mean duration of heroin use being(13.54±5.71) years(Mean±SD),average abstinence being((4.67±6.44) months)) and fourteen matched healthy controls with a visual Go/Nogo task.Our results showed that heroin addicts demonstrated significantly larger Go-N2 amplitudes which results in a decreased N2 Go/Nogo effect,but no statistically significant differences were found between heroin addicts and controls in P3.The ERP data suggest that fronto-central areas of heroin addicts were impaired during the inhibition process(200-300 ms) and over-activated to targets.The impaired early process might reflect an abnormal conflict monitoring process in heroin addicts.These results consolidate the inhibitory control dysfunction hypothesis in chronic heroin users.

Microglia in drug addiction:A perspective from neuroimmunopharmacology

Drug addiction refers to a state of dependence that arises from habitual drug intake and can result in specific withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.The most commonly abused substances include psychostimulants,cannabinoids,and opioids.When drugs are consumed,they stimulate the release of dopamine,a neurotransmitter crucial for the pleasure and reward centers of the brain.With repeated drug use,the brain undergoes various changes,leading to tolerance,dependence,and addiction(Lüscher et al.,2020).The mechanisms involved in drug addiction are highly complex and involve diverse cell types within the brain.

Comparison of brain functions between healthy participants and methamphetamine users with various addiction histories:Data analysis based on EEG and fNIRS

The electroencephalogram(EEG)rhythm and functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)activation levels have not been compared between a healthy control group(HCG)and methamphetamine user group(MUG)with different addiction histories.This study used 64-electrode EEG and fNIRS to conduct an experiment that analyzed the resting and craving states.The EEG and fNIRS data of 56 participants were collected,including 14 healthy participants,14 methamphetamine users with an addiction history of 0.5–5 years,14 users with an addiction history of 5–10 years,and 14 users with an addiction history of 10–15 years.Isolated effective coherence(iCoh)within the brain network was used to process the EEG data.Statistical analysis was performed to compare differences in iCoh among the delta,theta,alpha,beta,and gamma bands and explore oxyhemoglobin activation levels in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex,dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,orbitofrontal cortex,and frontopolar prefrontal cortex(FPC)of the control group.Finally,the Kmeans,Gaussian mixed model(GMM),linear discriminant analysis(LDA),support vector machine(SVM),Bayes,and convolutional neural networks(CNN)algorithms were used to classify methamphetamine users based on drug and neutral images.A 3-class accuracy was achieved.Changes in EEG and fNIRS activation levels of HCG and MUG with varied addiction histories were demonstrated.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Reconsidering the role of depression and common psychiatric disorders as partners in the type 2 diabetes epidemic

Common psychiatric disorders(CPDs)and depression contribute significantly to the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes(T2D).We postulated a possible pathophysiological mechanism that through Bridge-Symptoms present in depression and CPDs,promotes the establishment of emotional eating,activation of the reward system,onset of overweight and obesity and,ultimately the increased risk of developing T2D.The plausibility of the proposed pathophysiological mechanism is supported by the mechanism of action of drugs such as naltrexonebupropion currently approved for the treatment of both obesity/overweight with T2D and as separate active pharmaceutical ingredients in drug addiction,but also from initial evidence that is emerging regarding glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists that appear to be effective in the treatment of drug addiction.We hope that our hypothesis may be useful in interpreting the higher prevalence of CPDs and depression in patients with T2D compared with the general population and may help refine the integrated psychiatric-diabetic therapy approach to improve the treatment and or remission of T2D.

Relationships among Sedentary Time,Electronic Product Addiction,and Depression in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Epidemic:A Cross-Lagged Study

Objective:This study was conducted to explore the relationships among sedentary behavior(SB),electronic product addiction(EPA),and depression(D)in adolescents during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A total of 604 adolescents(including 309 girls and 295 boys aged 12-18)were selected from Qufu City,Shandong Province,China for three rounds of investigation.The model was constructed using AMOS 23.0 software,and cross-lagged analysis was conducted.Results:SB at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and EPA at T2(p<0.05).EPA at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and D at T2(p<0.05).Physical activity level and SB at T2 can significantly predict SB and EPA at T3(p<0.05).EPA at T2 can significantly predict SB,EPA,and D at T3(p<0.05).Conclusions:SB and EPA are predictive factors for D.Moreover,SB can significantly positively predict D and indirectly predict D through the mediating effect of EPA.

Associations between Social Media Use and Sleep Quality in China:Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Media Addiction

Sleep quality is closely linked to people’s health,and during the COVID-19 pandemic,the sleep patterns of residents in China were notably poor.The lockdown in China led to an increase in social media use,prompting questions about its impact on sleep.Therefore,this study investigates the association between social media use and sleep quality among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak,highlighting the potential mediating role of social media addiction.Data were collected via questionnaires through a cross-sectional survey with 779 valid responses.Variance analysis was used to test for differences in social media use among different demographic variables.Bivariate correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between variables,while regression analysis investigated the correlations between various media factors and sleep quality.Additionally,Bootstrap sampling was utilized to analyze the potential mediating influence of social media addiction in the relationship between social media use and sleep.The study's findings reveal a significant correlation between social media use,particularly before bedtime,and sleep quality(p<0.01),with pre-sleep activity notably linked to poorer overall sleep scores(β=0.141,p=0.004).Although the daily use of social media did not directly impact most individuals’sleep quality,specific platforms like news apps,short video apps,dating apps,and content community platforms were associated with higher levels of social media addiction,subsequently negatively affecting sleep quality.Specifically,the use of news apps(B=0.068,95%CI[0.000,0.019]),short video apps(B=0.112,95%CI[0.001,0.031]),dating apps(B=0.147,95%CI[0.000,0.028]),and content community platforms(B=0.106,95%CI[0.001,0.028])was found to increase the risk of social media addiction,subsequently leading to adverse effects on sleep quality.The study underscores a notable link between social media use and sleep quality,suggesting that mindful social media habits,particularly before bedtime,and reducing addiction-associated apps could enhance sleep quality.

A Problem Not to Be Ignored: The Influencing Factors of Mobile Phone Addiction and Its Influence on Sleep Quality

Background and Objective: With the popularity and widespread use of mobile phones, the effects of mobile phone dependence and addiction on individuals’ physical and mental health have attracted more and more attention. The present study aims to analyze the current state of mobile phone addiction and its impact on sleep quality within the population, while also exploring the influence of related factors on sleep quality. Ultimately, this research will provide a scientific foundation for targeted intervention measures and strategies. Methods: A total of 253 permanent residents in Nanjing were randomly selected as study subjects. The Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate the degree of smartphone addiction and sleep quality of the study subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was measured according to standardized procedures. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, rank sum test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation between mobile phone addiction and sleep quality, and P Results: 117 people (46.2%) were addicted to mobile phones. Chi-square test showed that the rate of mobile phone addiction in drinking group was significantly higher than that in non-drinking group (P P P P P P P P P P Conclusion: Mobile phone addiction may lead to shorter sleep duration and reduce sleep efficiency. The withdrawal of mobile phone addiction may have a negative impact on sleep quality. According to the characteristics of the population, appropriate comprehensive intervention measures should be taken to build an effective evaluation system, so as to reduce the impact of mobile phone addiction and withdrawal problems on sleep and improve sleep quality.

The Role of Impulsivity and Addiction in Gambling Behaviors: How Applied Neuroscience Research Can Help in the Monitoring and Management of Mental Health Issues

One in five Americans experience symptoms associated with at least one mental health disorder every year. These include behavioral addictions, which have long been overlooked despite their similar neural bases with substance addictions. Gambling addiction, a type of behavioral addiction, deserves particular attention given the significant negative effects, this addiction has on financial and interpersonal health. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature concerning the behavioral and neural processes involved in gambling addiction, including: the anticipation of reward, the role of dopamine, and the neural substrates of the decision-making processes involved in gambling addiction. Market research has also identified solutions that integrate applied neuroscience and self-tracking systems to monitor and manage mental health issues associated with gambling addiction. The authors then propose a gambling treatment-focused mobile app solution that addresses outstanding issues with a special design aimed at reversing plasticity in order to relieve the effects of gambling addiction. .

Examining the Hypothesis of Common Factors Shared by Different Addictive Behaviors and Gender Effects on Propensity to Addiction Type

Background: From the two facts reported by previous research: 1) frequent co-occurrence of more than one addictive behavior, 2) childhood adversities identified as origins of different types of addictive behaviors, it is assumed that all types of addictive behaviors, regardless of substance, behavioral, or relationship, share common factors which have not yet been proven by epidemiological research. The Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ) was previously developed to assess 16 types of addictive behaviors. Its factor structure, however, has not been fully investigated. Confirming the factor structure will enable us to hypothesize the common factor(s) shared by all, or if not all, most types of addictive behaviors. Aims: This study aimed at 1) examining the factor structure of the SPQ, 2) confirming the reliability of the questionnaire, and 3) examining the impacts of gender and age on each addictive behavior. Methods: Data obtained from 232 Japanese adults who completed all items of the SPQ were used for the analyses. After confirming the one-factor structure model for each of the 16 subscales, the validity of the one-factor structure of the SPQ was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), by adapting 16 subscale scores as observed variables. If its validity was not confirmed, another model which showed better compatibility to the data was explored. The reliability of the SPQ as well as that of all 16 subscales was evaluated. Also, the impacts of gender and age on each subscale score were examined. Results: The one-factor structure for each of the 16 subscales was confirmed. The compatibility of the SPQ one-factor model was not acceptable. The best fit model was a bi-factor model in which one main factor was shared by all 16 subscales, and three factors were shared by some specific addictive behaviors. Male respondents were more likely than female respondents to show high scores in Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, Sex, and Recreational Drugs, and low scores only in Shopping. Respondents’ age did not impact any of the 16 subscale scores. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there are common factors shared by all different types, as well as selected types of addictive behaviors, by conducting CFAs of the SPQ. Reliability was proven for the SPQ and for all 16 subscales. Male respondents were more likely to show physically hedonic addictive behaviors.