Beer à No-Go: Learning to stop responding to alcohol cues reduces alcohol intake via reduced affective associations rather than increased response inhibition.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Houben K, Havermans RC, Nederkoorn C, Jansen A
Abstract
Aims Previous research showed that consistently not responding to alcohol-related stimuli in a Go/No-Go training reduces drinking behavior. This study aimed to further examine the mechanisms underlying this Go/No-Go training effect. Design, setting, and participants Fifty-seven heavy drinkers were randomly assigned to two training conditions: In the beer/no-go condition, alcohol-related stimuli were always paired with a stopping response, while in the beer/go condition, participants always responded to alcohol-related stimuli. Participants were individually tested in a laboratory at Maastricht University. Measurements Weekly alcohol intake, implicit attitudes toward beer, approach-avoidance action tendencies toward beer, and response inhibition were measured before and after the training. Findings Results showed a significant reduction in both implicit attitudes (p= .03) and alcohol intake (p= .02) in the beer/no-go condition, but not in the beer/go condition. There were no significant training effects on action tendencies or response inhibition. Conclusions Repeatedly stopping prepotent responses toward alcohol-related stimuli effectively reduces excessive alcohol use via a devaluation of alcohol-related stimuli rather than via increased inhibitory control over alcohol-related responses.
PMID: 22296168 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Assessment of Exposure to Drugs of Abuse During Pregnancy by Hair Analysis in a Mediterranean Island.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Friguls B, Joya X, Garcia J, Gómez-Culebras M, Pichini S, Martinez S, Vall O, Garcia-Algar O
Abstract
Aims: The study aims to estimate the prevalence of drug use by pregnant women living in Ibiza, using structured interviews and biomarkers in maternal hair In addition, the potential detrimental effects of maternal drug abuse on their newborns were investigated. Ibiza has a large international night-life resort associated with clubs, music and use of recreational drugs. Design, setting and participants: Hair samples were prospectively collected from January to March 2010 from a cohort of consecutive mothers after giving birth in the Hospital Can Misses in Ibiza. Measurements: Opiates, cocaine, cannabis, methadone, amphetamines, MDMA and their metabolites were detected in a 3cm. long proximal segment of maternal hair corresponding to last trimester of pregnancy by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (N = 107). Data on sociodemographic characteristics and on tobacco, alcohol, drugs of prescription and drugs of abuse consumption during pregnancy were collected using a structured questionnaire. Findings: Hair analysis showed an overall 16% positivity for drugs of abuse in the third trimester of pregnancy, with a specific prevalence of cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and opiates use of 10.3%, 6.4%, 0.9% and 0%, respectively. In the questionnaires, only 1.9% of mothers declared using drugs of abuse during pregnancy. Gestational drug of abuse consumption was associated with active tobacco smoking, a higher number of smoked cigarettes and the mother being Spanish. Conclusions: Illicit drug use is substantially under-reported among pregnant women living in Ibiza, particularly among Spanish nationals. Voluntary, routine objective biological toxicology screening should be considered as part of routine examinations in antenatal clinics on this Mediterranean Island.
PMID: 22296208 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Prevalence And Correlates Of Alcohol Use Disorders In The Singapore Mental Health Survey.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Mythily S, Abdin E, Vaingankar J, Phua AM, Tee J, Chong SA
Abstract
Aims: To establish the prevalence, correlates, comorbidity, and treatment gap of alcohol use disorders in the Singapore resident population. Design: The Singapore Mental Health Study is a cross-sectional epidemiological survey. Setting: A nationally representative survey of the resident (citizens and permanent residents) population in Singapore. Participants: 6616 Singaporean adults aged 18 years and older. Measurements: The diagnoses were established using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) diagnostic modules for lifetime and 12-month prevalence of select mental illnesses including alcohol use disorders. Results: The lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence was 3.1% and 0.5%, while the 12-month prevalence of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence was 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of alcohol use disorders was 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Those with alcohol use disorder had significantly higher odds of having major depressive disorder (OR 3.1) and nicotine dependence (OR 4.5). Compared to the rest of the population, those with an alcohol use disorder had significantly higher odds of having gastric ulcers (OR 3.0), respiratory conditions OR (2.1) and chronic pain (OR 2.1). Only 1 in 5 of those with alcohol use disorder had ever sought treatment. Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders is relatively low in the Singapore adult population. Comorbidity with mental and physical disorders is significant emphasizing the need to screen persons with alcohol use disorders for these comorbidities.
PMID: 22296228 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Healthcare service utilization in substance abusers receiving contingency management and standard care treatments.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Olmstead TA, Cohen JP, Petry NM
Abstract
Aims: To determine the impact of standard care and contingency management treatments on the utilization of general healthcare services by substance abusers. Participants, Design and Measurements: This secondary analysis pooled 1,028 treatment-seeking substance abusers from five randomized clinical trials that compared the effects of standard care (SC, n = 362) to standard care plus contingency management (CM, n = 666). In each trial, subjects in the CM condition showed significantly greater reductions in substance use than their SC counterparts. For each subject, utilization of 15 general healthcare services was measured one year prior to treatment intake and up to nine months following treatment intake. Post-intake utilization data were prorated to be comparable to the one-year pre-intake data. Paired t-tests evaluated changes in service utilization pre- and post-intake, and difference-in-differences regression models were used to estimate the impact of CM, compared to SC, on changes in the utilization of each of the 15 health services. Setting: Outpatient community substance abuse clinics in Connecticut and Massachusetts, USA. Findings: Utilization of several types of outpatient services significantly increased between the pre-intake and post-intake periods (e.g., dental visits (+0.47, P < 0.001), community health center visits (+0.50, P < 0.001), visits to a mental health professional office (+1.03, P = 0.001)), while inpatient hospital care for mental health problems decreased significantly (-3.50 nights, P < 0.001). A substantial portion of these changes occurred during the treatment period. No significant differences were found between the two treatment conditions. Conclusions: Initiating outpatient substance abuse treatment is associated with changes in general healthcare service utilization, independent of the type of treatment offered.
PMID: 22296262 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Preferences for Evidence-Based Practice Dissemination in Addiction Agencies Serving Women: A Discrete-Choice Conjoint Experiment.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Cunningham CE, Henderson J, Niccols A, Dobbins M, Sword W, Chen Y, Mielko S, Milligan K, Lipman E, Thabane L, Schmidt L
Abstract
Aims: To model variables influencing the dissemination of evidence-based practices to addiction service providers and administrators. Design: A discrete-choice conjoint experiment. We systematically varied combinations of 16 dissemination variables that might influence the adoption of evidence-based practices. Participants chose between sets of variables. Setting: Canadian agencies (n = 333) providing addiction services to women. Participants: Service providers and administrators (n = 1379). Measurements: We estimated the relative importance and optimal level of each dissemination variable. We used Latent Class analysis to identify subsets of participants with different preferences and simulated the conditions under which participants would use more demanding professional development options. Findings: Three subsets of participants were identified: Outcome Sensitive (52%), Process Sensitive (30%), and Demand Sensitive (18%). Across all participants, the number of clients who were expected to benefit from an evidence-based practice exerted the most influence on dissemination choices. If a practice was seen as feasible, co-worker and administrative support influenced decisions. Client benefits were most important to Outcome Sensitive participants; type of dissemination process (e.g., active versus passive learning) was more important to Process Sensitive participants. Brief options with little follow-up were preferred by Demand Sensitive participants. Simulations predicted that initiatives selected and endorsed by government funders would reduce participation.. Conclusions: Clinicians and administrators are more like to adopt evidence-based addiction practices if the practice is seen as helpful to clients, and if it is supported by co-workers and program administration.
PMID: 22296280 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
The Co-occurring Use and Misuse of Cannabis and Tobacco: A Review.
Addiction. 2012 Feb 2;
Authors: Agrawal A, Budney AJ, Lynskey MT
Abstract
Aims: Cannabis and tobacco use and misuse frequently co-occur. This review examines the epidemiological evidence supporting the lifetime co-occurrence of cannabis and tobacco use and outlines the mechanisms that link these drugs to each other. Mechanisms include (a) shared genetic factors; (b) shared environmental influences, including (c) route of administration (via smoking), (d) co-administration and (e) models of co-use. We also discuss respiratory harms associated with co-use of cannabis and tobacco, overlapping withdrawal syndromes and outline treatment implications for co-occurring use. Methods: Selective review of published studies. Results: Both cannabis and tobacco use and misuse are influenced by genetic factors and a proportion of these genetic factors influence both cannabis and tobacco use and misuse. Environmental factors such as availability play an important role, with economic models suggesting a complementary relationship where increases in price of one drug decrease the use of the other. Route of administration and smoking cues may contribute to their sustained use. Similar withdrawal syndromes, with many symptoms in common, may have important treatment implications. Emerging evidence suggests that dual abstinence may predict better cessation outcomes, yet empirically researched treatments tailored for co-occurring use are lacking. Conclusion: There is accumulating evidence that some mechanisms linking cannabis and tobacco use are distinct from those contributing to co-occurring use of drugs in general. There is an urgent need for research to identify the underlying mechanisms and harness their potential etiological implications to tailor treatment options for this serious public health challenge.
PMID: 22300456 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Working Memory Benefits Creative Insight, Musical Improvisation, and Original Ideation Through Maintained Task-Focused Attention.
Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2012 Feb 2;
Authors: De Dreu CK, Nijstad BA, Baas M, Wolsink I, Roskes M
Abstract
Anecdotes from creative eminences suggest that executive control plays an important role in creativity, but scientific evidence is sparse. Invoking the Dual Pathway to Creativity Model, the authors hypothesize that working memory capacity (WMC) relates to creative performance because it enables persistent, focused, and systematic combining of elements and possibilities (persistence). Study 1 indeed showed that under cognitive load, participants performed worse on a creative insight task. Study 2 revealed positive associations between time-on-task and creativity among individuals high but not low in WMC, even after controlling for general intelligence. Study 3 revealed that across trials, semiprofessional cellists performed increasingly more creative improvisations when they had high rather than low WMC. Study 4 showed that WMC predicts original ideation because it allows persistent (rather than flexible) processing. The authors conclude that WMC benefits creativity because it enables the individual to maintain attention focused on the task and prevents undesirable mind wandering.
PMID: 22301457 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Modulation of Forebrain GABAergic Transmission has a Pivotal Role in the Expression of Anabolic Steroid-Induced Anxiety in the Female Mouse.
Neuropsychopharmacology. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Oberlander JG, Henderson LP
Abstract
Increased anxiety is commonly observed in individuals who illicitly administer anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Behavioral effects of steroid abuse have become an increasing concern in adults and adolescents of both sexes. The dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBnST) has a critical role in the expression of diffuse anxiety and is a key site of action for the anxiogenic neuromodulator, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Here we demonstrate that chronic, but not acute, exposure of female mice during adolescence to AAS augments anxiety-like behaviors; effects that were blocked by central infusion of the CRF receptor type 1 antagonist, antalarmin. AAS treatment selectively increased action potential (AP) firing in neurons of the central amygdala (CeA) that project to the dlBnST, increased the frequency of GABA(A) receptor-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in dlBnST target neurons, and decreased both c-FOS immunoreactivity (IR) and AP frequency in these postsynaptic cells. Acute application of antalarmin abrogated the enhancement of GABAergic inhibition induced by chronic AAS exposure whereas application of CRF to brain slices of naïve mice mimicked the actions of this treatment. These results, in concert with previous data demonstrating that chronic AAS treatment results in enhanced levels of CRF mRNA in the CeA and increased CRF-IR in the dlBnST neuropil, are consistent with a mechanism in which the enhanced anxiety elicited by chronic AAS exposure involves augmented inhibitory activity of CeA afferents to the dlBnST and CRF-dependent enhancement of GABAergic inhibition in this brain region.Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication, 1 February 2012; doi:10.1038/npp.2011.334.
PMID: 22298120 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Course of Improvement in Depressive Symptoms to a Single Intravenous Infusion of Ketamine vs Add-on Riluzole: Results from a 4-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Neuropsychopharmacology. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Ibrahim L, Diazgranados N, Franco-Chaves J, Brutsche N, Henter ID, Kronstein P, Moaddel R, Wainer I, Luckenbaugh DA, Manji HK, Zarate CA
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine has rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD); these effects have been reported to last for 1 week in some patients. However, the extent and duration of this antidepressant effect over longer periods has not been well characterized under controlled conditions. Riluzole, a glutamatergic modulator with antidepressant and synaptic plasticity-enhancing effects, could conceivably be used to promote the antidepressant effects of ketamine. This study sought to determine the extent and time course of antidepressant improvement to a single-ketamine infusion over 4 weeks, comparing the addition of riluzole vs placebo after the infusion. Forty-two subjects (18-65) with TRD and a Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of 22 received a single intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg). Four to six hours post-infusion, subjects were randomized to double-blind treatment with either riluzole (100-200 mg/day; n=21) or placebo (n=21) for 4 weeks. Depressive symptoms were rated daily. A significant improvement (P<0.001) in MADRS scores from baseline was found. The effect size of improvement with ketamine was initially large and remained moderate throughout the 28-day trial. Overall, 27% of ketamine responders had not relapsed by 4 weeks following a single ketamine infusion. The average time to relapse was 13.2 days (SE=2.2). However, the difference between the riluzole and placebo treatment groups was not significant, suggesting that the combination of riluzole with ketamine treatment did not significantly alter the course of antidepressant response to ketamine alone.Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication, 1 February 2012; doi:10.1038/npp.2011.338.
PMID: 22298121 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Prevention of Stress-Impaired Fear Extinction Through Neuropeptide S Action in the Lateral Amygdala.
Neuropsychopharmacology. 2012 Feb 1;
Authors: Chauveau F, Lange MD, Jüngling K, Lesting J, Seidenbecher T, Pape HC
Abstract
Stressful and traumatic events can create aversive memories, which are a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders. The amygdala is critical for transforming such stressful events into anxiety, and the recently discovered neuropeptide S transmitter system represents a promising candidate apt to control these interactions. Here we test the hypothesis that neuropeptide S can regulate stress-induced hyperexcitability in the amygdala, and thereby can interact with stress-induced alterations of fear memory. Mice underwent acute immobilization stress (IS), and neuropeptide S and a receptor antagonist were locally injected into the lateral amygdala (LA) during stress exposure. Ten days later, anxiety-like behavior, fear acquisition, fear memory retrieval, and extinction were tested. Furthermore, patch-clamp recordings were performed in amygdala slices prepared ex vivo to identify synaptic substrates of stress-induced alterations in fear responsiveness. (1) IS increased anxiety-like behavior, and enhanced conditioned fear responses during extinction 10 days after stress, (2) neuropeptide S in the amygdala prevented, while an antagonist aggravated, these stress-induced changes of aversive behaviors, (3) excitatory synaptic activity in LA projection neurons was increased on fear conditioning and returned to pre-conditioning values on fear extinction, and (4) stress resulted in sustained high levels of excitatory synaptic activity during fear extinction, whereas neuropeptide S supported the return of synaptic activity during fear extinction to levels typical of non-stressed animals. Together these results suggest that the neuropeptide S system is capable of interfering with mechanisms in the amygdala that transform stressful events into anxiety and impaired fear extinction.Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication, 1 February 2012; doi:10.1038/npp.2012.3.
PMID: 22298122 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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