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Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (24 March 2023) | Viewed by 42155

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eric R. Braverman

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Guest Editor

Integrative Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Interests: addiction and substance abuse; neurology; aging and cognitive decline; nutrition; total health and new models of health care

Prof. Dr. Kenneth Blum

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Guest Editor

1. Division of Nutrigenomics, SpliceGen, Therapeutics, Inc., Austin, TX 78701, USA
2. Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
3. Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, & Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
4. Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
5. Division of Personalized Pain Therapy Research & Education, Center for Advanced Spine Care of Southern Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
6. The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, LLC., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Interests: addiction research; personalized medicine; genetic factors influencing addiction and behavioral disorders employing nutrigenomics and epigenetics; addiction recovery; pain therapy; mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. J. L. Cadet

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Assistant Guest Editor

Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20810, USA
Interests: psychostimulant addiction and toxicity; molecular neuropsychiatry

Dr. David Baron

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Assistant Guest Editor

Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Psychiatry, Medicine & Primary Care, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Interests: ADHD; concussion in sports; global mental health literacy; neuroimaging of concussion; depression education community health; role of mental health in primary carebal mental health literacy; role of mental health in primary care

Dr. Mark S. Gold

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Assistant Guest Editor

Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Interests: translational addiction neuroscience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

An ongoing controversy concerning addiction relates to the concept of abuse being either a moral choice (free will) initially to use in the absence of genetic antecedents (determinism) or that the opposite is true. Drug abuse, a major public health pandemic escalating amongst COVID strains, might be more likely because of a pre-existing propensity or vulnerability. However, these psychoactive drugs and possibly even unwanted addictive behaviors may also be the causative agent inducing a vulnerability. Thus, proponents of controlled drinking after the development of an alcohol use disorder would have to agree that, at least based on epigenetic insults induced by various drugs of abuse, there is an impact on normal reward processing, causing a disruption in neurotransmitter brain circuitry function. The public health field needs to be properly informed on a molecular and clinical scientific basis. Currently, there are a number of professionals that seem to believe that drug and aberrant behavioral addiction seeking is not grounded in behavioral and neurogenetic correlations. Naturally, these same proponents do not generally call for controlled methamphetamine use as it is clear that binges and other use can be neurotoxic.

Our proposed Special Issue will help provide important answers to the co-morbidity issue in psychiatry. These known insults to the brain cause changes that make abstinence less likely and ultimately lead to the escalation and requirement to increase drug usage in the face of tolerance and withdrawal symptomatology. The neuroscience, psychiatry, and neurology community agree that epigenetic insults residing in the environment either positively (deacetylation) or negatively (methylation) induce an unwanted state, affecting gene expression (up or down) due to mRNA transcription errors targeted to specific reward genes. The field needs a change in thinking and renovation of appropriate understanding of “dopamine homeostasis”, treating the cause not the symptoms. There is emerging evidence related to locus-specific neuro-epigenetic editing, which is a promising method for determining the causal epigenetic molecular mechanisms that drive an addicted state. Understanding this important reasoning will increase the field’s ability to establish the precise epigenetic mechanisms underlying drug addiction, and thus could lead to novel treatments and prophylaxis for addictive disorders. We have invited the cream of the crop in our proposal and successful execution will provide the entire environmental public health field with a treasure.

Dr. Eric R. Braverman
Prof. Dr. Kenneth Blum
Prof. Dr. J. L. Cadet
Dr. David Baron
Dr. Mark S. Gold
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Determinants of Loneliness in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic—Cross-Sectional Study

by Matylda Sierakowska and Halina Doroszkiewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911935 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1666

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and social behavior of people around the world. Due to epidemiological restrictions, the period of forced isolation contributed to the feeling of loneliness. The aim of the research is to identify factors and conditions associated to the feeling of loneliness in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The survey was conducted among 262 people from the north-eastern Polish area, using an online survey. The diagnostic survey method was used, using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Measurement Scale, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the WHOQoL-Bref questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant relationship was observed between the feeling of loneliness and areas of quality of life, especially psychological and social, generalized self-efficacy and marital status and way of living (p < 0.05). Higher levels of stress, social distancing, restrictions at work, health status were significantly correlated with an increase in loneliness. Remote work was associated with a lower assessment of the quality of life in the psychological field (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher levels of loneliness were significantly more likely to affect people living alone and not in a relationship. Higher levels of loneliness were significantly associated with lower quality of life in the social and psychological domains, lower levels of self-efficacy, and remote work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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14 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Are Some Male Alcohol Misuse Disorder Patients High Utilisers of Emergency Health Services? An Asian Qualitative Study

by Pamela Goh, Lina Amirah Binte Md Amir Ali, Donovan Ou Yong, Gabriel Ong, Jane Quek, Halitha Banu, Jun Tian Wu, Charles Chia Meng Mak and Desmond Renhao Mao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710795 - 30 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Background: Certain alcohol misuse patients heavily utilise the Emergency Department (ED) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and may present with intoxication or long-term sequelae of alcohol misuse. Our study explored reasons for repeated ED/EMS utilisation and sought to understand perpetuating and protective factors for drinking. Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Participants were recruited from an ED in Singapore. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent manual thematic analysis. Emergent themes were independently reviewed for agreement. Data from medical records, interview transcripts, and field notes were triangulated for analysis. Results: All participants were male (n = 20) with an average age of 55.6 years (SD = 8.86). Most were unemployed (75%), did not have tertiary education (75%), were divorced (55%), and had pre-existing psychiatric conditions (60%) and chronic cardiovascular conditions (75%). Reasons for utilisation included a perceived need due to symptoms, although sometimes it was bystanders who called the ambulance. ED/EMS was preferred due to the perceived higher quality and speed of care. Persistent drinking was attributed to social and environmental factors, and as a coping mechanism for stressors. Rehabilitation programs and meaningful activities reduced drinking tendencies. Conclusion: ED/EMS provide sought-after services for alcohol misuse patients, resulting in high utilisation. Social and medical intervention could improve drinking behaviours and decrease overall ED/EMS utilisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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13 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Perceptions of Domestic Violence by a Family Member Who Uses Crack or Cocaine: A Secondary Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

by Gilmar Manoel de Barros, Alessandra Diehl, Adaene Alves Machado de Moura, Adriana Inocenti Miasso, Ronaldo Laranjeira, Cláudio Jerônimo da Silva, Sandra Cristina Pillon, Christopher Wagstaff and Ana Lucia de Moraes Horta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106325 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2346

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between crack/cocaine use and domestic violence perpetration from the perspective of substance users’ families. A secondary retrospective cross-sectional study, with 3162 family members of crack/cocaine users seeking treatment in the Recomeço Família Programme in São Paulo/Brazil was undertaken. Family members of crack/cocaine users reported that their relatives were more involved in domestic violence such as stealing (money and objects) at home [Odds Ratio Adjusted ORA = 2.17 (CI 95% 1.87; 2.53)], the family gave money to the user to buy drugs [ORA = 1.27 (1.08; 1.48)], and having problems with the judiciary [ORA = 1.48 (CI 95% 1.28; 1.71)]. Relatives of snorted cocaine users reported that there was physical and interpersonal violence, such as fathers being assaulted [ORA = 2.50 (CI 95% 1.08; 5.82)], assaulted someone else [ORA = 1.86 (CI 95% 1.32; 2.60)], threats of violence fights, arguments when the family talk about problematic drug use [ORA = 1.50 (CI 95% 1.13; 1.96)] and threatened some family members [ORA = 1.52 (CI 95% 1.14; 2.04)]. In this sample, there was a connection between crack/cocaine use and the perpetuation of domestic violence, corroborating with important implications for public policies, substance use treatment and prevention of domestic violence interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

16 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of the Opioid Crisis on Agricultural Industries

by Heidi Liss Radunovich, Terasa Younker, Jillian M. Rung and Meredith S. Berry

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095343 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2168

Abstract

Opioid use remains a significant public health crisis. However, few quantitative or qualitative data exist on the prevalence of opioid use and associated mental health conditions in agricultural industries and how it affects the industries themselves. Data on opioid use and associated consequences were collected among agricultural business owners and workers using both quantitative (n = 129) and qualitative assessment (n = 7). The prevalence of opioid use, pain, stress, and depressive symptoms as well as associated hazards were characterized among individuals who work in horticulture (nursery and landscape) and those who work in food production (livestock and crops). Qualitative interviews were also conducted to better understand individual experiences with opioid use. Opioid use was significantly higher among horticultural industries compared to food production. Pain and depressive scores were higher among those who had used opioids although stress did not differ. Importantly, substantial percentages of participants who reported opioid use also reported consequences associated with their use, including missing work, being injured at work while using, and having difficulty in completing daily tasks. These results provide initial evidence that opioid use is substantially affecting agricultural industries in terms of mental health, personal health, labor availability, and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

10 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphones, the Epidemic of the 21st Century: A Possible Source of Addictions and Neuropsychiatric Consequences

by Klaudia Adamczewska-Chmiel, Katarzyna Dudzic, Tomasz Chmiela and Agnieszka Gorzkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095152 - 23 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2765

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Phonoholism is the excessive and harmful use of a smartphone. We are now observing this phenomenon among adults more often. Using a smartphone for several hours may lead to somatic and psychological symptoms, such as headaches and depression. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of phonoholism and to assess the association between smartphone overuse and neuropsychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods: A total of 368 people (70.1% were woman), aged between 19 and 82 years (average age 26.1), took part in an anonymous questionnaire consisting of the following elements: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-9), and original questions regarding headaches and sleep quality, along with a subjective assessment of the use of smartphones and an objective evaluation based on data from the applications “Stay Free” and “Screen Time”. Results: A total of 61 respondents (16.6%) obtained a score on the MPPUS-9 scale, which revealed their problematic use of mobile devices. Patients with phonoholism had significantly more headaches (85% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.027). Subjects with phonoholism had significantly shorter mean sleep duration (7.14 h vs. 7.42 h, p = 0.0475) and were less likely to feel sleepy during the day (43.33% vs. 59.73%, p = 0.0271). The group with phonoholism had significantly higher scores on the HADS-A anxiety scale (8.29 vs. 10.9, p = 0.015), but a statistical significance was not confirmed for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The excessive use of the telephone negatively affects both somatic and mental health and can pose a significant clinical problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

10 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Illegal Drug Use and Risk of Hearing Loss in the United States: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

by Po-Ting Lin, I-Hsun Li, Hui-Wen Yang, Kuan-Wei Chiang, Chih-Hung Wang and Li-Ting Kao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211945 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3158

Abstract

The use of illegal drugs may be a risk factor of hearing loss. However, very few studies with large sample size have investigated the relationship between illegal drug use and hearing loss. Therefore, to evaluate the association between illegal drug use and hearing loss, this cross-sectional population-based study collected data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011. The study included 1772 participants aged 20 to 59 years who underwent the Drug Use Questionnaire and Audiometry Examination. Of the 1772 participants in this study, 865 were men (48.8%) and 497 were illegal drug users. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 40.0 (11.4) years. After considering age, sex, and comorbidities, the participants who used illegal drugs were found to have higher risks of high-frequency hearing loss (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35–2.10) and overall hearing loss (adjusted OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.36–2.12) as compared with the nonusers. In the second analysis, the participants who used ≥ 2 types of illegal drugs were associated with higher risks of high-frequency hearing loss (adjusted OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.06–2.32) and overall hearing loss (adjusted OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08–2.37). In the third analysis, cocaine use was associated with increased risks of high-frequency hearing loss (adjusted OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.77) and overall hearing loss (adjusted OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04–1.82). The adjusted OR for overall hearing loss in the methamphetamine users was 1.54 (95% CI, 1.05–2.27) as compared with that in the nonusers. This study shows that illegal drug users might have a higher risk of overall hearing loss than nonusers. In addition, the analysis results demonstrated that the more kinds of illegal drugs used, the higher the risk of hearing loss. Further experimental and longitudinal research studies are required to confirm the causal relationship between illegal drug use and hearing loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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31 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): A Cytoarchitectural Common Neurobiological Trait of All Addictions

by Kenneth Blum, Abdalla Bowirrat, Eric R. Braverman, David Baron, Jean Lud Cadet, Shan Kazmi, Igor Elman, Panyotis K. Thanos, Rajendra D. Badgaiyan, William B. Downs, Debasis Bagchi, Luis Llanos-Gomez and Mark S. Gold

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111529 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4724

Abstract

Alcohol and other substance use disorders share comorbidity with other RDS disorders, i.e., a reduction in dopamine signaling within the reward pathway. RDS is a term that connects addictive, obsessive, compulsive, and impulsive behavioral disorders. An estimated 2 million individuals in the United States have opioid use disorder related to prescription opioids. It is estimated that the overall cost of the illegal and legally prescribed opioid crisis exceeds one trillion dollars. Opioid Replacement Therapy is the most common treatment for addictions and other RDS disorders. Even after repeated relapses, patients are repeatedly prescribed the same opioid replacement treatments. A recent JAMA report indicates that non-opioid treatments fare better than chronic opioid treatments. Research demonstrates that over 50 percent of all suicides are related to alcohol or other drug use. In addition to effective fellowship programs and spirituality acceptance, nutrigenomic therapies (e.g., KB220Z) optimize gene expression, rebalance neurotransmitters, and restore neurotransmitter functional connectivity. KB220Z was shown to increase functional connectivity across specific brain regions involved in dopaminergic function. KB220/Z significantly reduces RDS behavioral disorders and relapse in human DUI offenders. Taking a Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test combined with a the KB220Z semi-customized nutrigenomic supplement effectively restores dopamine homeostasis (WC 199). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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18 pages, 3930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hypothesizing Nutrigenomic-Based Precision Anti-Obesity Treatment and Prophylaxis: Should We Be Targeting Sarcopenia Induced Brain Dysfunction?

by Kenneth Blum, Mark S. Gold, Luis Llanos-Gomez, Rehan Jalali, Panayotis K. Thanos, Abdalla Bowirrat, William B. Downs, Debasis Bagchi, Eric R. Braverman, David Baron, Alphonso Kenison Roy III and Rajendra D. Badgaiyan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189774 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4344

Abstract

Background: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates a total obesity rate of 30% for 12 states and a 20% obesity rate nationwide. The obesity epidemic continues to increase in spite of preventative measures undertaken worldwide. Pharmacological treatments promise to reduce total fat mass. However, medications may have significant side effects and can be potentially fatal. Data Retrieval: This brief review, based on a PUBMED search of the key terms “Obesity” and” Sarcopenia,” will present evidence to corroborate the existence of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) in obesity and the involvement of catecholaminergic pathways in substance seeking behavior, particularly as it relates to carbohydrates cravings. Expert Opinion: The genetic basis and future genetic testing of children for risk of aberrant generalized craving behavior are considered a prevention method. Here we present evidence supporting the use of precursor amino acid therapy and modulation of enkephalinase, MOA, and COMT inhibition in key brain regions. Such treatments manifest in improved levels of dopamine/norepinephrine, GABA, serotonin, and enkephalins. We also present evidence substantiating insulin sensitivity enhancement via Chromium salts, which affect dopamine neuronal synthesis regulation. We believe our unique combination of natural ingredients will influence many pathways leading to the promotion of well-being and normal healthy metabolic functioning. Sarcopenia has been shown to reduce angiogenesis and possible cerebral blood flow. Exercise seems to provide a significant benefit to overcome this obesity-promoting loss of muscle density. Conclusion: Utilization of proposed nutrigenomic formulae based on coupling genetic obesity risk testing promotes generalized anti-craving of carbohydrates and can inhibit carbohydrate bingeing, inducing significant healthy fat loss and relapse prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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28 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) on Obesity at Different Stages of Life: A Literature Review

by Nathan Fearby, Samantha Penman and Panayotis Thanos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063174 - 8 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4697

Abstract

The Cannabis sativa plant has historically been used for both recreational and medical purposes. With the recent surge in recreational use of cannabis among adolescents and adults in particular, there is an increased obligation to determine the short- and long-term effects that consuming this plant may have on several aspects of the human psyche and body. The goal of this article was to examine the negative effects of obesity, and how the use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) can impact rates of this global pandemic at different timepoints of life. Conflicting studies have been reported between adult and adolescents, as there are reports of THC use leading to increased weight due to elevated appetite and consumption of food, while others observed a decrease in overall body weight due to the regulation of omega-6/omega-3 endocannabinoid precursors and a decrease in energy expenditure. Studies supported a positive correlation between prenatal cannabis use and obesity rates in the children as they matured. The data did not indicate a direct connection between prenatal THC levels in cannabis and obesity rates, but that this development may occur due to prenatal THC consumption leading to low birthweight, and subsequent obesity. There are few studies using animal models that directly measure the effects that prenatal THC administration on obesity risks among offspring. Thus, this is a critical area for future studies using a developmental framework to examine potential changes in risk across development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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14 pages, 388 KiB

Open AccessReview

Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences

by Marek A. Motyka and Ahmed Al-Imam

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116000 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7715

Abstract

Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

Other

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8 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Religiosity, Mental Health and Substance Use among Black and Hispanic Adults during the First Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City

by Connie Svob, Susan X. Lin, Keely Cheslack-Postava, Michaeline Bresnahan, Renee D. Goodwin, Norbert Skokauskas, George J. Musa, Sidney H. Hankerson, Diane R. Dreher, Megan Ryan, Yi-Ju Hsu, Anna-Lena Jonsson-Cohen and Christina W. Hoven

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095632 - 25 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1620

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between personal religiosity, mental health, and substance use outcomes among Black and Hispanic adults during the first six months of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City (NYC). Phone interviews were conducted with 441 adults to obtain information on all variables. Participants self-reported race/ethnicity as Black/African American (n = 108) or Hispanic (n = 333). Logistic regression were used to examine associations between religiosity, mental health, and substance use. There was a significant inverse association of religiosity and substance use. Religious people had a lower prevalence of drinking alcohol (49.0%) compared to non-religious people (67.1%). Religious people also had substantially lower prevalence of cannabis or other drug use (9.1%) in comparison to non-religious people (31%). After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and household income, the association of religiosity with alcohol use and with cannabis/other drug use remained statistically significant. Despite restricted access to in-person religious activities and congregational supports, the findings suggest that religiosity itself may be helpful from a public health perspective, independent of serving as a conduit for other social services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

12 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Hypothesizing in the Face of the Opioid Crisis Coupling Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) Testing with Electrotherapeutic Nonopioid Modalities Such as H-Wave Could Attenuate Both Pain and Hedonic Addictive Behaviors

by Ashim Gupta, Abdalla Bowirrat, Luis Llanos Gomez, David Baron, Igor Elman, John Giordano, Rehan Jalali, Rajendra D. Badgaiyan, Edward J. Modestino, Mark S. Gold, Eric R. Braverman, Anish Bajaj and Kenneth Blum

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010552 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2905

Abstract

In the United States, amid the opioid overdose epidemic, nonaddicting/nonpharmacological proven strategies are available to treat pain and manage chronic pain effectively without opioids. Evidence supporting the long-term use of opioids for pain is lacking, as is the will to alter the drug-embracing culture in American chronic pain management. Some pain clinicians seem to prefer classical analgesic agents that promote unwanted tolerance to analgesics and subsequent biological induction of the “addictive brain”. Reward genes play a vital part in modulation of nociception and adaptations in the dopaminergic circuitry. They may affect various sensory and affective components of the chronic pain syndromes. The Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test coupled with the H-Wave at entry in pain clinics could attenuate pain and help prevent addiction. The GARS test results identify high-risk for both drug and alcohol, and H-Wave can be initiated to treat pain instead of opioids. The utilization of H-Wave to aid in pain reduction and mitigation of hedonic addictive behaviors is recommended, notwithstanding required randomized control studies. This frontline approach would reduce the possibility of long-term neurobiological deficits and fatalities associated with potent opioid analgesics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addiction: A Public Health Global Pandemic)

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