Modelling alcohol consumption in rodents using two-bottle choice home cage drinking and optional lickometry-based microstructural analysis.

Two-bottle choice home cage drinking is one of the most widely used paradigms to study ethanol consumption in rodents. In its simplest form, animals are provided with access to two drinking bottles, one of which contains regular tap water and the other ethanol, for 24 hr/day with daily intake measured via change in bottle weight over the 24 hr period. Consequently, this approach requires no specialized laboratory equipment. While such ease of implementation is likely the greatest contributor to its widespread adoption by preclinical alcohol researchers, the resolution of drinking data acquired using this approach is limited by the number of times the researcher measures bottle weight (e.g., once daily). However, the desire to examine drinking patterns in the context of overall intake, pharmacological interventions, and neuronal manipulations has prompted the development of home cage lickometer systems that can acquire data at the level of individual licks. Although a number of these systems have been developed recently, the open-source system, LIQ HD, has garnered significant attention in the field for its affordability and user friendliness. Although exciting, this system was designed for use in mice. Here, we review appropriate procedures for standard and lickometer-equipped two-bottle choice home cage drinking. We also introduce methods for adapting the LIQ HD system to rats including hardware modifications to accommodate larger cage size and a redesigned 3D printed bottle holder compatible with standard off-the-shelf drinking bottles. Using this approach, researchers can examine daily drinking patterns in addition to levels of intake in many rats in parallel thereby increasing the resolution of acquired data with minimal investment in additional resources. These methods provide researchers with the flexibility to use either standard bottles or a lickometer-equipped apparatus to interrogate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol drinking depending on their precise experimental needs.

The digital health dilemma: Exploring cyberchondria, well-being, and smartphone addiction in medical and non-medical undergraduates.

Background: The Internet is a popular source of health information, but too much research can cause anxiety (cyberchondria). Medical and non-medical personnel interpret information differently, leading to varying rates of cyberchondria. Smartphone addiction may also contribute to cyberchondria and impact mental health. Methods: The study was an epidemiological survey-based investigation with a cross-sectional design involving undergraduate students (aged 18 years or older) from Indian universities or colleges. The study utilized the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form (CSS-12), WHO-5 well-being index, and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Results: A total of 1033 participants (53.1% females and 46.4% males) were recruited in the survey. Of the participants, 58.5% were pursuing medical or paramedical courses, while the remaining 41.5% belonged to the non-medical group. High-severity cyberchondria was present in about 4.4% of the students. The medical cohort demonstrated a significantly lower cumulative CSS in comparison to the non-medical cohort (t = - 3.90; P < 0.01). Smartphone addiction was observed in 57.2% of individuals in the medical group and 55.9% of individuals in the non-medical group (P = 0.68). Medical students had a significantly lower mean well-being score compared to non-medical students (58.4 vs. 59.6; P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between cyberchondria severity and smartphone addiction, which was consistent across both groups. Conclusion: Medical students have less cyberchondria than non-medical students. Cyberchondria severity is linked to smartphone addiction. Non-medical students with cyberchondria have higher subjective well-being.

Exploring help-seeking pathways and disparities in substance use disorder care in India: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity in the population. In low- and medium-income countries like India, there is a wide treatment gap for SUD. A multicentric study on the care pathways for SUD in India can help to understand service provision, service utilization, and challenges to improve existing SUD care in India. Aim: We aimed to map pathways to care in SUD. We compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who first consulted specialized services versus other medical services. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive, consenting adults (18-65 years) with SUD registered to each of the nine participating addiction treatment services distributed across five Indian regions. We adapted the World Health Organization's pathway encounter form. Results: Of the 998 participants, 98% were males, 49.4% were rural, and 20% were indigenous population. Addiction services dominated initial (50%) and subsequent (60%) healthcare contacts. One in five contacted private for-profit healthcare. Primary care contact was rare (5/998). Diverse approaches included traditional healers (4-6%) and self-medication (2-8%). There was a 3-year delay in first contact; younger, educated individuals with opioid dependence preferred specialized services. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems and integrate SUD treatment into public healthcare.

Effects of physical activity and self-control on mobile phone addiction in college students: a cross-lagged study in China.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of physical activity and self-control on college students' mobile phone addiction through cross-lagged longitudinal surveys, addressing the limitations of previous cross-sectional studies. Patients and methods: A total of 414 college students were tracked three times during a 12-month period using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS), and the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS). AMOS25.0 software was used to construct the cross-lagged relationship model, and the maximum likelihood approach was employed to investigate the model fitting. The asynchronous correlation between variables was investigated from the time series through the cross-lagged path coefficient. Results: The fitting indexes of the cross-lagged model showed x 2/df = 5.098, GFI = 0.977, NFI = 0.969, IFI = 0.975, CFI = 0.974; RMSEA = 0.100, and SRMR = 0.030. The calculation conducted by combining the path coefficient of the model shows that PA and SC are the antecedent variables of MPA, and PA is the antecedent variable of SC. In addition, SC serves as a mediator in the path of PA, affecting MPA. Conclusion: (1) physical activity can positively affect subsequent self-control; (2) physical activity can negatively influence subsequent mobile phone addiction; (3) self-control can negatively affect subsequent mobile phone addiction; and (4) physical activity can indirectly influence subsequent mobile phone addiction through self-control.

Individualized prediction of online shopping addiction from whole-brain functional connectivity.

Online shopping addiction (OSA) is defined as a behavioral addiction where an individual exhibits an unhealthy and excessive attachment to shopping on the Internet. Since the OSA shown its adverse impacts on individuals' daily life and social functions, it is important to examine the neurobiological underpinnings of OSA that could be used in clinical practice to identify individuals with OSA. The present study addressed this question by employing a connectome-based prediction model approach to predict the OSA tendency of healthy subjects from whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity. The OSA connectome - a set of connections across multiple brain networks that contributed to predict individuals' OSA tendency was identified, including the functional connectivity between the frontal-parietal network (FPN) and cingulo-opercular network (CON) (i.e., positive network), as well as the functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN) and that between FPN and DMN (i.e., negative network). Key nodes that contributed to the prediction model included the middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and inferior temporal gyrus, which have been associated with impulsivity and emotional processing. Notably, this connectome has shown its specific role in predicting OSA by controlling for the influence of general Internet addiction. Moreover, the strength of the negative network mediated the relationship between OSA and impulsivity, highlighting that the negative network underlies the impulsivity characteristic of OSA. Together, these findings advanced our understanding of the neural correlates of OSA and provided a promising framework for diagnosing OSA.

Self-regulation training generalizability using the regulation of craving task. An fMRI study.

Individual differences in reward salience may relate to the difficulty in regulating the effects of multiple substances (e.g., nicotine and food). Increased brain activation in reward and self-regulation (SR) regions has been evidenced while adults view appetitive cues (e.g., food pictures) to test substance use disorder treatment response. Enhancing SR with behavioral interventions may increase brain activation in SR regions and reduce responses in reward regions. Our primary analysis demonstrated increased brain activation in SR regions to smoking cues among individuals who practiced SR by delaying their first cigarette of the day for 2 weeks. However, little is known about the generalizability of SR between appetitive cues. This secondary analysis explored the influence of adherence to a SR behavioral intervention by examining the impact of practicing smoking SR on brain activation to food cues among adults who smoke. Participants (N = 65) were randomly assigned to practice SR by delaying their first daily cigarette or smoking as usual for 2-weeks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected while people were told to think of "negative" or "positive" associations with the cue. The results indicated that practicing smoking SR was linked with increased activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) when viewing food cues. There was no correlation between delaying smoking adherence and brain activation in the dlPFC. Exploratory analyses suggested higher dlPFC activation when people thought about "positive" associations with the food cues instead of "negative" ones. We concluded that practicing smoking SR is related to increased brain activation to food cues, suggesting potential generalizability of SR practice from smoking cues to food cues.

Regulation of neuronal plasticity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders by the orexinergic system.

Orexins are a family of neuropeptides secreted by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH). These peptides act widespreadly across the body by interacting with specific orexin receptors on target cells, which comprise the orexinergic system. Emerging evidence has revealed that the orexinergic system is tightly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms require further exploration. Neuropsychiatric disorders have also been associated with neuroplasticity, while orexins have been shown to play regulatory roles in neuronal plasticity. As such, this review aims to summarize the recent progress of research investigating the roles of the orexinergic system in neuronal plasticity and associated neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction, depression, and schizophrenia, which may provide novel insights into the mechanism of the orexinergic system in the pathogenesis of these neuropsychiatric disorders.

The potential effect of α7 nicotinic receptors modulation on palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors.

Background: The recent global increase in obesity rates, coupled with excessive palatable food (PF) consumption, has become a serious societal concern. Literature indicates that rewarding PF, especially upon cessation, can lead to overeating, binge eating, and compulsive eating, potentially resulting in obesity. Challenges in dietary paradigms, alongside limitations in approved treatments for eating disorders and anti-obesity medications, underscore the need to explore novel targets. In this context, α7nAChR (alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) may serve as a promising therapeutic target in combating food dependence and obesity. The present study aims to assess the role of α7nAChR in palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors. Method: The study involved male C57BL/6J mice exposed to three different feeding paradigms over 6 weeks to induce obesity and food addiction. On day 43, palatable food was replaced with standard chow, and the mice received treatments (vehicle, PNU-282987 [α7nAChR agonist], or methyllycaconitine citrate [MLA; α7nAChR antagonist]). Addiction-like behaviors, including craving for palatable food, motivation-effort interaction tests, and compulsive eating-like behavior, were measured during abstinence with and without treatment. Results: The present study shows that chronic intermittent and continuous exposure to palatable food induces craving, motivation, and effort interaction behaviors as well as compulsive eating-like behaviors in palatable food-abstinent mice. Administration of the α7nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, significantly attenuated the craving behavior only in mice continuously fed palatable food (reduced calorie intake from 63.19 % to 48.21 %; p = 0.0053). Also, PNU-282987 suppressed the effort behaviors in either intermittently or continuously fed mice (significant reduction in the Δ number of active events per minute; p-values = 0.038 and 0.0098, respectively). However, it attenuated the compulsive-like eating behavior exclusively in the continuously fed group (p = 0.0433). Active and total interaction efforts were reversed by the MLA. These findings indicate the involvement of α7nAChR in dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food in mice. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food can emerge after prolonged exposure. Mice fed on palatable food continuously exhibited more dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food, and activation of α7nAChR signaling attenuated the vulnerability to develop such behaviors.

Relationship between adolescent internet addiction and adolescent non-suicidal self-injury: a moderated mediation model.

Background: Both Internet addiction (IA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are major public health concerns among adolescents, association between internet addiction and non-suicidal self-injury have been observed among adolescents. However, it is unclear how, and under what conditions, internet addiction relates to non-suicidal self-injury. According to our hypothesis, there is a positive relationship between IA and NSSI among Chinese adolescents, but this relationship is affected by the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1046 Chinese adolescents from 3 middle schools. Measurements: Adolescent Self-Harm Scale; Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT); University of California at Los Angels (UCLA) Loneliness Scale; Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), They were asked to complete self-report questionnaires. Results: In our sample, the detection rate of NSSI was 12.3%. IA was positively associated with NSSI, and loneliness partially mediated the association between them. In addition, cognitive reappraisal moderated the first half path of the mediation model. Specifically, the higher the level of cognitive reappraisal, the weaker the positive effect of IA on NSSI through loneliness. Conclusion: Interventions targeted to reduce loneliness and increase cognitive reappraisal strategies may reduce the risk of NSSI in adolescents with Internet addiction.

Dissemination of health content through social networks: YouTube and opioid use disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Most Americans now access social media platforms, including YouTube, to obtain health information. However, few studies have evaluated the quality of YouTube content related to opioid use disorder (OUD), including medications for OUD (MOUD; buprenorphine) and harm reduction resources (e.g., naloxone). The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to assess the quality, accuracy, and reliability of MOUD and harm reduction-related video content available on YouTube. METHODS: The study team conducted a YouTube search between June 2022 and July 2022 using key words related to MOUD and harm reduction content (e.g., "suboxone," "methadone," "Narcan"). The 5 most viewed videos from each search term were analyzed for quality (i.e., Global Quality Scale; GQS), accuracy (i.e., JAMA Benchmark Criteria), and reliability (i.e., DISCERN). Videos that were non-English, duplicate, or that did not directly mention OUD, MOUD, or harm reduction were excluded from the review (N = 6). RESULTS: YouTube videos (N = 70) were mostly produced by medical professionals (27.1 %), independent nonmedical users (21.4 %; e.g., vloggers, individuals documenting their experiences), medical organizations (17.1 %; e.g., hospitals, treatment programs), and/or media (14.3 %; e.g., news agencies). The target audience was primarily the general public (65.7 %), people who use opioids (20.0 %), and healthcare providers (10.0 %). Videos containing MOUD content (N = 64, 61.4 %) mostly focused on suboxone (25.0 %), methadone (23.4 %), Sublocade (14.1 %), and subutex/buprenorphine (14.1 %). The median quality score was 2 based on the GQS with 3 videos receiving the highest quality rating (5). Two videos were highly rated for accuracy per all three JAMA Benchmark criteria. Videos produced by nonmedical educational channels had the highest overall reliability scores on the DISCERN criteria (median 4), followed by medical professionals (median 3), and medical organizations (median 2.5). CONCLUSION: The overall quality, accuracy, and reliability of MOUD and harm reduction related content posted on YouTube is poor. The lack of evidence-based content posted on YouTube reinforces the need for public health expert involvement in disseminating guideline-based content on social media.

The impact of social isolation on smartphone addiction among college students: the multiple mediating effects of loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety.

Background: The widespread use of smartphones has significantly increased smartphone addiction among college students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, university campuses in mainland China have strictly followed the Chinese government's strict quarantine policy, including closed campus management, prohibitions against gatherings, and social distancing, increasing student loneliness and anxiety and thus increasing the risk of smartphone addiction. Extant Studies have revealed that social isolation is a prominent predictor of smartphone addiction but have failed to systematically explore the complex relationship between social isolation and smartphone addiction in the context of COVID-19; therefore, the underlying mechanisms of these factors in the post-pandemic era are unclear. Objective: This study is the first attempt to consider loneliness, COVID-19 anxiety and social isolation as a whole and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of social isolation and smartphone addiction by constructing a multiple mediating model. Method: This study included students enrolled at eight higher education institutions in Conghua District (Guangzhou city). Quota proportional sampling was adopted, 900 self-report questionnaires were distributed through the WeChat groups of these universities from December 10 to December 15, 2022, and 868 valid questionnaires (620 females, 248 males) were ultimately obtained. Results: The direct effect of social isolation on smartphone addiction was significant, and loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety mediated the association between social isolation and smartphone addiction in both parallel and sequential ways. Moreover, a reverse mediation model with COVID-19 anxiety as the first mediator and loneliness as the second mediator was found. Conclusion: College students who experience social isolation are at greater risk for smartphone addiction, and the core factor leading to their smartphone addiction is the subjective psychological state triggered by campus isolation and social distancing, such as loneliness and anxiety. These risky behaviors of people should receive extra attention, and psychological factors such as loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety should be considered in future therapies aimed at reducing addiction.

The use of online methods to recruit and follow a hard-to-reach population in the Peer Alternatives for Addiction Study 2021 Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although studies are increasingly adopting online protocols, few such studies in the addiction field have comprehensively described their data review procedures and successes in detecting low-quality/fraudulent data. The current study describes data collection protocols and outcomes of a large, longitudinal study (the PAL Study 2021) that implemented online design elements to study individuals seeking peer support for an alcohol use disorder. METHODS: In 2021, the PAL Study collaborated with mutual-help group (MHG) partners and recovery-related organizations to recruit individuals attending a 12-step group, Women for Sobriety (WFS), LifeRing Secular Recovery, and/or SMART Recovery for an alcohol problem in-person and/or online in the prior 30 days. Participation was solicited both online and in-person. Individuals accessed baseline surveys via an open web link; follow-ups occurred at 6 and 12 months. Analyses included calculating the proportion of surveys eliminated in data quality review; comparing MHG subsamples to internal survey (benchmark) data for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), WFS, LifeRing, and SMART; and examining response rates and attrition. RESULTS: Although 93% of respondents who opened the baseline survey completed it, 87% of baseline surveys were eliminated in data quality review (final N = 531). Nonetheless, cleaned MHG subsamples were generally similar to benchmark samples on gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education. Follow-up rates for the cleaned sample were 88% (6 months) and 85% (12 months). Analyses revealed some differences in attrition by gender, primary MHG, and lifetime drug problems, but there was no evidence of greater attrition among those in earlier/less stable recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Study methods appear to have produced a valid, largely representative sample of the hard-to-reach target population that was successfully followed across 12 months. However, given the high survey elimination rate and need for extensive data review, we recommend that researchers avoid open-link designs and include comprehensive data review when incorporating online design elements.

Clinical Manifestations' Spectrum of Smartphone Addiction: Moving from an Addiction toward a Clinical Syndrome.

Background: Smartphone addiction is an emerging type of addiction in the digital era, characterized by smartphone dependence that negatively affects human health with a wide range of psychological and physical manifestations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the detailed clinical manifestations of smartphone addiction as a delineated clinical syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess smartphone addiction prevalence and its health impacts among Syrian undergraduates using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV 2013), the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-6), and a comprehensive assessment of the clinical manifestations frequently linked to smartphone addiction in the literature. Different statistical modeling techniques were applied; a P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 1532 invited undergraduates, 1401 (91.45%) completed the assessment adequately. Most participants were females (59.7%) and below 23 years of age (73.2%). The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 67.80%; statistically significant smartphone addiction associations were revealed with psychological distress (P < .0001) with odds ratios of 3.308. Most screened physical manifestations also showed a significant association with smartphone addiction. Conclusion: A high prevalence of smartphone addiction was observed with a broad spectrum of associated mental and physical manifestations. As smart device addiction becomes a global health concern, combining the clinical findings reported in the related literature into one clinical identity is necessary to develop a holistic management approach for the delineated clinical syndrome.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nomophobia Amongst the General Population in Makkah Province and Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Nomophobia is a public health issue that involves the fear of being without a mobile phone. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of nomophobia and its relation to psychological factors, including depression and insomnia, among the general population in Makkah Province and Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and data were obtained through a self-administered online questionnaire using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depression, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: A total of 1022 participants completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of nomophobia was 96.7%. Moderate nomophobia was prevalent (47.8%). Based on the PHQ-2, possible depression was identified in 47.3% of the respondents. 37.1% had sub-threshold insomnia. In terms of personal psychiatric history, the most common mental disorders in the participants included generalized anxiety disorder (9.9%) and major depressive disorder (9.7%). 61.6% of them used mobile devices for more than four hours per day. Conclusion: Nomophobia is prevalent in the Makkah and Al-Madinah provinces in Saudi Arabia. The risk of nomophobia was significantly higher for participants who spent more hours using mobile devices, those with possible depression, and those having irritable bowel syndrome.

Efficacy of Addiction Pharmacotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Effects on Liver Health.

Both alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease are leading contributors to chronic liver diseases. These conditions often coexist, exacerbating disease progression. Despite ALD being a leading cause of liver transplantation, many individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) do not receive treatment. In this review, we discussed the epidemiology of ALD in AUD, various treatment options for AUD, and their efficacy on liver health. Our critical analysis of current evidence underscores the need for integrated models involving multiple stakeholders to improve ALD management.

Public perceptions and discussions of synthetic nicotine on Twitter.

Background: As alternative replacement products for tobacco-derived nicotine, synthetic nicotine products have recently emerged and gained increasing popularity. This study analyzes public perception and discussion of synthetic nicotine products on Twitter (now "X"). Methods: Through Twitter streaming API (Application Programming Interface), we have collected 2,764 Twitter posts related to synthetic nicotine from December 12, 2021, to October 17, 2022, using keywords related to synthetic nicotine. By applying an inductive approach, two research assistants manually determined the relevance of tweets to synthetic nicotine products and assessed the attitude of tweets as positive, negative, and neutral of tweets toward synthetic nicotine, and the main topics. Results: Among 1,007 tweets related to synthetic nicotine products, the proportion of negative tweets (383/1007, 38.03%) toward synthetic nicotine products was significantly higher than that of positive tweets (218/1007, 21.65%) with a p-value <0.05. Among negative tweets, major topics include the concern about addiction and health risks of synthetic nicotine products (44.91%) and synthetic nicotine as a policy loophole (31.85%). Among positive tweets, top topics include alternative replacement for nicotine (39.91%) and reduced health risks (31.19%). Conclusion: There are mixed attitudes toward synthetic nicotine products on Twitter, resulting from different perspectives. Future research could incorporate demographic information to understand the attitudes of various population groups.

Midlife and Older Age Methamphetamine Poisoning Deaths in Hawai'i.

Unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose fatality records from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) for Hawai'i from July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 revealed that 58.2% of decedents were aged 50-75. The main substance associated with cause of death for those aged 50-75 years was methamphetamine, followed by a combination of mixed drugs. Of those aged 50 and older, 25.5% died from cardiovascular or neurological complications which were likely to be associated with chronic, long-term methamphetamine use. Based on death investigator narrative reports, 76.5% of the older decedents had a history of substance abuse, suggesting possible long-term substance use starting at a young age. The trajectory of substance use over the life course is often influenced by life events and transitions, which can be stressors. Hawai'i kupuna (older adults) should be screened for substance use and dependence to ensure that there is treatment if needed, for the entirety of this use trajectory.Also, barriers to kupuna seeking treatment, such as stigma towards drug use should be addressed.

Does internet addiction affect the level of emotional intelligence among nursing students? A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To examine the effect of internet addiction on emotional intelligence among nursing students. Internet addiction, especially among nursing students, is an ongoing and urgent issue globally. Despite studies acknowledging its negative effects, the specific impact on the emotional intelligence of college students is not completely explored and needs more investigation. DESIGN: A correlational cross-sectional descriptive study. METHODS: Participants included 180 nursing students from Mansoura University, Egypt. They completed the Socio-demographic sheet, Internet Addiction Test, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS: Nursing students experience a moderate level of internet addiction and a neutral level of emotional intelligence. A significant negative relationship was established between internet addiction among students and their emotional intelligence (r = - 0.53, p < 0.001) and its four facets: perception of emotion, managing own emotions, managing others' emotions, and utilization of emotion. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction had a negative effect on emotional intelligence among nursing students (ß = - 0.553, p < 0.001) and explained 30.5% of the variance of emotional intelligence among nursing students. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that internet addiction negatively impacts the emotional intelligence of nursing students, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relations and professional competence in nursing. IMPLICATIONS: The study underscores the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the hazards of excessive internet use and to promote activities that mitigate internet addiction.

Labels Are For Soup Cans: How Self-Labeling as "Addicted" to Pornography Is Associated with Negative Outcomes.

Pornography viewers often report being addicted to pornography even if their behavior does not indicate such addiction. In this study with 1099 participants (52% male), we explored how the specific belief in being addicted to pornography could predict both individual and relational outcomes beyond actual pornography use and reported compulsive pornography use (i.e., considering one's use to be out of control). Using a structural equation model, our results showed that higher agreement with the pornography addiction label, without accounting for compulsivity, was associated with higher depression, suicide ideation, communication discomfort about pornography, and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. After accounting for compulsivity, higher agreement with the pornography addiction label was only associated with higher communication discomfort about pornography and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. This study highlights that identifying as addicted to pornography may include a stigma that is particularly detrimental to relationship outcomes.

Controversies in Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Kratom Use Disorder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) to the herbal product kratom. Similarities and differences between kratom use disorder (KUD) and other SUDs are explored, along with assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations for KUD. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature reports of "kratom addiction" or KUD rarely specify the criteria by which patients were diagnosed. Individuals meeting DSM-5 KUD criteria typically do so via tolerance and withdrawal, using more than intended, and craving, not functional or ​psychosocial disruption, which occur rarely. Most clinicians who use medication to treat patients with isolated KUD select buprenorphine formulations, although there are no controlled studies showing that buprenorphine is safe or efficacious in this patient population. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for KUD should be systematic. We propose an algorithm that takes into consideration whether KUD occurs with comorbid opioid use disorder.