Self-defining memories related to alcohol dependence and their integration in the construction of the self in a sample of abstinent alcoholics.

Using a self-defining memory task, this work studies the exact moment in which abstinent alcoholics perceived themselves as addicted. Phenomenological variables involved in the memory were obtained asking participants to evaluate their cognitions, perceptions and emotions associated with that self-defining memory. The sample consisted of 12 female and 31 male ex-alcoholics, with abstinence ranging from 6 months to 23 years. Mean age was 52.91 years. Our findings showed that awareness of the alcoholic self emerges in the context of uncontrolled consumption or an ultimatum from family members. This type of memory had a positive valence for most of the participants, regardless of the memory perspective (actor versus spectator). Those who remembered from an actor perspective, perceived the event as providing higher growth and personal learning. These results show the importance of exploring situations of uncontrolled consumption and family dynamics in the self-recognition of alcohol dependence. In addition, reinforcing an actor perspective compared to a spectator perspective might results in higher levels of personal enrichment, which may help maintain a patient's long-term recovery. These results support the use of autobiographical memory techniques to enhance awareness of the addicted self, and suggest the need to include these interventions in rehabilitation programmes.

Are School-Based Interventions Effective in Preventing Internet Misuse? A Systematic Review.

Problems related to the use of the internet have triggered the appearance of internet addiction. With this problem comes the need for prevention. The objective of this study is to update the knowledge about the effectiveness of internet addiction prevention programs in schools. The specific aims are: (1) to identify the objectives of school's prevention programs, (2) to analyse the components and instruments used, (3) to evaluate the quality of the relevant studies and (4) to compare the results of the publications. A search with the terms "Internet", "Internet Use Disorder", "addiction", "prevention", "school", "effectiveness", and "prevention program" was carried out in 10 bibliographic databases in August 2021. For the selection of articles, the 25 quality criteria of the CONSORT 2010 list were used. Only articles that evaluated school prevention programs and had a quality score greater than 10 were selected. The results are shown in three tables. Eleven publications that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The measurement scales used are very heterogeneous. Ten of the 11 programs were effective in preventing adolescent internet misuse, abuse, or addiction. Increasing students' self-control reduces the problem of internet abuse. The validity of the results is discussed considering the methodological quality of the studies.