Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Feb 2021
Trends in various e-cigarette devices used by high school adolescents from 2017-2019.
Adolescent e-cigarette use has increased recently; however, little is known about trends in use of specific devices by youth. This study aims to 1) compare rates of e-cigarette device use over time, 2) examine changes in frequency of device use, and 3) identify predictors of device use. ⋯ From 2017-2019, JUUL, disposable/cig-a-like, and vape pens increased in popularity and were used frequently. Tobacco regulations designed to reduce youth use should consider various device types.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Feb 2021
Association between observing peers vaping on campus and E-cigarette use and susceptibility in middle and high school students.
This study examines the association between exposure to e-cigarette use on school campus and e-cigarette use behaviors among adolescents in the United States. ⋯ Observing e-cigarette use on school campus was associated with greater odds of e-cigarette use and susceptibility. It is plausible that observing e-cigarette use on campus reinforces the social acceptability of adolescent e-cigarette use. Findings inform on the prevalence of e-cigarettes use on-campus as well as how this phenomenon may influence e-cigarette use/susceptibility among youth. The observed relationship highlights the role of schools in the efforts to reduce adolescent e-cigarette use.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Feb 2021
Alcohol use and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study in a sample of UK adults.
The aim was to examine the correlates of increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions that were implemented in a sample of UK adults. ⋯ More than one in six UK adults increased their alcohol consumption during lockdown and a higher proportion of these were younger adults. Increased alcohol consumption was independently associated with poor overall mental health, increased depressive symptoms and lower mental wellbeing. These findings highlight the importance of planning targeted support as we emerge from lockdown and plan for potential second and subsequent waves.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Feb 2021
Comparing actual and forecasted numbers of unique patients dispensed select medications for opioid use disorder, opioid overdose reversal, and mental health, during the COVID-19 pandemic, United States, January 2019 to May 2020.
COVID-19 community mitigation measures (e.g., stay-at-home orders) may worsen mental health and substance use-related harms such as opioid use disorder and overdose and limit access to medications for these conditions. We used nationally-representative data to assess dispensing of select substance use and mental health medications during the pandemic in the U.S. ⋯ Ongoing concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and mental health underscore the need for innovative strategies to facilitate continued access to treatment.