Addiction
-
Tobacco control policies may differentially impact smoking initiation among socio-demographic groups. We measured longitudinal associations between exposure to smoke-free laws in grade 12 (modal age 18 years) and patterns of smoking initiation in the United States. ⋯ Exposure to smoke-free laws at age 18 appears to be prospectively associated with reduced daily smoking initiation 1-6 years later.
-
Pharmaceutical opioids are a significant contributor to the global 'opioid crisis', yet few studies have comprehensively distinguished between opioid types. We measured whether a range of common pharmaceutical opioids varied in their contribution to the rates and characteristics of harm in a population-wide indicator of non-fatal overdose. ⋯ In Victoria, Australia, rates and characteristics of emergency department presentations for pharmaceutical opioids show distinct variations by opioid type.
-
Review Meta Analysis
The association of telomere length with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Several recent studies have investigated the relationship between telomere length and substance use disorders with inconsistent results. We aimed to assess this association and to identify moderators of the relationship. ⋯ People with substance use disorders appear to have shorter telomere length than controls; however, this finding should be interpreted with caution due to the poor quality of the evidence.
-
In the United States, some states and localities have added vaping restrictions to established smoke-free indoor air laws in order to reduce electronic cigarette use. Yet, if smokers use e-cigarettes to quit, such restrictions could have the unintended effect of attenuating the original smoke-free air policy's effects on smoking. This study estimated changes in current smoking, past-year smoking cessation, and recent vaping following the introduction of smoke- and vape-free air laws. ⋯ From 2014 to 2018, increased adoption of smoke-free worksite laws in the United States was associated with reductions in both current smoking and recent vaping, as well as increases in smoking cessation. Adding vaping restrictions to smoke-free worksite laws, however, was not associated with a reduction in recent vaping among emerging adults and may have attenuated the smoke-free policy's impact on current smoking in this age group.