Behavioral addiction is well-established for gambling but still debatable for other pleasurable behaviors such as eating. Attachment style is defined as a psychological concept describing the dynamics of human interpersonal interactions. Studies investigating the influence of attachment style on food addiction are rare.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between food addiction and the quality of attachment

A cross-sectional study was conducted online with a non-clinical population. All participants completed an anonymous e-questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, background, substance use and self-reported weight and height. Attachment style was assessed with the Relationship Scale Questionnaire (RSQ). Food addiction was screened with modified Yale food addiction scale questionnaire (mYFAS 2.0).

A total of 114 individuals had fully responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 32.28 ± 9.32 years with a sex ratio of 0.48. The mean BMI was 23.7 kg/m2 ± 5.5. Most of participants (64%) had an insecure attachment style and 36% had a secure one. The results of the mYFAS 2.0 showed that 11.4% of participants had a food addiction and 8.8% had a severe form. BMI was significantly associated with food addiction which was more common in participants who had a BMI greater than 22.2 kg/m2. A statically significant association between insecure attachment style and food addiction was found.

Our study showed the importance of studying attachment style in food addiction. More research is needed to prove the association between food addiction and different attachment styles.

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Exercise addiction (EA) is conceptualized as the uncontrolled practice of physical activity, with repetition of that behavior despite the negative effects on the individual [Khazaal et al. Rev Med Suisse. 2024; 20(882):1354-1359]. According to current systems, EA is included in the group of behavioral addictions [Martyniak et al. Psychiatr Pol 2021;55(6):1357-1372]. The prevalence of EA is understudies, with data from athlete samples ranging from 5-17% [Weinstein et al. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2023; 25(1): 1–13]. No prior studies investigatedthe links between chronotype and EA.

This work aimed to assess the relationship between EA and chronotype.

This is a preliminary analysis of data from a larger online survey that assessed the links between behavioral addictions and psychopathology in an online community sample. The inclusion criteria were 1) age ≥18-35 and 2) consent to participate. A local bioethical committee approved the study. Responders completed self-report questionnaires to assess EA: EAI (Exercise Addiction Inventory-Short Form), and chronotype Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). The participants were divided into subgroups based on their EAI scores: 1) with negative EA screen (EA [-]) [scores ≤12], 2) with positive EA screen (EA [+]) [scores >12]. EA[-] and EA [+] were compared in terms of general characteristics and chronotype (continuous measure). The quantitative data were evaluated with a T-test. The qualitative data were analyzed using the Χ2 test.

183 subjects were EA [-] and 99 were EA [+]. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the mean age: EA [-] 27.36±10.74 years; EA [+] 25,55±7.47 years [t (2, 262) =1.661, p< 0.09]. EA [+] were more likely to be male (40.4%) than EA [-] (27.3%) (Χ2=5.060, df=1, p=0.026). There were no differences in the levels of education (primary/secondary/ college student/ university student/ completed higher education) in the studied groups (Χ2=1.78, df=4, p=0.786). EA [+] showed a higher level of morningness measured with the CSM total score (34.13±6.48) than EA [-] (30.62±8.63)[t (2, 251.8) = 3.855, p< 0.001).

EA was linked to male sex in the studied sample. Individuals with positive exercise addiction screen present higher levels of morningness.

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Nowadays, gambling has become a common form of entertainment for many young people. Gambling is essentially divided into dice games, card games (especially poker), casino games, sports betting, lotteries and, in recent years, online gambling. As a result, gambling has become a major international business, especially among young students.

Evaluate the practice of gambling in a population of young students and describe its characteristics.

We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among university students.

This survey involved a population of Tunisian students recruited through students’ Facebook groups.

A questionnaire was designed to collect information related to participants’ background characteristics and gambling-related details.

DSM-5 criteria were used to screen for pathological gamblers.

A total of 151 students responded to our questionnaire. Gambling was found in 29.1% of the students in our study (n=44).

Thirty players (68.4%) were occasional players. The lottery (54.5%), followed by sports betting (29.5%) and blackjack (27.3%) were the most reported gambling games by students.

Among the players, nineteen (43.2%) experienced a Big Win. The average amount of money spent on gambling per month was 107.14 ± 123.58 TND, with extremes of 4 and 600 TND.

The majority (77.3%; N=34) played online. Among players, 61.4% (N=27) were used to play with friends.

Almost the half of gamblers (45.5%) have started gambling for less than a year and 6.8% have been gambling for 4 to 5 years.

Pathological gamblers represented 13.9% (n=21) of the students in our population.

Our study highlights the prevalence and characteristics of gambling among university students in Tunisia. With nearly 30% of participants engaging in various forms of gambling. These findings suggest a need for targeted awareness and prevention strategies to address potential risks associated with gambling among young adults, particularly in educational settings. Further researches are essential to explore the long-term implications of gambling behaviors on student well-being and academic performance.

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Increased levels of anxiety in patients with opioid dependence is a common problem that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. They can manifest as GAD, panic attacks, social anxiety, and other forms of anxiety. The level of personal distress in patients on methadone therapy can be significant, as these patients often face a complex of psychological and social problems related to addiction and treatment.

The causes of anxiety disorders can be: 1) biological factors - changes in the neurochemistry of the brain associated with the use of opioids, which can affect the regulation of emotions and cause anxiety; 2) psychological factors – trauma in the anamnesis, stressful situations or negative experiences can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders; 3) social factors – relationship problems, social isolation and economic hardship can increase anxiety.

Factors affecting the level of personal anxiety include both medical and social aspects - a) changes in life; b) concomitant mental disorders; c) attitude toward therapy; d) social support.

In the course of the study, 150 patients aged 26 to 64 years with a diagnosis of opioid dependence, who receive methadone hydrochloride as OAMT, were examined. The Psychopathological Symptom Severity Questionnaire (SCL-90-R, Derogatis, Lipman, Covi) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A/HARS) were used to assess the level of personal anxiety and existing anxiety disorders.

According to the levels of interpersonal anxiety (very low, low, medium, high), the indicators were distributed as follows: in the control group - 10 (20.4%), 32 (65.3%), 7 (14.3%), 0 (0 .0%); in the main group - 28 (27.7%), 59 (58.4%), 13 (12.9%), 1 (1.0%), respectively (p=0.685).

The degree of clinical anxiety according to the Hamilton scale (mild, moderate, severe, strong) in the main group was distributed as follows: 60 (59.41%), 23 (22.77%), 15 (14.85%) and 3 (2.97%); in the control group - 31 (63.27%), 10 (20.41%), 6 (12.24%), 2 (4.08%), respectively (p=0.930).

The level of anxiety according to the SCL-90 scale (very low, low, medium, elevated, high) was determined in 19 (38.78%), 22 (44.90%), 6 (12.24%), 2 (4.08%) and 0 (0.00 %) of persons, respectively, in the control group; 39 (38.61%), 46 (45.54%), 15 (14.85%), 1 (0.99%) and 0 (0.00%) - in the primary (p=0.628).

The results of the study showed that receiving substitution maintenance therapy did not significantly increase the level of personal anxiety and the risk of anxiety disorders in patients on methadone therapy, the vast majority of patients showed very low, low and mild levels of manifestations. However, the level of personal anxiety may vary, but it is important to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment, including psychological support and social integration, to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce anxiety.

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In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms has given adolescents unprecedented access to vast libraries of series and films, often leading to hours of continuous viewing, a phenomenon known as binge watching. This emerging trend is reshaping how adolescents engage with media, often affecting their social behaviors, routines, and overall well-being. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing preventive interventions.

This study aims to explore binge-watching behavior among Tunisian adolescents and the key factors influencing this trend.

We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among Tunisian adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years old. Data were collected using an online questionnaire spread throughout social media (Facebook), using the Google Forms® platform in September 2024. We evaluated the epidemiological and social characteristics of the participants, as well as the binge watching behaviour, using Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire (BWAQ).

Eighty-two adolescents participated in our study, with a mean age of 16.02 ± 1.65 years and a sex ratio of 0.82. Our resultas showed that 86.5% of our population lived in urban areas, 13.4% in rural areas, and 18.3% did not live with both parents. Our results showed that 15.9% of our population reported low grades, 23.2% had repeated a grade, and 27.7% had issues with teachers or administration. Additionally, 21.5% had experienced bullying, 30.5% faced domestic violence, and 31.7% reported conflicts with parents. Regarding binge-watching, 41.5% of participants engaged in it more than once per week, 43.1% spent over two hours daily on school days, and 29.3% watched more than five episodes in one sitting. The most preferred content included drama series (56.1%), movies (24.4%), and sports shows (19.6%).The mean score on the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire (BWAQ) was 39.43, with 27.7% showing moderate and 7.7% showing highly problematic binge-watching, with no sex difference. Highly problematic binge-watching was significantly associated with conflicts with parents (p = 0.01), peers (p = 0.02), school staff (p = 0.42), and poor academic performance, including grade repetition (p < 0.01).

These results highlight the potential negative impact of excessive media consumption on adolescents’ social interactions and and academic performance, underscoring the need to implement targeted interventions that not only raise awareness about the risks of excessive media consumption but also provide practical strategies to help adolescents manage their screen time.

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Sex work and transactional sex (SWTS), along with Chemsex, are linked to high-risk sexual behaviors and poorer health outcomes. Chemsex is the use of methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and mephedrone in a sexual context especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Transactional sex (TS) is the exchange of sexual services for other services or things in a non professional way. Sexwork (SW) means having sex with people in exchange for money in a professional way.

The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence rates of sex work and transactional sex (SWTS) among chemsex users and to answer the question of whether the combination of the two leads to an increased risk profile of those affected in terms of sexual health.

To achieve this, we conducted an online survey across three European German-speaking countries, targeting MSM. The survey gathered data on participants’ substance use patterns, sexual behaviors, and health outcomes, with a particular focus on their engagement in SWTS. SWTS was defined as the exchange of sexual favors for money, drugs, or other material goods, which has been shown to be associated with higher risk behaviors, including unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners.

A total of 399 sexually active MSM were included, categorized into three sub-groups: 129 engaging in Chemsex (MSM-CX), 128 in sexualized substance use with non-Chemsex substances (MSM-SSU), and 142 not engaging in sexualized substance use (MSM-NSU). MSM-CX reported significantly higher rates of SWTS compared to both MSM-SSU (p=.032) and MSM-NSU (p<.001), indicating that Chemsex use is strongly linked to transactional sex. Both Chemsex and SWTS were associated with higher HIV (p<.001, p=.042) and STI (p<.001, p=.023) prevalence, but no cumulative effect was found. Among MSM-CX engaging in SWTS, participants were younger (p=.006), had more sexual partners (p=.029), and reported higher substance use, including methamphetamine, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL. These factors may contribute to the increased vulnerability to HIV and STIs.

The results highlight the need for targeted prevention and intervention measures addressing the risks of Chemsex and SWTS among MSM. Public health campaigns should consider the socio-behavioral traits of Chemsex users, such as their younger age, higher number of sexual partners, and frequent substance use. These efforts should also reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and promote safer sex practices. Prevention should focus on regular HIV/STI testing and accessible harm reduction strategies. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of tailored, evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes for MSM-CX engaging in Chemsex and SWTS.

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The Greek National Observatory for Internet and Gaming Addiction (NOIAD) is a state-sponsored organization that will be setup in the University of Thessaly during this year following its inclusion in the Greek National Health Plan for Mental Health 2021-2030.

In this presentation of the setup and goals of NOIAD, a case will be brought forward for scientific collaboration across the European continent that could culminate in similar centers in different countries.

The main publication that NOIAD intends to produce annually will have the role of a national report or at least an update of the national situation. In addition to this report, the observatory is expected to prepare a number of studies or reports on individual problems or in response to questions from state institutions (eg Parliament, ministries). Implementation of an online platform (portal) of specialized but also popular knowledge that will aim to inform health professionals and the general population (parents, pupils/students, adults with an addiction problem) with different information profiles for each population. Information lectures, educational activities for minor students, organization of an annual interdisciplinary conference.

NOIAD’s principal goal is the planning and implementation of actions to address digital addictions through the collection of objective, reliable and valid information about the state of Internet and Gaming addiction prevalence and related research and clinical practice in Greece. NOIAD will provide a state-of-the-nation annual report and disseminate the relevant information and conclusions to health professionals, government bodies and the wider population. Furthermore, NOIAD will plan and provide local preventative actions in the wider area of Thessaly, especially regarding the high-school and university student population; these actions will serve as blueprints for similar activities across Greece.

Setting up a national center to provide with a complete picture of Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder, pool together research output and coordinate preventative actions will assist with a fragmented research landscape and make better use of limited resources.

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Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting 20% to 30% of adults globally, with prevalence rates rising to 19% to 38% in Europe. It is often linked to self-medication, particularly through alcohol consumption, due to alcohol’s short-term analgesic properties, which act on the opioid system. However, continued alcohol use for pain relief can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), worsening the pain and causing physical and mental health issues.

This study explores the relationship between alcohol use in chronic pain management and the development of AUD through a literature review and a clinical case.

A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed with the terms “alcohol use disorder” and “chronic pain.” English and Portuguese articles from the last 10 years were included, yielding 85 results. A clinical case involving a patient with chronic pain and alcohol dependence illustrates the issue.

The review shows that 28% to 35% of chronic pain patients use alcohol for symptomatic relief. While alcohol may provide initial pain relief, prolonged use leads to tolerance, increased consumption, and a significant risk of AUD. Approximately 18% to 25% of patients meet the criteria for AUD, with men being more commonly affected.

The clinical case describes a 56-year-old man with family history of AUD, who developed chronic pain after a work accident resulting in multiple trauma. The patient began consuming alcohol daily for pain relief, which escalated to an AUD diagnosis and worsened pain due to alcohol-induced hyperalgesia.

Alcohol use is prevalent among chronic pain patients, often as a form of self-medication. However, this practice is frequently counterproductive, as increased consumption to counteract tolerance can lead to serious complications, including hyperalgesia, psychiatric disorders, and significant difficulties in managing both pain and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The clinical case highlights these issues and reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both pain management and alcohol dependence.

Early detection of problematic alcohol use is essential to prevent the development of AUD. A comprehensive treatment plan, incorporating strategies for pain control and addiction management, is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of patients dealing with chronic pain.

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The Westernisation of alcohol consumption habits among women has led to increased alcohol intake and a rise in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) cases in females. Although AUD prevalence remains higher in men (7.7% compared to 1.5% in women), women display distinct features in the disorder’s progression, such as the telescoping effect, where the transition from initial consumption to dependence occurs more rapidly. This trend underscores the importance of studying frequent female users of alcohol detoxification services to identify contributing factors to this accelerated progression.

This study seeks to characterise frequent female users of alcohol detoxification services, focusing on gender differences, particularly the faster progression of alcohol dependence in women and the influence of Westernisation on their drinking habits.

A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical records from 2022 to 2023 for patients hospitalised at the Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit. The analysis included patients who were hospitalised two or more times within a 12-month period. Demographic, psychosocial, and clinical variables were compared, with a particular focus on female patients.

Of the 360 patients admitted between 2022 and 2023, 37 were readmitted within 12 months. Women constituted 29.7% of these cases, with an average age of 52 years (compared to 51 in men), and were more often divorced or separated (81.8% vs 76.9%) and unemployed (72.7% vs 69.2%). Psychiatric family history (72.3% vs 65.4%) and psychiatric comorbidities (90.9% vs 61.5%) were more prevalent in women. Women also had a higher total number of hospitalisations (4.09 vs 3.62), although their 12-month readmission rates were similar to men (1.46 vs 1.50).

These findings support the literature on the telescoping effect, evidenced by women’s older age and a similar number of readmissions despite a more precarious social situation and greater psychiatric comorbidities. Notably, although women were a minority among readmissions, their proportion exceeded the expected prevalence rate (30%/70% vs 15%/85%). This highlights the necessity of personalised therapeutic approaches that address the unique factors perpetuating AUD in women.

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Although stigmatization is a barrier to treatment for many individuals and groups, individuals with mental disorders are the most affected by stigmatization. Among mental disorders, substance use disorders are the group with high levels of social stigma and internalized stigma. Internalized stigma may lead to a decrease in self-esteem and withdrawal from society and may increase depressive symptoms. Among individuals who use substances, depressive symptoms are high due to both the effects of the substances used and the psychosocial and legal problems experienced. In the literature review, no study examining the relationship between internalized stigma and depression in adolescents was found.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized stigma and depression in a group of adolescents diagnosed with substance use disorder.

The study was conducted between December 2023-March 2024 with 71 adolescents between the ages of 12-18 who were diagnosed with substance use disorder and admitted to the outpatient clinic of university hospital in a city located in the southeastern part of Turkey. Information Form, Internalized Stigma of Mental Disorders Scale-Adolescent Form (ISMI-AF), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used for data collection.

The mean age of the adolescents was 15.97 years (1.51); 85.9% were male, 59.2% were high school students, and 90.1% had severe depressive symptoms. According to the Pearson correlation analysis, no significant relationship was found between the total scores of the ISMI-AF and BDI; however, BDI, educational status of the adolescent, and academic achievement was found to be statistically significant as determinants of the ISMI-AF (R2=0.29). It was determined that the variables specified in the model explained 24% of the ISMI-AF (Adjusted R Square = 0.24)

Almost all of the adolescents who participated in this study were found to have severe depressive symptoms. In addition to depression, adolescents’ school life and academic achievement were important variables explaining internalized stigma. Since adolescents’ school attendance may be a situation that will prevent substance use, interventions to be carried out in cooperation with mental health professionals and school nurses are very important.

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Opioid dependence is a complex condition that often requires long-term treatment and care. Methadone, a synthetic full opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the opioid receptor, are commonly used in substitution therapy for opioid dependence, typically administered as an oral liquid or sublingual tablet. Transitioning from high-dose methadone to buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a risk of precipitated withdrawal. This risk arises from introducing a high-affinity partial agonist (buprenorphine) at the mu-opioid receptor after it has been occupied by a lower-affinity full agonist (methadone). As a result, this transition is usually only performed for patients on low doses of methadone (<30-40 mg). Microdose induction has been proposed as a potential solution to facilitate a smoother transition to buprenorphine.

To present a case report of a rapid transition from high-dose methadone to buprenorphine depot, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of this process.

This case report describes a patient who was switched from 150 mg of methadone to 32 mg of sublingual buprenorphine using microdosing, and subsequently transitioned to a weekly 160 mg buprenorphine depot injection.

The patient was successfully transitioned to sublingual buprenorphine and later to buprenorphine depot without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Even later, the patient reported no signs of withdrawal and was satisfied with the buprenorphine dosage. The patient attended monthly check-ups with the doctor; however, 15 days after the transition, he began consuming alcohol and soon after, started using cocaine.

This report supports the use of microdose induction for initiating buprenorphine, particularly for patients stabilized on high doses of methadone who may struggle with traditional buprenorphine induction methods. Although the patient remained abstinent from opioids, he quickly relapsed with alcohol and cocaine, issues that had not been present during his methadone treatment. Regular and more frequent therapeutic assessments are very important for many patients to prevent relapse.

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BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS AS A REPETITIVE PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR WITH DECREASE IN SELF-CONTROL AND A POWERFUL DESIRE TO CARRY OUT IT, DESPITE THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES; WITH ACCOMPANYING SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF IRRITABILITY, CONCERN AND ANXIETY.

ANALYZE THE RESULTS ON REPORTS OF BEHAVIORAL ADICTIONS

IN THE REPORTS ON BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS, ESTUDES (SURVEY ON THE DRUG USE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SPAIN, 14-18 YEARS OLD) AND EDADES (SURVEY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS IN SPAIN) WE FOUND THE FOLLOWING:

• - MANY MINORS PARTICIPATE IN GAMBLING GAMES.

• - THE USE OF THE INTERNET, GAMBLING WITH MONEY AND VIDEO GAMES ARE VERY COMMON PRACTICES.

• - ONLINE BETTING GAMES ARE MORE PREVALENT IN YOUNG PEOPLE.

• - WITHIN THE PATHOLOGICAL GAME, A GREATER PREVALENCE OF BEHAVIOR IS OBSERVED RISK.

• - WITHIN THE ABUSIVE USE OF THE INTERNET, GREATER CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS AND ALCOHOL.

REGARDING THE TREATMENT, THE USEFULNESS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY IS RECOGNIZED. BEHAVIORAL AND THE USE OF PSYCHODRUGS SUCH AS NALMEFENE AND NALTREXONE.

ADDICTION TO THE INTERNET AND VIDEO GAMES COULD BE RECOGNIZED AS PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSES WHEN THEY LEAD MORE COMPLEX CHARACTERISTICS. SOME STUDIES PROPOSED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS AND THE IMPULSIVITY, WHILE OTHERS, TALK ABOUT THE NEURO-BIOLOGICAL-GENETIC COMPONENT OF ADDICTIONS.

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Workaholism is an addiction, however the obsessive-compulsive components alone may prove insufficient in determining its nature.

The aim of the following study was to determine the mediating role of depressiveness in the relationships between workaholism and personality traits according to the five-factor model among Polish women.

The research study was carried out among 556 women residing in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The research was based on a survey performed using a questionnaire technique. The following research instruments adapted to Polish conditions were employed to assess the incidence of work addiction among female adults: The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), The Work Addiction Risk Test (WART) Questionnaire, and The Beck Depression Inventory–BDI I-II.

A positive correlation between the intensity of neuroticism and the work addiction risk was revealed (β = 0.204, p < 0.001). A partial mediation (35%) with the severity of depression symptoms as a mediating factor was observed (β = 0.110, p < 0.001). Respondents characterized by high neuroticism showed a greater severity of the symptoms of depression (β = 0.482, p < 0.001), which is a factor increasing the work addiction risk (β = 0.228, p < 0.001). Respondents characterized by a high level of extraversion displayed lower severity of the symptoms of depression (β = –0.274, p < 0.001). A negative correlation between the intensity of agreeableness and the work addiction risk was revealed (β = –0.147, p < 0.001). A partial mediation (27.8%) was observed. A positive correlation between the intensity of conscientiousness and the work addiction risk was revealed (β = 0.082, p = 0.047). Respondents characterised by a high level of conscientiousness showed a lower severity of depression symptoms (β = –0.211, p < 0.001).

Table 1. Indirect and total effects: Mediation model 1 - Neuroticism

NEU—neuroticims, WART—Work Addiction Risk Test, N – Neuroticism, BDI—Beck Depression Inventory–BDI I-II, b—unstandardized regression coefficient, β—standardized regression coefficient, p—significance level; * Confidence interval (CI) computed with method: bootstrap percentiles; ** Beta (β) is completely standardized effect size.

Depressiveness plays the role of a mediator between neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness as well as conscientiousness, and work addiction. Depressiveness is a factor which increases the risk of work addiction.

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Technological development and the ever-expanding range of functions that a mobile phone offers to its users cause that more and more people overuse this device. The problem of smartphone addiction and nomophobia has become a significant social problem, especially among young mobile phone users. It has been observed that excessive use of smartphones can cause psychological problems, such as increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, decreased cognitive function, and can also negatively affect students’ academic activities.

The primary aim of the study was to assess the extent of phone addiction among nursing students. Additionally, the researchers aimed to investigate the impact of various variables, including socio-demographic and psychological factors, on the severity of pathological phone use among nursing students.

This survey based study was performed using the author questionnaire and standardized research tools: the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale for Adolescents (MPPUSA), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale version 21 (DASS-21).

The study involved 303 nursing students of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. A subjective feeling of addiction to a mobile phone was noted in 51.16% of respondents, and to the internet in 22.44%. In addition, 66.34% of the respondents had sleep problems. Some 38.28% of the nursing students did not show symptoms of depression, 38.61% had normal levels of anxiety, and 37.62% had normal levels of stress. Phone use was significantly more problematic among single people and those in an informal relationship, as well as among younger respondents. Analysis of the data revealed statistically significant positive correlations between problematic phone use according to the MPPUSA and the severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia according to the AIS.

The vast majority of nursing students use a mobile phone correctly and do not exhibit symptoms of nomophobia. Age and marital status are the sociodemographic variables that have a statistically significant effect on the pathological pattern of smartphone use. There is no statistically significant relationship between mobile phone addiction and gender or place of residence. Phonoholism statistically significantly positively correlates with nomophobia, as well as the severity of depressive symptoms and insomnia. Moreover, the more pathological the smartphone use, the higher the levels of anxiety and stress experienced by nursing students.

None Declared

Interpreting and perceiving adequately others’ emotions and the regulative processes within one’s mental health are barriers or predisposing factors in the development of smartphone addiction.

The research explores the role of mental health, fear of negative perception, and assessment of other people’s emotions, which influence excessive smartphone use.

The survey included 400 respondents, of whom 104 were men (26%), 293 women (73.2%), and three persons (0.8%) who indicated a different gender. The mean age of the participants was 25.9 years (SD 10.9). Registered answers refer to demographic data (gender, age, smartphone usage habits) as well as psychological measures: a Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), a Mental Health Continuum Scale (MHC), an Assessing Emotions Scale (AES), and Fear of Negative Perception Questionnaire (FNPQ).

Results show a significant negative correlation between the SABAS score and global mental well-being (r(398) = -.15, p = .005) and a significant positive correlation between the SABAS score and fear of negative perception (r(398) = .27, p = .001). Using SABAS’s cutoff point (23 points), non-problem (M = 59.6, SD = 11.4) and problem users (M = 55.8, SD = 11.3) differ significantly in global mental well-being (t(398) = -2.9, p = .004) and each of its sub-factors, emotional, social, and psychological well-being; as well as non-problem (M = 20, SD = 8.2) and problem users (M = 24.1, SD = 8.4) in fear of negative perception (t(398) = 4.3, p = .001). Relevant associations between emotional regulation and problematic smartphone use we did not find.

The resulting data will support to investigation of the role of mental health well-being factors in the development of problematic smartphone usage, besides prevention and psychotherapeutic intervention.

None Declared

Identification of the effects of experimentation with psychoactive substances and the formation of addictive behavior in adolescents in risk groups requires the development of new approaches to the clinical and laboratory examination for the prevent severe complications of intoxication and treatment of addiction. One of the biological indicators of complications from the use of psychoactive substances during the period of brain development may be neuroinflammation, in addition to metabolic disorders and disorders of other internal organs.

To study the relationship between the levels of inflammatory markers and biochemical blood indicators with the clinical symptoms in adolescents with alcohol and substance intoxication.

Clinical and laboratory examinations included 40 patients aged 14 to 17 years diagnosed with behavioral and mental disorders due to alcohol use and/or combined alcohol and substance abuse. In blood plasma, the activity of leukocyte elastase (LE) and α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI), as well as the level of autoantibodies (AB) to S100B and basic myelin protein (MBP) were measured. The results were compared with the corresponding normative indicators.

The relationship between the level of immune system activation and the activity of the pathological process in the brain served as the division of patients into groups. The 1st group (58.3%) was characterized by high activity of LE and α1-PI and an increased level of aAT to MBP (p<0.05). The 2nd group (42.7%) was distinguished by low LE activity and a high level of other markers (p<0.01). In the 1st group, a higher monocyte content, an increase in creatine phosphokinase activity, uric acid level, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase ratio, a decrease in gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and serum iron and ferritin level were found compared to the 2nd group. In the 2nd group, the increase in the number of neutrophils was associated with a relatively increased platelet content, as well as higher levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, creatinine content, total and direct bilirubin.

In the 1st group, signs of attention deficit, autoaggression, and increased tolerance to the dose of the substance used were detected more often. In the 2nd group, pronounced tension and irritability, a longer duration of drug use, and more severe clinical manifestations of withdrawal syndrome were observed.

The introduction of indicators of neuroinflammation, associated with ferroptosis mechanisms, initially clinically asymptomatic, into the cluster of clinical and laboratory studies will specify the diagnostics of individual changes in reactivity and health disorders in adolescents at the stage of drug addiction. This will substantiate and increase the effectiveness of the prevention of addictions and early disability among adolescents at risk.

None Declared

As the accessibility of new technology becomes easier and its usage longer, especially among university students, the repercussions on content consumption and behaviors must be examined and addressed, both for prevention and remediation.

The aim of this study is to assess the degree of addictive behaviors associated with the use of the internet and social media. Through a questionnaire, data was collected from a random sample of university students in Kenitra.

58 students participated in the study (21.29 ± 1.69) (38 women and 20 men), distributed as follows: 31% in the first year, 32% in the second year, and 36% in the third year. Of these, 94% reported owning a smartphone for at least one year.

17% reported using internet for more than 12 hours per day. 37% recharge their balance immediately after it is depleted, and 41% become frustrated when they receive no response to a message, 38% are constantly awaiting new notifications. Nearly 30% reported that internet use affects their studies, health, and causes conflicts with their parents.

Girls are more connected than boys and cannot tolerate being without internet access (p < 0.05, respectively). The number of repeated semesters is highly correlated with the duration of smartphone ownership and significantly correlated with age (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a strong correlation is observed between the duration of internet use and the allocated budget (p < 0.05), as well as the ability to tolerate the absence of internet access (p < 0.05).

The regression test shows that an increase in the allocated budget for internet connection leads to an increase in the time spent using smartphone applications (β = 0.42), and the model explains 47% of this relationship. Additionally, the nature of the application used can explain 30% of the increase in the number of repeated semesters among university students (β = 0.30), this parameter is also explained by the duration of smartphone ownership by 10% (β = 0.33).

Internet access is facilitated by smartphones, which fosters attachment behaviors among university students that can lead to addiction and certainly have an influence on academic progress, health, and family relationships.

None Declared

Alcohol use disorder is a significant Public Health issue with substantial socioeconomic impact, morbidity, and mortality. Achieving therapeutic success remains challenging due to frequent treatment dropouts, relapses, and readmissions. It is estimated that 20-40% of patients discontinue detoxification treatment prematurely, with some studies highlighting the influence of psychiatric comorbidities, polysubstance use, unemployment, and impulsivity. Premature discontinuation increases the risk of medical complications and worsens prognosis. Although anti-craving medications have demonstrated efficacy in preventing relapse, they remain underprescribed.

This study aims to identify and analyze determinants of readmissions, particularly in patients with a history of treatment dropout, and propose strategies to enhance therapeutic success.

A two-year retrospective analysis was conducted on readmitted patients, with a focus on previous dropouts, within the 12 months prior to their last hospitalization for alcohol detoxification at ULS São José - Hospital Júlio de Matos. The analysis included sociodemographic data, comorbidities, anti-craving therapy, integration into therapeutic communities (TC), and post-discharge outcomes.

A total of 37 patients were identified with readmissions in the past 12 months. Of these, 9 (24.3%) had left their previous admission against medical advice, most of whom had experienced 4 or more admissions. There was a similar gender distribution, with all patients being single or divorced, 66.7% unemployed, and the same percentage experiencing economic hardship. Two-thirds had psychiatric comorbidities. None had recently received anti-craving medication, and only 2 (22.2%) had prior involvement with a TC. During their readmission, 44% were discharged to a TC or Day Center, and 2 left again against medical advice.

It was found that many frequent users discharged themselves against medical advice from previous hospitalizations. These patients showed a high prevalence of socioeconomic problems and psychiatric comorbidities, with none receiving anti-craving therapy. In the future, it will be essential to analyze the reasons for these dropouts to improve the effectiveness of treatment during hospitalization. It is concluded that therapeutic plans must be personalized and tailored to the patients’ multiple needs to ensure better adherence.

None Declared

There is growing concern that the internet may have a detrimental effect on users, leading to addiction and cognitive decline. One well-known empirical study, conducted by Sparrow, Liu, and Wegner (2011), presented two types of the so-called Google effect (intentional and mnemonic) as evidence. In this study, participants answered either difficult or easy yes/no trivia questions, followed by a Stroop task involving internet-related and neutral words displayed in different colors. The reaction times were slower for internet-related words, but only after the difficult trivia questions, which was interpreted as evidence of automatic internet priming in challenging situations. However, subsequent replication attempts were unsuccessful. We hypothesized that the Stroop paradigm may not be valid due to the lack of semantic interference and that the antisaccade task would be more sensitive.

To investigate the intentional Google effect using the antisaccade eye-tracking paradigm.

A pilot study was conducted (N=37). Participants answered a series of difficult or easy yes/no trivia questions, followed by the appearance of either an internet-related or neutral image on the left or right side of the screen. The task required participants to look in the opposite direction of the stimulus, with oculomotor activity recorded by the SMI Hi-Speed system (1250 Hz). Reaction time and the number of errors were measured.

Logistic regression and ANOVA results did not show a significant influence of question difficulty, stimulus type, or their interaction on error probability (B = -0.22, SE = 0.22, z = -0.94, p = 0.35) or reaction time (F = 0.31, p = 0.58).

These preliminary results do not support the hypothesis for the intentional Google effect, further research and discussion in the context of internet-addiction are needed.

None Declared

Violence against women is a significant public health issue with devastating consequences for victims. It’s a complex and often hidden phenomenon rooted in deep-seated gender inequalities. Faced with distress and trauma, some victims may develop self-medication behaviors, such as substance use.

This descriptive study aims to characterize the experiences of violence among 53 women who sought help from the ATL, MST SIDA, and ATIOST associations.

Data was collected through individual interviews with each of the 53 participants. An interview guide was developed to cover different types of violence (physical, psychological, sexual, economic), their frequency, intensity, and their consequences on substance use, using the DUDIT questionnaire.

The sample consisted of women with an average age of 36.04 ± 10.31 years, ranging from 18 to 58. The results show that all participants experienced multiple and recurrent forms of violence, primarily psychological (insults, denigration, control, isolation) and physical (hits, slaps, threats). Sexual violence, although less frequently reported, was also identified in 32%. The most common type of violence was physical (77%), mainly occurring within the couple (49%). 72% of women presented a substance use disorder. The most commonly used substances were cannabis (53%), followed by benzodiazepines (41%), and pregabalin in third position (36%).

This descriptive study highlights the complexity of the experiences of violence faced by women seeking help from harm reduction associations. The results underscore the urgent need to address this issue and develop tailored responses to the specific needs of these women. Future research could explore in greater detail the risk and protective factors associated with violence against women, as well as the long-term effects of this violence on mental and physical health.

None Declared