Methamphetamine use disorder poses a significant public health challenge, with few effective pharmacological treatments. Topiramate, an anticonvulsant, shows potential for treating various substance use disorders. This meta-analysis evaluates topiramate’s efficacy in treating methamphetamine use disorder, focusing on abstinence rates and depressive symptoms.

This review aims to assess the efficacy of topiramate in treating methamphetamine use disorder, specifically its impact on abstinence rates measured by negative urine tests for methamphetamine. Additionally, it evaluates topiramate’s effects on depressive symptoms, quantified by Beck Depression Inventory scores.

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO in September 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing topiramate’s effects on individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. The analysis utilized a random-effects model, with the primary outcome being abstinence assessed through negative urine tests and the secondary outcome being depression scores from the Beck Depression Inventory.

Three studies (n = 249) were included, comparing topiramate to placebo. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for the common effect model was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94-1.07), indicating no significant difference between topiramate and placebo. Heterogeneity was low (I² = 2%, p = 0.36). Individual study risk ratios ranged from 0.43 to 1.09, with the largest study (n = 140) showing no effect (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.93-1.07). Two studies (n = 109) reported that topiramate tended to improve depressive symptoms relative to placebo, though not reaching statistical significance (mean difference = -2.52 (95% CI: -5.31 to 0.26).

For patients with methamphetamine use disorder, topiramate did not increase abstinence rates when compared to placebo, but showed a trend towards improving depressive symptoms. Although no statistically significant effects were observed, the trends provide a foundation for future research. Larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and standardized outcome measures are needed to better evaluate topiramate’s efficacy. Future studies should also explore dose-response relationships, combination therapies, and identify patient subgroups likely to benefit from topiramate, which may reveal clinically meaningful effects and enhance treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder.

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Galonal increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the brain by having a modulatory effect on neuronal GABAA-receptors (GABAA-R). The presence of functional GABAA-R on the surface of immune cells, in particular T-lymphocytes, which mediate modulation of the cell’s functional activity has also been described. Chronic alcohol use is associated with significant T-lymphocytes dysregulation within the adaptive immune system. It suggests that synthetic GABAA-R ligand Galonal, similar to its effects on neuronal cells, may cause modulation of the functional activity of the lymphocytes, thereby influencing the intensity of the immune response.

Considering the fact that GABAA-R proved to be the molecular targets of ethanol on the immune and nervous cells, we investigated behavior and immunomodulatory effects of the artificial GABA receptor ligand Galonal during long-term alcohol exposure to find new perspective pharmacological substances in the treatment of alcoholism.

Galonal (100 mg/kg) was administered in mice with 6-month 10% ethanol exposure (suspension of 1% starch mucus intragastrically) for 10 days, after which animal’s alcohol consumption, behavior and immune parameters were estimated.

After the course of Galonal administration a decrease in alcohol motivation and stimulation of exploratory behavior have been established in long-term alcoholized mice. An increase in the humoral immune response was also recorded, assessed by the absolute and relative numbers of AFC, to a level characteristic of healthy animals of the corresponding age. Significant stimulation of the cellular immune response, estimated by the DTH reaction and lymphocytes proliferative activity was also registered.

Galonal demonstrated positive neuroimmunomodulation effect during long-term alcohol exposure, therefore, its promising for clinical use in the treatment of alcoholism.

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Gambling disorder was previously classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM-IV, but with the introduction of DSM-5, it has been redefined as a behavioural addiction. This reclassification reflects a growing understanding of how gambling shares many characteristics with substance use disorders, including the compulsive nature of the behaviour, its neurological underpinnings, and the significant consequences it has on an individual’s life. The shift from an impulse disorder to an addiction framework highlights the chronic, relapsing nature of the condition and underscores the need for more comprehensive treatment approaches. Gambling disorder is now recognized as one of the major public health issue due to its association with significant psychological, social, and financial harm. Furthermore, it frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions, particularly mood disorders and substance use disorders, making treatment and recovery more complex. This dual diagnosis often results in overlapping symptoms that reinforce each other, complicating the course of treatment and decreasing the likelihood of sustained abstinence. Addressing the multifaceted nature of gambling disorder is critical to improving therapeutic outcomes, particularly in individuals with comorbid conditions.

This case report aims to examine the challenges in maintaining abstinence in individuals with co-occurring substance use and gambling disorders, focusing on the role of impulsivity and motivational instability. It also seeks to explore effective treatment strategies to improve long-term recovery outcomes.

A case report approach was employed, following a 23-year-old male patient with a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations due to substance use and gambling disorders. The patient’s treatment journey was analysed, with particular attention to his motivation, therapeutic engagement, and relapse patterns.

The patient struggled with maintaining long-term abstinence due to impulsivity, frustration intolerance, and repeated relapses, exacerbated by non-compliance with treatment. Although initial motivation for recovery was present, it deteriorated over time, resulting in premature termination of treatment programs. Persistent gambling and substance use led to significant personal and financial consequences.

Effective treatment for co-occurring gambling and substance use disorders must prioritize enhancing frustration tolerance, impulse control, and stable motivation. Comprehensive therapeutic interventions, continuous support, and realistic goal-setting are crucial for improving abstinence and preventing relapse. Understanding the interconnectedness of gambling and substance use is key to tailoring effective treatments.

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Gambling disorder (GD) can be defined as the maintenance of gambling behavior despite its negative impact both on the health, social, work and financial aspects of one’s life, with growing importance over other interests, loss of control over this behavior and an intense need of maintaining it. In the last decades, the prevalence of GD has been increasing, while it remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disorder. Regarding scratch tickets (ST), Portugal is the European country with the biggest per capita spending, more than doubling the European average, with 150€ spent annually.

We report the case of a woman with GD and aim to briefly discuss the most recent evidence on this subject.

Description of clinical case and brief review of the literature on the subject.

G. is a caucasian 66-year-old woman without past psychiatric history. Her first contact with ST happened in 2016, when she started working at a kiosk and spent around 1€/day. In 2017, after going through a divorce, her gambling habits worsened, spending around 70€/day. She spent most of her income on gambling and started developing depressive symptoms. By the end of 2020, she is put in a medical leave of absence and starts seeing a therapist. To better control her spendings, her daughter is appointed as her bank account holder, but the patient relapses a week after returning to work, having contracted a loan to keep up with her addiction. She maintains this behavior until 2023 when she is referenced to a Psychiatry appointment and starts treatment, including individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly Gambling Anonymous meetings. In January 2024, G. joins an in-hospital patient group for gambling addicts and decides to retire, to distance herself from the environment that potentiates her addiction. She is now in remission and has been abstinent from gambling for over a year. She still has occasional thoughts about gambling as well as craving to gamble, but all other psychiatric symptoms have resolved, and she has been discharged from Psychiatry appointments.

The average ST gambler is middle aged, plays weekly and earns less than minimum wage, with the chance of gambling decreasing drastically if monthly wage is >1500€. Additionally, service workers are 55% more likely to gamble ST when compared to their counterparts. With the lack of regulation, growth in publicity and the possibility of anonymity, the prevalence of GD is growing, becoming essential that we detect this disorder promptly so that a multidisciplinary treatment can be implemented.

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Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition associated with long-term cannabis use, marked by recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, typically relieved by hot showers—a nearly pathognomonic feature. It often develops after years of heavy cannabis use, with symptoms recurring cyclically every few weeks to months while the individual continues to use cannabis. Symptom resolution is generally observed after cessation. Though cannabis is commonly used to relieve nausea (as in chemotherapy-induced vomiting), in susceptible individuals, prolonged use paradoxically induces these symptoms, presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Recognizing CHS is increasingly important as global cannabis consumption rises.

The aim of this study is to review the clinical presentation of CHS, highlighting key diagnostic features, current management strategies and treatment.

A comprehensive case report of a 27-year-old female with a history of heavy cannabis use was conducted. She presented with severe nausea and vomiting for two weeks following reported cannabis cessation. A thorough clinical evaluation was undertaken to better understand the clinical presentation of CHS. Additionally, a literature review was performed using PubMed to gather relevant clinical articles on CHS.

The patient exhibited hallmark features of CHS, including a prolonged history of cannabis use beginning in adolescence, recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, the typical compulsive use of hot showers for symptom relief and lack of response to conventional antiemetic treatments. These features, combined with the patient’s lack of motivation to discontinue cannabis despite symptom recurrence, strongly support the diagnosis of CHS. Although she had a history of an eating disorder and presented with the Russell sign and dental damage consistent with chronic vomiting, no psychiatric comorbidities or body image disturbances were identified.

CHS remains an under-recognized condition that poses diagnostic challenges. This case reinforces the need to inquire about cannabis use in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting, abdominal pain and weight loss. CHS symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms can mimic other important diseases, such as eating disorders or gastrointestinal pathologies. Challenges in managing CHS include patient skepticism regarding the role of cannabis as a cause of symptoms, perceived benefits of cannabis and a lack of other effective therapies. Management of CHS involves both acute symptomatic treatment and long-term cessation of cannabis use. Acute interventions may include fluid resuscitation, haloperidol administration, and topical capsaicin application. However, the only definitive treatment is complete abstinence from cannabis, which leads to symptom resolution in the vast majority of cases.

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Ekbom syndrome, also known as delusional infestation (DI), is a rare mono-symptomatic psychosis in which the patient has the firm and unshakable belief that one’s body, mainly their skin, is infested by parasites or bugs. DI primarily affects middle-aged women and it can be classified as primary or secondary, often associated with other psychiatric conditions like psychotic depression, or induced by substances such as cocaine or amphetamines. Understanding that DI may not represent a single, uniform disease or diagnostic entity and can have various underlying causes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

This study aims to examine the clinical presentation, etiology and therapeutic approach for a patient presenting with DI while comparing approaches for different DI etiologies.

A case report was conducted on a 61-year-old woman presenting with delusion of infestation, skin lesions, depressive symptoms and a toxicology screening positive for cocaine. Addicionally, a literature review using the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant clinical articles on DI.

In evaluating the patient’s condition, the initial differential diagnosis included formication, a condition where patients experience sensations such as stinging or crawling on the skin without developing fixed delusions. Formication can arise from multiple neurological or systemic causes, including exposure to substances. A unique subtype of formication, known as “cocaine bugs,” is seen in cocaine users and produces similar tactile sensations. Cocaine-induced formication is often part of a broader cocaine-related delirium that involves hallucinations and ideas of contamination. For these patients, detoxification is a priority in treatment, addressing the substance use disorder directly. In cases where delusions develop alongside these sensations, particularly in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or depressive disorder, the diagnostic focus shifts.

Delirium of infestation can occur in individuals with cocaine use and those with psychotic depression. More than half of the patients with DI have a history of depression and both conditions often coexist. There are individuals for whom DI appears to cause depression and patients for whom depression appears to precipitate DI. This case highlights the complexity in diagnosing and treating DI, particularly when cocaine use and psychotic depression co-occur. The patient’s symptoms reflect overlapping etiologies, with cocaine use likely exacerbating formication, while psychotic depression contributed to fixed beliefs of infestation. Given the frequent co-occurrence of DI and depressive symptoms, further research is needed to refine neurobiological insights and treatment strategies for DI across these patient groups.

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Conceptually, the internet has transformed the Earth into a vast information network village, significantly enhancing human experience through unprecedented availability and exchange of information. However, the potential adverse effects of internet addiction on human health have emerged as a major global concern.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction among students.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023 among students from various faculties in Sfax. Data were collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire accessible online, created using the Google Forms application. The questionnaire explored sociodemographic and relational data. Internet addiction was assessed using the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS).

The average age of the students was 25,62 ± 3,29 years, with a sex ratio of 1/5. Among the participants, 96% resided in urban areas, and 81,9% lived with their families. Nearly half of the students were from the Sfax Faculty of Medicine, and 64,4% were in the third cycle of their studies. The study found a mean total score of 74,27 +/- 21,25 on the IAS, indicating an estimated prevalence of internet addiction at 24,2%. Factors correlated with internet addiction included excessive internet use by family members (p=0,004) and poor adaptation to the faculty (p=0,03).

Internet addiction was prevalent in our student population. Exploring the characteristics associated with this addiction would undoubtedly assist in identifying the risks our students might face.

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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a pervasive condition with substantial psychological, social, and physical consequences. Traditional treatment approaches often struggle with high relapse rates, highlighting the need for more effective interventions. Recently, ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has emerged as a potential treatment for AUD due to its unique pharmacological properties.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the current evidence of ketamine treatment for alcohol use disorder and its efficacy.

The authors did a non-systematic review of the current literature.

The results suggest that ketamine combined with psychotherapy reduces alcohol consumption and prolongs abstinence in AUD patients. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve ketamine’s ability to enhance neuroplasticity and modulate glutamatergic pathways, which may improve motivation and cognitive control. Additionally, ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects could address comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, often observed in AUD patients, thereby reducing the overall risk of relapse.

Ketamine presents a promising adjunct to existing therapies for AUD, offering benefits that extend beyond traditional treatment approaches. However, while preliminary findings are encouraging, further research is necessary to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of ketamine in treating AUD, particularly concerning optimal dosing strategies and the integration with psychotherapeutic interventions.

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Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent and substantially contribute to the global burden of disease, negatively impacting individuals’ health, well-being, and social functioning. While SUD treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing substance use and related behaviors, there has been a growing emphasis on including subjective outcome measures, recognizing the importance of patients’ perspectives on their well-being. This shift has driven the development of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), which are progressively being integrated in healthcare to enhance patient-centered care, patient-provider communication and shared decision-making.

This study aims to develop a PROMs Digital Health Intervention (PROMs-DHI) with the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of outpatient addiction treatment services.

PROMs-DHI includes the electronic adaptation of ICHOM’s standardized set for addictions using REDCap software and feedback created by Tableau on individual PROMs scores for patients and clinicians. PROMs-DHI will be assessed through mixed methods following a patient-centered design. Quantitative data will be collected using the System Usability Scale (Brooke, 1986), while qualitative data will be gathered through 5 focus groups with patients and 5 with healthcare professionals from collaborating addiction treatment centers. This strategy will yield valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of both groups in utilizing the PROMs-DHI, offering a deeper understanding of their interactions and outcomes.

It is expected that patients will perceive a positive effect of the usage of the PROMs-DHI, gaining insights into their progress, reinforcing communication with clinicians, and enhancing self-management. Clinicians are expected to find the PROMs-DHI beneficial for managing patient care, profiting from the ability to monitor patient outcomes in real-time, receive notifications when values exceed critical thresholds, and access detailed reporting tools to inform their treatment decisions. This would enable them to provide more targeted and effective care, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Implementing the PROMs-DHI in addiction care could facilitate outcome comparisons, guide service improvement, and ultimately increase the effectiveness and quality of interventions, contributing to a stronger and more sustained recovery for patients undergoing treatment. Providing patients with regular feedback on their outcomes may also have a therapeutic effect in itself, promoting self-awareness, motivation and empowerment to manage their recovery. Furthermore, PROMs can support healthcare professionals in making well-informed treatment decisions that are tailored to each patient’s needs, thereby strengthening the impact and sustainability of addiction interventions.

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AFFECTIVE DISORDERS IN ADDICTOLOGY

In recent years, the number of substance users has increased globally. Referring to a study conducted in Albania by the Youth Risky Behavioral Survey, it results that: 5.4% of young people aged 14-18 have an experience with cannabis, 4% with ecstasy, 1.4% with heroin and 1.6% with cocaine. From the data published by Our World (2019) it results that the number of deaths from drug and alcohol consumption has doubled, especially in the last three decades. From studies it results that 50 thousand individuals in Albania (1.8% of the population are drug users.

From a 3-year study carried out in the Addictology pavilion at Salus Hospital, where a sample of 133 patients with addiction to substances was examined. It turned out that 118 people were men (88.7%) and 15 women (11.3%). Over 50% of patients are in the 18-33 age group and 40% are in the 30-40 age group. Referring to the place of residence, most of the patients are from Tirana and this is influenced by the number of the population (32% of the population of Albania).Education is another important data of this study as it turns out that more than 50% of them have a secondary education and only 1/3 of them have a higher education. Referring to the married/single status, the ratio is respectively 46.97/48.48%.After analyzing the years of abuse,from 1-5 years addiction constitute 29 % of the total,6-10 years constitute 37 % and from 10-20 years constitute 21 %.If we refer to substances, it turns out that cocaine occupies 74% of the championship, followed by Cannabis, 14% and Alcohol, 12%. If we consider the psychiatric pathologies from which this study is referred, it turns out that Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients. Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder.

Place occupied by mood disorders in addictology

Quantitative research

Referring to the married/single status,the ratio is respectively 46.97/48.48%.After analyzing the years of abuse, from 1-5 years addiction constitute 29 % of the total,6-10 years constitute 37 % and from 10-20 years constitute 21 %.If we refer to substances,it turns out that cocaine occupies 74% of the championship,followed by Cannabis,14% and Alcohol,12%.If we consider the psychiatric pathologies from which this study is referred,it turns out that Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients.Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder

Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients.Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder.

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Adverse Childhood Experiences, referring to potentially traumatic events such as sexual abuse, rejection, and family dysfunction, are strongly associated with the development of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. Peer victimization related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression has been linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, disrupted educational paths, trauma, and increased use of substances such as alcohol and drugs. Gender-diverse youth are particularly vulnerable to substance misuse, especially in environments with limited support and prevalent discrimination.

To emphasize the complex interactions between substance use, early trauma, and gender identity struggles, while highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

This case report was developed through detailed psychiatric interviews and assessments conducted during the patient’s follow-up in an outpatient addiction treatment unit. The case description is supported by a focused literature review on PubMed using the keywords “Adverse Childhood Experiences”, “Substance Use Disorder” and “Gender Identity”.

The patient is a young adult with a history of polysubstance use, starting in adolescence. His substance use was closely associated to early trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and rejection by family and peers after disclosing his sexual orientation. These events led to dropping out of school, running away from home, and experiencing homelessness. As a result, he developed long-standing anxiety, depressive symptoms, and emotional instability. Internal struggles with gender identity, alongside ongoing familial conflict and unstable romantic relationships, further worsened his psychopathology. After a multidisciplinary intervention involving psychiatry, psychology, and social services, he showed significant improvements in emotional regulation, anxiety management and has remained abstinent since starting treatment.

Personal experiences, especially during childhood and adolescence, profoundly influence mental health and behaviors in adulthood. This case underscores the interaction between adverse childhood experiences, substance misuse, and discrimination related to sexual orientation, illustrating how these factors collectively impact psychiatric health. The patient’s journey through addiction, identity struggles, and mental health challenges reflects the deep influence of both personal trauma and systemic issues. This case highlights the need for multifaceted therapeutic approaches that address the psychological, social, and familial factors underlying the patient’s condition.

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Various studies have shown that individuals with mental health disorders are significantly more likely to smoke compared to the general population. Additionally, they tend to exhibit more severe tobacco dependence. For these populations, smoking is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Despite the significance of this issue and its impact on health, quality of life, and financial well- being, smoking cessation interventions are rarely implemented in mental health services.

The STEN project (alleviate Stigma, Train, Enhance smoking cessation interventions, rely on a specialized Network), funded by the Tobacco Prevention Fund in Switzerland, aims to promote smoking cessation among individuals with mental health disorders. The project seeks to strengthen the competencies of mental health professionals, encourage the utilization of available resources, and shift healthcare professionals’ beliefs about smoking in individuals with mental disorders.

The first phase of the STEN project focuses on identifying the needs and perceptions of mental health professionals regarding smoking cessation. This phase involves a qualitative opinion survey exploring the perceived barriers and needs related to treating tobacco dependence in people with mental health disorders. The survey was conducted through focus groups held between December 2023 and April 2024, involving about 80 professionals from various linguistic regions of Switzerland, representing different professional bodies and both private and public addiction and psychiatry services. Data collection was facilitated and standardized using a structured response document.

The analysis of the focus group discussions revealed:

Barriers: The main barriers to implementing tobacco dependence treatment among mental health professionals included a lack of knowledge, the misconception that addressing tobacco use is not part of their mission, and false beliefs about patients’ willingness to quit.

Needs: There is a strong interest among mental health professionals in digital training, accompanied by opportunities for practice-sharing.

This phase will culminate in the development of a training and digital support concept tailored to the needs and perceptions of mental health professionals in Switzerland.

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Addiction treatments are complex, and their goals have changed over time. In the past, abstinence was the main objective. Nowadays, treatments focus on people and their recovery. They are developed to act in many areas of life, therefore appropriate measures are needed that really show the results achieved. One of the variables that has been shown to be appropriate for measuring the results of interventions is quality of life.

Our main objective was to evaluate the results of the intervention carried out on people who have been discharged, with an instrument that includes data on quality of life. Another objective was to standardize the measurement of results, establishing reliable criteria that include the diversity of people in treatment for addictions.

A computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted, with 575 people, between May 2023 and June 2024. They had been for 3 or 6 months on therapeutic or voluntary discharge.

Criteria for therapeutic discharge, voluntary discharge, and abandonment were established. They included results in different areas: substance use, health and self-care, mental health, social/family integration and educational/work.

The World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used. Psychosocial and drug use questions were added to the evaluation.

At discharge, around 75% of people considered that they were in better health than before starting treatment, 60% believed that their quality of life was good or very good, 72% considered that their life had a lot or some meaning and 75% maintained abstinence from the substance for which they were in treatment.

Regarding quality of life (WHOQOL BREF) in people with discharge from treatment, the domain with the lowest score was the one of personal relationships.

Opiate patients were the ones with the lowest scores, with physical health values being highlighted. In terms of gender, women scored worse than men, especially in psychological health.

The results obtained indicate that the biopsychosocial and interdisciplinary treatment of addictions at the Addictions Institute of Madrid City Council improves the overall quality of life and the perception of health. These changes are largely maintained over time, including abstinence.

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Addictive disorders are chronic, highly recurrent conditions that often require long-term treatment and a multidisciplinary approach. Exacerbation of a chronic disorders presents a special challenge and requires a quick response from the medical team. Emergency services implement life-saving interventions on a daily basis.

The objective of this study is to point out the importance of the Emergency Service and the provision of adequate medical care to people who need emergency intervention due to the abuse of psychoactive substances.

This retrospective study was conductet from January 2018 to January 2023 and included 4337 persons. Data was collected from the Special hospital for addiction disorders in Belgrade, Serbia, using a sociodemographic questionnaire and medical documentation. All included participents were users of the Emergency services. Unknown persons were excluded from the research.

Out of a total of 4337 participants, 76% were male with an average age of 37.71 ± 9.94, while 24% were female with an average age of 37.89 ± 11.42. Opiate withdrawal syndrome was the most common reason for presentation in both sexes. However, it should be noted that the incidence of occurrence in men is significantly higher (68%), while in women it is slightly lower (close to 50%). Statistically significantly more women appear due to symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication (p<0.05), as well as intoxication with hypnotics and withdrawal symptoms from the anxiety-depressive spectrum. Comparing the reasons for reporting throughout the monitoring period of 5 years, with the exception of 2022, the trend of reporting did not change significantly. Opiate withdrawal syndrome is the most common, followed by acute alcohol intoxication, polytoxicomania and marijuana use.

The Emergency Service is of great importance because a large number of patients are cared for on an annual basis due to various symptoms of addiction. In addition to the training and readiness of the medical team, joint work and coordination of other emergency service institutions is also needed for the most efficient care.

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Personality-related correlates are significant factors associated with compulsive buying. The Big Five personality traits can be a risk factor or a protective factor for addiction.

This study aimed to establish the connection between depressiveness, workaholism, eating disorders, and personality traits, according to the five-point model called the Big Five, in women with a risk of compulsive buying disorder.

The study was conducted on 556 Polish women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, the Buying Behaviour Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory I-II, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a self-questionnaire.

The analysis revealed the risk of compulsive buying being accompanied by a higher median score for depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and a risk of workaholism. A lower score in the respondents in the compulsive buying risk group was observed in an assessment of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Work addiction was exhibited by 26% of people with compulsive buying disorder vs. 12% of people without it.

Table 1. Descriptive statistics for selected scales with respect to the risk of the compulsive buying disorder.

BDI I-II—Beck Depression Inventory, NEO-FFI—Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, TFEQ-13—Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, WART—Work Addiction Risk Test, Me—median, Q1—quartile first, Q3—quartile third, n—number of patients, p—statistic

This study found that a high risk of compulsive buying disorder is accompanied by a high risk of moderate depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and workaholism. It also confirmed the view that compulsive buying is a behavioural addiction which is a consequence of ineffective coping and being dissatisfied with one’s social life.

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Subutex abuse in Tunisia is a phenomenon that is becoming more and more frequent and the management of which is not obvious due to the development of this substance in parallel markets.

Our objective was to assess the patient’s Subutex use and initially assist with withdrawal, followed by achieving abstinence.

We followed the case of a patient in the psychiatric unit B at the Razi hospital, for depressive symptoms and having a problem of misuse of Subutex for 4 years, in a difficult family and social context.

Patient follow-up was done over a one-year period with weekly consultation sessions at the beginning to assess the situation. Although withdrawal was done after a few weeks, it was essential to maintain this abstinence, using psychotherapy based on CBT done over 7 sessions.

During the study period, the patient violated abstinence only once in a family conflict.

The patient’s response to our management has reinforced the hope of being able to treat addiction to Subutex despite the severity of his condition and family and social instability.

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The electronic cigarette (EC), invented in 2006, represents a recent phenomenon that is increasingly discussed especially in healthcare environment. Beliefs regarding this form of consumption are very diverse.

This study aims to assess the perception of young doctors towards EC consumption.

An online survey had been conducted inspired from the French health barometer (2017). Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire using Google Forms. The recruitment of participants was based on social media platforms combining young doctors.

A total of 203 young doctors had responded to the questionnaire. Most of participants were female (71%) with a mean age of 25.64 ± 2.64 years. More than half (60%) were resident doctors. Non-smokers represent 79.3% of our population. At the time of the survey, only 14 subjects (6.9%) had used EC or experienced vaping. The evaluation of perceptions with regard to vaping had showed that 30% of participants disagreed with the fact that EC consumption represents a measure to promote the cessation of tobacco use and 82% hadn’t recommended it to their patients. A proportion of 47.3% thought that vaping is as harmful as smoking and 60% agreed that e-cigarettes may contain toxic chemicals. More than half (51.6%) almost agreed that vaping may encourage ex-smokers to become nicotine addicts.

We may conclude that EC represents for young doctors an emerging form of consumption that is not a safe or healthy alternative to smoking.

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Smartphones and social media have become increasingly common in recent years. However, uncontrolled use can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

To evaluate the prevalence of social media and smartphone addiction in a group of young doctors

Descriptive cross-sectional study of a population of young doctors. Socio-professional and medical data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on Google Forms. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was used for screening social media addiction, with a score of ≥24 indicating problematic use. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) was adopted to determine the degree of smartphone addiction, where a very high score of >40 suggests severe smartphone addiction.

Our population consisted of 64 young doctors. Among them, 63.8% were female. BSMAS and SAS-SV means were respectively 16.14 ± 5.54 and 28.91 ± 7.62. A social media problematic use was assessed in 13% of cases. We identified severe smartphone addiction in 6.7% of cases. In bivariate analysis, female sex was associated with a higher BSMAS score (p=0.046) and younger age was associated with severe smartphone addiction (p=0.049). Moreover, strong correlation was found between smartphone and social media addiction (p=0.00, r=0.79).

Given the potential negative impacts on mental and physical health, it is crucial for healthcare institutions to implement strategies that promote balanced technology use and raise awareness about the risks associated with addiction. Addressing these issues can ultimately enhance the well-being of medical professionals, fostering a healthier work environment conducive to effective patient care.

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The increasing integration of the Internet into daily life has raised numerous concerns, including the risk of addiction. This addiction may be influenced by sociodemographic factors.

Determinate the prevalence of Internet addiction among adolescents and examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on Internet addiction.

This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim in the Oued eddahab high school in the city of Tiflet of the Khemisset provincial direction, including 378 students (239 girls and 139 boys), the average age of the participants is 17.0.8±1.28 years. The Students were asked to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire and an internet addiction test (IAT) consisting of 20 items to determine the level of addiction.

The prevalence of Internet addiction among students is 55.6%. The addiction of these students is highly significantly related (χ2=22.893, p<0.001) to conflicts with their mothers. While conflicts with their fathers are highly significantly related (χ2=12.961, p<0.01) to Internet addiction. However, conflicts between parents have a highly significant relationship (χ2=9.421, p<0.01) with Internet addiction. Parents’ control of Internet access has a highly significant influence (χ2=10.473, p<0.01) on Internet addiction.

Students who experience conflicts with their mothers, fathers, or between their parents are more likely to develop Internet addiction. Parental control over Internet access helps reduce the risk of addiction.

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur, and their combination presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to the complex interaction between trauma-related symptoms and substance misuse behaviors.

This review aims to explore the pharmacological and psychosocial interventions conducted in comorbid PTSD and SUDs. It specifically focuses on which interventions are effective in addressing substance use as opposed to post-traumatic symptoms in patients with these concurrent conditions.

Narrative literature review by performing a search on MedLine for English-written articles. The following search terms were used: ((“posttraumatic stress disorder”) AND (“substance use disorder” OR “alcohol use” OR “cannabis use” OR “cocaine use” OR “opioids use”) AND ((“treatment”) OR (“adherence”))).

Studies show that 46,4% of individuals meeting the criteria for PTSD also meet the criteria for an SUD, with an additional correlation between PTSD symptomatology and an increased substance use frequency and associated heightened risk of other mental health concerns, suicidality, mortality, and functional impairment. Within treatment-seeking samples, patients with PTSD are approximately 14 times more likely to meet the criteria for a SUD than patients without PTSD, with alcohol and cannabis as the most frequent substances involved. In clinical settings, management involves employing treatment strategies effective for each condition independently. The literature is not uniform regarding the impact of substance consumption in the treatment of PTSD, although it suggests a greater impact of alcohol when compared to other substances, in which studies are relatively uniform in highlighting a minor effect. Despite this minor effect, literature advances neurocognitive impairments and higher psychosocial stressors (legal issues, financial challenges, unemployment, housing instability, and a decline in social support) as potential causes leading to poorer outcomes. Despite this, there seems to be consensus on the fact that SUD was associated with the highest rate of discontinuation from both psychotherapy and medication treatment for PTSD.

Concurrent PTSD and SUD present complex clinical challenges requiring integrated treatment approaches addressing both trauma-related symptoms and substance use behaviors. This narrative review underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment, evidence-based interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration in facilitating recovery and improving functional outcomes.

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