Addict Behav [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Smartphone restriction modulates intrinsic neural activity in problematic smartphone users: Evidence from resting-state fMRI.
Haage SH, Schmitgen MM, Henemann GM … +5 more , Koenig J, Otte ML, Bach P, Wolf ND, Wolf RC
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41364954 · Publisher ↗
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has been associated with withdrawal-like symptoms and altered intrinsic neural activity (INA). While previous studies suggest that PSU affects brain function, little is known about how IN...
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has been associated with withdrawal-like symptoms and altered intrinsic neural activity (INA). While previous studies suggest that PSU affects brain function, little is known about how INA is modulated by smartphone restriction. This longitudinal fMRI study investigated group- and time-dependent changes in resting-state INA following short-term smartphone deprivation. 36 participants (aged 18-29; 22 female) were categorized into PSU (n = 19) and non-PSU (n = 17) groups using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Resting-state fMRI scans were obtained before and after a 72-hour period of smartphone restriction. Psychometric measures included the Mannheim Craving Scale (MaCS) and the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI). A significant group-by-time interaction revealed INA changes in the left inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal and precentral gyri, and left calcarine cortex. INA increased over time in the non-PSU group but decreased in the PSU group in prefrontal and cingulate areas. In contrast, sensorimotor and occipital regions showed increased INA over time in PSU individuals. Associations between neural activity and MaCS scores indicated that greater craving was linked to reduced INA in the posterior cingulate cortex. Within the PSU group, higher smartphone-use severity, as measured by the SPAI, was associated with altered INA in occipital, parietal, and cerebellar regions. These findings suggest PSU is linked to distinct and state-dependent neurofunctional alterations that may reflect withdrawal-related processes and maladaptive reward and cognitive control mechanisms.
Social support, online social support, and problematic social media use: A three-level meta-analysis.
Huang L, Zeng M, Wen X
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41351991 · Publisher ↗
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social support and problematic social media use; however, findings are inconsistent. Hence, this study employed a three-level meta-analysis to clarify the relations...
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social support and problematic social media use; however, findings are inconsistent. Hence, this study employed a three-level meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between social support and problematic social media use. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between online social support and problematic social media use and to identify potential moderators of this relationship. After searching and screening the literature, this meta-analysis included a total of 65 studies, with 235 effect sizes and 52,738 participants. The results showed a negative correlation between social support and problematic social media use (r = -0.178, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation between online social support and problematic social media use (r = 0.399, p < 0.001). Age and educational stage significantly moderated the association between social support and problematic social media use. Online social support measurement and problematic social media use measurement significantly moderated the association between online social support and problematic social media use. It is suggested that treatment for problematic social media use should attend to individuals' levels of social support and online social support.
Restricting choice of e-cigarette flavor and device type increases choices to use combusted cigarettes among adults who dual use both products: Results from a within-subjects randomized trial.
Rubenstein D, Pacek LR, Green MJ … +6 more , Sweitzer MM, Kozink R, Holloway A, Donny EC, Smith TT, McClernon FJ
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41343944 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Data from real-world e-cigarette (EC) flavor bans suggest that such bans may increase combusted cigarette (CC) use. However, experimental data are needed to better understand how EC characteristics affect E...
INTRODUCTION: Data from real-world e-cigarette (EC) flavor bans suggest that such bans may increase combusted cigarette (CC) use. However, experimental data are needed to better understand how EC characteristics affect EC appeal and CC use. METHODS: Participants were adults who used both CC and flavored EC. They made 10 choices per session between taking two puffs from an EC or CC (supplied by study) or abstaining. EC type was unblinded and varied across three counterbalanced sessions: 1) own device and flavor, 2) study device with a non-tobacco-flavored e-liquid, and 3) study device with a tobacco-flavored e-liquid. Analyses evaluated EC appeal and choices to use EC, CC, or abstain. RESULTS: Participants (n = 41) reported using CCs on 22.1 days/month and ECs on 26.9 days/month. Appeal of study EC was lower than participants' own EC, and participants made fewer choices for EC during tobacco-flavor EC versus own device sessions (p = 0.006). Relative to own device sessions, participants made a greater number of choices for CC when study EC were available (p's < 0.05), regardless of flavor. DISCUSSION: Regulators and public health officials should be aware that restricting EC characteristics such as device type and flavor may increase consumption of CC among people who use both products, especially people who find restricted EC less appealing than their own device. Findings are consistent with real-world sales data following EC flavor bans.
Prevalence of Internet gaming disorder in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Gisbert-Pérez J, Longobardi C, Martí-Vilar M … +2 more , Mastrokoukou S, Badenes-Ribera L
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41317410 · Publisher ↗
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a condition for further study in DSM-5-TR and officially classified in ICD-11. Although gaming problems seem like an adolescent concern, growing evidence indicates that you...
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a condition for further study in DSM-5-TR and officially classified in ICD-11. Although gaming problems seem like an adolescent concern, growing evidence indicates that young adults are also vulnerable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of IGD among young adults and identify sociodemographic and methodological moderators associated with its variability. Ninety-six analytical samples from 93 studies published (2015-2025) were included, comprising 149,601 participants aged 18-35 (M = 23.53 years, SD = 6.28; 51.22 % female). Generalized linear mixed models were applied to compute pooled prevalence estimates. The pooled prevalence of IGD was 6.1 % (95 % CI: 5.03-7.40). Prevalence was significantly higher in gamer-only samples (8.1 %, 95 % CI: 5.91-11.01) compared to mixed samples, including gamers and non-gamers (5.47 %, 95 % CI: 4.33-6.90). Moderator analyses showed that IGD prevalence differed by diagnostic instrument (IGDS and DSM-V criteria > IGDT-10) and by sample size, and a trend also emerged suggesting lower prevalence with higher proportions of women. In gamer-only samples, prevalence increased over time and in studies with a higher risk of bias. In mixed samples, prevalence differed by instrument (IGDS > GAS) and was negatively associated with sample size. These findings indicate that IGD is more prevalent among young adults than in the general population, especially among gamers. The variability observed across studies highlights the need for methodological consistency and the use of validated diagnostic tools to improve comparability and inform prevention and intervention strategies.
Perceptual distortions of social support in multi-age cohort as a function of internet addiction and attention control.
Sangeetha SR, Samraksha N, Karakatti SM … +1 more , Patteswari D
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41308566 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Internet addiction and attention control increasingly influence how individuals across age groups perceive social support. This study explored the psychological impact of excessive internet use and attentiona...
BACKGROUND: Internet addiction and attention control increasingly influence how individuals across age groups perceive social support. This study explored the psychological impact of excessive internet use and attentional regulation within a diverse Indian population. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed (a) to examine perceptual distortions of social support across the lifespan as a function of individual differences in internet addiction and attention control; (b) to explore how socio-demographic factors such as sex and socioeconomic status (SES) influence attention control and perceived social support in the context of internet addiction; and (c) to investigate how age and SES jointly shape patterns of internet addiction, attention control, and perceived social support in a multi-age cohort. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 399 participants in Mysuru through purposive sampling. Standardized instruments included the Internet Addiction Test, Attention Control Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Analyses were conducted using SPSS v.27, employing multiple regression and MANOVA. RESULTS: The regression model significantly predicted perceived social support, F(2, 396) = 20.87, p = 0.001, R = 0.095. Internet addiction was a significant negative predictor of perceived social support (β = -.260, p = 0.001) meanwhile attention control was not (β = 0.099, p = 0.053). MANOVA showed significant effects of age (p = 0.013) and an Age × SES interaction (p = 0.019) on internet addiction. sex and SES main effects were non-significant. CONCLUSION: Perceptual distortions of social support are not simply the result of screen time, but are mediated by age and class. These findings underscore internet addiction as a psychosocial outcome shaped by unequal digital environments.
Application of the differential susceptibility to media effects model to comprehend emerging adults' problematic smartphone use: A one-year longitudinal study.
Feng C, Zhang H, Yu K … +2 more , Zhao W, Wu AMS
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41308565 · Publisher ↗
Considering the pervasive integration of smartphones into the daily lives and high prevalence of problematic smartphone phone use (PSU) among emerging adults, there is an urgency for an integrated perspective to understa...
Considering the pervasive integration of smartphones into the daily lives and high prevalence of problematic smartphone phone use (PSU) among emerging adults, there is an urgency for an integrated perspective to understand their PSU for better intervention insights. This study aims to apply a multi-level theoretical framework, the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM), to PSU and evaluate not only the direct effects of dispositional (i.e., neuroticism), social (i.e., family adaptability), and developmental factors (i.e., inclusion of smartphone in the self [ISS]) on PSU but also the potential indirect effect of ISS. We obtained a sample of 801 Chinese emerging adults (559 females; M = 19.02 and SD = 0.88) through a one-year longitudinal study with two surveys (at wave 1 [W1] and wave 2 [W2]). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that all baseline susceptibility factors (neuroticism [W1], family adaptability [W1], and ISS [W1]) significantly predicted PSU (W2) after controlling for both demographics and PSU (W2). The results of structural equation modeling further suggested that neuroticism (W1) and family adaptability (W1) were longitudinally associated with ISS (W2), which was in turn associated with PSU (W2). This study provided not only longitudinal evidence to support the application of DSMM to explain PSU but also insights into interventions using targeted approaches.
Working memory capacity predicts cannabis-induced effects on alcohol urge.
Gunn RL, Howe LK, Boyle HK … +1 more , Metrik J
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41275744 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cannabis has shown mixed results in its association with alcohol urge, which may be explained by individual differences. One such factor, working memory capacity (WMC) is associated with drug-related cue reac...
BACKGROUND: Cannabis has shown mixed results in its association with alcohol urge, which may be explained by individual differences. One such factor, working memory capacity (WMC) is associated with drug-related cue reactivity and implicated in alcohol use and problems. In the current study, we examined whether WMC moderates the acute effect of cannabis on alcohol urge in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial. METHODS: Participants aged 21 to 44 (N = 125, 32 % female) reporting heavy alcohol use and cannabis use ≥ twice weekly completed a laboratory protocol across three days where they smoked a placebo, 3.1 % delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and 7.2 % THC cannabis cigarette. Participants were asked to rate their alcohol urge pre and post smoking. Prior to the experimental sessions, participants completed WMC measures including the n-back and the complex span tasks, operation span (OS) and symmetry span (SS). RESULTS: Those with higher WMC, as assessed via the SS task, reported significantly lower alcohol urge after smoking the 7.2 %, but not the 3.1 %, THC dose, relative to placebo. Performance on the OS task was not associated with alcohol urge. Lower WMC as determined via n-back scores was associated with higher alcohol urge overall, but n-back scores did not moderate the impact of cannabis on alcohol urge. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest individuals with higher but not lower working memory experience lower alcohol urge under acute effects of cannabis. Although cannabis is increasingly perceived as a substitute for alcohol, individuals with lower working memory may be less likely to experience such benefits when attempting to reduce their drinking.
General executive functions, stimulus-specific inhibitory control and predisposing variables of individuals with problematic social network use.
Kessling A, Müller SM, Müller A … +2 more , Brand M, Wegmann E
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41274104 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: General executive functions and decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control may be relevant factors for the development and maintenance of problematic social network use (PSNU). Related predisposing variab...
BACKGROUND: General executive functions and decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control may be relevant factors for the development and maintenance of problematic social network use (PSNU). Related predisposing variables that are risk factors for PSNU may include self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, or impulsivity, and as a result, social networks (SN) may be habitually utilized, which can manifest over time. Theoretical models suggest that interactions between predisposing factors and PSNU may influence neurocognitive deficits during problematic behavior. Therefore, we investigate possible interaction effects of SN use type (PSNU vs. non-problematic use) and predisposing factors on the expression of cognitive control mechanisms. METHOD: In a laboratory setting, 227 participants were assigned to the group with PSNU (n = 118), or the control group (n = 109) using a structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-5 criteria for gaming disorder, modified for PSNU. General executive functions were examined with the Stroop task, the Modified Card Sorting Test and the Game of Dice Task; stimulus-specific inhibitory control with the Go/No-Go task. Self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, impulsivity and habitual SN use were determined by questionnaires. RESULTS: The SN use type (PSNU/non-problematic use) interacted with non-planning impulsivity in predicting impaired interference control, with ADHD symptoms in predicting cognitive inflexibility, and with habitual SN use in predicting decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in executive functioning in individuals with PSNU are specifically present in interaction with trait impulsivity and related variables. These results emphasize the need for multidimensional assessments that consider both cognitive and individual risk factors, paving the way for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
Does the apple fall far from the tree? when parenting styles disrupt the intergenerational pattern of substance use.
Sanchez Z, Caetano S, Valente JY … +2 more , Soares-Santos LE, Cogo-Moreira H
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41274103 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates whether parenting styles can buffer the intergenerational transmission of substance use. Using a person-centered analytic strategy with 4,280 adolescent-parent dyads in Brazil, we applied Latent C...
This study investigates whether parenting styles can buffer the intergenerational transmission of substance use. Using a person-centered analytic strategy with 4,280 adolescent-parent dyads in Brazil, we applied Latent Class Analysis to identify substance use profiles in both generations and modeled their association using Latent Transition Analysis. Parental and adolescent profiles were strongly aligned, especially among abstainers. However, this similarity was not deterministic: authoritative parenting significantly reduced adolescents' likelihood of polysubstance use - even among high-risk parents. Authoritarian parenting also reduced this risk but increased alcohol-specific transmission. Permissive and neglectful styles showed no protective effects. These findings underscore the role of parenting style and highlight the value of family-based interventions to disrupt intergenerational substance use patterns.
Latent profiles of cannabis use patterns and associations with eating pathology outcomes.
Stanley TB, Kearns NT, Smith AR
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41270485 · Publisher ↗
As recreational cannabis increases among United States adults, there is growing interest in understanding potential health co-morbidities. Although past work supports cannabis use and eating disorder comorbidity, and can...
As recreational cannabis increases among United States adults, there is growing interest in understanding potential health co-morbidities. Although past work supports cannabis use and eating disorder comorbidity, and cannabis enhances appetite and reward responses to food, little is known about how specific cannabis use patterns may relate to binge eating and other eating disorder symptoms. The purpose of this study is to identify distinct subgroups of recreational cannabis users based on several use characteristics, including subjective changes to appetite and hedonic properties of food using latent profile analysis, and to examine differences across profiles in binge eating, other eating disorder symptoms, and emotion regulation. Participants (N = 435, male = 189) were adults recruited through Prolific who endorsed past-month cannabis use and completed a battery of self-report measures assessing cannabis use characteristics, eating changes while using cannabis, eating disorder symptoms, and emotion regulation. Results identified four profiles: "Infrequent Users, Moderate Eating Changes, Low Risk," "Intense Users, Low Eating Changes, Mild Risk," "High-Risk Coping Users, Strong Eating Changes," and "Frequent Users, Slight Eating Changes, Mild Risk." All profiles reported more binge eating symptoms while under the influence of cannabis; the "High Risk Coping Users, Strong Eating Changes" profile reported the most severe sober binge eating, eating disorder, and emotion regulation difficulties. Findings highlight the utility of person-centered approaches for capturing co-morbidity risk and may help guide screening and intervention tools for determining eating disorder risk among those using cannabis.
The relationship between social media use, thin-ideal internalization, and college women's use of electronic cigarettes for weight control: A mediation analysis.
Newcombe KV, Lu Y, Zingg T … +4 more , Coleman L, Seo J, Leshner G, Cheney MK
Addict Behav · 2026 Mar · PMID 41270484 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Some college women report using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) for weight control. Social media frequently promotes e-cigarettes for weight management and reinforces unrealistic body ideals, which may fost...
PURPOSE: Some college women report using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) for weight control. Social media frequently promotes e-cigarettes for weight management and reinforces unrealistic body ideals, which may foster body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Given college women's high rates of social media and e-cigarette use, this study examined the relationship between college women's social media use, thin-ideal internalization, and e-cigarette use for weight control. METHODS: College women (N = 343, M = 20.88) who used e-cigarettes for weight control reasons participated in an online survey that measured their social media use, levels of thin-ideal internalization, and e-cigarette use behaviors. Mediation analysis was performed to test whether thin-ideal internalization mediated the relationship between social media use and e-cigarette use for weight control. RESULTS: Social media use positively predicted e-cigarette use for weight control purposes (B = 0.12, p < 0.001). Thin-ideal internalization fully mediated this relationship (indirect effect: B = 0.06, 95 % CI [.03, 0.10]) as the direct effect became non-significant when accounting for the mediator (direct effect: B = 0.06, p = 0.10). Greater social media use significantly increased thin-ideal internalization (B = 1.01, p < 0.001), which subsequently predicted greater e-cigarette use for weight control purposes (B = 0.06, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight that greater social media exposure among college women strengthens thin-ideal internalization, which drives e-cigarette use for weight control purposes. These findings signal the importance of regulating e-cigarette content on social media, as well as prevention efforts that address social media's thin-ideal content and promote body positivity.
Patterns of polysubstance use disorder among human trafficking survivors: A latent class analysis.
Dell NA, Carbone JT, Anasti T … +4 more , Grimes L, Preble KM, Gezinski LB, Thibodeau H
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41265164 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Substance use is commonly documented among human trafficking (HT) survivors in emergency department (ED) settings. Multiple substance use disorders (poly-SUD) are associated with poor health and psychosocial...
BACKGROUND: Substance use is commonly documented among human trafficking (HT) survivors in emergency department (ED) settings. Multiple substance use disorders (poly-SUD) are associated with poor health and psychosocial outcomes. This study identified latent classes and demographic covariates of HT-related ED visits by the types of SUDs documented in survivors' medical records. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the United States 2019-2021 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, including visits of patients aged 12-64 years with an ICD-10-CM code documenting either sex or labor exploitation (N = 4,212). A bias-adjusted three-step latent class analysis was conducted, with SUDs documented via ICD-10-CM codes included as indicators in the model. RESULTS: The optimal three-class solution had superior fit based on pre-selected indicators, low classification error, and acceptable entropy. The largest class comprised 76.01 % of the sample and showed a lower predicted probability of the SUD classes considered. The second largest class (17.27 %) was characterized by high predicted probability of stimulant use disorder with moderately high predicted probability of opioid use disorder. The smallest class (6.72 %) was characterized by high predicted probability of each SUD considered. Class membership was differentially associated with disposition from the ED, nicotine use disorder, and income. CONCLUSIONS: Although most ED visits were classified as having relatively low probability of SUD, nearly one quarter of the sample had high risk of either stimulant use disorder or high poly-SUD. Poly-SUD in HT survivors is associated with increased risk of hospitalization. Findings provide direction for tailoring intervention programs to support SUD recovery among HT survivors.
Characterizing sociodemographic differences in substance use treatment need and receipt among pregnant women in the U.S.
Kelly LM, Kelly MM, Sabella KA … +2 more , Ponce Martinez CC, Yonkers KA
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41260180 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Sociodemographic disparities in SUD treatment need and receipt among women inform public health initiatives. While rates of SUD among pregnant women are lower than those who are not pregnant, an investigation...
OBJECTIVE: Sociodemographic disparities in SUD treatment need and receipt among women inform public health initiatives. While rates of SUD among pregnant women are lower than those who are not pregnant, an investigation of whether and how sociodemographic disparities of SUD treatment need and receipt among pregnant women can further accelerate SUD related risk prevention for both mothers and babies. METHOD: We analyzed data from pregnant women who completed the 2015-2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (unweighted N = 3,461). We used logistic regression models to test odds of 1) past-year SUD treatment need and 2) SUD treatment receipt among pregnant women. Models included age, race and ethnicity, income, education, marital status, sexual orientation, mental illness, and survey year as independent variables; interactions between income and racial/ethnic group were also included. RESULTS: 7.8% of pregnant women had a SUD and 1.2% (20% of those with treatment need) received SUD treatment. Unmarried, bisexual (vs heterosexual), non-Hispanic/Latina Black (vs non-Hispanic/Latina White), and women with mental illness showed increased odds of a SUD. An income by race interaction indicated Hispanic/Latina women of lower income were less likely to have SUD than White women of higher income. Of those with a treatment need, married women and women aged 18-25 (vs 26-34 and 35+) had lower odds of receiving treatment. CONCLUSION: SUD treatment need differed among pregnant women by marital status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and mental illness, as did treatment receipt by marital status and age. Specialized outreach and engagement strategies are needed to ensure equitable access to SUD treatment during pregnancy.
Relationship between Problematic Internet Use and emotional variables in childhood and adolescence: systematic review of longitudinal evidence.
Villanueva-Blasco VJ, García-Guerra M, Rial-Boubeta A
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41252759 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has been associated with emotional difficulties in childhood and adolescence. However, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear due to the lack of terminological con...
PURPOSE: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has been associated with emotional difficulties in childhood and adolescence. However, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear due to the lack of terminological consensus and wide variability in prevalence estimates. This systematic review aims to synthesize the longitudinal evidence on the directionality of the relationship between emotional variables (depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation) and PIU in children and adolescents. METHOD: Following PRISMA guidelines, five databases were consulted (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycNet, ProQuest Central, PubMed). After the screening process, 31 longitudinal studies met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using QualSyst. Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024627122). The search strategy did not impose limits by year of publication. RESULTS: Most studies support a bidirectional relationship between emotional distress and PIU, although some identify unidirectional patterns depending on the conceptualization used. Advanced analyses (such as cross-lagged panel models and latent class analyses) reveal persistent comorbidity trajectories and highlight key mediators such as low self-esteem and maladaptive emotional regulation strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional problems and PIU tend to mutually reinforce each other over time. Greater conceptual clarity, culturally sensitive assessment tools, and early interventions focused on developing emotional skills and healthy digital habits are needed.
AAT-App+: A double-blind, pilot randomised controlled trial of a novel personalised smartphone intervention to reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption among middle-older adults.
Bolt GL, Rowland B, Piercy H … +3 more , Bradshaw J, Lubman DI, Manning V
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41252758 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Given increased rates of problematic alcohol use among middle-older age adults, novel, accessible alcohol interventions are needed. This pilot RCT explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effe...
BACKGROUND: Given increased rates of problematic alcohol use among middle-older age adults, novel, accessible alcohol interventions are needed. This pilot RCT explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of personalised smartphone-delivered alcohol approach bias modification (ApBM) in Australians (≥55 years) drinking at hazardous/harmful levels (AUDIT ≥ 8). METHOD: Double-blinded parallel two-arm pilot RCT in Victoria, Australia (July 2022-January 2023). Community-based ≥ 55-year-olds received 'AAT-App+' (n = 96) or sham training (n = 92) over four-weeks. Feasibility was defined as recruitment of ≥ 100 participants within the recruitment window and 50 % adherence to four sessions. Acceptability was defined as User Version Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) mean scores ≥ 3. The primary preliminary effectiveness outcome was past-week standard drinks at week four relative to baseline. RESULTS: Feasibility and acceptability were good, with n = 188 recruited, 69 % training adherence, and 'good' uMARS functionality/aesthetics and 'acceptable' quality ratings among responders (n = 94). Retention rates were 56 % for primary effectiveness outcome. Linear mixed modelling using intention-to-treat analysis showed a significant mean reduction of 6.9 past-week standard drinks relative to baseline overall (p<.001), but no significant group-by-time interaction at the primary endpoint (β = -1.90, p=.43, 95 %CI [-6.62, 2.82]). The groups differed significantly favouring ApBM after two-weeks of training (β = -5.28, p=.03, 95 %CI [-10.01;-0.56]). There were no adverse events throughout the training window. CONCLUSION: Personalised smartphone ApBM is feasible and acceptable to middle-to-older adults, but we found no evidence to suggest it reduced alcohol consumption any more than sham-training beyond the acute period. Further work is needed prior to large-scale RCT progression to mitigate attrition and optimise study design.
The interacting role of fear of missing out in attentional bias dynamics during problematic social media use.
Wang Y, Zhang L, Elhai JD … +2 more , Montag C, Yang H
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41252757 · Publisher ↗
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is increasingly conceptualized as a behavioral addiction involving attentional bias toward social media icons. Although fear of missing out (FoMO) contributes to PSMU maintenance, its...
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is increasingly conceptualized as a behavioral addiction involving attentional bias toward social media icons. Although fear of missing out (FoMO) contributes to PSMU maintenance, its dynamic interactive role in attentional bias dynamics remains unclear. Guided by the I-PACE model and attentional bias theory, this study examined whether and when FoMO modulates gaze-based attentional bias toward social media icons in PSMU. 912 university students completed online screening for PSMU and FoMO; 55 meeting PSMU criteria (M = 19.60) were categorized into high- or low-FoMO groups. Participants performed a visual dot-probe task with social/non-social app icons while eye-tracking recorded gaze behavior across four 500 ms time windows. Results revealed FoMO significantly interacted with attentional bias in two critical phases: During early processing (0-500 ms), the PSMU/high-FoMO group exhibited attentional orienting deceleration to social media icons, whereas PSMU/low-FoMO showed attentional maintenance. In later processing (1000-1500 ms), PSMU/high-FoMO demonstrated attentional vigilance-maintenance, while PSMU/low-FoMO displayed avoidance. These findings indicate FoMO exerts a temporally dynamic interaction effect on attentional bias in PSMU-characterized by initial orienting delays followed by sustained attentional engagement with social media icons. This supports reconceptualizing FoMO as a core psychological mechanism that reinforces PSMU through biased attentional dynamics, advancing theoretical alignment with the I-PACE framework.
Cannabis use among new mothers. A feasibility mixed-method study to investigate motives and perceptions.
Chuisano SA, Miriani P, Alshaarawy O
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41242098 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of recruiting new mothers (0-12 months postpartum) who use cannabis through social media and conducting a mixed-methods study to characterize their cannabis use. This pilot study aime...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of recruiting new mothers (0-12 months postpartum) who use cannabis through social media and conducting a mixed-methods study to characterize their cannabis use. This pilot study aimed to gather preliminary data on use motives, behaviors, and objective toxicology to inform future large-scale research. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. Participants were recruited via targeted Facebook advertisements in the Greater Lansing area, Michigan (mid-sized metropolitan region). Eligible participants completed a self-administered quantitative survey on cannabis use and beliefs during a clinic visit, where urine and breastmilk samples were also collected for toxicology analysis. Subsequently, a subset of participants completed a virtual, semi-structured qualitative interview. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Social media recruitment reached 196 individuals who completed screening; 21 (11 %) were eligible. Of these, 12 mothers (57 % of eligible) completed the clinic visit and provided biospecimens. Participants reported frequent cannabis use (mean of 24 out of the previous 30 days), primarily via smoking. Toxicology analysis confirmed significant concentrations of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites in urine and breastmilk. Qualitative analysis (n = 9) identified four key themes: 1) Cannabis use as therapy or treatment, 2) Influences on discussion of cannabis, 3) Risk determination of cannabis use, and 4) Individual risk mitigation behaviors. Interviews revealed predominantly negative interactions with healthcare providers regarding cannabis use and a perceived lack of evidence-based guidelines. Mixed methods integration demonstrated agreement between quantitative and qualitative findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of recruiting postpartum cannabis users via social media and collecting rich mixed-methods data, including objective biospecimens. The methodology and preliminary results provide a strong foundation for future larger studies on the impact of postpartum cannabis use on maternal and infant health.
Motives for posting and deleting alcohol-related content on social media: Longitudinal associations with behavior among adolescents and young adults.
Litt DM, Falk DS, Lewis MA
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41240489 · Full text
Examining why adolescents and young adults post or delete alcohol-related content on social media has important implications for understanding and mitigating the influence of alcohol-related social media content on alcoh...
Examining why adolescents and young adults post or delete alcohol-related content on social media has important implications for understanding and mitigating the influence of alcohol-related social media content on alcohol cognitions and use. This longitudinal study explored motives for posting and deleting alcohol content and their association with actual posting and deleting one month later. Survey data were collected from 306 adolescents and young adults recruited as part of a longitudinal experimental study examining alcohol-related content on social media and alcohol norms and use. Participants aged 15-20 (M = 18.39; SD = 1.32) indicated the top three motives for posting alcohol content: prove they were having fun, show they have an active social life, and make themselves look cool. The most endorsed motives for deleting alcohol-related social media content included: it being unflattering, feeling embarrassed, or fear of others sharing it. After controlling for relevant covariates, a negative binomial regression indicated that at baseline, alcohol-related posting motives related to making others jealous, posting about most things, and doing what friends do were significantly and positively associated with frequency of posting alcohol-related content one month later. Further, results of a linear regression indicated that the only baseline motive significantly associated with frequency of deleting alcohol-related content at 1-month follow-up was finding the content unflattering. Overall, results suggest that there are unique motives associated with both posting and deleting alcohol-related content on social media, which has implications for preventative interventions aiming to reduce alcohol-related social media behavior.
Problematic social media use, boredom proneness, and psychological distress among university students in China and Japan: A cross-national network analysis.
Yang Z, Lian Z, Yan Z … +3 more , Chen T, Liu M, Dou X
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41237600 · Publisher ↗
Problematic social media use (PSMU) has been associated with negative effects such as depression and anxiety across different countries and cultures. However, research on specific symptoms of PSMU and its correlates acro...
Problematic social media use (PSMU) has been associated with negative effects such as depression and anxiety across different countries and cultures. However, research on specific symptoms of PSMU and its correlates across nations remains limited. The present study aimed to compare the relationships of PSMU, boredom proneness, and psychological distress symptoms in China and Japan using network analysis. Questionnaire surveys were conducted among undergraduates in China and Japan. Participants included 822 students in China (mean age = 18.36, SD = 0.80) and 698 in Japan (mean age = 19.66, SD = 2.16). Network analysis was employed to estimate the symptom network structures, identify the most central symptoms, and compare the networks across the two countries. Results show that the core PSMU symptoms were Craving/tolerance in China and Relapse/loss of control in Japan. In the comorbidity networks, the most influential symptoms in China were agitation, panic, frequent inactivity, and downheartedness. The most central ones in Japan were not looking forward, downhearted, touchy, and a pervasive lack of motivation. The present study improves understanding of the links between symptoms of PSMU, boredom proneness, and psychological distress in both countries, which can be helpful for the development of potential nationally specific interventions.
Witnessed overdose history and response among overdose survivors who use non-prescribed opioids in an overdose prevention trial.
McCann NC, Yan S, McMahan VM … +9 more , Rich ZC, Pope E, Rolles A, Brennan S, Marti XL, Kosakowski S, Matheson T, Coffin PO, Walley AY
Addict Behav · 2026 Feb · PMID 41237599 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The REpeated-dose Behavioral intervention to reduce Opioid Overdose Trial (REBOOT) evaluated motivational interviewing for overdose prevention, focusing partly on witnessed overdose response. We assessed part...
BACKGROUND: The REpeated-dose Behavioral intervention to reduce Opioid Overdose Trial (REBOOT) evaluated motivational interviewing for overdose prevention, focusing partly on witnessed overdose response. We assessed participants' witnessed overdose history and REBOOT's impact on overdose response among opioid overdose survivors using non-prescribed opioids in Boston and San Francisco. METHODS: We described participants' witnessed overdose and naloxone administration history over the four months preceding enrollment and the number and characteristics of witnessed overdoses reported during the study. We then used generalized estimating equations to test if the intervention affected if participants responded "me" to who, if anyone, responded to a witnessed overdose by assessing responsiveness, calling 911, performing rescue breathing, doing chest compressions, or administering naloxone during 16-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of 265 participants, most (83 %) witnessed at least one overdose in the four months preceding enrollment; 68 % of these participants had administered naloxone. In the 16-month post-enrollment follow-up, 250 (94 %) participants witnessed 597 overdoses. In 94 % of these, participants reported that somebody (themselves or others) responded. REBOOT had no significant impact on whether participants personally responded to overdoses: 67 % of control and 72 % of intervention participants personally responded pre-enrollment (p = 0.39), versus 63 % and 62 % post-enrollment (p = 0.97). CONCLUSION: Most REBOOT participants witnessed a recent opioid overdose preceding enrollment. After enrollment, nearly all witnessed overdoses were responded to; the intervention had no effect on whether the participant personally responded. Given near-universal response, there was little room for improving overdose response. Future research should test similar interventions in communities with less prior overdose prevention exposure.
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