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Copeland A, Stafford T, Field M. Value-based decision-making in regular alcohol consumers following experimental manipulation of alcohol value. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108069. [PMID: 38788454 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Devaluation of alcohol leads to reductions in alcohol choice and consumption; however, the cognitive mechanisms that underpin this relationship are not well-understood. In this study we applied a computational model of value-based decision-making (VBDM) to decisions made about alcohol and alcohol-unrelated cues following experimental manipulation of alcohol value. METHOD Using a pre-registered within-subject design, thirty-six regular alcohol consumers (≥14 UK units per week) completed a two-alternative forced choice task where they chose between two alcohol images (in one block) or two soft drink images (in a different block) after watching videos that emphasised the positive (alcohol value), and separately, the negative (alcohol devalue) consequences of alcohol. On each block, participants pressed a key to select the image depicting the drink they would rather consume. A drift-diffusion model (DDM) was fitted to reaction time and choice data to estimate evidence accumulation (EA) processes and response thresholds during the different blocks in each experimental condition. FINDINGS In the alcohol devalue condition, soft drink EA rates were significantly higher compared to alcohol EA rates (p = 0.04, d = 0.31), and compared to soft drink EA rates in the alcohol value condition (p = 0.01, d = 0.38). However, EA rates for alcoholic drinks and response thresholds (for either drink type) were unaffected by the experimental manipulation. CONCLUSIONS In line with behavioural economic models of addiction that emphasise the important role of alternative reinforcement, experimentally manipulating alcohol value is associated with changes in the internal cognitive processes that precede soft drink choice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Stafford
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK
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2
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Acuff SF, Oddo LE, Johansen AN, Strickland JC. Contextual and psychosocial factors influencing drug reward in humans: The importance of non-drug reinforcement. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 241:173802. [PMID: 38866372 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The reinforcing efficacy, or behavior-strengthening effect, of a substance is a critical determinant of substance use typically quantified by measuring behavioral allocation to the substance under schedules of reinforcement with escalating response requirements. Although responses on these tasks are often used to indicate stable reinforcing effects or trait-level abuse potential for an individual, task designs often demonstrate within-person variability across varying degrees of a constraint within experimental procedures. As a result, quantifying behavioral allocation is an effective approach for measuring the impact of contextual and psychosocial factors on substance reward. We review studies using laboratory self-administration, behavioral economic purchase tasks, and ambulatory assessments to quantify the impact of various contextual and psychosocial factors on behavioral allocation toward consumption of a substance. We selected these assessment approaches because they cover the translational spectrum from experimental control to ecological relevance, with consistent support across these approaches representing greater confidence in the effect. Conceptually, we organized factors that influence substance value into two broad categories: factors that influence the cost/benefit ratio of the substance (social context, stress and affect, cue exposure), and factors that influence the cost/benefit ratio of an alternative (alternative non-drug reinforcers, alternative drug reinforcers, and opportunity costs). We conclude with an overview of future research directions and considerations for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F Acuff
- Recovery Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 151 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Lauren E Oddo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA
| | | | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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3
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Acuff SF, Strickland JC, Smith K, Field M. Heterogeneity in choice models of addiction: the role of context. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06646-1. [PMID: 38990313 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Theories of addiction guide scientific progress, funding priorities, and policy development and ultimately shape how people experiencing or recovering from addiction are perceived and treated. Choice theories of addiction are heterogenous, and different models have divergent implications. This breeds confusion among laypeople, scientists, practitioners, and policymakers and reduces the utility of robust findings that have the potential to reduce the global burden of addiction-associated harms. OBJECTIVE Here we differentiate classes of choice models and articulate a novel framing for a class of addiction models, called contextual models, which share as a first principle the influence of the environment and other contextual factors on behavior within discrete choice contexts. RESULTS These models do not assume that all choice behaviors are voluntary, but instead that both proximal and distal characteristics of the choice environment-and particularly the benefits and costs of both drug use and non-drug alternatives-can influence behavior in ways that are outside of the awareness of the individual. From this perspective, addiction is neither the individual's moral failing nor an internal uncontrollable urge but rather is the result of environmental contingencies that reinforce the behavior. CONCLUSIONS Contextual models have implications for guiding research, practice, and policy, including identification of novel target mechanisms while also improving existing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F Acuff
- Recovery Research Institute, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 151 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Kirsten Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK
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4
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Chiu HJ, Sun CK, Wang HY, Chang HY, Kuo CH, Sue YR, Wu SH, Tung SY, Lee CY, Yeh PY. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between heavy smoking and probability discounting. Am J Addict 2024; 33:375-384. [PMID: 38290762 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Probability discounting (PD), which refers to the process of adjusting the value of future probabilities when making decisions, is a method of measuring impulsive decision-making; however, the relationship between PD and nicotine remains unclear. The current study aimed at investigating the significance of PD in individuals who smoke. METHODS According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases for articles comparing individuals who smoke and their tobacco-naïve controls using PD task as outcome measure from inception to May 2023. The main outcome was an overall difference in PD function, while subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to examine the analysis methods and the moderators of PD. RESULTS Fourteen studies in total involving 384 individuals who smoke and 493 controls (mean age = 24.32 years, range = 15.1-38.05 years) were analyzed. The effect of smoking on PD was significant (g = 0.51, p = .02). The discounting parameter from the equation, compared to the area under the curve, was more sensitive to estimating PD function (p = .01). Regression analysis showed positive correlations of PD with female percentage, age, and the number of probability options (all p < .04), but not with the number of choices at each probability and maximum reward magnitude (all p > .07). There was no significant publication bias across the eligible studies (p = .09). CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Our findings, which are the first to demonstrate a smaller PD (i.e., prone to risk-taking) in individuals who smoke, shed light on the appropriate analysis method, gender effect, age, and probability options on the PD function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Jane Chiu
- Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Minster of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Cheuk-Kwan Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, E-Da Dachang Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Wang
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yun Chang
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsien Kuo
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ru Sue
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Tung
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yu Lee
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yang Yeh
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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5
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Amlung M, Marsden E, Hargreaves T, Sweet LH, Murphy JG, MacKillop J. Neural correlates of increased alcohol demand following alcohol cue exposure in adult heavy drinkers. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 340:111809. [PMID: 38547596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is associated with overvaluation of alcohol relative to other rewards, in part due to dynamic increases in value in response to alcohol-related cues. In a neuroeconomic framework, alcohol cues increase behavioral economic demand for alcohol, but the neural correlates these cue effects are unknown. This functional magnetic resonance imaging study combined a neuroeconomic alcohol purchase task with an alcohol cue exposure in 72 heavy drinkers with established sensitivity to alcohol cues (51 % female; mean age=33.74). Participants reported how many drinks they would consume from $0-$80/drink following exposure to neutral and alcohol images in a fixed order. Participants purchased significantly more drinks in the alcohol compared to the neutral condition, which was also evident for demand indices (i.e., intensity, breakpoint, Omax, elasticity; ps<0.001; ds=0.46-0.92). Alcohol purchase decisions were associated with activation in rostral middle and medial frontal gyri, anterior insula, posterior parietal cortex, and dorsal striatum, among other regions. Activation was lower across regions in the alcohol relative to neutral cue condition, potentially due to greater automaticity of choices in the presence of alcohol cues or attenuation of responses due to fixed cue order. These results contribute to growing literature using neuroeconomics to understand alcohol misuse and provide a foundation for future research investigating decision-making effects of environmental alcohol triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Amlung
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Emma Marsden
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tegan Hargreaves
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence H Sweet
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James G Murphy
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Bowdring MA, McCarthy DM, Fairbairn CE, Prochaska JJ. Non-alcoholic beverage consumption among US adults who consume alcohol. Addiction 2024; 119:1080-1089. [PMID: 38403280 DOI: 10.1111/add.16452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic beverages (NABs) that mimic alcohol without inducing intoxication, such as non-alcoholic beers, non-alcoholic wines and spirit-free drinks, are increasing in popularity. It is unknown whether NABs help to mitigate or stimulate alcohol use. The present study aimed to describe NAB consumption practices among US adults consuming alcohol, characterize who is likely to consume NABs and examine whether NAB use influences desire for and perceived consumption of alcohol. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS The survey study used data collected June-July 2023 from an on-line convenience sample. The first survey (n = 1906) assessed frequency of NAB consumption among US adults who consume alcohol. A second more detailed survey on use patterns was conducted with 466 respondents who reported past-year NAB consumption, of whom 153 (32.83%) screened positive on the CAGE questionnaire for alcohol use disorder (AUD). SETTING This study took place in the United States. MEASUREMENTS NAB consumption measures included type of NAB consumed, frequency, quantity, first consumption age, consumption reasons, consumption contexts and perceived effect on desire for and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol use measures included frequency, quantity and first consumption age. FINDINGS Past-year NAB use was endorsed by 28.44% of respondents (61.70% ever used). Non-alcoholic liquor/'mocktails' were the most common NAB type consumed (83.69%). Compared with respondents without AUD, those who screened positive for AUD were significantly more likely to consume NABs in an effort to decrease or abstain from drinking alcohol [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.24-5.58] and 67.97% endorsed less alcohol consumption (3.23% endorsed more) due to their NAB use. NAB consumption frequency and quantity were significantly positively predicted by alcohol consumption frequency (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.17-1.83) and quantity (β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.15-0.35), respectively. CONCLUSION Adults who consume alcohol and screen positive for alcohol use disorder report drinking non-alcoholic beverages as a harm reduction strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Bowdring
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Denis M McCarthy
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MI, USA
| | - Catharine E Fairbairn
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Judith J Prochaska
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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7
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Bird BM, Belisario K, Minhas M, Acuff SF, Ferro MA, Amlung MT, Murphy JG, MacKillop J. Longitudinal examination of alcohol demand and alcohol-related reinforcement as predictors of heavy drinking and adverse alcohol consequences in emerging adults. Addiction 2024; 119:1090-1099. [PMID: 38374803 DOI: 10.1111/add.16443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Behavioral economic theory predicts that high alcohol demand and high proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement are important determinants of risky alcohol use in emerging adults, but the majority of research to date has been cross-sectional in nature. The present study investigated prospective and dynamic relationships between alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement in relation to heavy drinking days and alcohol problems. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort with assessments every 4 months for 20 months. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Emerging adults reporting regular heavy episodic drinking (n = 636, Mage = 21.44; 55.8% female). MEASUREMENTS Heavy drinking days (HDD; Daily Drinking Questionnaire), alcohol problems (Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire), alcohol demand (Alcohol Purchase Task) and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement (Activity Level Questionnaire). FINDINGS Linear mixed effects models revealed that behavioral economic indicators and alcohol-related outcomes significantly decreased over the study, consistent with 'aging out' of risky alcohol use. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models revealed significant between-person relationships, such that higher alcohol demand and alcohol-related reinforcement were positively associated with HDD and alcohol problems (random intercepts = 0.187-0.534, Ps < 0.01). Moreover, alcohol demand indicators (particularly the rate of change in elasticity of the demand curve, as measured by α, and the maximum expenditure, Omax) and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement significantly forecasted changes in HDD at all time points (|βs| = 0.063-0.103, Ps < 0.05) in cross-lagged relationships, with bidirectional associations noted for the rate of change in elasticity (βs = -0.085 to -0.104, Ps < 0.01). Proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement also significantly forecasted changes in alcohol problems at all time points (βs = 0.072-0.112, Ps < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Multiple behavioral economic indicators (demand elasticity, maximum expenditure and reinforcement ratio) forecast changes in heavy episodic drinking and alcohol problems over the course of emerging adulthood. These results further implicate alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement as etiologically and developmentally important mechanisms in alcohol use trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Bird
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meenu Minhas
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel F Acuff
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark A Ferro
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael T Amlung
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - James G Murphy
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Negishi K, Fredriksson I, Bossert JM, Zangen A, Shaham Y. Relapse after electric barrier-induced voluntary abstinence: A review. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102856. [PMID: 38508102 PMCID: PMC11162942 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Relapse to drug use during abstinence is a defining feature of addiction. To date, however, results from studies using rat relapse/reinstatement models have yet to result in FDA-approved medications for relapse prevention. To address this translational gap, we and others have developed rat models of relapse after voluntary abstinence from drug self-administration. One of these models is the electric barrier conflict model. Here, we introduce the model, and then review studies on behavioral and neuropharmacological mechanisms of cue-induced relapse and incubation of drug seeking (time-dependent increase in drug seeking during abstinence) after electric barrier-induced abstinence. We also briefly discuss future directions and potential clinical implications. One major conclusion of our review is that the brain mechanisms controlling drug relapse after electrical barrier-induced voluntary abstinence are likely distinct from those controlling relapse after homecage forced abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ida Fredriksson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Abraham Zangen
- Department of Life Science and the Zelman Neuroscience Center, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheba, Israel
| | - Yavin Shaham
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, IRP/NIDA/NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Acuff SF, Belisario K, Dennhardt A, Amlung M, Tucker JA, MacKillop J, Murphy JG. Applying behavioral economics to understand changes in alcohol outcomes during the transition to adulthood: Longitudinal relations and differences by sex and race. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2024; 38:424-436. [PMID: 37384451 PMCID: PMC10755067 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Population drinking trends show clear developmental periodicity, with steep increases in harmful alcohol use from ages 18 to 22 followed by a gradual decline across the 20s, albeit with persistent problematic use in a subgroup of individuals. Cross-sectional studies implicate behavioral economic indicators of alcohol overvaluation (high alcohol demand) and lack of alternative substance-free reinforcers (high proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement) as potential predictors of change during this developmental window, but longitudinal evidence is sparse. METHOD Using a sample of emerging adults (N = 497, Mage = 22.61 years, 62% female, 48.69% White, 40.44% Black), this study examined prospective, bidirectional relations between both past-week heavy drinking days (HDD) and alcohol problems and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement (reinforcement ratio), alcohol demand intensity (consumption at zero price), alcohol demand Omax (maximum expenditure), and change in demand elasticity (rate of change in consumption across escalating price) over five assessments (every 4 months) using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. RESULTS Alcohol problems and HDD decreased across assessments. Significant between-person effects indicated that each behavioral economic variable was associated with increased drinking risk. Change in reinforcement ratio was positively associated with decreases in alcohol problems. Multigroup invariance modeling revealed distinct risk pathways in that change in demand intensity and Omax predicted change in alcohol problems for male participants and change in intensity predicted change in alcohol problems for non-White participants. CONCLUSION The study provides consistent support for proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement and mixed support for demand as within-person predictors of reductions in drinking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addiction Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
| | | | - Michael Amlung
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas
| | - Jalie A Tucker
- Department of Health and Human Behavior, University of Florida
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addiction Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
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10
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Oddo LE, Joyner KJ, Murphy JG, Acuff SF, Marsh NP, Steinberg A, Chronis-Tuscano A. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is associated with more alcohol problems and less substance-free reinforcement: A behavioral economics daily diary study of college student drinkers. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2024; 38:437-450. [PMID: 38271078 PMCID: PMC11116072 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Behavioral economic theory suggests that alcohol risk is related to elevated alcohol reinforcing efficacy (demand) combined with diminished availability of reinforcing substance-free activities, but little research has examined these reward-related processes at the daily level in association with comorbid conditions that might influence behavioral patterns and reward. Young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report high levels of risky drinking, and this risk may be due in part to elevated demand for alcohol and diminished engagement in enjoyable and valued substance-free activities. METHOD College student drinkers (N = 101; 48.5% female; 68.3% White; 18-22 years old) with (n = 51) and without (n = 50) ADHD completed 14 consecutive daily diaries (diary entry n = 1,414). We conducted a series of multilevel path models to examine (a) the associations among ADHD and average daily alcohol demand, substance-free enjoyment, and response contingent positive reinforcement (RCPR) for goal-directed behaviors; (b) the associations among concurrent daily alcohol demand, substance-free reinforcement, and RCPR for goal-directed behaviors and daily alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences; and (c) the moderating effect of ADHD on these within-day associations. RESULTS ADHD was significantly associated with more daily alcohol-related negative consequences and less daily substance-free enjoyment and RCPR. Regardless of ADHD status, there were significant associations among behavioral economic risk factors and alcohol use and negative consequences, though effects differed within and between persons. There were no moderating effects of ADHD on within-person associations. CONCLUSIONS Results expose areas of impairment specific to drinkers with ADHD and advance theory on ADHD and hazardous drinking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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11
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Avila Chauvet L, Mejía Cruz D. Computational modeling of decision-making in substance abusers: testing Bechara's hypotheses. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1281082. [PMID: 38882514 PMCID: PMC11178135 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1281082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the cognitive abilities most affected by substance abuse is decision-making. Behavioral tasks such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) provide a means to measure the learning process involved in decision-making. To comprehend this process, three hypotheses have emerged: (1) participants prioritize gains over losses, (2) they exhibit insensitivity to losses, and (3) the capacity of operational storage or working memory comes into play. A dynamic model was developed to examine these hypotheses, simulating sensitivity to gains and losses. The Linear Operator model served as the learning rule, wherein net gains depend on the ratio of gains to losses, weighted by the sensitivity to both. The study further proposes a comparison between the performance of simulated agents and that of substance abusers (n = 20) and control adults (n = 20). The findings indicate that as the memory factor increases, along with high sensitivity to losses and low sensitivity to gains, agents prefer advantageous alternatives, particularly those with a lower frequency of punishments. Conversely, when sensitivity to gains increases and the memory factor decreases, agents prefer disadvantageous alternatives, especially those that result in larger losses. Human participants confirmed the agents' performance, particularly when contrasting optimal and sub-optimal outcomes. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of evaluating the parameters of the linear operator model across diverse clinical and community samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Mejía Cruz
- Psychology Department, Sonora Institute of Technology, Obregon City, Sonora, Mexico
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12
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Ahmed SH. The importance of choice and agency in animal models of addiction. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:487-489. [PMID: 37906290 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this short commentary is twofold. First, it uncovers and outlines in broad strokes a historical, albeit oft-overlooked, trend toward a growing place for choice and agency in the design of animal models of addiction. Next, it tries to draw from this historical trend some perspectives and implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge H Ahmed
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
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13
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Panayi MC, Shetty S, Porod M, Bahena L, Xi ZX, Newman AH, Schoenbaum G. The selective D 3Receptor antagonist VK4-116 reverses loss of insight caused by self-administration of cocaine in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01858-7. [PMID: 38582939 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Chronic psychostimulant use causes long-lasting changes to neural and cognitive function that persist after long periods of abstinence. As cocaine users transition from drug use to abstinence, a parallel transition from hyperactivity to hypoactivity has been found in orbitofrontal-striatal glucose metabolism and striatal D2/D3-receptor activity. Targeting these changes pharmacologically, using highly selective dopamine D3-receptor (D3R) antagonists and partial agonists, has shown promise in reducing drug-taking, and attenuating relapse in animal models of cocaine and opioid use disorder. However, much less attention has been paid to treating the loss of insight, operationalized as the inability to infer likely outcomes, associated with chronic psychostimulant use. Here we tested the selective D3R antagonist VK4-116 as a treatment for this loss in rats with a prior history of cocaine use. Male and female rats were first trained to self-administer cocaine or a sucrose liquid for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of abstinence, performance was assessed using a sensory preconditioning (SPC) learning paradigm. Rats were given VK4-116 (15 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle 30 min prior to each SPC training session, thus creating four drug-treatment groups: sucrose-vehicle, sucrose-VK4-116, cocaine-vehicle, cocaine-VK4-116. The control groups (sucrose-vehicle, sucrose-VK4-116) showed normal sensory preconditioning, whereas cocaine use (cocaine-vehicle) selectively disrupted responding to the preconditioned cue, an effect that was reversed in the cocaine-VK4-116 group, which demonstrating responding to the preconditioned cue at levels comparable to controls. These preclinical findings demonstrate that highly selective dopamine D3R antagonists, particularly VK4-116, can reverse the long-term negative behavioral consequences of cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios C Panayi
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Shohan Shetty
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Micaela Porod
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Lisette Bahena
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Geoffrey Schoenbaum
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Solinas M, Lardeux V, Leblanc PM, Longueville JE, Thiriet N, Vandaele Y, Panlilio LV, Jaafari N. Delay of punishment highlights differential vulnerability to developing addiction-like behavior toward sweet food. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38509086 PMCID: PMC10954751 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to punishment is commonly used to measure the difficulty in refraining from rewarding activities when negative consequences ensue, which is a hallmark of addictive behavior. We recently developed a progressive shock strength (PSS) procedure in which individual rats can titrate the amount of punishment that they are willing to tolerate to obtain food rewards. Here, we investigated the effects of a range of delays (0-12 s) on resistance to punishment measured by PSS break points. As expected from delay discounting principles, we found that delayed shock was less effective as a punisher, as revealed by higher PSS breakpoints. However, this discounting effect was not equally distributed in the population of rats, and the introduction of a delay highlighted the existence of two populations: rats that were sensitive to immediate punishment were also sensitive to delayed shock, whereas rats that were resistant to immediate punishment showed strong temporal discounting of delayed punishment. Importantly, shock-sensitive rats suppressed responding even in subsequent non-punishment sessions, and they differed from shock-resistant rats in anxiety-like behavior, but not in sensitivity to pain. These results show that manipulation of temporal contingencies of punishment in the PSS procedure provides a valuable tool to identify individuals with a double vulnerability to addiction: low sensitivity to aversion and excessive discounting of negative future consequences. Conversely, the shock-sensitive population may provide a model of humans who are vulnerable to opportunity loss due to excessive anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Solinas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France.
- Unité de Recherche Clinique Intersectorielle en Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Henri-Laborit, Poitiers, France.
| | - Virginie Lardeux
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Leblanc
- Unité de Recherche Clinique Intersectorielle en Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Henri-Laborit, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Longueville
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Nathalie Thiriet
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Youna Vandaele
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Leigh V Panlilio
- Real-world Assessment, Prediction, and Treatment Unit, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nematollah Jaafari
- Unité de Recherche Clinique Intersectorielle en Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Henri-Laborit, Poitiers, France
- Université de Poitiers, CNRS, UMR 7295, Centre de Recherche sur la Cognition et l'apprentissage, Poitiers, France
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15
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Acuff SF, Ellis JD, Rabinowitz JA, Hochheimer M, Hobelmann JG, Huhn AS, Strickland JC. A brief measure of non-drug reinforcement: Association with treatment outcomes during initial substance use recovery. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 256:111092. [PMID: 38266572 PMCID: PMC10922801 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translational research demonstrates that drug use is inversely associated with availability and engagement with meaningful non-drug reinforcers. Evaluation of non-drug reinforcement in treatment-receiving clinical populations is limited, likely owing to the time intensive nature of existing measures. This study explores the association of non-drug reinforcers with treatment outcomes using a novel, brief measure of past month non-drug reinforcement quantifying three elements: relative frequency, access, and enjoyability. METHODS Respondents enrolled in substance use treatment (residential, intensive outpatient, and medically managed withdrawal) in clinics across the United States (N = 5481) completed standardized assessments of non-drug reinforcement and treatment outcomes (i.e., return to use and life satisfaction) one-month after treatment discharge. Non-drug reinforcement measures (availability, engagement, enjoyability) were used as predictors of return to use and life satisfaction using generalized linear models. RESULTS Non-drug reinforcement indices were associated with return to use and life satisfaction in unadjusted models (e.g., 12.4 % versus 58.3 % return to use for those with the highest and lowest availability, respectively). Consistent results were observed in models adjusted for sociodemographic variables and risk factors (i.e., sleep disturbance, anhedonia, stress). Comparisons by drug class generally showed lower non-drug reinforcement among patients reporting heroin or methamphetamine as their primary drug. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the importance of non-drug reinforcement during the first month following treatment. Rapid measurement of non-drug reinforcement in stepped care settings may illuminate critical deficits in early stages of behavior change, identify those at greatest risk for return to use, and provide targets for treatment to improve recovery trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F Acuff
- Recovery Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, MD, USA
| | - Jill A Rabinowitz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin Hochheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - J Gregory Hobelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, MD, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, MD, USA
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, MD, USA.
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González-Roz A, Belisario K, Secades-Villa R, Muñiz J, MacKillop J. Behavioral economic analysis of legal and illegal cannabis demand in Spanish young adults with hazardous and non-hazardous cannabis use. Addict Behav 2024; 149:107878. [PMID: 37924581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2021, a legal framework that regulates cannabis for recreational purposes in Spain was proposed, but research on its potential impacts on cannabis use is currently limited. This study examined the reliability and discriminant validity of two Marijuana Purchase Tasks (MPTs) for measuring hypothetical legal and illegal cannabis demand, and to examine differences in demand of both commodities in young adults at hazardous vs. non-hazardous cannabis use risk levels. METHODS A total of 171 Spanish young adults [Mage = 19.82 (SD = 1.81)] with past-month cannabis use participated in a cross-sectional study from September to November 2021. Two 27-item MPTs were used to estimate hypothetical demand for legal and illegal cannabis independently. The Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT-R) was used to assess hazardous cannabis use and test for discriminant validity of the MPTs. Reliability analyses were conducted using Classical Test Theory (Cronbach's alpha) and Item Response Theory (Item Information Functions). RESULTS The MPT was reliable for measuring legal (α = 0.94) and illegal (α = 0.90) cannabis demand. Breakpoint (price at which demand ceases), and Pmax (price associated with maximum expenditure) were the most sensitive indicators to discriminate participants with different levels of the cannabis reinforcing trait. No significant differences between legal and illegal cannabis demand in the whole sample were observed, but hazardous vs. non-hazardous users showed higher legal and illegal demand, and decreased Breakpoint and Pmax if cannabis were legal vs illegal. CONCLUSION The MPT exhibits robust psychometric validity and may be useful to inform on cannabis regulatory science in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba González-Roz
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33003, Spain.
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 0E3, Canada
| | - Roberto Secades-Villa
- Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33003, Spain
| | - José Muñiz
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Nebrija, Madrid 28015, Spain
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 0E3, Canada
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17
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Gelino BW, Graham ME, Strickland JC, Glatter HW, Hursh SR, Reed DD. Using behavioral economics to optimize safer undergraduate late-night transportation. J Appl Behav Anal 2024; 57:117-130. [PMID: 37932923 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Many universities sponsor student-oriented transit services that could reduce alcohol-induced risks but only if services adequately anticipate and adapt to student needs. Human choice data offer an optimal foundation for planning and executing late-night transit services. In this simulated choice experiment, respondents opted to either (a) wait an escalating delay for a free university-sponsored "safe" option, (b) pay an escalating fee for an on-demand rideshare service, or (c) pick a free, immediately available "unsafe" option (e.g., ride with an alcohol-impaired driver). Behavioral-economic nonlinear models of averaged-choice data describe preference across arrangements. Best-fit metrics indicate adequate sensitivity to contextual factors (i.e., wait time, preceding late-night activity). At short delays, students preferred the free transit option. As delays extend beyond 30 min, most students preferred competing alternatives. These data depict a policy-relevant delay threshold to better safeguard undergraduate student safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett W Gelino
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Madison E Graham
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah W Glatter
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Steven R Hursh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek D Reed
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Cofrin-Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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18
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Miller BP, Aston ER, Davis W, Berey BL, Dowd AN, Amlung M. Examining the effect of cannabis cues on cannabis demand in sleep, driving, and typical drug-use contexts. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 254:111057. [PMID: 38101283 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given the expanding legal cannabis market in the U.S., it is vital to understand how context impacts cannabis use. Therefore, we explored the effect of cannabis cues and cannabis-use context on cannabis demand in 79 adults who reported smoking cannabis at least weekly. METHODS Participants completed a single laboratory session consisting of four hypothetical marijuana purchase tasks (MPTs) involving either a typical use situation or a driving or sleep context. The MPTs were alternated with exposure to cannabis or neutral picture cues based on block randomization by gender. RESULTS Cannabis cues increased self-reported craving for cannabis (p =.044) but did not significantly alter demand (ps =0.093-0.845). In the driving context, participants demonstrated a significant reduction in cannabis demand, indicated by lower intensity (p <0.001), Omax (p <0.001), and Pmax (p <0.001), breakpoint (p =.003), and higher α (p <0.001). The sleep context was associated with significantly greater α (p <0.006) but nonsignificant effects for other indices (ps =0.123-0.707). Finally, cannabis cues increased Omax (p =.013) and breakpoint (p =.035) in the sleep context but not in the typical-use context. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cannabis-use behavior is sensitive to contingencies surrounding driving after cannabis use and may also be sensitive to sleep contexts in the presence of cannabis cues. Since this is the first study to examine driving and sleep contexts, we caution against drawing broad conclusions until future research is conducted to replicate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon P Miller
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Aston
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, USA
| | - William Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Benjamin L Berey
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, USA
| | - Ashley N Dowd
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Michael Amlung
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, USA; Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, USA
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19
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Lara MK, Chitre AS, Chen D, Johnson BB, Nguyen KM, Cohen KA, Muckadam SA, Lin B, Ziegler S, Beeson A, Sanches T, Solberg Woods LC, Polesskaya O, Palmer AA, Mitchell SH. Genome-wide association study of delay discounting in Heterogenous Stock rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.570851. [PMID: 38168347 PMCID: PMC10760013 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.570851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Delay discounting refers to the behavioral tendency to devalue rewards as a function of their delay in receipt. Heightened delay discounting has been associated with substance use disorders, as well as multiple co-occurring psychopathologies. Genetic studies in humans and animal models have established that delay discounting is a heritable trait, but only a few specific genes have been associated with delay discounting. Here, we aimed to identify novel genetic loci associated with delay discounting through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Heterogenous Stock rats, a genetically diverse outbred population derived from eight inbred founder strains. We assessed delay discounting in 650 male and female rats using an adjusting amount procedure in which rats chose between smaller immediate sucrose rewards or a larger reward at variable delays. Preference switch points were calculated for each rat and both exponential and hyperbolic functions were fitted to these indifference points. Area under the curve (AUC) and the discounting parameter k of both functions were used as delay discounting measures. GWAS for AUC, exponential k, and indifference points for a short delay identified significant loci on chromosomes 20 and 14. The gene Slc35f1, which encodes a member of the solute carrier family of nucleoside sugar transporters, was the only gene within the chromosome 20 locus. That locus also contained an eQTL for Slc35f1, suggesting that heritable differences in the expression of that gene might be responsible for the association with behavior. The gene Adgrl3, which encodes a member of the latrophilin family of G-protein coupled receptors, was the only gene within the chromosome 14 locus. These findings implicate novel genes in delay discounting and highlight the need for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montana Kay Lara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Apurva S. Chitre
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Denghui Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Benjamin B. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Khai-Minh Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Katarina A. Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sakina A. Muckadam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bonnie Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shae Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Angela Beeson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Thiago Sanches
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Leah C. Solberg Woods
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Oksana Polesskaya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Abraham A. Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Suzanne H. Mitchell
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychiatry, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239 USA
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20
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Strickland JC, Acuff SF. Role of social context in addiction etiology and recovery. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 229:173603. [PMID: 37487953 PMCID: PMC10528354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
While social context has long been considered central to substance use disorder prevention and treatment and many drug-taking events occur in social settings, experimental research on social context has historically been limited. Recent years have seen an emergence of concerted preclinical and human laboratory research documenting the direct impact of social context on substance use, delineating behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms underlying social influence's role. We review this emerging preclinical and human laboratory literature from a theoretical lens that considers distinct stages of the addiction process including drug initiation/acquisition, escalation, and recovery. A key conclusion of existing research is that the impact of the social environment is critically moderated by the drug-taking behavior and drug use history of a social peer. Specifically, while drug-free social contexts can reduce the likelihood of drug use initiation and act as a competitive non-drug alternative preventing escalation, drug-using peers can equally facilitate initiation and escalation through peer modeling as a contingent reward of use. Likewise, social context may facilitate recovery or serve as a barrier that increases the chances of a return to regular use. We conclude by discussing evidence-based treatments and recovery support services that explicitly target social mechanisms or that have identified social context as a mechanism of change within treatment. Ultimately, new areas for research including the expansion of drug classes studied and novel human laboratory designs are needed to further translate emerging findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Samuel F Acuff
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, 202 Psychology Building, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; Recovery Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 152 Merrimac St, Boston MA, 02135 USA
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