Using the Syndrome Model of Addiction: a Preliminary Consideration of Psychological States and Traits

Hodgins

et al. 2020

JCM

Using a transdiagnostic perspective, the present research examined the prominent indicators of substance (alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco) and behavioral (gambling, video games, sex, shopping, work, eating) addictions nominated by people with lived experiences. Specifically, we aimed to explore whether the perceived most important indicators nominated were consistent across the 10 addictions or differed based on the specific addiction. Additionally, we explored gender differences in the perceived most important indicators across addictive behaviors. A large online sample of adults recruited from a Canadian province (n = 3503) were asked to describe the most important signs or symptoms of problems with these substances and behaviors. Open-ended responses were analyzed among a subsample of 2603 respondents (n = 1562 in the past year) who disclosed that they had personally experienced a problem with at least one addiction listed above. Content analyses revealed that dependence (e.g., craving, impairments in control) and patterns of use (e.g., frequency) were the most commonly perceived indicators for both substance and behavioral addictions, accounting for over half of all the qualitative responses. Differences were also found between substance and behavioral addictions regarding the proportion of the most important signs nominated. Consistent with the syndrome model of addiction, unique indicators were also found for specific addictive behaviors, with the greatest proportion of unique indicators found for eating. Supplemental analyses found that perceived indicators across addictions were generally gender invariant. Results provide some support for a transdiagnostic conceptualization of substance and behavioral addictions. Implications for the study, prevention, and treatment of addictions are discussed.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transdiagnostic or Disorder Specific? Indicators of Substance and Behavioral Addictions Nominated by People with Lived Experience

Hodgins

et al. 2020

JCM

“…Findings from recent studies on GDs emphasized certain traits as contributing to reduced potency of treatment, including distorted cognition ( Rash and Petry, 2014 ; Mansueto et al, 2019 ; Yücel et al, 2019 ), impaired decision-making ( Goschke, 2014 ; Challet-Bouju et al, 2017 ), impulsiveness and emotional dysregulation ( Yau and Potenza, 2015 ; Anderson et al, 2021 ; Vintró-Alcaraz et al, 2021 ). Such traits have been identified as core maintaining factors and described as commonalities across addictive behaviors (e.g., Shaffer et al, 2004 , 2018 ; Griffiths, 2005 ; Grant et al, 2010b ; Mansueto et al, 2019 ; Yücel et al, 2019 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of contextual factors in avenues to recover from gambling disorder: a scoping review

Johannessen,

Overå,

Arnevik

2024

Front. Psychol.

IntroductionRecovery from complex conditions such as gambling disorders (GD) often entail considerable change and require a range of adaptable interventions in the health care system. Outcomes from such avenues to change are influenced by multifarious contextual factors, which are less frequently considered in treatment outcome studies. Accordingly, this scoping review aims to map the level of evidence and explore how contextual factors influence the provision and outcomes of GD interventions.MethodsA systematic search in selected health and social science research databases yielded a total of 2.464 unique references. The results were screened in three selection steps—titles (n = 2.464), abstracts (n = 284) and full-text (n = 104). The scoping approach was applied to provide a narrative account of the final included references (n = 34).Results and discussionFindings suggest that the research on GD treatment is in the early stages of development. Additionally, studies on GD interventions are characterized by cultural biases (Region and ethnicity and Gender perspectives), while three key elements are described as successful avenues to recover from GD (Competence, Perception and Utilization). In line with these findings, proposals for future research and treatment designs are made.

Canadian Journal of Addiction

“…It may also have to do with demographic differences and/or one's comorbidity profile. Shaffer et al 19 found that individuals struggling with substance abuse did not differ from individuals with a behavioural addiction in terms of years educated, psychosocial functioning, trauma history, presence of major health problems, the onset of addiction or mental health problems, or levels of attentional impulsiveness, but that individuals with a behavioural addiction were more likely than individuals with a SUD to experience only a single addiction problem. 20 It appears that individuals with SUD are more likely to seek treatment than individuals with GD, due in part to SUD being associated with a greater breadth of problems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Differences Between Gamblers and Substance Users Who Seek Treatment

Gooding

Williams

2023

Background and Objectives: Gambling disorder (GD) and substance use disorder (SUD) are diagnostically similar and share many etiological, clinical, and psychosocial factors. However, even among individuals who gamble, treatment-seeking (TS) rates appear much higher for SUD than GD. Methods: An analysis was conducted on data from an online survey of 10,199 Canadian adults (18+) over-selected for gambling participation to explore the basis of these differences. Results: Fewer respondents sought treatment for GD (6.8%; 91/1346) relative to SUD (30.3%; 236/778). Respondents seeking treatment for substance use (TS-SUD) had significantly higher levels of childhood abuse, generalized anxiety, and withdrawal/cravings, whereas respondents seeking gambling treatment (TS-GD) had higher overall addiction severity. A final analysis identified 8 variables as predictive of TS, with 5 of these occurring at higher rates in respondents with SUD: younger age, more past year negative life events, childhood abuse, post-traumatic stress, and not engaging in their addiction longer or with heavier use than intended. By comparison, greater addiction severity was the only predictor of TS that was more prevalent in respondents with GD. Conclusion: The present results indicate that (a) fewer respondents sought gambling treatment relative to substance use treatment; (b) TS-SUD is associated with a more prominent comorbidity profile; and (c) the higher rate of TS for SUD compared with GD is due, in part, to people with SUD having more general factors that are predictive of TS (eg, comorbidities). Scientific significance: these findings provide insight regarding different rates of TS for gambling and substance use.