Gender differences in gambling preferences and problem gambling: a network-level analysis

Most gambling studies have a gender-blind research approach, although a large body of scientific evidence suggests that gambling in females is on the rise and that males and females have different gambling behaviours and experience specific gambling-related harm. This study addressed these gender differences using a network analysis, an innovative approach considering disorders/concepts as dynamic systems of interacting symptoms/items. Data on gambling activities, problem gambling, substance use and mental health were collected in a representative sample of French adult gamblers (n = 8805). The study capitalized on the network analysis directly to compare associations of specific gambling activities with gambling disorder symptoms separately for both genders. The network analysis revealed that problem gambling was strongly associated with gambling machines among females, whereas it was related to sports betting, poker and casino games among males. The networks that included substance use and mental health showed that substance use was related to specific gambling activities. These findings confirm the links between various gender-specific gambling patterns and problem gambling and suggest a need to consider these gender differences to improve prevention efforts. More broadly, the present study further supports the importance of gender differences for gambling research and policy.     

Appalachian Women’s Use of Substance Abuse Treatment: Examining the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations

The Gelberg–Andersen Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was applied to understand vulnerable Appalachian women’s (N = 400) utilization of addiction treatment. A secondary data analysis included multiple multivariate analyses. The strongest correlates of treatment utilization included ever injecting drugs (OR = 2.77), limited availability of substance abuse treatment facilities (OR = 2.03), and invalidated violence abuse claims (OR = 2.12). This study contributes theory-driven research to the greater social work addiction literature by confirming that vulnerable domains related to substance abuse treatment utilization warrant unique considerations compared to nonvulnerable domains. Findings also highlight the importance of understanding the unique role that cultural factors play in treatment utilization among Appalachian women. Inferences relevant to clinicians and policymakers are discussed.     

Does It Matter What Mama Says: Evaluating the Role of Parental Mediation in European Adolescents’ Excessive Internet Use

This study investigated the relationship between adolescents’ excessive Internet use (EIU) and parental mediation. A random stratified sample of 11‐ to 16‐year olds (N = 18 709) and their parents from 25 European countries (EU Kids Online II project) was analysed to explore to what extent different types of parental mediation and other factors predict EIU. Active parental involvement in the child's Internet use (when the child had experienced online harm) and restrictive mediation were associated with lower EIU. Harmful online experiences, time spent online, scope of online activities and adolescents’ age predicted higher EIU.     

Easy target and moral panic: the Law on Drug Addiction No. 162 of 1990

In industrialized societies the war against drugs tends to develop into a war that concretely strengthens control by the state over potentially dangerous classes. This is also true for Italy. In 1988, Bettino Craxi, now under investigation for a series of serious crimes, but at the time the powerful leader of the Socialist Party, launched a crusade against drugs. After about 18 months of moral panic campaigns, Law No. 162 was passed. Its ideological keystone is the section forbidding the personal use of narcotic or psychotropic drugs. Its officially declared objectives are to reduce the drug trade, to increase access by drug addicts to the services and, of course, to reduce the number of deaths by overdose. The available evidence, however, does not prove that these objectives have been reached. Rather, the true motivations must be sought elsewhere: in the attempt by the political class to regain legitimacy and thus consensus.     

大学生网络游戏成瘾的危害性分析

随着互联网的快速发展,网络游戏为越来越多的人所接受。大学生是一个特殊的网络游戏玩家群体,是我国网络游戏玩家的"主力军",网络游戏成瘾的问题在大学生中表现得十分突出。由于过度沉迷于网络游戏而导致其身体、心理以及家庭问题相继出现,并逐渐成为一种社会问题。     

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in the Treatment of Traumatized Gay Men

Summary

Gay men suffering from traumatic experiences can benefit from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing treatment (EMDR). In the past decade the theory and practice of EMDR has expanded to address acute and chronic childhood and adult traumas, substance misuse or abuse, identity issues including shame and self-esteem, and health issues. Through a process of accelerated information processing, traumatic memories are desensitized and reprocessed, resulting in less distress for the client in the present and future. EMDR can also be useful for developing internal resources and for exploration of relevant themes for the client. Further attention is needed in exploring the use of EMDR for gay men traumatized by hate crimes, sexual issues resulting from traumatic experiences, and internalized homophobia.     

Self-Sufficiency and Sobriety

Abstract

Substance abuse presents formidable challenges to a welfare reform that has employment as its primary goal. This study reviews the literature on substance abuse and women and reports what substance-abusing women on welfare perceive as unmet needs and barriers to their recovery and ability to join the workforce.     

多元话语视角下的毒品成瘾问题分析

对毒品成瘾的认识,在管理者、吸毒者双方的话语中呈现各自不同的特征。管理者的成瘾话语是以鸦片类毒品为模板进行成瘾认识的,30年来对成瘾的宣传报道并没有太大的变化。吸毒者的成瘾话语是区分毒品类型与使用程度的,他们以鸦片类毒品的成瘾模式进行对照,不成瘾成为新型毒品的首要特征。两种话语的成瘾认知差异,背后的原因在于以医学为代表的科学毒品话语体系没有建立起来。期盼毒品话语能超越对鸦片类毒品成瘾的理解,对毒品认识进行更加科学的医学界定,从而为在新的历史背景下开展毒品治理工作提供更有成效地禁毒与戒毒宣传。     

Methadone and Menopause: Midlife Women in Drug Treatment

ABSTRACT

As a rising number of midlife women receive methadone treatment, issues related to the menopausal transition take on increased importance. The similarity between many of the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, methadone and menopause (hot and cold flashes, sweats, fatigue, decreased libido, menstrual irregularity and insomnia), make it plausible these women and clinical staff attribute menopausal symptoms to other conditions of greater familiarity. The paucity of research, multiplicity of health problems and typically poor access to health care, further complicate the picture and underscore the importance of better integration of health care and social work intervention.     

Sexual Disorders,Paraphilias, and Gender Dysphoria

ABSTRACT

This article presents an overview of the problems associated with the prevention and management of sexual dysfunction in women and men and the paraphilias, health conditions that have a high impact on world health and development, but have been given unduly little attention. Possible improvements and solutions will be suggested and recommendations made for concerted international actions to go along with the UN Millennium Goals.