Journal of addictive diseases
Audio Summaries

Wearable physiological signals and relapse status during smoking cessation: a pilot study

Jun 12, 2026

This pilot study investigates the relationship between wearable physiological signals and relapse status during smoking cessation. The authors found that smokers who relapsed exhibited shorter sleep duration, higher resting heart rate, and lower heart rate variability compared to those who maintained cessation, suggesting that wearable technology could enhance traditional assessment methods in monitoring smoking cessation outcomes.

Admitting powerlessness empowers recovery from substance use disorder: a conceptual model

Jun 12, 2026

The authors aim to explore how the concept of powerlessness, often experienced by individuals with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder, can paradoxically empower recovery. They propose a conceptual model that addresses powerlessness on behavioral, mental, and spiritual levels, suggesting that understanding and addressing these dimensions can facilitate recovery and align with post-traumatic growth theories. This article contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted nature of powerlessness in the context of substance use disorder recovery.

Reconceptualizing addiction as metabolic-arousal dysregulation: a structured theory-synthesis across neurobiological, physiological and psychological domains

Jun 1, 2026

The authors aim to reconceptualize addiction by proposing a theory that frames it as a disorder of metabolic-arousal regulation, rather than solely focusing on reward dysregulation and stress neuroadaptation. By synthesizing evidence from neurobiology, physiology, and psychology, they introduce a model that identifies two interacting states—hyperarousal and hypoarousal—that correspond to different phases of the addiction cycle and can be measured through various biomarkers. This approach seeks to integrate existing theories while providing a framework for developing targeted interventions.

Cannabis Use Disorder as a disorder of motivational dysregulation: a systematic review of clinical, neurocognitive, and treatment evidence

May 12, 2026

This systematic review investigates whether Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) can be reconceptualized as a disorder of motivational dysregulation by examining clinical, neurocognitive, and treatment evidence from the past decade. The findings suggest that motivational factors, such as ambivalence and diminished goal pursuit, play a critical role in CUD, and interventions targeting motivation yield better treatment outcomes than traditional abstinence-focused approaches. Ultimately, the authors advocate for a shift in understanding CUD to enhance assessment and treatment strategies.

Association of GLP-1 receptor agonist use with long-term outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder

May 12, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes associated with the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Their retrospective cohort study found that GLP-1RA use was linked to significantly lower all-cause mortality, reduced overdose risk, and decreased healthcare utilization compared to non-users, suggesting potential benefits of GLP-1RAs as adjunctive therapies for OUD.

Challenges of AI-generated stigmatizing language regarding substance use disorders

May 6, 2026

The authors investigate the challenges posed by AI-generated stigmatizing language related to substance use disorders, particularly in clinical documentation and patient education. They highlight the risk that large language models (LLMs) may perpetuate this stigmatizing language due to their reliance on existing texts, including electronic health records. The paper calls for the involvement of clinicians in refining LLM outputs to mitigate the transfer of stigmatizing language into medical records.

Underutilization of PETH testing among patients with MASLD - retrospective, single-center evaluation of the frequency and results of phosphatidylethanol testing among patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease

May 1, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and results of phosphatidylethanol (PETH) testing among patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The authors found that PETH testing was underutilized, conducted in only 6.9% of patients, yet nearly 40% of those tested had positive results, suggesting that PETH testing could play a crucial role in managing MASLD by identifying potentially harmful alcohol use. However, the study also indicated that existing patient and laboratory characteristics were inadequate for predicting positive PETH results.

Outpatient buprenorphine micro-induction for an older adult with chronic pain and opioid use disorder: a case report

Apr 28, 2026

This case report explores the feasibility and effectiveness of outpatient buprenorphine micro-induction for an older adult with chronic pain and severe opioid use disorder. The authors demonstrate that this approach allows for a safe transition from full opioid agonists to buprenorphine without requiring abstinence, resulting in improved pain management and overall functioning for the patient. The findings highlight the potential benefits of micro-induction in older adults with complex medical histories and ongoing opioid therapy.

Cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum after gamma hydroxybutyrate withdrawal: a case report

Apr 22, 2026

This case report investigates the neuroimaging correlates of neurotoxicity associated with withdrawal from gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), particularly focusing on the occurrence of cytotoxic lesions in the corpus callosum. The authors present a case of a 33-year-old male who experienced severe withdrawal symptoms and a focal splenial lesion, suggesting that such lesions may serve as significant indicators of GHB withdrawal-related neurotoxicity. The findings highlight the need for further research into the neurological effects of GHB withdrawal.

Efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on craving in substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Apr 18, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) in reducing cravings associated with substance use disorders. The analysis of three randomized controlled trials indicated a moderate and statistically significant reduction in craving compared to sham stimulation, although the authors noted that the limited number of studies and small sample sizes hinder the generalizability of the findings. They recommend further research with larger, substance-specific trials to better confirm HD-tDCS's efficacy and optimize its application.