APA Blogs
17 Results
The House Always Wins: Learning to Overcome Problem Gambling
Prior to COVID-19, Kavita Fischer, M.D., occasionally enjoyed visiting casinos to socialize, see live music performances, and play interactive games. Like many Americans, she felt lonely during the pandemic, and while in quarantine, she turned to gambling apps, playing a live online version of table games and spending $100 over the course of a month. She soon found herself playing for longer and longer stretches and being lured to play other games by ads that promised bonuses and free spins. She fell into the habit of using apps to gamble.
Work Hard, Play Hard: Rethinking a Culture of Alcohol Use in Team Sports
Sports and alcohol use have long been intertwined, from beer sponsors at games to celebratory or consolatory drinks with the team after a match. For many athletes, especially those involved in team sports, these social norms can shape what “normal” drinking looks like. Indeed, adolescent athletes are more likely to use alcohol than their non-athlete peers, and those involved in team sports have higher rates of substance use disorders than those in individual sports.
What is Kratom and Why is It Raising Concerns?
- By Lief Fenno, M.D., Ph.D.
Kratom has been a top news topic due to growing concerns about its potential for harm. It is relatively new and so many people, including some mental health professionals, may not be familiar with it or the risks patients may incur when they use it. The APA recently conducted a survey that found only 19% of U.S. adults were familiar with this substance. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use & Health estimates 1.6 million annual users in the U.S. This post provides a brief overview of kratom, current concerns surrounding it, current legal status, and sources of additional information.
Do Genes, Environment or Other Factors Increase Alcohol Use Disorder Risk More?
Problematic alcohol use is a major public health concern with significant individual, family and societal impacts. It is estimated that alcohol use disorder impacts more than one in 10 adults in the U.S. each year. Both genetic factors and environmental factors (living conditions, education, experiences, etc.) contribute to the risk of alcohol use disorder. A new study in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds that environmental factors, everyday circumstances and experiences, have significantly greater influence on the risk for developing alcohol use disorder than genetics alone.
Struggling with Screen Time: A Look at Internet Use Disorders
- By John A. Fromson, M.D.
Internet use disorders are a growing concern in today’s technology-driven society, marked by excessive and compulsive use of the internet, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of an individual's life. Online activities of concern include overuse of social media sites, gaming, gambling, problematic use of online pornography, and other digital platforms. This is a global phenomenon affecting individuals of all ages