As the end of the year approaches, we’re reflecting upon our efforts to share addiction science during the past year. We hope that you’ve benefited from the material we’ve posted this year. Our BASIS posts have included weekly reviews of scientific studies of smoking, gambling, drinking, and substance use and editorials from researchers, treatment providers, industry and policy experts, and others who have personally experienced addiction. We’d love to learn more about how you’ve used The BASIS in your own life! Please share your experiences by emailing us at basis@divisiononaddictions.org.
Here are the top ten most widely read posts for 2015:
The first study in our top ten for 2015 explores the associations between drinking alcohol and gambling and gambling-related beliefs like superstition, misconceptions and other ideas about gambling.
This study dives into the world of video games and questions whether people who spend too much time playing video games also have problems related to gambling.
Ever wonder about the difference between online and offline poker players? This review takes a look at the different misconceptions and biases among online poker players versus people who play poker on live tables.
If you gamble frequently, you probably know how it feels to be down on your luck. This study examines whether people who play poker online versus offline are more likely to chase their losses.
The diagnosis of mental illness is a complex and evolving process. This article focuses on the prevalence and comorbidity of alcohol use disorder in the general population using the new DSM-5 criteria.
Peter Kosciusko, director of substance abuse programs at the Worcester County Jail and House of Corrections, contributed this op-ed/editorial. Mr. Kosciusko describes the major problems with substance abuse treatment in the criminal justice system and potential avenues for change.
Another op-ed/editorial makes our list, this one by Udita Lyengar, a PhD candidate at the University College London Department of Psychology. She describes new research on maternal drug abuse and the possible connection maternal drug abuse at parenting challenges.
In this op-ed/editorial, John Guilfoil, director of the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I), discusses the P.A.A.R.I program and why law enforcement should be leaning towards treatment rather than locking up those struggling with substance use.
This research review looks at a study that critically assessed advertisements and gambling promotions and their effects on different kinds of gamblers.
Coming in at Number 1 is a compelling editorial written by Ms. Jodie Nealley, who shares with us her story about how compulsive gambling took her home, her marriage, her career, her reputation, and her freedom. She is now dedicated to help others overcome challenges with gambling. Ms. Nealley’s story brings to life many of the scientific findings we describe on The WAGER and throughout The BASIS.
Thank you for reading The BASIS during 2015! Use the Comment section to tell us which post was your favorite.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
The BASIS Team
Howard J. Shaffer, Ph.D., C.A.S., Editor-in-Chief
Heather M. Gray, Ph.D., Senior Editor
Debi A. LaPlante, Ph.D., Editor, STASH and The WAGER
Sarah E. Nelson, Ph.D., Editor, ASHES and The DRAM
Matthew Tom, Ph.D., Content Manager
John Kleschinsky
Emily Shoov
Layne Keating
Alec Conte
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Alec Conte December 16, 2015
My favorites were the articles on video gamers and gambling, and the P.A.A.R.I organization, great stuff!