Gaming Disorder em Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero / Gaming Disorder in sexual and gender minorities / Trastorno de juego en minorías sexuales y de género

ntrodução: Os jogos eletrônicos são agora reconhecidos como um problema de saúde mental, especialmente entre a comunidade LGBTQIA+. Objetivo: explorar os efeitos do transtorno de jogo (gaming disorder) na população LGBTQIA+. Método: A revisão narrativa abordou hábitos de jogo e gaming disorder em minorias sexuais e de gênero, usando PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase e Web of Science. Das 1640 pesquisas, apenas 3 abordaram gaming disorder nessa população. Resultado: consumidores LGBTQ+ gastam mais em jogos digitais. Jogadores LGBTQIA+ consomem mais jogos de exploração de identidade, possivelmente relacionados ao estresse de minoria. Discussão: minorias sexuais têm maior risco de gaming disorder. Para indivíduos LGBTQIA+, os jogos podem servir como escape e plataforma de apoio, mas o uso problemático pode estar associado a desfechos psiquiátricos negativos. Conclusão: Os jogos online têm o potencial de serem ferramentas de apoio para minorias, no entanto, as evidências são limitadas. É necessária mais pesquisa para compreender melhor a relação entre o uso de jogos e a saúde mental da população LGBTQIA+.

ntroduction: Electronic games are now recognized as a mental health issue, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community. Objective: To explore the effects of gaming disorder in the LGBTQIA+ population. Method: The narrative review addressed gaming habits and gaming disorder in sexual and gender minorities, utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science. Out of 1640 studies, only 3 focused on gaming disorder in this population. Result: LGBTQ+ consumers spend more on digital games. LGBTQIA+ players engage more in identity exploration games, possibly linked to minority stress. Discussion: Sexual minorities face a higher risk of gaming disorder. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, games can serve as an escape and support platform, but problematic use may be associated with negative psychiatric outcomes. Conclusion: Online games have the potential as support tools for minorities, but evidence is limited. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between game use and mental health in the LGBTQIA+ population.

Introducción: Los videojuegos electrónicos son reconocidos actualmente como un problema de salud mental, especialmente dentro de la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos del trastorno de juego (gaming disorder) en la población LGBTQIA+. Método: La revisión narrativa abordó los hábitos de juego y el gaming disorder en minorías sexuales y de género, utilizando PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase y Web of Science. De las 1640 investigaciones, solo 3 se centraron en el gaming disorder en esta población. Resultado: Los consumidores LGBTQ+ gastan más en juegos digitales. Los jugadores LGBTQIA+ consumen más juegos de exploración de identidad, posiblemente relacionados con el estrés de minoría. Discusión: Las minorías sexuales enfrentan un mayor riesgo de gaming disorder. Para los individuos LGBTQIA+, los juegos pueden servir como un escape y plataforma de apoyo, pero el uso problemático puede estar asociado con resultados psiquiátricos negativos. Conclusión: Los juegos en línea tienen el potencial como herramientas de apoyo para las minorías, pero la evidencia es limitada. Se requiere más investigación para comprender mejor la relación entre el uso de juegos y la salud mental en la población LGBTQIA+.

High COVID-19 morbidity and mortality risk among smoked drug users in Brazil

Abstract In much of the West, including Brazil, drug use has increased since social distancing began in response to the pandemic. Use of smoked and modified drugs, and their impacts on health, may contribute to aggravate the effects of the pandemic. However, studies on the relationship between use of smoked drugs and the new coronavirus are still scarce and have not received enough attention in global health recommendations. This paper aims to briefly review the relationship between use of smoked drugs and acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Recent studies also suggest that drug consumption increases the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to worse prognosis, particularly consumption of drugs that affect lung function. Use of smoked drugs, especially tobacco, is strongly associated with lung diseases that are risk factors for contamination by SARS-CoV-2. It is essential to develop strategies based on specific characteristics of drug users and for mental health professionals to be included in strategic teams. It is also necessary to invest in information campaigns regarding risks and prevention of harm caused by smoked drugs as well as to design strategies that facilitate access to psychosocial treatment during the pandemic.

Differential impact on suicide mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Objectives: To compare suicide rates observed in Brazil after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with the estimated rate based on suicide deaths between 2010 and 2020, and identify sociodemographic variables associated with this outcome. Methods: Ecological time-series study. Data were obtained from Brazilian Unified Health System Department of Information Technology (DATASUS), with the structural break of the data set in March 2020. The number of actual suicides observed and the number of expected suicides if there were no COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed through bayesian structural time series modeling. Results: The overall incidence of suicides in Brazil remained stable after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to what would be expected. However, there was a significant increase in suicide deaths among women (6.9%) and older adult (9.1%). Analysis by macro-regions of the country showed significant increases in suicide deaths in the Center-West (7.4%), Northeast (5.7%), and Southeast (10%). Stratified analyses revealed differences according to age, sex, education, and skin color. Conclusions: Despite stability in the overall number of suicides, this phenomenon occurs heterogeneously among different population groups and regions of Brazil. Rates have increased in populations with a history of poor access to health, which may have been more severely impacted by the pandemic.

Gender differences in progression to crack-cocaine use and the role of sexual and physical violence

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether progression from first drug use to crack-cocaine use differs according to gender, and whether the report of sexual or physical violence impacts the time of progression. Methods: We interviewed 896 crack-cocaine users (548 men; 348 women) from addiction treatment units. Cox regression models evaluated the time of progression from first drug use to crack use. We analyzed gender differences according to the absence or presence of sexual or physical violence, also considering whether violence, when present, had occurred before or after the onset of crack use. Results: Women presented a faster progression to crack use regardless of exposure to sexual or physical violence (p < 0.05). Compared to unexposed men, there was a similar progression for men exposed to sexual or physical violence before the first use of crack (p = 0.167 and p = 0.393, respectively). In both genders, we observed a faster progression among individuals exposed to these types of violence after the onset of crack use (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We found a faster progression to crack use among women and among individuals exposed to sexual and physical violence after the onset of crack use. These results encourage differentiated treatment strategies, focused on gender and individual characteristics.

Increase in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels during early withdrawal in severe alcohol users

Abstract Introduction Changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been linked to the neuroadaptative consequences of chronic alcohol use and associated with disease severity and prognosis. Few studies have evaluated the influence of drug withdrawal and clinical and sociodemographic data on BDNF levels in severe alcohol users. Objectives Our goals were (1) to evaluate variation in BDNF levels during alcohol withdrawal and, (2) to assess the influence of putative confounding factors on BDNF levels. Methods Our sample consists of 62 men with alcohol use disorder undergoing a detoxification process. Serum BDNF levels were measured using a commercial sandwich-ELISA kit, at two points: before and after the detoxification period. Results We found an increase in BDNF levels during alcohol withdrawal (25.4±9.6 at admission vs. 29.8±10.2 ng/ml at discharge; p < 0.001), even after controlling for potential confounders (positive family history, number of days between blood sample collections, and age) (Generalized Estimating Equation: coefficient = -4.37, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] -6.3; -2.4; p < 0.001). Moreover, individuals who had first-degree relative with alcohol dependence had smaller increases in BDNF levels than individuals with no family history (14.8 [95%CI -5.3; 35.6] vs. 35.3 [95%CI 15.4; 74.8]; p = 0.005). Conclusions In summary, variation in BDNF levels seems to be influenced by withdrawal in severe alcohol users. A positive family history of alcohol dependence could also be a factor that influences variation in this biomarker.

Well-being at work, productivity, and coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract This study aims to analyze the mechanisms through which the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on well-being at work and on productivity. The secondary objective is to identify stress management strategies for the work environment during the pandemic. This is an integrative review. Phase 1 consisted of searches of open access electronic databases (MEDLINE, SciELO, Bireme, and LILACS) for papers published in 2020 addressing mental health, work, and pandemics. Phase 2 consisted of selecting literature recommended by specialists in occupational psychiatry and positive psychology. These materials were read and critically analyzed. Forty references were included in the literature review. The articles reviewed were classified into the following categories: articles concerning work relationships in Brazil; articles describing the impact of pandemics on mental health and work; articles focusing on the work of health professionals during pandemics; articles about well-being at work; and papers proposing strategies to improve well-being and productivity and to promote mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on workers' mental health and productivity. Most professionals face a need to adapt to changes, which can decrease their feeling of well-being. Consequently, strategies to promote well-being and mental health in the work environment should be a priority. Work routines were modified after the COVID-19 pandemic set in and assessing these changes is essential to maintain workers' mental health. By so doing, it is possible to promote general well-being and post-traumatic recovery and reduce stress levels.

Problematic consumption of online pornography during the COVID-19 pandemic: clinical recommendations

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the greatest contemporary challenges. Feelings of fear and uncertainty triggered by this pandemic have had noxious effects on people's mental health. This seems to have increased during quarantine and there is evidence of an intensification of reward-directed behavior. Nevertheless, there are few studies dealing with pornography consumption during this period. The aim of this manuscript is to contextualize this phenomenon during the pandemic and suggest some clinical recommendations on the matter.

Covid-19 and prisons: a reflection on public health and human rights / Covid-19 e prisões: Reflexões sobre saúde pública e direitos humanos / Covid-19 y las cárceles: Reflexión sobre la salud pública y los derechos humanos

Background and Objectives: The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) is a public health challenge. Identifying risk groups is essential for establishing prevention, screening, containment, and treatment strategies. In Brazil, prisons overcrowding and unhygienic conditions have been a historical problem that enables infectious diseases. This study sought to reflect upon incarcerated population vulnerability and present strategies to face the pandemic. Methods: This is a theoretical-reflective study based on the review of scientific publications and Covid-19 coping guidelines. Results: Prison populations are highly vulnerable to Sars-Cov-2 infections. Such vulnerability is aggravated by prisons' structural conditions, which accelerates diseases spread, especially respiratory illnesses, and hinders the adoption of preventive measures. Healthcare strategies aimed at this population are still scarce. Conclusion: Covid-19 outbreaks in prisons affect prisoners, staff, and family members, possibly leading the health system to an unprecedented collapse. Considering that, strategies to reduce coronavirus impact in prisons and on public health are urgent. Preventive measures of virus spread among this population must be supported by priority health measures, contingency protocols, and coordinated actions between the health and justice sectors.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A pandemia do coronavírus 2019 (Covid-19) é um problema de saúde pública desafiador. A identificação de grupos de risco é fundamental para o estabelecimento de estratégias de prevenção, rastreamento, contenção e tratamento. No Brasil, a superlotação e as condições insalubres das prisões são um problema histórico que facilita a disseminação de doenças. O objetivo deste estudo é refletir sobre a vulnerabilidade da população penitenciária e apresentar estratégias de enfrentamento à pandemia. Métodos: Estudo teórico-reflexivo construído a partir da revisão de publicações científicas e diretrizes de enfrentamento da Covid-19. Resultados: A PPL apresenta alta vulnerabilidade clínica para contaminação pelo Sars-Cov-2, o qual é agravado pelas condições estruturais das prisões que potencializam a disseminação de doenças, sobretudo respiratórias e dificultando o estabelecimento de medidas de prevenção. Surtos de Covid-19 em prisões afetam presos, funcionários e familiares e podem levar o sistema de saúde a um colapso sem precedentes. As estratégias de atenção a saúde desta população ainda são insuficientes. Conclusão: O estabelecimento de estratégias para reduzir o impacto do Covid-19 nas prisões e o seu reflexo na saúde pública é uma urgência. A prevenção da propagação do vírus nesta população deve ser apoiada por medidas prioritárias de saúde, implementação de protocolos de contingência e estabelecimento de ações coordenadas entre os setores de saúde e justiça.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) es un problema de salud pública desafiante. La identificación de los grupos de riesgo es esencial para establecer estrategias de prevención, detección, contención y tratamiento. En Brasil, el hacinamiento y las condiciones insalubres en las cárceles son un problema histórico que facilita la propagación de enfermedades. El objetivo de este estudio es reflexionar sobre la vulnerabilidad de la población carcelaria al Covid-19 y presentar estrategias de afrontamiento a la pandemia. Métodos: Estudio teórico-reflexivo con base en la revisión de publicaciones científicas y guías de afrontamiento del Covid-19. Resultados: La población penitenciaria presenta una alta vulnerabilidad clínica a la contaminación por Sars-Cov-2 agravado por las condiciones estructurales de las cárceles, lo que aumenta la propagación de enfermedades, especialmente respiratorias, y dificulta el establecimiento de medidas preventivas. Los brotes del Covid-19 en las cárceles afectan a los presos, al personal y a los miembros de la familia, y podrían llevar al sistema de salud a un colapso sin precedentes. Las estrategias sanitarias de esta población aún son insuficientes. Conclusión: Las estrategias para reducir el impacto del Covid-19 en las cárceles y su impacto en la salud pública son urgentes. La prevención de la propagación del virus en esta población debe apoyarse en medidas prioritarias de salud, la implementación de protocolos de contingencia y el establecimiento de acciones coordinadas entre los sectores de salud y justicia.(AU)

Sociodemographic Characteristics, School Performance, Pattern of Consumption and Emotional Health as Risk Factors for Alcohol use among Adolescents / Características Sociodemográficas, Desempenho Escolar, Padrão de Consumo e Saúde Emocional como Fatores de Risco para o Uso de Álcool entre Adolescentes / Características Sociodemográficas, Desempeño Escolar, Patrón de Consumo y Salud Emocional como Factores de Riesgo para el Consumo de Alcohol entre Adolescentes

Abstract Objective: It is known that alcohol use has increased both nationally and internationally. The present study was designed to evaluate the extent to wich sociodemographic characteristics, school performance, pattern of consumption and emotional health can predict the variable of interest, recent alcohol use, defined as the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the past 30 days, among adolescents from public schools in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre/Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study of 124 students, 70 girls and 54 boys, aged 11 to 18 years. Participants were assessed in the classroom and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Youth Self Report, and a questionnaire on drug use. Results: The variable with the greatest impact on recent alcohol use was total internalizing problems, anxiety/depression, and female sex. First alcohol use at 15 years or younger as well as school failure were also able to predict alcohol use. Conclusion: the data confirm the multidimensionality of the phenomenon that should be considered in prevention campaigns.

Resumo Objetivo: sabe-se que o consumo de álcool entre adolescentes tem se intensificado no contexto nacional e internacional e em função disso o presente estudo foi concebido para avaliar em que medida variáveis como características sociodemográficas, desempenho escolar, padrão de consumo e saúde emocional podem predizer a variável de interesse, consumo recente de álcool, definido como consumo de bebidas alcoólicas nos últimos 30 dias, entre adolescentes de escolas públicas da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre/Rio Grande do Sul-Brasil. Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal, com delineamento observacional-analítico, do qual participaram 124 escolares, 69 meninas e 55 meninos, com idades entre 11 e 18 anos. Todos foram acessados em sala de aula para responderem ao Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos, Youth Self Report e Questionário sobre o uso de drogas. Resultados: as variáveis com maior impacto no consumo recente de álcool foram o total dos problemas de internalização, ansiedade/depressão e sexo feminino. Ter feito uso de álcool com 15 anos ou menos e reprovação escolar também foram capazes de predizer o uso de álcool. Conclusão: os dados confirmam a multidimensionalidade do fenômeno que deve ser considerada em campanhas de prevenção.

Resumen Objetivo: se sabe que el consumo de alcohol entre adolescentes se ha intensificado en el contexto nacional e internacional. En función de ello el presente estudio fue concebido para evaluar en qué medida variables como las características socio-demográficas, el rendimiento escolar, patrón de consumo y la salud emocional pueden predecir la variable de interés, el consumo reciente de alcohol, definido como el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en los últimos 30 días, entre adolescentes de escuelas públicas de la región metropolitana de Porto Alegre / Rio Grande do Sul-Brasil. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal, con delineamiento observacional-analítico, del cual participaron 124 escolares, 69 niñas y 55 niños, con edades entre 11 y 18 años. Todos fueron accedidos en el aula para responder al Cuestionario de Datos Sociodemográficos, Youth Self Report y Cuestionario sobre el uso de drogas. Resultados: las variables con mayor impacto en lo consumo reciente de alcohol fueron el total de los problemas de internalización, ansiedad/depresión y sexo femenino. Haber hecho uso de alcohol con 15 años o menos y reprobación escolar también fue capaces de predecir el uso de alcohol. Conclusión: los datos confirman lo fenómeno multidimensional que debe ser considerado en campañas de prevención.

Hepatitis C: clinical and biological features related to different forms of cocaine use / Hepatite C: características clínicas e biológicas relacionadas às diferentes formas de uso da cocaína

Abstract Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is related with several liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas, leading to more than 0.5 million deaths every year and to a great global burden. It is known that injection drug users show a high prevalence of HCV infection, being considered a risk group for this disease. Cocaine users seem to be in greater risk than other drug users, and several hypotheses for this association are being studied. Aim To review data on HCV infection in cocaine users, taking into consideration the relevance of the different routes of drug administration and other risk behaviors. Methods This was a narrative review performed in the main scientific databases. Results and conclusion Data suggest that cocaine use could be associated with HCV infection due to the specificities of cocaine consumption pattern, even in those subjects who do not inject drugs, in addition to other risky behaviors, such as tattooing and unprotected sex. Injectable cocaine users seem to be more susceptible to contamination than users who do not inject drugs. However, evidence is pointing to the possibility of infection by sharing drug paraphernalia other than syringes. Moreover, specific immune system impairments caused by cocaine use are also being linked with HCV infection susceptibility, persistence and increased pathological effects.

Resumo Introdução O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) está relacionado com graves patologias hepáticas, como a cirrose e o carcinoma hepatocelular, causando mais de meio milhão de mortes todos os anos, o que reflete um problema de saúde mundial. Sabe-se que usuários de drogas injetáveis possuem alta prevalência de infecção pelo HCV, sendo por isso considerados um dos maiores grupos de risco. Usuários de cocaína parecem ter maior risco de contrair o vírus do que usuários de outras drogas, e diversas hipóteses para essa associação estão sendo estudadas. Objetivo Revisar evidências de associação da infecção pelo HCV em usuários de cocaína, considerando a relevância das diferentes formas de administração da droga e comportamentos de risco. Métodos Esta foi uma revisão narrativa realizada nos principais bancos de dados científicos. Resultados e conclusão As evidências atuais sugerem que o uso de cocaína pode estar associado com a infecção por HCV devido às especificidades do padrão de consumo da droga, mesmo naqueles indivíduos que não fazem uso de drogas injetáveis, além de outros comportamentos de risco, como tatuagens e sexo desprotegido. Usuários de cocaína injetável parecem estar mais suscetíveis à contaminação do que usuários de cocaína não injetável. Entretanto, há a possibilidade de infecção devido ao compartilhamento de outros equipamentos de uso além das seringas (cachimbos, por exemplo). Além disso, prejuízos do sistema imune causados pela cocaína também parecem estar associados com a suscetibilidade de infecção pelo HCV, além da manutenção e piora dos sintomas da doença.

Crack/cocaine users show more family problems than other substance users

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate family problems among crack/cocaine users compared with alcohol and other substance users. METHODS: A cross-sectional multi-center study selected 741 current adult substance users from outpatient and inpatient Brazilian specialized clinics. Subjects were evaluated with the sixth version of the Addiction Severity Index, and 293 crack users were compared with 126 cocaine snorters and 322 alcohol and other drug users. RESULTS: Cocaine users showed more family problems when compared with other drug users, with no significant difference between routes of administration. These problems included arguing (crack 66.5%, powder cocaine 63.3%, other drugs 50.3%, p = 0.004), having trouble getting along with partners (61.5%×64.6%×48.7%, p = 0.013), and the need for additional childcare services in order to attend treatment (13.3%×10.3%×5.1%, p = 0.002). Additionally, the majority of crack/cocaine users had spent time with relatives in the last month (84.6%×86.5%×76.6%, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian treatment programs should enhance family treatment strategies, and childcare services need to be included. .

Dependence module of the MINI plus adapted for sugar dependence: psychometric properties / Módulo de dependência do MINI plus adaptado para dependência de açúcar: propriedades psicométricas

This study aimed to analyze the factorial structure and the scale of measurement of the items for dependence of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) adapted for sugar consumption in order to verify if the structural characteristics can be applied to sugar dependence. The questionnaire was applied to a sample of 500 subjects in Brazil (67% female; mean age: 38 y.o.; 43% from weight control clinics; 63% with normal BMI). An exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the factorial structure and unidimensionality; and, a Rasch model analysis, to verify unidimensionality and items distribution. The model with best fit is unidimensional. All items had good fit to the Rasch model with a reliability of .99, infit between .86 and 1.14 and outfit from .71 to 1.20. The items of MINI Plus adapted for sugar dependence presented good psychometric properties, suggesting that the dependence criteria of DSM-IV support the verification of the construct for sugar addiction.

Analisar a estrutura fatorial e a escala de medida dos critérios de dependência do DSM-IV adaptado para açúcar a fim de verificar se as características estruturais são aplicaveis para dependência de açúcar. O questionário foi aplicado numa amostra de 500 pessoas (67% mulheres; média idade: 38 anos; 43% de clínicas obesidade; 63% IMC normal). A análise fatorial exploratória determinou a estrutura fatorial e unidimensionalidade; a análise de Rasch, a unidimensionalidade e distribuição dos itens. O modelo com melhor ajuste era unidimensional. Todos os itens apresentaram ajustes adequados na análise de Rasch com confiabilidade de 0,99, infit entre 0,86 a 1,14 e outfit entre 0,71 e 1,20. Os itens de dependência do MINI Plus adaptados para açúcar apresentaram boas propriedades psicométricas, sugerindo que os critérios do DSM-IV contribuem na verificação do constructo dependência de açúcar.

Avaliação das crenças codependentes e dos estágios de mudança em familiares de usuários de drogas em um serviço de teleatendimento / Codependent beliefs and stages of change in family members of drug users in a helpline service

Introdução: A dependência de drogas é um fenômeno que atinge não somente o usuário, mas também o sistema familiar como um todo. Devido à complexidade dessa relação, a família pode desenvolver características conhecidas como codependência, entre elas: autoestima baixa, valorização das opiniões dos outros em detrimento das suas, dificuldade de identificar os sentimentos ou comportamentos que facilitam o uso de drogas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as crenças codependentes e o estágio de mudança em familiares de usuários de drogas que procuraram um serviço de teleatendimento. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal no VIVAVOZ Serviço Nacional de Orientações e Informações sobre a Prevenção do Uso Indevido de Drogas no período de junho a julho de 2007. A amostra incluiu 154 familiares de usuários de drogas. Os instrumentos utilizados foram as escalas Ladder, que avalia o estágio de mudança de comportamento frente ao familiar usuário e Holyoake Codependency Index. Esta avalia a codependência em 13 itens, sendo calculados pela soma de 3 elementos denominados: foco no outro, autosacrifício e reatividade. Resultados: 71% dos familiares apresentaram crenças codependentes. Dentre esses, 89% identificaram-se no estágio de contemplação, ou seja, percebiam a necessidade de mudança no seu comportamento em relação aos usuários. Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a importância de abordagens voltadas à família para motivar seus integrantes a diminuírem os comportamentos codependentes

Introduction: Drug addiction is a phenomenon that affects not only the user but also the family system as a whole. Due to the complexity of this relationship, the family can develop characteristics known as codependency, including: low self-esteem, appreciation of others’ opinions to the detriment of their own, and difficulty identifying feelings or behaviors that facilitate the use of drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the codependent beliefs and stage of change in family members of drug users who sought a helpline service. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in the VIVAVOZ National Guidance and Information on Prevention of Drug Abuse in the period from June to July 2007. The sample included 154 families of drug users. The instruments used were the Ladder scale, which assesses the stages of changing behavior towards family-user, and the Holyoake Codependency Index, which assesses the codependence in 13 items, calculated from the sum of three elements, namely: Focus on the other, self-sacrifice, and reactivity. Results: 71% of relatives showed codependent beliefs. Among these, 89% identified themselves in the contemplation stage, i.e., they perceived the need for change in their behavior in relation to users. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of familyoriented approaches to motivate their members to lower co-dependent behaviors

Brain injury markers (S100B and NSE) in chronic cocaine dependents

OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown signs of brain damage caused by different mechanisms in cocaine users. The serum neuron specific enolase and S100B protein are considered specific biochemical markers of neuronal and glial cell injury. This study aimed at comparing blood levels of S100B and NSE in chronic cocaine users and in volunteers who did not use cocaine or other illicit drugs. METHOD: Twenty subjects dependent on cocaine but not on alcohol or marijuana, and 20 non-substance using controls were recruited. Subjects were selected by consecutive and non-probabilistic sampling. Neuron specific enolase and S100B levels were determined by luminescence assay. RESULTS: Cocaine users had significantly higher scores than controls in all psychiatric dimensions of the SCL-90 and had cognitive deficits in the subtest cubes of WAIS and the word span. Mean serum S100B level was 0.09 ± 0.04 µg/l among cocaine users and 0.08 ± 0.04 µg/l among controls. Mean serum neuron specific enolase level was 9.7 ± 3.5 ng/l among cocaine users and 8.3 ± 2.6 ng/l among controls. CONCLUSIONS: In this first study using these specific brain damage markers in cocaine users, serum levels of S100B and neuron specific enolase were not statistically different between cocaine dependent subjects and controls.

OBJETIVO: Estudos têm demonstrado sinais de lesão cerebral causadas por diferentes mecanismos em usuários de cocaína. A enolase sérica neurônio-específica e a proteína S100B são consideradas marcadores bioquímicos específicos de lesão neuronal e glial. Este estudo objetivou comparar os níveis sangüíneos de S100B e enolase sérica neurônio-específica em usuários crônicos de cocaína e em voluntários que não usam cocaína ou outras drogas ilícitas. MÉTODO: Vinte sujeitos dependentes de cocaína, mas não dependentes de álcool, maconha ou outra droga, e 20 sujeitos controles não usuários de drogas foram recrutados. Os sujeitos foram selecionados por amostragem consecutiva e não-probabilística e os níveis de enolase neurônio-específica e S100B foram determinados por ensaio de luminescência. RESULTADOS: Os usuários de cocaína tiveram escores significativamente maior que os controles em todas as dimensões psiquiátricas do SCL-90 e apresentaram prejuízos cognitivos no subteste cubos do WAIS e no span de palavras. Os níveis de S100B foram em média 0,09 ± 0,04 µg/l nos usuários de cocaína e 0,08 ± 0,04 µg/l nos controles. Os níveis de enolase neurônio-específica foram em média 9,7 ± 3,5 ng/l nos usuários e 8,3 ± 2,6 ng/l nos controles. CONCLUSÃO: Neste primeiro estudo utilizando esses marcadores específicos de lesão cerebral em usuários de cocaína, os níveis séricos de S100B e enolase específica do neurônio não foram significativamente diferentes entre dependentes de cocaína e controles.

Brazilian female crack users show elevated serum aluminum levels

OBJECTIVE: There is no information in the literature on the impact of crack smoking using crushed aluminum cans as makeshift pipes, a common form of crack use in Brazil. Since aluminum intake is associated with neurological damage, we measured serum aluminum levels in crack smokers. The objective of this study was to ascertain the levels of aluminum in crack users who smoke on makeshift aluminum pipes. METHOD: 71 female crack smokers, their mean age being 28.0 (± 7.7), provided information about their drug use, and had blood samples tested for serum aluminum level. RESULTS: 56 (79 percent) subjects smoked crack from crushed can pipes, while 15 (21 percent) smoked from other containers. Fifty-two (73.2 percent) out of the 71 subjects presented a serum aluminum level of 2 æg/l and 13 (18.3 percent) had a serum aluminum level of 6 æg/l cut-off point, which is above the reference value. When compared to non-drug users matched by their mean age and gender, they had similar median values and interquartile ranges for serum aluminum level [3 (2-4.6) for crack smokers; 2.9 (1.6-4.1) for controls], but with different means and standard deviations (4.7 ± 4.9 and 2.9 ± 1.7, respectively). DISCUSSION: Crack smokers have high serum aluminum level, but we are unsure of its complete association with aluminum cans. Further studies are needed. If such association is proven true in future research, further issues will be raised in dealing with this important disorder, including proper planning and evaluation of public health policies in this area.

OBJETIVO: Não há informação na literatura sobre o impacto do uso de crack fumado em latas de alumínio utilizadas como cachimbos improvisados, uma forma comum de uso de crack no Brasil. Uma vez que a ingestão de alumínio está associada a dano neurológico, nós medimos alumínio sérico em usuários de crack. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis de alumínio em usuários de crack que fumam em cachimbos improvisados de lata de alumínio. MÉTODO: Setententa e uma usuárias de crack, com média de idade de 28,0 anos (± 7,7), forneceram informação sobre seu uso de drogas e tiveram amostras de seu sangue testadas para níveis séricos de alumínio. RESULTADOS: Cinqüenta e seis (79 por cento) sujeitos fumaram crack usando cachimbos de lata e 15 (21 por cento) fumaram em outros formatos. Cinqüenta e dois (73,2 por cento) dos 71 sujeitos apresentaram níveis de alumínio sérico de 2 æg/l e 13 (18,3 por cento) tinham níveis no ponto de corte 6 æg/l, o que está acima dos valores de referência. Quando comparados com não-usuários pareados por média de idade e do mesmo gênero, os sujeitos tiveram valores medianos e intervalos inter-quartil para níveis séricos similares [3 (2-4,6) para usuários de crack; 2,9 (1,6-4,1) para os controles], porém com médias e desvios-padrão diferentes (4,7 ± 4,9 e 2,9 ± 1,7, respectivamente). DISCUSSÃO: Usuários de crack apresentam altos níveis de alumínio sérico, mas não temos certeza disto estar associado completamente com as latas de alumínio. Mais estudos são necessários. Se tal associação se mostrar verdadeira em pesquisa no futuro, questões terão que ser debatidas a respeito deste problema, incluindo planejamento apropriado e avaliação das políticas públicas nesta área.