Unravelling the links between substance use and binge-like eating disorders

The researchers explore the role of brain reward systems in eating disorders and substance use disorders.

Binge eating disorder (BED) and substance use disorders (SUD) are characterised by maladaptive responses in the reward system of the brain. Dr Mary C Olmstead at Queen’s University, Canada, and Dr Katia Befort, University of Strasbourg, France, are using rodent models to explore how a part of the reward system, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), affects the two conditions. They hope […]

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Elucidating the substance use disorder-HIV health syndemic

Dr Bryan Garner researches the overlap between people living with HIV, and substance use disorders.

Dr Bryan Garner is a Senior Implementation Research Scientist with RTI International. His latest research explores the neglected overlap between HIV and substance use disorders (SUDs). In May 2019, clients of AIDS service organisations (ASOs), ASO staff, and HIV/AIDS Planning Council members participated in a Stakeholder-Engaged Real-Time Delphi (SE-RTD) survey exploring the prevalence and individual-level negative impact of five SUDs […]

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Regulating emotions in young adulthood

Young adults with complex mental health needs often find it difficult to regulate their emotions and manage impulsive behaviour. Dr Kate Hall and her collaborators from Deakin University, Australia, have developed and evaluated an intervention that has applicability across diagnostic categories of mental health and substance use needs, and can be delivered alongside existing treatments. This intervention teaches young people […]

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