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Drug use creates a significant amount of harm in modern societies. From an evolutionary perspective, the pervasive use of drugs and the ongoing risk of drug addiction can be explained in terms of the action of drugs on evolved motivational–emotional systems. Addiction arises through interaction of these evolutionarily ancient systems, designed to promote the pursuit of natural rewards, and contemporary environments where purified and potent forms of drugs are readily available. This evolutionary analysis is extended to account for developmental patterns in problem drug use, and to explain the existence of behavioural addictions, such as problem gambling. The paper concludes by considering some of the clinical and public policy implications of the evolutionary perspective presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to provide a profile of young people attending alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Method: Data were gathered from a clinical file search of 184 randomly selected young people aged 13-19 years who had attended one of eight youth AOD treatment services in New Zealand during 2003 or 2004. These services represented eight of the 11 youth-specific AOD services available to youth in New Zealand. Results: Young people who attend youth-specific AOD services in New Zealand present with a range of complex needs including substance use and mental health issues, criminality, family conflict and disengagement from school. A total of 62.0% were male, 56.4% had criminal convictions, 40.6% had spent some time in Child, Youth and Family Services care and 53.8% were reported to have a coexisting substance use and mental health disorder. Low rates of reporting of substance use and mental health diagnoses in treatment files suggest that substance use and mental health disorders among this population are likely to be higher than those reported. Conclusions: This paper provides a unique profile of young people attending youth-specific AOD treatments in New Zealand. Such information is useful in informing treatment planning and funding and ensuring that service development occurs to specifically meet the complex needs of this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on an electronic MEDLINE search that revealed several articles featuring God in the periodical over the past 50 years. It mentions that an article featured development of an independent youth culture in the West galvanized by the appearance of the Beatles. It also reflects on experiences of people with schizophrenia living in supported accommodation.

In this article, the author talks about the behavioural health disorders rather than behavioural addictions. It mentions that repetitive behaviours involving poor impulse control and potential disorders for inclusion. It also mentions that behavioural addictions can defines as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), kleptomania and body dysmorphic disorder.

The article present a case study of a 55-year-old female health professional who was referred for psychiatric assessment before resuming work. It mentions that the patient was abstinent from alcohol for three months while attending daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. It mentions that the patient was severe alcohol use disorder after bariatric surgery.

Focuses on nicotine dependence of psychiatric patients in Australia. Percentage of psychiatric patients who smoke; Need for the psychiatrists to recognize nicotine dependence as an important mental disorder.

Presents an obituary for the psychiatrist John Robert Earle Dobson, died on May 10, 1998 in New Zealand.