🚨 New publication alert! Problem gambling is linked with increased risk for suicidality, potentially driven by feelings of social disconnection like perceived burdensomeness. We recently published a longitudinal study of highly-involved gamblers to investigate this relationship.

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series on Addiction and Technology, Drs. Krishna Venkatasubramanian and Stephanie Carreiro highlight the growing availability of digital health tools and outline some best practices for implementing these interventions. basisonline.org/2025/11/06/d...

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series on Addiction and Technology, we review a study by researchers from @northwellhealth.bsky.social that examined the effectiveness of a text messaging and telehealth therapy digital intervention for at-risk drinkers. basisonline.org/2025/11/04/e...

Throughout November, The BASIS is exploring how technology can both support addiction treatment and recovery and contribute to addiction. Dr. Heather Gray, Director of Academic Affairs at the Division on Addiction, introduces our Special Series: basisonline.org/2025/11/03/i...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada that explored factors associated with moderate-to-high risk gambling among LGBTQ+ individuals. basisonline.org/2025/10/28/p...

We studied the gambling, depositing, and withdrawing behavior of online casino players over a 2-year period. Check out our infographic to find out what we learned! www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

Early prevention is critical. Learn more: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research that investigated barriers and facilitators to addressing adolescent cannabis use in clinical settings. basisonline.org/2025/10/21/b...

We surveyed gambling research stakeholders on their experiences with #openscience principles and practices. Check out our infographic to find out what we learned! www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

Are you interested in resources related to problem gambling awareness, education, and treatment and recovery services referrals? Visit www.m-tac.org to check out the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @ncysur.bsky.social that identified risk factors for either flavor-only or nicotine vape use. basisonline.org/2025/10/14/r...

Community Voices in Recovery centers minoritized voices to teach allied health professionals how to provide optimal addiction care. Check out this free course offered by the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment: www.m-tac.org/module-categ...

It's Mental Illness Awareness Week. Let's all help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and support our friends, family, and loved ones when it comes to overcoming mental health challenges. samhsa.gov/mental-health #MIAW

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @casaa.bsky.social that explored the extent to which a heavy drinking episode reduces subsequent negative affect, and the role of distress tolerance in this relationship. basisonline.org/2025/10/07/a...

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Health Promotion Clearinghouse has problem gambling brochures in multiple languages! Download the digital versions or order print copies for free. Check out these and other problem gambling resources: massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/category/GAM...

October is #PreventionMonth! SAMHSA’s free Toolkit includes social media shareables, educational materials, prevention resources, and more. Learn how you can participate and be part of the conversation: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month

#ICYMI — We celebrated the retirement of Dr. Howard Shaffer with a Special Series in his honor. Throughout September, The BASIS featured research and editorials that highlighted Dr. Shaffer’s lasting impact on the field of addiction science. basisonline.org/2025/09/02/i...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia that compared the portrayal of sports betting in the media before and after its legalization in Canada. basisonline.org/2025/09/30/s...

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, Dr. Michael Stanton reflects on Dr. Shaffer’s visionary mentorship that shaped his career as a clinical psychologist and researcher. basisonline.org/2025/09/29/t...

We’re excited to share that Dr. @debilaplante.bsky.social, Director of the Division on Addiction and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has received a CHA Academic Council Award for academic excellence. Congratulations, Dr. LaPlante! 🎉 chacpad.org/academic-cou...

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, Ms. Chrissy Thurmond honors Dr. Shaffer for his visionary leadership, creative spirit, and lasting legacy in addiction science. basisonline.org/2025/09/25/m...

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month! Play our 15-question Responsible Gambling Quiz to test your knowledge of responsible gambling and low-risk gambling guidelines. kahoot.it/challenge/00... #RGEM2025

New: We review a study by researchers from Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare that investigated factors that influence the relationship between problematic smartphone use and mental health conditions among ketamine users with court-ordered addiction treatment. basisonline.org/2025/09/23/p...

September is National Recovery Month. SAMHSA’s 2025 Toolkit includes social media content, educational materials, and resources to raise awareness and support individuals in recovery. Check it out: www.samhsa.gov/about/digita... #RecoveryMonth2025

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, Dr. Ryan Martin honors Dr. Shaffer for his impact as a mentor and pioneer in the gambling research field. basisonline.org/2025/09/22/a...

This #RecoveryMonth2025, check in with someone in #Recovery. Remind them they are not alone. Explore ways to give support: samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, Dr. Heather Gray reflects on Dr. Shaffer's empathy, intellectual humility, and mentorship. basisonline.org/2025/09/18/r...

The 988 Lifeline offers free, compassionate support from trained specialists to people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress—or are worried about a loved one who is. Call or text 988. 988lifeline.org #SuicidePreventionMonth #988Lifeline

Stay up to date with the Division on Addiction! Read our Summer 2025 Newsletter for the latest news, recent research, and upcoming events: www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the Boston University School of Social Work that examined substitution behaviors (defined as the increased use of other substances) among a sample of U.S. adults attempting to reduce their alcohol use. basisonline.org/2025/09/16/a...

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month! Test your knowledge of responsible gambling tools with our 10-question quiz: kahoot.it/challenge/00... #RGEM2025

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, Ms. Kathleen Scanlan celebrates Dr. Shaffer as a pioneer in the field of problem gambling. She reflects on his empathy, compassion, and commitment to helping those impacted by gambling. basisonline.org/2025/09/15/h...

Thank you to Greo Evidence Insights for highlighting our research on interpersonal factors associated with suicidal thoughts among people who gamble regularly. See the new research snapshot here: www.greo.ca/Modules/Evid...

New on The BASIS: Dr. Paige Shaffer pays tribute to Dr. Howard Shaffer as both a father and a mentor. She celebrates his integrity, compassion, and dedication—qualities that have shaped her life and career as she carries forward his commitment to addiction science. basisonline.org/2025/09/11/l...

#RecoveryMonth2025 is a great time to prioritize care, connection, and healing. SAMHSA has resources to help you get started: samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope #Recovery #Wellness

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, we review a study by researchers from @uwmedicine.bsky.social that explored the associations between problem sports betting, alcohol use, and negative consequences. basisonline.org/2025/09/09/p...

New on The BASIS: Dr. Sarah Nelson celebrates Dr. Howard Shaffer's legacy of asking bold, unconventional questions, highlighting how his “impertinence” has shaped both the field of addiction science and the next generation of critical thinkers. basisonline.org/2025/09/08/b...

We looked at 86 studies that assessed responsible gambling (RG) tools to evaluate the current evidence for RG tools and identify which tools are promising for minimizing risky gambling behavior. Check out our infographic to find out what we learned! www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

New on The BASIS: Dr. @debilaplante.bsky.social reflects on the impact of Dr. Howard Shaffer's work in redefining addiction as a syndrome, while highlighting his pursuit of boundary-pushing questions that continue to shape the field of addiction science. basisonline.org/2025/09/04/a...

Do you want to learn about problem gambling from researchers, clinicians, advocates, and people with lived experience? Check out Ask an Expert, a free online course offered by the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment: www.m-tac.org/module-categ...

New on The BASIS: As part of our Special Series in Honor of Dr. Howard Shaffer, we reviewed a study by researchers from the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University that examined the perceived causes of several different expressions of addiction. basisonline.org/2025/09/02/l...

Throughout September, The BASIS is honoring Dr. Howard Shaffer by reviewing research that showcases his lasting impact in addiction science and featuring editorials from colleagues. Dr. Heather Gray, Director of Academic Affairs- Division on Addiction, introduces our Special Series: lnkd.in/eaec_AHe

Do you know the signs of an overdose and how to respond? For more information, check out SAMHSA’s Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit: library.samhsa.gov/product/overdose-prevention-response-toolkit/pep23-03-00-001 #OverdoseAwarenessWeek

The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS) is a blog published by the Division on Addiction that summarizes current, peer-reviewed addiction research into weekly science reviews. Subscribe to The BASIS for the latest #addiction science! lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/4kg4es7

#OverdoseAwarenessWeek is a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing overdoses. Learn how to recognize the signs of overdose, how to use naloxone, and how to support people in recovery: samhsa.gov/end-overdose

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina that examined the impact of social support networks on substance use disorder recovery among postpartum individuals. basisonline.org/2025/08/26/i...

Are you a healthcare professional looking to enhance your understanding of problem gambling? Check out these free CE courses, offered online through the MA Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment and funded by the MA Department of Public Health: www.m-tac.org/courses/

Lower risk gambling limits can help individuals avoid negative consequences associated with their gambling. We developed and tested limits for time and financial involvement among a population of online gamblers. Check out our infographic to learn more! www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

Screening for gambling problems is easy with free, anonymous resources! Check out our 3-question Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen – available in 22 languages – if you want to know more about your relationship with gambling. www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-res...

These free posters from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health help raise awareness about the unique challenge gambling poses for people with a history of substance misuse. Available in both English and Spanish! Download or order print copies: massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/PROG-GAMB/PG...