This study investigated the architecture and neural activity of white matter functional networks (WMFNs) in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) after prolonged abstinence, compared with healthy controls (HCs).

Blood oxygen level-dependent signals in white matter were analyzed using a data-driven k-means clustering approach across individuals with OUD at baseline (OUD1), the same individuals after prolonged abstinence at follow-up (OUD2), and HCs.

In OUD1, the deep frontoparietal network was fragmented into the superior longitudinal fasciculus network and anterior corona radiata network; this organization partially recovered in OUD2, becoming more similar to HCs. OUD1 also showed hyperactivation in the deep frontal network and hypoactivation in the frontotemporal-parietal network, with frontotemporal-parietal activity negatively correlated with years of opioid use.

OUD is associated with disrupted architecture of WMFNs and altered neural activity, whereas prolonged abstinence may promote partial network restoration. These findings highlight the neuroplastic potential of WMFNs during recovery and provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying OUD and abstinence-related rehabilitation.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant associated with widespread neurobiological alterations. While the acute and chronic effects on the brain have been extensively studied in animal models, far less is known about its impact on the human brain, particularly in the context of inhibitory processing.

Seventy-two participants (35 who regularly use methamphetamine) completed a paired-pulse somatosensory gating paradigm during magnetoencephalography (MEG). Immediately before the first stimulation of each trial, participants viewed either a substance-related or neutral image. The resulting responses were imaged, and time series were extracted from the peak voxel in the whole-brain maps, which was centered on the contralateral postcentral gyrus. Gating ratios (Stimulation 2/Stimulation 1) were subjected to a linear mixed-effect model, and spontaneous activity in the same voxel was assessed.

We found a significant group-by-condition interaction and a main effect of group, with the latter indicating that controls had significantly stronger gating across both task conditions compared to the methamphetamine group. Interestingly, the interaction revealed that only those in the methamphetamine group exhibited weaker gating in the substance-cue compared to the neutral image condition. Furthermore, gating indices were predictive of processing speed above and beyond the effect of group, while spontaneous gamma during the baseline was elevated in the methamphetamine group compared to controls.

Adults who use methamphetamine exhibit altered gating responses and elevated spontaneous gamma activity in the somatosensory cortices, likely reflecting disruptions in GABAergic circuitry. Substance-related cues accentuated gating deficits, suggesting that cue reactivity may compromise sensory inhibition in this population.

Gambling disorder frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions, yet its relationship with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests impulsivity and compulsivity may be inter-related rather than diametrically opposed constructs, warranting investigation of their clinical overlap. The aim of this study is to examine the rate of gambling disorder in adults with OCD and to explore associated clinical, behavioral, and treatment-related characteristics.

Adults with probable OCD were recruited via online Reddit groups for OCD, OCD clinics, and support groups and completed a cross-sectional survey. OCD symptom types were assessed using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, and gambling disorder was identified using the Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview. Additional measures included gambling severity, impulsivity, and problematic internet use. Group comparisons were conducted between participants with and without gambling disorder.

Among 186 adults with OCD, 34 (18.8%) met criteria for gambling disorder. Individuals with comorbid gambling disorder demonstrated significantly greater OCD severity, particularly in ordering, checking, and neutralizing symptoms, and reported later onset of OCD. The comorbid group showed higher impulsivity, greater problematic internet use, and distinct gambling behaviors, including higher rates of online gambling, esports betting, and use of artificial intelligence tools for gambling. They were also less likely to have received pharmacological treatment for OCD.

Gambling disorder in adults with OCD is associated with distinct clinical characteristics, greater impulsivity, problematic internet use, and concerning treatment gaps. These findings highlight the importance of screening for gambling in OCD, and vice versa, and suggest a need for integrated treatment approaches.

To identify and characterise active national illicit drug use sentinel surveillance systems worldwide.

We conducted a scoping review to identify and characterise active sentinel surveillance systems for illicit drug use worldwide. Inclusion criteria: 1) articles describing or analysing data from sentinel networks with an established national scope, 2) supported by public agencies, and 3) data accessible via online repositories. We excluded articles on networks which did not have drug surveillance as their main designated objective.

Ten sentinel surveillance systems targeting recreational drug use at the national level were identified. Even though each has its own structure and functionality, they are often integrated in larger surveillance programmes. Although health professionals in emergency departments are the main informants, some systems also include information directly from people who use drugs or from community stakeholders. Systems also varied in their operational characteristics, including reporting frequency and methods used to disseminate findings.

Having similarities, awareness of these different characteristics makes it possible to improve the design of surveillance systems directed towards illicit drug use monitoring and surveillance.

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) has risen among women globally and is disproportionately higher in prisons. In Indonesia, correctional facilities still lack any structured and evidence-based psychological therapy. To address this gap, we developed the Indonesia Substance Use Reduction for Female Therapy (Indo-SURFT).

A single-arm unblinded design with a 3-month follow-up was conducted among incarcerated women with MUD. Participants completed 12 sessions over six weeks. Assessments included user perception ratings, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Visual Analog Scale for craving, University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20), and WHO Quality-of-Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF).

A total of 33 incarcerated women with MUD participated and the median age was 35 (21–57). All of the participants had complete attendance during the 6-week program. By week 12, participants rated the Indo-SURFT module as useful (Mdiff = 0.484, 95%CI [0.235, 0.732], p < 0.001, d = 0.482). Employment-related ASI scores improved post-intervention (B = −0.076, p = 0.002) and at follow-up (B = −0.106, p = 0.004). Psychiatric domain of ASI remained stable post-intervention but increased after follow-up (B = 0.200, p ≤ 0.001). Craving declined post-treatment but rose at follow-up (B = 1.247, p = 0.036). SRQ-20 increased over time, while WHOQOL-BREF declined.

Indo-SURFT is tolerable and feasible for women with MUD in incarceration. Participants highly rated the module and delivery. The module demonstrates initial improvement in functional domain and curbs craving level during treatment. Maintenance sessions may be required to fully maintain and enhance improvements. These findings support Indo-SURFT’s as a potential intervention but requires further multisite investigation to enhance generalizability.

Sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and other non-heterosexual) people experience significant disparities in addiction problems compared with heterosexual people.

We aimed to answer the question, what are the barriers and facilitators to accessing drug/alcohol addiction treatment services for sexual minority adults?’.

A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts for any English-language primary research article (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) relevant to the study aims, from inception up to 18 April 2025. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT-2018). Barriers and facilitators were categorised into ‘service-related’ and ‘patient-related’ dimensions of accessibility, and synthesised narratively.

We screened 3282 abstracts, with full-text review of 238 articles; 62 studies met the inclusion criteria. Common service-related barriers included explicit harassment, discrimination, violence or abuse toward sexual minority people in services and lack of expertise or ‘culturally competent’ provision for their specific addiction problems. Facilitators included affirming, non-judgemental staff attitudes and sexual minority-specific treatment or outreach services. Patient-related barriers included ambivalence around drug/alcohol use and a fear of stigma (e.g. around sexualised drug use). Facilitators included signposting to services via community networks or peer advocates, and allowing patients to set their own treatment goals.

Although barriers and facilitators vary across global contexts and time periods, both qualitative and quantitative research highlighted similar key issues. Implementing practical changes to address these may improve sexual minority people’s access to addiction services, reducing the burden of addiction-related health inequity for this community.