Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108556
Annica Kessling , Silke M. Müller , Astrid Müller , Matthias Brand , Elisa Wegmann
{"title":"General executive functions, stimulus-specific inhibitory control and predisposing variables of individuals with problematic social network use","authors":"Annica Kessling , Silke M. Müller , Astrid Müller , Matthias Brand , Elisa Wegmann","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>General executive functions and decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control may be relevant factors for the development and maintenance of problematic social network use (PSNU). Related predisposing variables that are risk factors for PSNU may include self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, or impulsivity, and as a result, social networks (SN) may be habitually utilized, which can manifest over time. Theoretical models suggest that interactions between predisposing factors and PSNU may influence neurocognitive deficits during problematic behavior. Therefore, we investigate possible interaction effects of SN use type (PSNU vs. non-problematic use) and predisposing factors on the expression of cognitive control mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>In a laboratory setting, 227 participants were assigned to the group with PSNU (n = 118), or the control group (n = 109) using a structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-5 criteria for gaming disorder, modified for PSNU. General executive functions were examined with the Stroop task, the Modified Card Sorting Test and the Game of Dice Task; stimulus-specific inhibitory control with the Go/No-Go task. Self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, impulsivity and habitual SN use were determined by questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The SN use type (PSNU/non-problematic use) interacted with non-planning impulsivity in predicting impaired interference control, with ADHD symptoms in predicting cognitive inflexibility, and with habitual SN use in predicting decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Reductions in executive functioning in individuals with PSNU are specifically present in interaction with trait impulsivity and related variables. These results emphasize the need for multidimensional assessments that consider both cognitive and individual risk factors, paving the way for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108556"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108566
S.R. Sangeetha, Neriah Samraksha, Shreya M. Karakatti, D. Patteswari
{"title":"Perceptual distortions of social support in multi-age cohort as a function of internet addiction and attention control","authors":"S.R. Sangeetha, Neriah Samraksha, Shreya M. Karakatti, D. Patteswari","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108566","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Internet addiction and attention control increasingly influence how individuals across age groups perceive social support. This study explored the psychological impact of excessive internet use and attentional regulation within a diverse Indian population.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The study aimed (a) to examine perceptual distortions of social support across the lifespan as a function of individual differences in internet addiction and attention control; (b) to explore how socio-demographic factors such as sex and socioeconomic status (SES) influence attention control and perceived social support in the context of internet addiction; and (c) to investigate how age and SES jointly shape patterns of internet addiction, attention control, and perceived social support in a multi-age cohort.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 399 participants in Mysuru through purposive sampling. Standardized instruments included the Internet Addiction Test, Attention Control Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Analyses were conducted using SPSS v.27, employing multiple regression and MANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The regression model significantly predicted perceived social support, F(2, 396) = 20.87, p = 0.001, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.095. Internet addiction was a significant negative predictor of perceived social support (β = –.260, p = 0.001) meanwhile attention control was not (β = 0.099, p = 0.053). MANOVA showed significant effects of age (p = 0.013) and an Age × SES interaction (p = 0.019) on internet addiction. sex and SES main effects were non-significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Perceptual distortions of social support are not simply the result of screen time, but are mediated by age and class. These findings underscore internet addiction as a psychosocial outcome shaped by unequal digital environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108566"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108580
Simon Ghinassi , Giulia Fioravanti , Maria Anna Donati , Caterina Primi , Yura Loscalzo , Silvia Casale
{"title":"Evaluating different patterns of problematic internet use using a unified self-report measure based on the ICD-11 framework: Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ACSID-11","authors":"Simon Ghinassi , Giulia Fioravanti , Maria Anna Donati , Caterina Primi , Yura Loscalzo , Silvia Casale","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ACSID-11 was developed to assess five patterns of problematic Internet use—namely, gaming disorder, compulsive online shopping, problematic online pornography use, problematic social networks use, and online gambling disorder—using a unified set of items grounded in the ICD-11 framework. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ACSID-11. A sample of 1263 participants (76.70 % females, <em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 40.89, <em>SD</em> = 13.72, range = 18–83) completed the ACSID-11 and was included in the analysis of its factorial structure. A series of Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) confirmed the assumed four-factorial structure (i.e., Impaired Control, Increased Priority, Continuation/Escalation of Use, Functional Impairment in Daily Life/Marked Distress), which was superior to the unidimensional solution for all the patterns of problematic Internet use. Moreover, the second-order models demonstrated comparable fit to the four-factor solutions and supported the use of an overall composite score. A subsample of 999 participants (76.40 % females, M = 40.59, SD = 13.67, range = 18–83) also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, whereas the number of participants who completed the measures used to assess convergent validity varied depending on whether they reported engaging in the corresponding behavior or not<strong>.</strong> Convergent and criterion validity were supported. These findings suggest that the Italian version of this unified item set is a valid and reliable tool for consistently assessing different patterns of problematic Internet use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108580"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108576
Júlia Gisbert-Pérez , Claudio Longobardi , Manuel Martí-Vilar , Sofia Mastrokoukou , Laura Badenes-Ribera
{"title":"Prevalence of Internet gaming disorder in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Júlia Gisbert-Pérez , Claudio Longobardi , Manuel Martí-Vilar , Sofia Mastrokoukou , Laura Badenes-Ribera","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a condition for further study in DSM-5-TR and officially classified in ICD-11. Although gaming problems seem like an adolescent concern, growing evidence indicates that young adults are also vulnerable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of IGD among young adults and identify sociodemographic and methodological moderators associated with its variability. Ninety-six analytical samples from 93 studies published (2015–2025) were included, comprising 149,601 participants aged 18–35 (<em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 23.53 years, <em>SD</em><sub>age</sub> = 6.28; 51.22 % female). Generalized linear mixed models were applied to compute pooled prevalence estimates. The pooled prevalence of IGD was 6.1 % (95 % CI: 5.03–7.40). Prevalence was significantly higher in gamer-only samples (8.1 %, 95 % CI: 5.91–11.01) compared to mixed samples, including gamers and non-gamers (5.47 %, 95 % CI: 4.33–6.90). Moderator analyses showed that IGD prevalence differed by diagnostic instrument (IGDS and DSM-V criteria > IGDT-10) and by sample size, and a trend also emerged suggesting lower prevalence with higher proportions of women. In gamer-only samples, prevalence increased over time and in studies with a higher risk of bias. In mixed samples, prevalence differed by instrument (IGDS > GAS) and was negatively associated with sample size. These findings indicate that IGD is more prevalent among young adults than in the general population, especially among gamers. The variability observed across studies highlights the need for methodological consistency and the use of validated diagnostic tools to improve comparability and inform prevention and intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108576"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108579
Liangrong Huang , Miaomiao Zeng , Xue Wen
{"title":"Social support, online social support, and problematic social media use: A three-level meta-analysis","authors":"Liangrong Huang , Miaomiao Zeng , Xue Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social support and problematic social media use; however, findings are inconsistent. Hence, this study employed a three-level meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between social support and problematic social media use. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between online social support and problematic social media use and to identify potential moderators of this relationship. After searching and screening the literature, this meta-analysis included a total of 65 studies, with 235 effect sizes and 52,738 participants. The results showed a negative correlation between social support and problematic social media use (<em>r</em> = -0.178, <em>p</em> < 0.001), and a positive correlation between online social support and problematic social media use (<em>r</em> = 0.399, <em>p</em> < 0.001). Age and educational stage significantly moderated the association between social support and problematic social media use. Online social support measurement and problematic social media use measurement significantly moderated the association between online social support and problematic social media use. It is suggested that treatment for problematic social media use should attend to individuals’ levels of social support and online social support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108575
Sophie H. Haage , Mike M. Schmitgen , Gudrun M. Henemann , Julian Koenig , Marie-Luise Otte , Patrick Bach , Nadine D. Wolf , Robert Christian Wolf
{"title":"Smartphone restriction modulates intrinsic neural activity in problematic smartphone users: Evidence from resting-state fMRI","authors":"Sophie H. Haage , Mike M. Schmitgen , Gudrun M. Henemann , Julian Koenig , Marie-Luise Otte , Patrick Bach , Nadine D. Wolf , Robert Christian Wolf","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108575","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108575","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has been associated with withdrawal-like symptoms and altered intrinsic neural activity (INA). While previous studies suggest that PSU affects brain function, little is known about how INA is modulated by smartphone restriction. This longitudinal fMRI study investigated group- and time-dependent changes in resting-state INA following short-term smartphone deprivation. 36 participants (aged 18–29; 22 female) were categorized into PSU (n = 19) and non-PSU (n = 17) groups using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV). Resting-state fMRI scans were obtained before and after a 72-hour period of smartphone restriction. Psychometric measures included the Mannheim Craving Scale (MaCS) and the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI). A significant group-by-time interaction revealed INA changes in the left inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal and precentral gyri, and left calcarine cortex. INA increased over time in the non-PSU group but decreased in the PSU group in prefrontal and cingulate areas. In contrast, sensorimotor and occipital regions showed increased INA over time in PSU individuals. Associations between neural activity and MaCS scores indicated that greater craving was linked to reduced INA in the posterior cingulate cortex. Within the PSU group, higher smartphone-use severity, as measured by the SPAI, was associated with altered INA in occipital, parietal, and cerebellar regions. These findings suggest PSU is linked to distinct and state-dependent neurofunctional alterations that may reflect withdrawal-related processes and maladaptive reward and cognitive control mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108575"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145716960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108581
Dongcheng Wang , Zhe Du , Xinwen Wen , Qihan Li , Yi Liu , Junjie Tang , Chunhao Shui , Peijie Yu , Likun Yang , Pengquan Tu , Xin Liu , Cunfeng Yuan , Dahua Yu , Tengfei Ma , Kai Yuan
{"title":"Hippocampal transcranial temporal interference stimulation reduced craving in methamphetamine use disorder","authors":"Dongcheng Wang , Zhe Du , Xinwen Wen , Qihan Li , Yi Liu , Junjie Tang , Chunhao Shui , Peijie Yu , Likun Yang , Pengquan Tu , Xin Liu , Cunfeng Yuan , Dahua Yu , Tengfei Ma , Kai Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Craving is a key challenge in treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). The memory reconsolidation theory indicates that interference with MUD after drug memory retrieval helps to reduce craving. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of the hippocampus in memory consolidation, but traditional non-invasive interventions cannot effectively locate and intervene in the hippocampus. Although tTIS can accurately intervene in deep brain regions, it is still unknown whether tTIS intervention on the MUD hippocampus is effective in reducing craving.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A total of 40 male participants with MUD were randomized to active or sham tTIS. Active tTIS delivered a 10 Hz electric field to the hippocampus for 20 min per day over 10 consecutive days, while sham stimulation lasted only 1 min per day during the same period. We also assessed its effects on craving, cognitive function and emotional symptoms at baseline, post intervention and one month follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) on drug cue-induced craving revealed a significant group × time interaction effect (F (2, 108) = 5.652, P = 0.005). Post hoc paired <em>t</em>-test indicated a significant decrease in craving in the active tTIS group (t = 5.04, P = 0.002) after the intervention and one month follow-up (t = 6.04, P < 0.001). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the sham group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In this trial, 10 Hz tTIS was effective for METH craving reduction in MUD. Further trials are needed to explore neural mechanisms of tTIS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108581"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108583
Kathryn S. Gex , ReJoyce Green , Samuel F. Acuff , Anna E. Kirkland , Brittney D. Browning , Rachel L. Tomko , Kevin M. Gray , Lindsay M. Squeglia
{"title":"Alcohol demand and alcohol use disorder among adolescents and young adults who drink heavily: An exploratory analysis including sex differences","authors":"Kathryn S. Gex , ReJoyce Green , Samuel F. Acuff , Anna E. Kirkland , Brittney D. Browning , Rachel L. Tomko , Kevin M. Gray , Lindsay M. Squeglia","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Behavioral economic alcohol demand, or the reward value of alcohol consumption, consistently shows associations between alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adults, yet research within clinical youth populations (considered to be ages 15–24) remains limited. It is critical to better understand how demand functions in clinical youth populations to predict alcohol related outcomes. Moreover, given the narrowing gap between male and female youth in alcohol use prevalence in recent years, exploring sex differences in alcohol demand and its role in the relationship between demand, alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, and AUD is important. The current study used data from two samples of adolescents and young adults from the community (N = 127; ages 16–25, M<sub>age</sub> = 20.57, SD = 2.27; 56.35 % female; 91.27 % white), one treatment seeking (n = 94) and one non-treatment seeking (n = 33), to examine the relationship between demand indices and alcohol use outcomes and to explore the role of sex in these relationships. Demand intensity (the number of standard drinks a person would consume if drinks were $0), O<sub>max</sub> (maximum money spent across prices, i.e., number of drinks purchased × price), and price sensitivity (α; the rate alcohol consumption decreases as prices increase) were significantly associated with alcohol use quantity and frequency outcomes, but not alcohol-related problems or AUD severity. Although male youth had significantly greater intensity relative to female youth, intensity was more strongly associated with drinking days in female youth. Broadly, our findings support the importance of evaluating alcohol demand in clinical youth as well as sex differences in alcohol demand. Our results also speak to the need for interventions targeting sex-specific mechanisms and moderators of alcohol use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108583"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108585
Dar Meshi , Jens Binder
{"title":"Smartphones are not addictive: a proposal to distinguish between rewards and reward delivery vehicles","authors":"Dar Meshi , Jens Binder","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108585","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108585"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Addictive behaviorsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108565
Rachel L. Gunn , Lindy K. Howe , Holly K. Boyle , Jane Metrik
{"title":"Working memory capacity predicts cannabis-induced effects on alcohol urge","authors":"Rachel L. Gunn , Lindy K. Howe , Holly K. Boyle , Jane Metrik","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cannabis has shown mixed results in its association with alcohol urge, which may be explained by individual differences. One such factor, working memory capacity (WMC) is associated with drug-related cue reactivity and implicated in alcohol use and problems. In the current study, we examined whether WMC moderates the acute effect of cannabis on alcohol urge in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants aged 21 to 44 (N = 125, 32 % female) reporting heavy alcohol use and cannabis use ≥ twice weekly completed a laboratory protocol across three days where they smoked a placebo, 3.1 % delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and 7.2 % THC cannabis cigarette. Participants were asked to rate their alcohol urge pre and post smoking. Prior to the experimental sessions, participants completed WMC measures including the n-back and the complex span tasks, operation span (OS) and symmetry span (SS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Those with higher WMC, as assessed via the SS task, reported significantly lower alcohol urge after smoking the 7.2 %, but not the 3.1 %, THC dose, relative to placebo. Performance on the OS task was not associated with alcohol urge. Lower WMC as determined via n-back scores was associated with higher alcohol urge overall, but n-back scores did not moderate the impact of cannabis on alcohol urge.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings suggest individuals with higher but not lower working memory experience lower alcohol urge under acute effects of cannabis. Although cannabis is increasingly perceived as a substitute for alcohol, individuals with lower working memory may be less likely to experience such benefits when attempting to reduce their drinking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 108565"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}