We are happy to announce the publication on the TRR265 project by the entire ReCoDe Addiction Research Consortium in Addiction Biology. In this article, we summarize the goals of the consortium and explore the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption, offering valuable insights into the behavioral, cognitive, molecular, and neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. Through a holistic approach that combines innovative mobile health tools and cutting-edge research methodologies, we identified triggers and modifying factors that influence individuals' journeys from voluntary drug use to compulsive behavior. By integrating multi-omics data from biomaterials of our ReCoDe cohort, our researchers generated pathway- and gene-derived polygenic scores, providing a deeper understanding of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to addiction. Our consortium highlights the importance of an integrative multi-omics approach in addiction research, emphasizing the need to explore the intricate interplay between genetic makeup, environmental influences, and drug exposure. Our findings pave the way for the development of mechanism-based interventions tailored to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This publication marks a significant milestone in the ReCoDe Consortium's mission to advance addiction research and develop innovative strategies for regaining control over drug intake. Stay informed about the latest developments from the ReCoDe Consortium as we continue to make strides in unraveling the complexities of addiction biology. Linke to the original article in Addiction Biology: https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13419

The US foundation Wellcome LEAP is funding a research project at the CIMH in which addictive disorders are treated with weak electrical currents on the scalp, among other things. It is estimated that 108 million people worldwide are addicted to alcohol, and almost 40 million have an addiction to illegal drugs. In 2019, 168,000 people worldwide died from alcohol abuse and it was a risk factor for a further 2.44 million deaths. Illicit drugs led to over 128,000 deaths in the same year. This underlines the urgent need for innovative approaches to addiction prevention and treatment. To help develop and introduce new technologies and methods, the US foundation Wellcome LEAP is supporting innovative research projects with a total of 50 million US dollars. A research project at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sabine Vollstädt-Klein, head of the Neuroimaging of Addictive Behavior working group at the CIMH, and Dr. Sarah Gerhardt, research associate and Psychological Psychotherapist at the Clinic for Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine at the CIMH, is the only project in Germany to be funded by the foundation. Modulating neuronal activity in the brain In the project, patients with various addictive disorders are examined and additionally treated with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during their inpatient stay. This involves attaching electrodes to the scalp, which then emit weak electrical currents. The procedure has few side effects and aims to modulate neuronal activity in the brain. “In patients with addictive disorders, we hope that this modulation of the brain can better inhibit impulsive behavior, which beneficially contributes to abstinence. We are therefore investigating whether tDCS has a positive effect on this impulse inhibition and the success of the therapy and are also measuring brain wave patterns in order to understand how these effects come about,” explains Sabine Vollstädt-Klein. The procedure is already approved for depression, for example. One advantage is that tDCS is comparatively easy to use and can therefore also be used by patients independently at home. Wellcome LEAP is part of the foundation Wellcome Trust. Established in 2020 by the Wellcome Trust as a US non-profit charitable organization with initial funding of USD 300 million, the LEAP funding programs target complex human health challenges with the aim of promoting breakthrough science and technology solutions.

The American Research Society on Alcoholism is awarding this year's AREC Prize to Prof Rainer Spanagel for his outstanding contributions to ethical standards in preclinical and animal research. In the announcement by the Commettee it is said that Dr. Spanagel has been a trailblazer in preclinical addiction research, conducting over 10 meta-analyses to advance the field. Furthermore, his leadership in reducing animal use in research is exemplary; from creating an organ bank for genetically engineered mice to implementing in silico methods that minimize the need for animal testing. Most recently, Dr. Spanagel has launched the STRINGENCY framework, promoting best practice guidelines to enhance the reliability and impact of preclinical alcohol research. We celebrate Dr. Spanagel's remarkable achievements and anticipate the broader adoption of these higher ethical standards in animal research.

On 27 May 2024, the ZDF programme WISO broadcast an interview with Prof. Anne Koopmann and Prof. Bernd Lenz, both from the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, on the topic of problematic alcohol consumption among women. The interview sheds light on the particular challenges and health risks to which women are exposed when consuming alcohol. Anne Koopmann and Bernd Lenz report on how social and individual factors can contribute to problematic alcohol consumption and what measures are needed to help affected women. The article provides valuable insights from former sufferers and offers practical advice on prevention and support. The full interview is available online and can be viewed on the ZDF website between minutes 23:30 and 32:20 of the programme. The direct link to the programme is here: WISO from 27. May 2024.

The discussion about the legalisation of cannabis from the age of 18 raises concerns among experts. Psychopharmacologist Prof Dr Rainer Spanagel in particular is concerned about the possible effects on young people. He warns of the risks of highly concentrated THC products and emphasises that the brains of 18-year-olds are not yet fully developed. Spanagel argues in favour of a higher age limit and criticises politicians for ignoring scientific findings. He fears that legalisation could send a fatal signal to young people and that young people could continue to resort to the black market.

In an interview, Professor Maximilian Pilhatsch summarises addiction medicine concerns and findings regarding cannabis legalisation. Pilhatsch warns of the effects of excessive cannabis use on IQ, as studies show that IQ can drop significantly due to prolonged use at a young age. He also emphasises that cannabis interferes with brain metabolism and can cause negative consequences such as drug-induced psychosis, depression and anxiety disorders. The legalisation of cannabis is viewed critically by Pilhatsch, as it changes society's overall attitude towards the drug and increases its acceptance and availability, which can lead to it being trivialised. He explains why he sees the legislator as being close to co-dependency. Pilhatsch warns of an increase in cannabis users and emphasises the dangers, especially for young people, whose brain maturation processes can be impaired by cannabis. Translated with DeepL.com (free version) Link to the interview.

In a recent podcast, Prof Dr Maximilian Pilhatsch, Head Physician at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Elblandkliniken in Radebeul and Head of the Outpatient Addiction Clinic at the University Hospital in Dresden, expresses grave concerns about the approval of cannabis. In particular, he sees the increase in availability and broadening of acceptance as trivialising cannabis and thus also indirectly endangering the protection of children and young people. Here is the link to the podcast, published by O-Ton Allgemeinmedizin, which serves to publicise the topic in networks: Link to the podcast. Various social media channels such as  LinkedIn, X, Facebook und Instagram have already been used to publicise the podcast episode. Various other sources of information are recommended for more in-depth information on the topic, including a podcast from the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) and the Cannabis Act (CanG).

The study by Hoffmann et al. investigates the impact of the menstrual cycle and the progesterone-to-estradiol ratio on alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Data from 74 females and 278 males were collected and analyzed using ecological momentary assessments. The results suggest that hormone levels play a role in alcohol consumption patterns, especially in women.

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry explored the effects of stress on alcohol craving and identified the insula as a key region in this response. Conducted by the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, the study examined 98 individuals with alcohol problems using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results showed that psychosocial stress triggered increased activation of the left insula, particularly when viewing alcohol-related images. This activation correlated with heightened alcohol craving and increased alcohol consumption. The study suggests that the insula plays a crucial role in stress-induced drinking and could pave the way for a precision medicine approach to treating stress-induced alcohol consumption.

Dresden University Hospital offers support for crystal-dependent mothers and fathers. Around 20 crystal-dependent mothers are treated every year, and now fathers are also being integrated into the therapy programme. The "Mum, think of me" project supports young women in their new role, particularly after giving birth, and aims to prevent parents and child from having to be separated. Professor Maximilian Pilhatsch is head of the outpatient addiction clinic at Dresden University Hospital and is part of the interdisciplinary offer that gives young families in difficult situations a perspective. The paediatric and gynaecological clinic is located in the immediate vicinity of the outpatient addiction clinic in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. This means that women who use drugs and their children are cared for by the doctors at the University Hospital during and after pregnancy. The aim of the treatment is abstinence, and in a phase lasting around six months with joint sessions in the mothers' group, the women are also supported by the social services. The programme is now being expanded, partly with the help of prize money. Maximilian Pilhatsch and his team have been honoured with the Otsuka Team Award Psychiatry worth 10,000 euros for their project. Read the full text here: Crystal in der Schwangerschaft: Wie Dresdner Mediziner abhängigen Familien helfen | Sächsische.de (saechsische.de)

The entire TRR265 consortium is coming from March 11th to 13th. together in Weimar. More details to follow.