Addiction Economy Thought for the Day
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Promising Results from Interactive Text Messaging in Youth Vaping Cessation
A recent study shows that an interactive text messaging program significantly increases the likelihood of teens quitting vaping, offering a promising new tool in un-addiction efforts.
The Urgent Need for Regulation of Health-Harming Food Industries
A shocking report highlights the devastating effects of type 2 diabetes in impoverished communities, driven by "food deserts" and addictive, unhealthy products, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulation of the food industry.
Exploring the Impact of Regulating Addictive Design Techniques
Building on our call to regulate algorithms that amplify hate speech, we consider the potential ripple effects of such regulation, inspired by a WHO graphic on the exponential power of small actions.
The Addictive Power of Anger: A Call for Regulation in Social Media Design
Anger triggers dopamine spikes similar to addictive behaviors, making social media algorithms that prioritize inflammatory content a serious concern—strengthening our call for regulation of these harmful design techniques.
Seeking Feedback on Pupil-Led Vaping Education Module
We're developing "Vaping Voices," a pupil-led module for school wellbeing lessons on vaping that aims to move beyond traditional top-down public health messaging by engaging students in discussions about vaping's health risks and commercial drivers.
Rising Concerns Over Youth Vaping: ASH Research Highlights Risks
New research from ASH reveals a concerning increase in youth vaping, prompting doctors to warn about the addictive and harmful nature of e-cigarettes, with a growing focus on how these products target children rather than helping smokers quit.
The Duality of the Addiction Economy
For every addiction, there's a counter-economy offering solutions that can range from life-saving to harmful, but true resolution often requires addressing the underlying diet, self-image pressures, and industries that perpetuate the problem.
Mounting Pressure Against "Big Everything" in Health Campaigns
Pressure against industries like Big Soda is growing, driven by the harmful impact of financialized, profit-driven practices that prioritize sales over health through the 5 Economic Drivers of addiction.
Anticipating Innovation in Illegal Drug Delivery: A Call for Proactive Action
Anticipating the evolution of illegal drug delivery, like the transition of vapes, highlights the need for proactive action and reevaluation of drug decriminalisation debates, despite inherent risks.
No Safe Level of Alcohol: New Research Debunks Previous Claims
Recent research reveals there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, debunking past studies suggesting moderate drinking is beneficial and highlighting its significant health risks.
Understanding Social Media Addiction: A Comparison with Other Addictive Products
Our article explores social media addiction, likening it to ultra-processed foods and advocating for regulatory focus on the 5 Drivers of the Addiction Economy.
Exploring Legal and Human Rights Implications of Products 'Addictive by Design'
Research is underway on the legal and human rights implications of designating products as 'addictive by design' and whether companies undermining user control could face liability akin to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
Addressing Alcohol’s Impact on Health: The Need for Environmental Evaluation
The focus on individual alcohol abuse overlooks the broader issue of its pervasive availability, tied to environmental factors and socioeconomic conditions, which also need attention and regulation.
Vaping’s Hidden Dangers: Youth Usage and Health Risks on the Rise
Vaping is more harmful and prevalent among youth than expected, with health professionals voicing serious concerns over rising adverse effects
Tobacco and Vapes Bill Reintroduced with Health-Focused Recommendations
The Tobacco and Vapes bill is back on the agenda, with recommendations to prioritize public health over corporate profits by regulating addictive products and curbing the Addiction Economy's harmful impacts.
Paul Corrigan Joins Labour to Shape NHS Future
Paul Corrigan, a Marxist adviser for Labour, aims to transform the NHS into a preventive service and protect it from right-wing populist threats.
Preventable Diseases: Regulation Over Management
Reflecting on the published letter in the Financial Times, the argument underscores the need for Labour to prioritize regulatory measures against industries driving public health issues, beyond NHS treatment.
Are Tech Companies Like Cigarette Companies in Their Disinformation Tactics?
Are tech companies using tactics reminiscent of cigarette companies' disinformation campaigns about product addictiveness and harms
FT Publishes My Letter on Public Health Crisis
The 16th FT letter emphasizes the need to address the root causes of ill-health and preventable death in the UK
Labour's Focus on NHS Management Misses the Root of Ill Health
The NHS is criticized for not addressing obesity seriously enough; the real issue lies in the food environment that promotes unhealthy eating habits, which requires urgent regulatory action.