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Absinthe addiction

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Absinthe addiction, though less commonly addressed in clinical guidelines compared to other substance addictions, involves compulsive use of absinthe despite harmful consequences, primarily due to its high thujone content and ethanol. 38

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Compulsive consumption, withdrawal symptoms, and significant impairment in daily functioning. 138
  • Screening Tools: No specific validated tools mentioned for absinthe addiction; general addiction screening instruments may be adapted. 2
  • Laboratory Tests: No specific laboratory tests identified; assessment may include general toxicology screens for ethanol and other substances. 3
  • Psychological Evaluation: Essential for assessing mental health comorbidities and addiction severity. 11
  • Management

  • Detoxification: Initial management may involve supportive care and monitoring for withdrawal symptoms. 13
  • Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing are recommended for addressing addictive behaviors. 211
  • Medications: No specific medications mentioned for absinthe addiction; treatments may include general addiction management drugs like naltrexone for alcohol dependence if co-occurring. 16
  • Support Groups: Participation in support groups similar to those for alcohol addiction may be beneficial. 10
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: No specific data provided; general principles of substance abuse during pregnancy apply, emphasizing harm reduction and cessation support. 16
  • Pediatrics: Absinthe consumption among children is rare but concerning; digital addiction scales may indirectly highlight risk factors. 57
  • Elderly: Limited data; management should focus on comorbid conditions and cognitive impact. 14
  • Comorbidities: Co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders require integrated treatment approaches. 114
  • Key Recommendations

  • Implement Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy: Utilize CBT and motivational interviewing to address addictive behaviors effectively. (Evidence: Moderate 211)
  • Monitor for Co-occurring Disorders: Screen for and manage mental health comorbidities alongside addiction. (Evidence: Moderate 114)
  • Support Group Involvement: Encourage participation in structured support groups to enhance recovery outcomes. (Evidence: Expert opinion 10)
  • General Health Monitoring: Regularly assess for physical health impacts, especially in special populations like the elderly and pregnant women. (Evidence: Weak 16)
  • References

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Associations between Children's Health-Related Characteristics, Self-Esteem, and Fathers' Parenting Practices and Media Addiction among Younger School-Aged Korean Children. International journal of environmental research and public health 2022. link 8 Dresp-Langley B. Children's Health in the Digital Age. International journal of environmental research and public health 2020. link 9 Xia W, Li HCW, Cai W, Song P, Zhou X, Lam KWK et al.. Effectiveness of a video-based smoking cessation intervention focusing on maternal and child health in promoting quitting among expectant fathers in China: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS medicine 2020. link 10 Roth M. The Marriage and Divorce of Little Willy: Psychoanalysis and Addiction. Psychoanalytic review 2019. link 11 Derevensky JL, Hayman V, Lynette Gilbeau. Behavioral Addictions: Excessive Gambling, Gaming, Internet, and Smartphone Use Among Children and Adolescents. Pediatric clinics of North America 2019. link 12 Pitt H, Thomas SL, Bestman A, Randle M, Daube M. Do betting advertisements contain attention strategies that may appeal to children? An interpretative content analysis. Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals 2018. link 13 Go SI, Song HN, Lee SJ, Bruera E, Kang JH. Craving Behavior from Opioid Addiction Controlled with Olanzapine in an Advanced Cancer Patient: A Case Report. Journal of palliative medicine 2018. link 14 Pascual Mollá M, Pascual Pastor F. Stigma in the addicted person. Adicciones 2017. link 15 Morán-Sánchez I, Luna A, Pérez-Cárceles MD. Assessing the decision-making capacity of the addicted population to take part in research: myths, barriers, and benefits. Adicciones 2017. link 16 Goozner M. A false start in the fight against opioid addiction. Modern healthcare 2017. link 17 Biyani S, Derkay CS. E-cigarettes: An update on considerations for the otolaryngologist. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2017. link 18 Liu C, Wang J, Zhan B, Cheng G. Neuronal activity and the expression of hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin in social versus cocaine conditioning. Behavioural brain research 2016. link 19 Pakhale S, Baron J, Armstrong MA, Garde A, Reid RD, Alvarez G et al.. A pilot randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation in an outpatient respirology clinic. Canadian respiratory journal 2015. link 20 Szabo A, Griffiths MD, de La Vega Marcos R, Mervó B, Demetrovics Z. Methodological and Conceptual Limitations in Exercise Addiction Research. The Yale journal of biology and medicine 2015. link 21 Biyani S, Derkay CS. E-cigarettes: Considerations for the otolaryngologist. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2015. link 22 Hutchinson MR, Watkins LR. Why is neuroimmunopharmacology crucial for the future of addiction research?. Neuropharmacology 2014. link 23 Bjurlin MA, Cohn MR, Kim DY, Freeman VL, Lombardo L, Hurley SD et al.. Brief smoking cessation intervention: a prospective trial in the urology setting. The Journal of urology 2013. link 24 Gostečnik C, Cvetek M, Poljak S, Repič T, Cvetek R. Religion and addiction. Journal of religion and health 2012. link 25 Yang B, Lester D, Spinella M. Gambling and delaying rewards as a function of current mood. Psychological reports 2009. link 26 Johnson KS, Tankersley MS. Smoking cessation toolbox for allergists. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 2009. link60524-8) 27 Merlo LJ, Goldberger BA, Kolodner D, Fitzgerald K, Gold MS. Fentanyl and propofol exposure in the operating room: sensitization hypotheses and further data. Journal of addictive diseases 2008. link 28 Bernstein SL, Boudreaux ED, Cydulka RK, Rhodes KV, Lettman NA, Almeida SL et al.. Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations. Annals of emergency medicine 2006. link 29 Bernstein SL, Boudreaux ED, Cydulka RK, Rhodes KV, Lettman NA, Almeida SL et al.. Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations. Journal of emergency nursing 2006. link 30 McAuliffe PF, Gold MS, Bajpai L, Merves ML, Frost-Pineda K, Pomm RM et al.. Second-hand exposure to aerosolized intravenous anesthetics propofol and fentanyl may cause sensitization and subsequent opiate addiction among anesthesiologists and surgeons. Medical hypotheses 2006. link 31 Lewis C. Clinical management. Where medicine meets managements. Heroes and heroin. The Health service journal 2004. link 32 Brune M, Haasen C, Yagdiran O, Bustos E. Treatment of drug addiction in traumatised refugees. A case report. European addiction research 2003. link 33 May JA, Warltier DC, Pagel PS. Attitudes of anesthesiologists about addiction and its treatment: a survey of Illinois and Wisconsin members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Journal of clinical anesthesia 2002. link00359-8) 34 Gilson AM, Joranson DE. U.S. policies relevant to the prescribing of opioid analgesics for the treatment of pain in patients with addictive disease. The Clinical journal of pain 2002. link 35 Robb N. Teaching on addiction issues lacking in medical school, specialists told. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne 1998. link 36 Kramer D. "Ask the gambling question," FPs told as "secret" addiction becomes more common. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne 1997. link 37 Slusher BS, Jackson PF. A shot in the arm for cocaine addiction. Nature medicine 1996. link 38 el-Garem HH, Ismail ES. Preliminary study of effect of the Iraqi invasion on addictive behaviour in Kuwait. Psychological reports 1996. link 39 . Equity and addiction. Nature 1995. link 40 Williams JM. Addiction and the law: confidentiality to disclosure. New Jersey medicine : the journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey 1993. link 41 Timmreck TC, Randolph JF. Smoking cessation: clinical steps to improve compliance. Geriatrics 1993. link 42 Murphy D. Opiate addiction in Iowa. Iowa medicine : journal of the Iowa Medical Society 1992. link 43 Farley WJ. Addiction and the anaesthesia resident. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie 1992. link 44 Kała M, Borkowski T. Drug addiction in Poland and criminalistic traces. Forensic science international 1990. link90150-w) 45 Bellomo MP, Greppi MG, Lanzi M. 'Colmate House': a residential experiment for the social rehabilitation of drug addicts (under direct public service management). Medicine and law 1989. link 46 Droste T. No smoking: punitive words for addicted patients. Hospitals 1989. link 47 Klesges RC, Vasey MM, Glasgow RE. A worksite smoking modification competition: potential for public health impact. American journal of public health 1986. link 48 Adler GR, Potts FE, Kirby RR, LoPalo S, Hilyard GR. Narcotics control in anesthesia training. JAMA 1985. link 49 Dawley HH, Fleischer BJ, Dawley LT. Smoking cessation with hospital employees: an example of worksite smoking cessation. The International journal of the addictions 1984. link 50 Burke HR. "Markers" for the MacAndrew and the Cavior heroin addiction MMPI scales. Journal of studies on alcohol 1983. link 51 el-Nakah A, Frank O, Louria DB, Quinones MA, Baker H. A vitamin profile of heroin addiction. American journal of public health 1979. link 52 Orkin LR, Chen CH. Addiction, alcoholism, and anesthesia. Southern medical journal 1977. link

    Original source

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      A three-step programme to treat locum addiction.Pankevich V, Maclain C Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA (2025)
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      Pharmacovigilance in the field of addiction: challenges and emerging solutions.Lapeyre-Mestre M, Micallef J, Hacquet R, Jouanjus E Expert review of clinical pharmacology (2025)
    4. [4]
      Insulated by opioids.Ferrarelli LK Science signaling (2024)
    5. [5]
      Determination of the psychometric properties of the digital addiction scale for children.Çimke S, Gürkan DY, Sırgancı G Journal of pediatric nursing (2023)
    6. [6]
      Affected other interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis across addictions.Merkouris SS, Rodda SN, Dowling NA Addiction (Abingdon, England) (2022)
    7. [7]
    8. [8]
      Children's Health in the Digital Age.Dresp-Langley B International journal of environmental research and public health (2020)
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      Behavioral Addictions: Excessive Gambling, Gaming, Internet, and Smartphone Use Among Children and Adolescents.Derevensky JL, Hayman V, Lynette Gilbeau Pediatric clinics of North America (2019)
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      Do betting advertisements contain attention strategies that may appeal to children? An interpretative content analysis.Pitt H, Thomas SL, Bestman A, Randle M, Daube M Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals (2018)
    13. [13]
      Craving Behavior from Opioid Addiction Controlled with Olanzapine in an Advanced Cancer Patient: A Case Report.Go SI, Song HN, Lee SJ, Bruera E, Kang JH Journal of palliative medicine (2018)
    14. [14]
      Stigma in the addicted person.Pascual Mollá M, Pascual Pastor F Adicciones (2017)
    15. [15]
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      A false start in the fight against opioid addiction.Goozner M Modern healthcare (2017)
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      E-cigarettes: An update on considerations for the otolaryngologist.Biyani S, Derkay CS International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (2017)
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      A pilot randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation in an outpatient respirology clinic.Pakhale S, Baron J, Armstrong MA, Garde A, Reid RD, Alvarez G et al. Canadian respiratory journal (2015)
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      Methodological and Conceptual Limitations in Exercise Addiction Research.Szabo A, Griffiths MD, de La Vega Marcos R, Mervó B, Demetrovics Z The Yale journal of biology and medicine (2015)
    21. [21]
      E-cigarettes: Considerations for the otolaryngologist.Biyani S, Derkay CS International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (2015)
    22. [22]
      Why is neuroimmunopharmacology crucial for the future of addiction research?Hutchinson MR, Watkins LR Neuropharmacology (2014)
    23. [23]
      Brief smoking cessation intervention: a prospective trial in the urology setting.Bjurlin MA, Cohn MR, Kim DY, Freeman VL, Lombardo L, Hurley SD et al. The Journal of urology (2013)
    24. [24]
      Religion and addiction.Gostečnik C, Cvetek M, Poljak S, Repič T, Cvetek R Journal of religion and health (2012)
    25. [25]
      Gambling and delaying rewards as a function of current mood.Yang B, Lester D, Spinella M Psychological reports (2009)
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      Smoking cessation toolbox for allergists.Johnson KS, Tankersley MS Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (2009)
    27. [27]
      Fentanyl and propofol exposure in the operating room: sensitization hypotheses and further data.Merlo LJ, Goldberger BA, Kolodner D, Fitzgerald K, Gold MS Journal of addictive diseases (2008)
    28. [28]
      Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations.Bernstein SL, Boudreaux ED, Cydulka RK, Rhodes KV, Lettman NA, Almeida SL et al. Annals of emergency medicine (2006)
    29. [29]
      Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations.Bernstein SL, Boudreaux ED, Cydulka RK, Rhodes KV, Lettman NA, Almeida SL et al. Journal of emergency nursing (2006)
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      Teaching on addiction issues lacking in medical school, specialists told.Robb N CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne (1998)
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      "Ask the gambling question," FPs told as "secret" addiction becomes more common.Kramer D CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne (1997)
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      A shot in the arm for cocaine addiction.Slusher BS, Jackson PF Nature medicine (1996)
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      Preliminary study of effect of the Iraqi invasion on addictive behaviour in Kuwait.el-Garem HH, Ismail ES Psychological reports (1996)
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      Equity and addiction. Nature (1995)
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      Addiction and the law: confidentiality to disclosure.Williams JM New Jersey medicine : the journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey (1993)
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      Smoking cessation: clinical steps to improve compliance.Timmreck TC, Randolph JF Geriatrics (1993)
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      Opiate addiction in Iowa.Murphy D Iowa medicine : journal of the Iowa Medical Society (1992)
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      Addiction and the anaesthesia resident.Farley WJ Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie (1992)
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      Drug addiction in Poland and criminalistic traces.Kała M, Borkowski T Forensic science international (1990)
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      A worksite smoking modification competition: potential for public health impact.Klesges RC, Vasey MM, Glasgow RE American journal of public health (1986)
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      Narcotics control in anesthesia training.Adler GR, Potts FE, Kirby RR, LoPalo S, Hilyard GR JAMA (1985)
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      Smoking cessation with hospital employees: an example of worksite smoking cessation.Dawley HH, Fleischer BJ, Dawley LT The International journal of the addictions (1984)
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      "Markers" for the MacAndrew and the Cavior heroin addiction MMPI scales.Burke HR Journal of studies on alcohol (1983)
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      A vitamin profile of heroin addiction.el-Nakah A, Frank O, Louria DB, Quinones MA, Baker H American journal of public health (1979)
    52. [52]
      Addiction, alcoholism, and anesthesia.Orkin LR, Chen CH Southern medical journal (1977)

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