The purpose of this study is to provide a profile of youths with hearing loss admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities. Intake data on 4,167 youths (28% female; 3% reporting a hearing loss) collected via the Global Appraisal of Individual Need-I assessment was used for the analyses. Information on demographics, environmental characteristics, substance use behaviors, and symptoms of co-occurring psychological problems for youths with and without a hearing loss was analyzed via Pearson chi-square tests and effect sizes. The groups reported similar backgrounds and comparable rates of marijuana and alcohol use. However, youths in the hearing loss group reported substance use behaviors indicative of a more severe level of involvement. Across all measures of co-occurring symptoms, youths with hearing loss reported greater levels of distress and were more often victims of abuse. Results of this study will help inform treatment needs of youths with hearing loss and define a baseline for future research.

Characteristics of Youths With Hearing Loss Admitted to Substance Abuse Treatment

Persons who are deaf face a number of challenges with regard to vulnerability for substance use disorders. Moreover, accessible treatment for this condition can be difficult to establish and maintain. The Deaf community may be one of the most disenfranchised groups in America in regard to appropriate access to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment services. This article reviews findings related to substance use disorder and treatment for this condition among persons who are deaf. It also reviews a promising approach for addressing treatment needs via e-therapy, and it highlights the challenges and concerns regarding e-therapy for this population. E-therapy services demonstrate promise in reaching a larger and therefore more economically viable treatment population of deaf individuals while providing culturally appropriate and comprehensible recovery support options. Demographic and intermediate treatment outcome data are presented on a state-wide program established to serve persons who are deaf in the mid-west.

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E-therapy as a Means for Addressing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Persons who are Deaf

A tobacco use prevention curriculum tailored for deaf/hard of hearing youth was tested using a quasi-experimental design. Two schools for the deaf received the curriculum; two served as noncurriculum controls. Surveys assessed changes in tobacco use, tobacco education exposure, and tobacco-related attitudes and knowledge among students in grades 7-12 over 3 school years (n = 511-616). Current (past month) smoking decreased significantly at one intervention school (23% to 8%,p = .007), and current smokeless tobacco use at the other (7.5% to 2.5%, p = .03). Tobacco education exposure and antitobacco attitudes and knowledge increased significantly at one or both intervention schools. At one control school, reported tobacco education exposure decreased (p < .001) and antitobacco attitudes increased (p = .01). The results indicate that the curriculum increased perceived tobacco education exposure and significantly affected tobacco-related practices, attitudes, and knowledge.

/pdf/development-and-testing-of-an-antitobacco-school-based-36vgumhliv.pdf

Development and Testing of an Antitobacco School-Based Curriculum for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth

Little research has focused on alcohol and illicit drug use among deaf and hard of hearing youth. Findings are reported from survey data collected among high school students at two phases of a program of research primarily focusing on tobacco use [Phase 1: (1999/2000) n = 226, Phase 2: (2004) n = 618). Evidence of considerable ever (lifetime) drinking (59.1%, 42.6%) and other substance use (21.1%, 18.9%) was found. Gender, age, race/ethnic, grade, school type (mainstream vs. school for the deaf), age when deafened, and aspects of self-perception were examined for their possible association with substance use. Current use rates are reported, and study findings are discussed in relation to national data. Understanding these use patterns is critical to developing interventions for this culturally and linguistically unique population.

Alcohol and other substance use among deaf and hard of hearing youth

Background
This study examines Jordanian special education department students’ competences and preparation relating to combating substance misuse (SM).

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Combating substance misuse: competences and preparation of special education department students.

Current research indicates that D/deaf and hard of hearing clients seeking treatment for substance abuse often encounter obstacles in receiving the help they need. Many of these obstacles are the result of a lack of knowledge and experience with regard to treating D/deaf and hard of hearing people. Programs designed for hearing people that attempt to serve those with a hearing loss often do more harm than good. Even the identification of D/deaf or hard of hearing individuals with substance abuse problems is ineffective. This article reviews factors that result in disparities in substance abuse treatment for this population including approaches, accessibility and adapted materials.

Substance Abuse: A Hidden Problem within the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.

Relationship between COVID-19 infection and erectile dysfunction; a literature review examining the link and proposed mechanisms behind this phenomenon

Vicki Graham

Papers

Substance Abuse: A Hidden Problem within the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.

Relationship between COVID-19 infection and erectile dysfunction; a literature review examining the link and proposed mechanisms behind this phenomenon