Showing papers in "Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the evidence base regarding the relationship between recovery capital and addiction problem severity, and whether recovery capital may be predictive of addiction problems severity, finding that physical capital was predictive of 26% of the variance in addiction problems.
Abstract: The importance of recovery capital as a resource for individuals to draw upon to initiate and sustain recovery from problem substance use is a growing theme. With recovery underpinning the Scottish governments' strategy for responding to drug problems, it is important to explore the evidence base regarding the relationship between recovery capital and addiction problem severity, and whether recovery capital may be predictive of addiction problem severity. Hierarchical regression analysis found of the four constructs used to measure recovery capital, physical capital was predictive of 26% of the variance in addiction problem severity (p = .05). Policy and practice implications are explored.
51 citations
TL;DR: The authors developed an immediately available, portable, smartphone-based intervention system whose purpose is to provide stand-alone, self-administered assessment and intervention.
Abstract: Advances in mobile technology provide an opportunity to deliver in-the-moment interventions to individuals with alcohol use disorders, yet availability of effective “apps” that deliver evidence-based interventions is scarce. The authors developed an immediately available, portable, smartphone-based intervention system whose purpose is to provide stand-alone, self-administered assessment and intervention. In this article, the authors describe how theory and empirical evidence, combined with smartphone functionality, contributed to the construction of a user-friendly, engaging alcohol intervention. With translation in mind, the authors discuss how they selected appropriate intervention components including assessments, feedback and tools, that work together to produce the hypothesized outcomes.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined factors of early recovery and inpatient treatment to support treatment effectiveness research and explore impacts on outcomes of patient differences (collegiate vs. traditional), and to learn about factors that influence in-patient treatment effectiveness.
Abstract: Research is needed that confirms inpatient treatment outcomes and evaluates patient typologies. Factors of early recovery and inpatient treatment are examined to (1) support inpatient treatment effectiveness research, (2) explore impacts on outcomes of patient differences (collegiate vs. traditional), and (3) learn about factors that influence inpatient treatment effectiveness. Overall, 95 of 149 (63.8%) participants were classified as progressing in readiness for change from pre to post treatment. Second, a MANCOVA showed significant increases in hope, resiliency, and family functioning and decreases in craving from pre- to posttreatment. Expectations of significant differences in rates of change of treatment outcome variables between traditional and collegiate recovery programs were partially supported.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used logistic regression analysis to predict graduation outcomes for participants of a drug court located in a major metropolitan area of Texas and found that the most predictive variables of graduating the drug court were being employed or being a student at the time of admission, having fewer positive drug tests, and being White.
Abstract: Drug courts offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration for criminal offenders with a history of substance abuse. This study contributes to the existing literature by using logistic regression analyses to predict graduation outcomes for participants of a drug court located in a major metropolitan area of Texas. The most predictive variables of graduating the drug court were being employed or being a student at the time of admission, having fewer positive drug tests, and being White. Implications for policy advocacy and future research are discussed, focusing specifically on the finding of racial disparities in graduation outcomes.
27 citations
TL;DR: Despite the notion that self-motivated treatment entry would be likely to produce better outcomes, a judicial mandate appears to predict an initially stronger treatment response, although this diminishes over time.
Abstract: The majority of adolescents treated for substance use disorder in the United States are now referred by the criminal justice system. Little is known, however, regarding how justice-system involvement relates to adolescent community treatment outcomes. Controversy exists, also, over the extent to which justice system involvement reflects a lack of intrinsic motivation for treatment. This study examined the relation between justice system referral and reported reason for treatment entry and tested the extent to which each predicted treatment response and outcome. Adolescent outpatients (N = 127; M age = 16.7, 24% female) with varying levels of justice-system involvement (i.e., no justice system involvement [No-JSI, n = 63], justice-system involved [JSI, n = 40], justice system involved-mandated [JSI-M, n = 24]) and motivation levels (i.e., self-motivated, n = 40, externally-motivated, n = 87) were compared at treatment intake. Multilevel mixed models tested these groups' effects on percent days abstinent (P...
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between hope, resiliency, family functioning, and craving of an alcoholic and their readiness for change in recovery.
Abstract: Recovery blesses those it rescues from addiction; however, alcoholics/addicts must be ready for recovery before it can claim them. Inpatient treatment therefore can be effective if it increases addicts' readiness for change. However, research is needed on factors associated with an alcoholic/addict becoming ready for change. Hope, resiliency, family functioning, and craving are important factors of addiction and recovery included in this study in a logistic regression that assesses their relationship to an addict's readiness for change. Along with baseline treatment levels of readiness, increases in hope and decreases in craving significantly associated with increased readiness for change posttreatment.
15 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that ABCT may target the association between relationship satisfaction and drinking urges, and women in ABCT with higher relationship satisfaction experienced greater reductions in urges during treatment.
Abstract: This study examined the association between relationship satisfaction and drinking urges among women who participated in alcohol behavioral individual therapy (ABIT) and Alcohol Behavioral Couples Therapy (ABCT). Relationship satisfaction and drinking urges were not related on a daily level, but urges were related to mean levels of relationship satisfaction, and this association was moderated by treatment condition and time in treatment. Women with higher relationship satisfaction had fewer drinking urges, and women in ABCT with higher relationship satisfaction experienced greater reductions in urges during treatment. These findings suggest that ABCT may target the association between relationship satisfaction and drinking urges.
15 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that perceptions of group engagedness, but not avoidance or conflict, decreased over time, but despite this, engagedness predicted increased 12-Step-related behavior and decreased alcohol use.
Abstract: Research has shown that increases in the size of abstinence-based social networks helps explain the association between 12-Step attendance and increased abstinence. This study investigated whether the quality of social interaction in 12-Step groups also predicts reduced substance use. Participants reported their perceptions of engagedness, avoidance, and conflict in their 12-Step groups and their substance use in four assessments. Results showed that perceptions of group engagedness, but not avoidance or conflict, decreased over time. Despite this, engagedness predicted increased 12-Step-related behavior and decreased alcohol use. Findings suggest that positive group interaction plays an important role in 12-Step affiliates' recovery efforts.
14 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that the preparation of addiction counselors has not kept pace, creating a deficit between the knowledge and skills required of today's addiction counselors and a workforce possessing such knowledge and skill.
Abstract: Expectations of addiction counselors have changed over the past decade; however, preparation of addiction counselors has not kept pace, creating a deficit between the knowledge and skills required of today's addiction counselors and a workforce possessing such knowledge and skills.
12 citations
TL;DR: The concept of recovery within the addictions arena has historically referred to the resolution of severe alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems at a personal or family level Larger social systems can also experience recovery from the prolonged effects of AODs and related problems.
Abstract: The concept of recovery within the addictions arena has historically referred to the resolution of severe alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems at a personal or family level Larger social systems can also be wounded by and experience recovery from the prolonged effects of AODs and related problems This article explores the concept of community recovery, posits a set of preliminary principles related to community recovery, presents a case study of community recovery, and outlines current strategies used in the City of Philadelphia to promote processes of community recovery
10 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that depression management, especially in a group format, should be offered more frequently as an integrated part of alcohol treatment due to the benefits experienced by the participants.
Abstract: A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) depression group was integrated into the treatment of four participants in an alcohol use disorder treatment setting. Semistructured interviews with the participants were subjected to interpretative phenomological analysis to identify relevant themes. Benefits from the group experience were reported as peer support, change of thinking patterns, increased levels of confidence, and of self-efficacy. This study suggests that depression management, especially in a group format, should be offered more frequently as an integrated part of alcohol treatment due to the benefits experienced by the participants.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the lived experiences of recovering substance abuse counselors regarding their use of self-disclosure of their personal histories of addiction with clients in counseling for substance abuse-related issues.
Abstract: This phenomenological investigation explored the lived experiences of recovering substance abuse counselors regarding their use of self-disclosure of their personal histories of addiction with clients in counseling for substance abuse–related issues. A total of 10 recovering counselors were interviewed and asked to describe in detail their uses of self-disclosure, changes in frequencies, amount, and rationale for use or nonuse of self-disclosure. The interviews were analyzed for patterns in recovering counselors' lived experiences related to self-disclosure, and themes related to rationale for and against the use of self-disclosure, benefits, and drawbacks of self-disclosure were identified.
TL;DR: The Supervisor Evaluation of the Professional and Ethical Competence of Substance Abuse Counselors (SPEC-SAC) is presented to assist supervisors in addressing the promoting the professional and ethical competence of those they supervise.
Abstract: Supervision is essential for promoting the professional and ethical competence of substance abuse counselors (SACs). However, supervisors in the addictions field often lack the preparation and resources to provide effective supervision, which may be contributing factors to the continued occurrence of ethical infractions by SACs. To assist those who supervise aspiring SACs and improve the supervision they provide, this article presents the Supervisor Evaluation of the Professional and Ethical Competence of Substance Abuse Counselors (SPEC-SAC). Ultimately, the SPEC-SAC is intended to assist supervisors in addressing the promoting the professional and ethical competence of those they supervise.
TL;DR: This paper examined gender differences in five dimensions of spirituality in persons in diverse alcohol and drug dependence treatment settings and found that women had higher levels of expression of cognitive orientation toward spirituality compared to men.
Abstract: Although research has begun to broadly address gender differences in alcohol and drug dependence, there is a dearth of research on gender differences in spirituality in this area, despite the increased research emphasis on the role of spirituality in the recovery process. This study addressed this gap by examining gender differences in five dimensions of spirituality in persons in diverse alcohol and drug dependence treatment settings. The hypothesis that there would be gender differences in spirituality was supported as women had higher levels of expression of cognitive orientation toward spirituality compared to men. Implications for alcohol and drug dependence treatment and research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the unique and specific treatment barriers, needs, and experiences of LGBTQ persons living with mental health conditions (substance abuse plus mental illness-CC) and found that the importance of revealing and incorporating one's sexual identity in the therapeutic environment.
Abstract: Clinical research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, or two-spirited (LGBTQ) persons with co-occurring conditions (substance abuse plus mental illness-CC) is sparse. This study examines the unique and specific treatment barriers, needs, and experiences of LGBTQ persons living with CC. A focus group was conducted with 10 LGBTQ behavioral health clients diagnosed with CC. Among the more prominent findings was the importance of revealing and incorporating one's sexual identity in the therapeutic environment. This finding was reinforced by participant endorsement of a more holistic, integrative approach to their situation. Results are discussed within the context of improving service delivery to this population as well as identifying areas for future research.
TL;DR: Results indicated that personalized feedback delivered no benefit beyond that of pretreatment assessment procedures (phone screening and intake interview) alone, and feedback-based brief interventions may be not helpful in reducing the drinking frequency and intensity of individuals presenting to community-based substance use treatment.
Abstract: Feedback brief interventions for alcohol use problems have been highly effective with undergraduate populations. However, there has been little research on the effectiveness of administering feedback alone to community treatment populations. The goal of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of a feedback brief intervention in a community treatment setting with patients characterized largely by dependence on alcohol and drugs, ethnic diversity, and low socioeconomic status. It was hypothesized that pre-treatment brief individualized feedback would reduce alcohol consumption and increase participation in subsequent treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD). Participants were recruited from a public hospital's SUD clinic. After the intake but prior to entry into the treatment as usual, 121 participants were randomized to receive personalized feedback or a condition without feedback. Eighty-seven participants completed post-intervention follow-up interviews and were included in the final analyses. Repeated measures ANOVAs and MANCOVAs were used to examine variables obtained from the Addiction Severity Index (ASI; McLellan et al., 1992) of drinking quantity and frequency, and motivation for treatment. Results indicated that personalized feedback delivered no benefit beyond that of pre-treatment assessment procedures (phone screening and intake interview) alone. Intervention conditions did not differ on other outcomes at follow-up, including days of heavy drinking, motivation for treatment, or drug use frequency. Therefore, feedback-based brief interventions may be not helpful in reducing the drinking frequency and intensity of individuals presenting to community-based substance use treatment.
TL;DR: There was a slight increase in clients' desire for help following screening, and the findings suggest that a battery of standardized screening instruments is acceptable to clients.
Abstract: Screening is a recognized way of identifying potential alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, but little is known about client and clinician experiences of screening and its impact on motivation for further treatment. Data was collected from 98 clients across five Victorian AOD services, who completed a standardized screening instrument, including measures of desire for help and treatment readiness before and after screening. Rates of completion of standardized screening instruments were higher for client self-complete components as compared to clinician-administered screens. Screening had no adverse effect on clients' desire for help or treatment readiness, and although nonsignificant, there was a slight increase in clients' desire for help following screening. These findings suggest that a battery of standardized screening instruments is acceptable to clients.
TL;DR: This paper conceptualized recovery mutual aid organizations and other grassroots, nonprofessional recovery support institutions as indigenous cultures, identified ethical issues that can arise in professional and scientific collaboration with such cultures, and provided a checklist that can guide professional or scientific collaborations with grassroots recovery support organizations.
Abstract: This commentary conceptualizes recovery mutual aid organizations and other grassroots, nonprofessional recovery support institutions as indigenous cultures, identifies ethical issues that can arise in professional and scientific collaboration with such cultures, and provides a checklist that can guide professional and scientific collaborations with grassroots recovery support organizations.
TL;DR: The findings indicated the need for intensified nutrition education and enlightenment programs toward alcohol consumers for a healthy eating lifestyle and prevention of health hazards.
Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the pattern of alcohol consumption and food intake of habitual alcohol drinkers in Umuahia, Abia state Nigeria. Study design comprised naturalistic observation of 150 male adult drinkers in drinking clubs and self-administered questionnaires. One bottle of beer was regarded as 1 to 2 units alcohol; 2 to 3 bottles as 3 to 5 units; more than 3 bottles as more than 5 units alcohol. Majority of the participants reported heavy drinking pattern: 69.3% consumed 3 to 5 units daily whereas only 13.3% consumed fewer than 2 units (less than one bottle of beer) on daily basis. Data obtained on their food habits questions showed very low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as high-frequency (68.7%) of meal skipping particularly breakfast. These findings indicated the need for intensified nutrition education and enlightenment programs toward alcohol consumers for a healthy eating lifestyle and prevention of health hazards.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of surrender in the process of alcohol and drug recovery and relapse and found that surrender is still a crucial element in long-term recovery.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of surrender in the process of alcohol and drug recovery and relapse. This study used narrative inquiry where findings confirmed that the process of surrender is still a crucial element in long term recovery. Surrender is differentiated from compliance in that it comes from the inner voice, is mapped by the individual, and is spoken in the first person. Although triggers for relapse still exist, embracing a surrender identity allows addicts to gain control by giving up control, leading potentially to long term recovery through individualized support.
TL;DR: In this paper, a pilot study administered a Slavic-language Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teens to schools in Bosnia-Herzegovina that represented the three major sectarian groups (Orthodox, Bosniak, Catholic) as well as in the war-torn Vojvodina province of Serbia.
Abstract: The Balkan Wars of 1991 to 2002 left the former Yugoslavia in ruins, a situation made only worst with the recent worldwide recession. Untreated civilians and Veterans caught up in the war, the worst in Europe since World War II, has had an even greater impact on youth. Sectarian hostilities and prejudices within and between the three major ethnic populations in Bosnia–Herzegovina—Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosniaks, and Catholic Croats, as well as the Orthodox Serbs and Muslim Albanians in Serbia/Kosovo—has led to impulsive violence and increasing mental and physical health problems among these second-generation war victims. The authors' pilot study administered a Slavic-language Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teens to schools in Bosnia–Herzegovina that represented the three major sectarian groups (Orthodox, Bosniak, Catholic) as well as in the war-torn Vojvodina province of Serbia.
TL;DR: Overall, people with AUDs avoided managing high-risk situations in favor of experiential appraisals, and action-based strategies did not vary across groups but was the least preferred strategy within each group, except low-risk drinkers.
Abstract: Research suggests emphasizing underutilized behavior change strategies improves therapeutic outcomes in people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Using the transtheoretical model as a backdrop this study assessed utilization of experiential and action-based “processes of change” (POCs) by dependent, harmful, hazardous, and low-risk drinkers. Two-hundred university undergraduates completed a questionnaire survey assessing AUDs and POCs in relation to alcohol consumption. Situational control—an effective action-based strategy—did not vary across groups but was the least preferred strategy within each group, except low-risk drinkers. Overall, people with AUDs avoided managing high-risk situations in favor of experiential appraisals.
TL;DR: The Loyola Group Relations Conference as discussed by the authors integrated 12-Step meetings into the conference design and discussed the similarities and differences of the two models and examined the learning of conference staff and members.
Abstract: Group relations conferences and 12-Step recovery thrive on the participants working in groups. This article is an inquiry into the integration of these traditions, in the Loyola Group Relations Conference, January 14–16, 2011. This conference recruited staff and members from the recovery community. 12-Step meetings were integrated into the conference design. The authors discuss the similarities and differences of the two models and examine the learning of conference staff and members. The authors conclude that Group Relations Conferences focusing on leadership, authority, and recovery from addiction can bring important group relations learning to the recovery community and vice versa.
TL;DR: In this article, a longitudinal study of 25 patients at a 28- to 90-day residential substance abuse treatment facility was conducted, where coping strategies were measured using the Urge-Specific Coping Strategies and General Coping strategies measures.
Abstract: Coping is an important part of substance use disorders in terms of use, treatment, and recovery In this longitudinal study, participants were 25 patients at a 28- to 90-day residential substance abuse treatment facility All coping strategies were measured using the Urge-Specific Coping Strategies and General Coping Strategies measures Paired samples t tests assessed the change in use of coping skills over the course of treatment Frequency of using behavioral and cognitive urge-specific and general lifestyle strategies changed over treatment Additionally, efficacy of behavioral and cognitive general lifestyle coping strategies increased over the course of treatment
TL;DR: The special issue of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 30(3), 2012, was guest edited by Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC as mentioned in this paper, who addressed a very important aspect of recovery in the African American community.
Abstract: The special issue of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 30(3), 2012, was guest edited by Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC. It addresses a very important aspect of recovery in the African American community. Mark Sanders is to be applauded for the excellent way in which he addresses the systemic and cultural components of treatment and recovery. He honors the individuals, families and communities being treated and provides excellent insight, through the authors he has chosen for this special issue, into the realities of addiction, treatment and recovery in the African American community. Issues of disparities and other limitations experienced by African Americans are described with honesty and candor. The pathways approach to recovery compliments the dynamics of fluidity in those seeking recovery. Tom McGovern should be acknowledged for the special emphasis the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (ATQ) places on the special needs of underrepresented populations seeking treatment and sustained recovery.
TL;DR: The use of the Early Detection of Alcohol Consumption (EDAC) test to guide decisions about repeat intoxicated driver risk in Dane County is described, contributing to the implementation of evidence based practices in highway safety and setting up new guidelines in Wisconsin counties as tools to assess risk and prolong recovery in repeat intoxicated drivers.
Abstract: This article describes the use of the Early Detection of Alcohol Consumption (EDAC) test to guide decisions about repeat intoxicated driver risk in Dane County. Testing was conducted during the assessment interview (baseline) and every three months for a 12-month follow-up period. The EDAC identified 28% (25/89) of drivers as heavy drinkers even though 60% (15/25) of them reported full abstinence the month before testing. This information helped the assessors address drivers' state of denial at baseline and provided a more effective treatment plan based on each driver's needs. During follow-up, 30% of these drivers abstained from drinking, 34% experienced a relapse, and 35% became noncompliant with biomarker testing. Of those who relapsed, 68% returned to abstinence after biomarker information was used as brief intervention to encourage abstinence. These results are contributing to the implementation of evidence based practices in highway safety and are setting up new guidelines in Wisconsin counties as t...
TL;DR: The study showed no causation between alcohol intake and prevalence of infective endocarditis but demonstrated significant decreased cardiac function, increased vegetation size, and incidence of embolic complications among drug and/or alcohol users compared to nondrug/alcohol users.
Abstract: Alcohol and illicit drug use seem to compound every aspect of health, with cardiac and infectious complications as no exceptions. Not spared from the influence of alcohol and illicit drug use is the subject of infective endocarditis. This study assesses the prevalence of disease and risk of complications in patients with infective endocarditis who used alcohol, illicit drugs, or illicit drugs and alcohol. Medical records of the patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis were retrospectively reviewed. The study showed no causation between alcohol intake and prevalence of infective endocarditis but demonstrated significant decreased cardiac function, increased vegetation size, and incidence of embolic complications among drug and/or alcohol users compared to nondrug/alcohol users.
TL;DR: After participating in the in-service training, substance abuse clinicians were more familiar with, more knowledgeable about, and more likely to refer to a range of self-help options for ameliorating substance abuse issues.
Abstract: An in-service training was provided to 19 clinicians employed by one chemical dependency treatment facility. The goal of the training was to help substance abuse clinicians gain knowledge of several options for mutual aid fellowships, and strategies for referring clients to fellowships that correspond to clients' values and preferences. After participating in the training, clinicians were more familiar with, more knowledgeable about, and more likely to refer to a range of self-help options for ameliorating substance abuse issues. From pre- to posttest, clinicians also increased their scores on six out of nine self-efficacy items related to their ability to refer clients to mutual aid groups.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors tested whether repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders have more extensive criminal histories, exclusive of DUI and traffic offenses, than first-time offenders.
Abstract: This study tested whether repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders have more extensive criminal histories, exclusive of DUI and traffic offenses, than first-time offenders. Analysis of arrest and criminal history data from a random sample of 429 DUI arrestees found that being a repeat DUI offender increased the total number of convictions (regardless of severity), misdemeanor convictions, and petty misdemeanor/violation convictions. The results illustrate the challenges of rehabilitating and deterring DUI recidivists and the potential differences between first-time and repeat DUI offenders. Among DUI recidivists, impaired driving is best viewed as just one manifestation of a host of deviant behaviors.