Showing papers in "Journal of Social Work Practice in The Addictions in 2003"
TL;DR: Native adolescents who felt a stronger sense of belonging in their school were found to report a lower lifetime use of alcohol and cigarettes, lower cigarette and marijuana use in the previous month, lower frequency of current use of these substances, fewer substances ever used and a later age of initiation into drug use than other Native students.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a study conducted with 243 Native American students who were part of a multi-ethnic sample of adolescents attending middle school in a large urban center in the Southwest region of the United States. Native adolescents who felt a stronger sense of belonging in their school were found to report a lower lifetime use of alcohol and cigarettes, lower cigarette and marijuana use in the previous month, lower frequency of current use of these substances, fewer substances ever used, and a later age of initiation into drug use than other Native students. Research implications are discussed in relationship to school environment, culturally-grounded prevention curricula, and school social work practice.
72 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the relationships among spirituality, religiosity, and drug use among incarcerated males in four Kentucky State Correctional Institution (KSSI) and found that the relationship between spirituality, religious belief and drug usage was positively associated with drug use.
Abstract: This study examines the relationships among spirituality, religiosity, and drug use among incarcerated males. Data were collected from 661 male prison inmates from four Kentucky State Correctional ...
34 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined whether a brief educational program could modify attitudes of master's level social work students about substance abuse and found no significant changes in student attitudes after participating in the educational session Recommendations are offered for how social work schools may enhance their efforts to prepare students to effectively work with substance abusing clients and their families.
Abstract: This study examined whether a brief educational program could modify attitudes of master's level social work students about substance abuse Study methodology involved a two-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design The Substance Abuse Attitude Survey, a standardized assessment instrument, was used to measure attitudes based on five distinct factors No significant changes in student attitudes were found after participating in the educational session Recommendations are offered for how social work schools may enhance their efforts to prepare students to effectively work with substance abusing clients and their families
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative methodology was used to examine the relationship between homeless women's spirituality, substance abuse, moral reasoning and developmental decision-making and found that a lack of development in spirituality and the ability to make decisions in childhood is related to homeless, addicted women's inability to maintain abstinence and achieve social independence.
Abstract: A qualitative methodology was used to examine the relationship between homeless women's spirituality, substance abuse, moral reasoning and developmental decision-making. Findings indicated that a lack of development in spirituality and the ability to make decisions in childhood is related to homeless, addicted women's inability to maintain abstinence and achieve social independence. Spirituality impacted decisions to abstain from substance abuse and increased the women's social independence. Findings suggest that treatment needs to incorporate spirituality, family of origin, and the development of skills for independent decision-making. The authors propose that childhood maltreatment, homelessness and substance abuse impede spiritual development. Therefore, substance abuse treatment needs to include a focus on spirituality and moral reasoning in the recovery process.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings based on a retrospective review of health and mental health records of 359 mentally ill jail inmates, finding that substance-related disorders are the most prevalent disorders.
Abstract: This paper presents findings based on a retrospective review of health and mental health records of 359 mentally ill jail inmates. Regardless of demographic group, substance-related disorders are the most prevalent disorder. Sixty-seven percent of the sample had a substance-related disorder, 37% an adjustment disorder, 23% a mood disorder, and 12% had schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. Comorbidity was extensive with close to 45% of the sample having both a substance-related disorder and an additional major mental illness. Study findings indicate that there is a great need to strengthen services and create jail-community linkages for inmates with comorbid mental health and substance abuse disorders. Innovative program and resource information are provided.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effects of trauma and dissociation in 100 Israeli recovering patients with drug use disorder and found that male respondents with higher trauma scores were more likely to report dissociative experiences during their drug use (chemical dissociation).
Abstract: This study is an investigation of trauma and dissociation in 100 Israeli recovering patients with drug use disorder. The respondents showed more emotional, physical and sexual traumatization than an Israeli clinical sample, and their levels of dissociation were similar to those previously measured in Israeli patients diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder (Somer, Dolgin, & Saadon, 2001). Male respondents with higher trauma scores were more likely to report dissociative experiences during their drug use (chemical dissociation). Drug-free high-dissociators were more likely to report depersonalizing and derealizing experiences when they had been using drugs. Stronger dissociative experiences during drug-use related to more psychological distress during inter-use craving. A relationship between psychological distress during inter-use craving and psychological dissociation measured in a detoxified state was also established. Length of abstinence from illicit substances ...
22 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to update social workers on advances in geriatric addictionology by reviewing current epidemiological studies and extracting practice principles, with particular emphasis on what the social work practitioner needs to know about screening elderly clients for substance abuse.
Abstract: A surprising number of elderly people suffer from substance-related disorders. Many more are at risk for developing poly drug problems due to their misuse and abuse of alcohol in combination with prescription medications and over-the-counter preparations. The purpose of this article is to update social workers on advances in geriatric addictionology by reviewing current epidemiological studies and extracting practice principles. Particular emphasis is placed on what the social work practitioner needs to know about screening elderly clients for substance abuse. The article concludes with specific recommendations to advance social work education and research in the field of addictions treatment.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on female methamphetamine use that was investigated by using ethnographic methods in a community context, and their findings suggest that women use methamphetamine for a variety of reasons, several of which may be unique to women.
Abstract: Despite the widespread and increasing use of methamphetamine among females in the Western, Midwestern and Southern U.S., little research has focused upon women using methamphetamine, particularly from nonclinical or community perspectives. Such use puts women at risk for a variety of health and social problems. In this paper we report on female methamphetamine use that was investigated by using ethnographic methods in a community context. Thirty women were interviewed and their responses analyzed by the research team. Lessons learned suggest that women use methamphetamine for a variety of reasons, several of which may be unique to women. Implications for further research, prevention efforts, and practice are discussed.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of self-changers without treatment or self-help groups, analysis of the data has identified beliefs that influenced the change experience, from the evaluation of reasons for drinking and the consequences that instigated the motivation and determination to take action, to individually-conceived strategies to implement and maintain abstinence, and the perceived consequences of abstaining.
Abstract: Cognitive processes have been known to have a significant impact on recovery from alcohol and other drugs From a study of self-changers (natural recoverers) without treatment or self-help groups, analysis of the data has identified beliefs that influenced the change experience–from the evaluation of reasons for drinking and the consequences that instigated the motivation and determination to take action, to the individually-conceived strategies to implement and maintain abstinence, and the perceived consequences of abstaining Belief systems and strategies of recovery are compared across three pathways to recovery–self-change, cognitively-oriented treatment, and Alcoholics Anonymous
10 citations
TL;DR: The similarity between many of the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, methadone and menopause, make it plausible these women and clinical staff attribute menopausal symptoms to other conditions of greater familiarity.
Abstract: As a rising number of midlife women receive methadone treatment, issues related to the menopausal transition take on increased importance. The similarity between many of the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, methadone and menopause (hot and cold flashes, sweats, fatigue, decreased libido, menstrual irregularity and insomnia), make it plausible these women and clinical staff attribute menopausal symptoms to other conditions of greater familiarity. The paucity of research, multiplicity of health problems and typically poor access to health care, further complicate the picture and underscore the importance of better integration of health care and social work intervention.
10 citations
TL;DR: Grace Therapy as mentioned in this paper is an approach for the treatment of male batterers based on the 12-Step Program of AA/NA, which produces a growing capacity within the men to care for others unconditionally.
Abstract: The high incidence of partner abuse among substance addicted men calls for a unified model of treatment. Grace Therapy is an approach for the treatment of male batterers based on the 12-Step Program of AA/NA. Clinical evidence relates the internal processes of male batterers and substance-addicted men to similar issues in which feelings of powerlessness arise. Powerlessness has three levels: behavioral, mental, and spiritual. By addressing the behavioral and mental levels, men can become abstinent by avoiding the situations, behaviors, and mental motives that lead them to violence and substance abuse. Recovery and healing occur within the spiritual level through a transformation of the men's attitudes towards the world and themselves–a transformation from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, which produces a growing capacity within the men to care for others unconditionally.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how multiple cultural and clinical factors regarding marijuana complicate accurate clinical recognition, assessment and diagnosis of cannabis use disorders, including widespread use of marijuana, culturally confusing messages about marijuana's acceptability or harmfulness; social policy debates over legalization and decriminalization; scientific debates about marijuana risks or medical benefits; DSM-IV-TR assessment criterion shortcomings; and the inadequacy of current screening methods related to marijuana.
Abstract: This article explores how multiple cultural and clinical factors regarding marijuana complicate accurate clinical recognition, assessment and diagnosis of cannabis use disorders. These factors include: Widespread use of marijuana; culturally confusing messages about marijuana's acceptability or harmfulness; social policy debates over legalization and decriminalization; scientific debates about marijuana's risks or medical benefits; DSM-IV-TR assessment criterion shortcomings; and the inadequacy of current screening methods related to marijuana. These issues are described along with a potential remedy–the development of marijuana specific screening methods.
TL;DR: A review of a 1986 study of 2,059 high school youth is to identify "protective factors" related to non-use or limited use of alcohol by high school students as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Historically, research on youth focused on risk factors associated with children who were already abusing alcohol and/or other drugs. The objective of this review of a 1986 study of 2,059 high school youth is to identify “protective factors” related to non-use or limited use of alcohol by high school students. In conformity with the strengths perspective, prevention protocols should include attempts to promote protective factors. Research evidence points to a model of rearing children that includes the parents and the community or “village,” joining together to maximize the children's access to connections and bonds, order and discipline, and hopes and dreams.
TL;DR: In this article, a brief intervention tailored for marijuana users in the contemplation stage of change is presented, with particular emphasis on stage-specific tasks faced by individuals at early stages of readiness for change based on Prochaska and DiClemente' s Transtheoretical Model of Change.
Abstract: A brief intervention tailored for marijuana users in the contemplation stage of change is presented. This “no pressure to change” approach employs principles of motivational enhancement. Empirical support for brief interventions is reviewed. Rollnick and Miller's motivational interviewing principles are outlined, with particular emphasis on stage-specific tasks faced by individuals at early stages of readiness for change based on Prochaska and DiClemente' s Transtheoretical Model of Change. The history and utility of the “check-up” as a viable intervention for individuals in earlier stages of change is also described. The Marijuana Check-Up makes use of a personalized diagrammatic feedback report on the individual's personal use, providing a focus for the one session interview. Clinical challenges and therapeutic response are illustrated with typical case vignettes germane to the Marijuana Check-Up.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of bivariate analysis indicated that Sexual Abuse Survivors (SAS) had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress compared to other women who did not suffer from sexual abuse.
Abstract: Four hundred seventy-three substance-abusing women were assessed for histories of sexual abuse. The results of bivariate analysis indicated that Sexual Abuse Survivors (SAS) had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. A greater number of SAS reported histories of emotional and physical abuse. They also had greater severity on ASI scales of alcohol, drug, medical, and family/social difficulty. Logistic regression analysis indicated that women who were survivors of sexual abuse were more likely to have histories of emotional and physical abuse, higher levels of addiction severity, and more family members who used drugs. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.
TL;DR: The MSI-X was developed as a psychometrically reliable and valid tool for clinical use in general health and primary care settings and its potential assessment benefits, and clinical screening guidelines are described.
Abstract: A review of the literature indicates that there is a need for marijuana specific screening. The Marijuana Screening Inventory (MSI-X) was developed as a psychometrically reliable and valid tool for clinical use in general health and primary care settings. This paper describes the MSI-X, its potential assessment benefits, and clinical screening guidelines. It discusses the pilot application of the MSI-X with four clients to illustrate its clinical usefulness.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the use of post-modern ideas in the treatment of substance abusers at a long term residential and day treatment center, and describe some of the changes that ensued as a result of a transformation from a "therapeutic community" (TC) model to a "solution-focused" model.
Abstract: This article describes the use of post-modern ideas in the treatment of substance abusers at a long term residential and day treatment center. It describes some of the changes that ensued as a result of a transformation from a “therapeutic community” (TC) model to a “solution-focused” model. The TC is a deficit model that focuses on a person's flaws and weaknesses. Solution-focused therapy, on the other hand, focuses on what a person has done and is doing right and his or her strengths, assets, and resources. This approach not only improves the quality and effectiveness of substance abuse treatment for clients, but also creates a better working environment for staff.
TL;DR: The authors used narrative analysis to examine a research interview with an African American woman and her African-American HIV-infected male partner in order to gain insight about how a middle-aged serodiscordant drug-affected couple might struggle and succeed in the face of HIV.
Abstract: HIV infection attributable to injection is growing, as is the incidence among heterosexual persons. Some of the people affected are over 50, and we can anticipate a growing number of older people with substance use and HIV as primary concerns. Therefore, we need to know more about the intersections of age, addictions, and HIV. This article uses narrative analysis to examine a research interview with an African-American woman and her African-American HIV-infected male partner in order to gain insight about how a middle-aged serodiscordant drug-affected couple might struggle and succeed in the face of HIV. Implications for social work, policy and research are provided.
TL;DR: Shafer and Kiebzak as mentioned in this paper presented a survey of the addiction professional training program at Hanley Hazelden University in the state of Florida, focusing on the role of social worker, coach, visual artist, musician and writer.
Abstract: Kathryn C. Shafer, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, is Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Instructor for the Addiction Professional Training Program at Hanley Hazelden. She has a private practice in Palm Beach and Tampa. Jacquelyn Dwoskin, LCSW, is in private practice in Florida. Lisa Kiebzak, MSW, ACSW, is a social worker, coach, visual artist, musician, and writer in private practice and teaches Success Skills at the college level.
TL;DR: In this article, the purpose of the study was to describe sexual behaviors that youth substitute for protected intercourse when a partner refuses to use a condom or a condom is not used, while only a small proportion of participants experienced outright refusals by partners to use condoms, the majority of participants in each sample used condoms inconsistently with main partners.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe sexual behaviors that youth substitute for protected intercourse when a partner refuses to use a condom or a condom is not used. Participants included: (a) 120 adolescents (mean age 17.2 years) undergoing substance abuse treatment and (b) 171 university students (mean age 21.3 years). The treatment sample reported significantly higher levels of discrete risk factors for HIV exposure. While only a small proportion of each sample experienced outright refusals by partners to use condoms, the majority of participants in each sample used condoms inconsistently with main partners. The university sample reported more substituted behaviors (lower risk and total) when partners did not want to use condoms. Yet, substantial proportions of participants in each sample engaged in unprotected intercourse. Implications for social work and health promotion efforts directed toward youth at risk for HIV/STD exposures are discussed.