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Showing papers in "Journal of Social Work Practice in The Addictions in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The literature supporting the need for the expansion of CRPs is reviewed, information on the diversity of CRP services is presented, and key areas where research is needed are outlined.
Abstract: As the broad construct of recovery increasingly guides addiction services and policy, federal agencies have called for the expansion of peer-driven recovery support services. The high prevalence of substance use and abuse in colleges and universities in the U.S. constitute a significant obstacle to pursuing an education for the unknown number of youths who have attained remission from substance use dependence. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are an innovative and growing model of peer-driven recovery support delivered on college campuses. Although no systematic research has examined CRPs, available site-level records suggest encouraging outcomes: low relapse rates and above average academic achievement. The number of CRPs nationwide is growing, but there is a noticeable lack of data on the model, its students and their outcomes. We review the literature supporting the need for the expansion of CRPs, present information on the diversity of CRP services and outline key areas where research is needed.

63 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Examining trends in policies enacted by states over time and types of policies enacted across states in the United States revealed substantial variability in characteristics of policies, with a focus on whether laws were supportive or punitive toward women.
Abstract: This article describes U.S. state policies related to alcohol use during pregnancy, using data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Alcohol Policy Information System. Specifically, this study examines trends in policies enacted by states over time and types of policies enacted across states in the United States, with a focus on whether laws were supportive or punitive toward women. Findings revealed substantial variability in characteristics of policies (19 primarily supportive, 12 primarily punitive, 12 with a mixed approach, and 8 with no policies). Findings underscore the need to examine possible consequences of policies, especially of punitive policies and “mixed” approaches.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Community Wise as mentioned in this paper is a behavioral health intervention designed to reduce substance use frequency, related health risk behaviors, and recidivism among individuals with a history of incarceration and substance abuse residing in distressed and predominantly African American communities.
Abstract: Communities with histories of oppression have shown great resilience, yet few health interventions focus on structural oppression as a contributor to health problems in these communities. This article describes the development and active ingredients of Community Wise, a unique behavioral health intervention designed to reduce substance use frequency, related health risk behaviors, and recidivism among individuals with a history of incarceration and substance abuse residing in distressed and predominantly African American communities. Community Wise, developed through the collaborative efforts of a board of service providers, researchers, consumers, and government officials, is a 12-week group intervention that aims to address behavioral health problems by raising critical consciousness in distressed communities.

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Data analysis revealed 2 kinds of barriers that prevented substance abuse treatment professionals from fully integrating substance abuse and trauma: systemic and professional barriers.
Abstract: Despite increasing empirical support for an integrated approach to treating trauma and substance abuse, many substance abuse treatment programs have been slow to embrace integrated models of practice. Using an embedded case study design, the purpose of this study was to understand barriers that prevented a substance abuse treatment provider and 20 professionals and staff from adopting an integrated approach to treating substance abuse and trauma. Data analysis revealed 2 kinds of barriers that prevented substance abuse treatment professionals from fully integrating substance abuse and trauma: systemic and professional barriers. These barriers have to be taken into account when trying to move providers and professionals toward integrated approaches to treating substance abuse and trauma.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An initial framework for designing a training workshop to enhance health practitioners’ knowledge regarding substance abuse treatment and to decrease their bias toward substance-abusing women, particularly pregnant women in rural communities is provided.
Abstract: The objective of this article is not to present a scientific or systematic study, but to provide an initial framework for designing a training workshop to enhance health practitioners' (nurses, social workers, physicians, etc.) knowledge regarding substance abuse treatment and to decrease their bias toward substance-abusing women, particularly pregnant women in rural communities. We incorporated the 4 Transdisciplinary Foundations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Competencies Model, with specific competencies targeted that related to provider bias. After the conference, 52 of the 70 participants completed a questionnaire to self-assess knowledge level and confidence in skill related to substance abuse management. Participant mean scores were statistically significantly higher following the conference than 1 week prior ( p < .001) in the area of "gender difference with substance abuse," moving from an average of 2.6 to 4.5 on a 5-point Likert scale. Our conference was successful in increasing attendees' knowledge about gender difference and substance abuse among pregnant patients.

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ten out of the 15 men interviewed in the ADU reported significant stress secondary to early parental loss and job difficulties, and one key informant reported that some men become dependent on alcohol as a reaction to chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.
Abstract: Alcohol dependence is among the leading causes of psychiatric morbidity the world over, and it is estimated that there are more than 63 million males with alcohol-dependence-related disorders (Worl...

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a pilot study of a peer-facilitated brief motivational interview using personalized normative feedback with members of fraternities and sororities is presented, where participants were randomly selected and then randomized into treatment or control conditions.
Abstract: Results from a pilot study of a peer-facilitated brief motivational interview using personalized normative feedback with members of fraternities and sororities are presented. Eight fraternity and sorority houses were randomly selected and then randomized into treatment or control conditions. Quantitative data testing intervention efficacy indicated no differences between treatment and control group 30 days postintervention on measures of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Qualitative information from follow-up focus groups of intervention participants identified themes related to intervention dosage, and credibility of the normative data and peer educator. Recommendations are made for future research and intervention strategies with this population.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, heavy drinking and other drug use is commonplace among college students, and college students experience myriad serious alcohol-related problems, such as depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Abstract: Heavy drinking and other drug use is commonplace among college students. As one of the heaviest drinking groups in society, college students experience myriad serious alcohol-related problems rangi...

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Findings from qualitative interviews with residents of the Open Door harm reduction housing program are presented, to explore facilitators of residents’ success in the program, which is ultimately defined as HIV clinical adherence.
Abstract: Advances in clinical therapies for people living with HIV have greatly increased life expectancies, but the high levels of adherence that are necessary for clinical success are infrequently achieved, especially for chronically homeless substance users. The Open Door is a harm reduction housing program that seeks to improve clinical outcomes for this population. We present findings from qualitative interviews with residents of the program, conducted to explore facilitators of residents’ success in the program, which is ultimately defined as HIV clinical adherence. Two major themes developed. Positive changes captures processes or characteristics that residents reported as having changed as a result of living in the program. Mechanisms of success reflects aspects of the program to which residents attributed their improved adherence. Given that improving adherence in vulnerable populations has both clinical and public health implications, our study suggests future avenues for research and foundations on whic...

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Findings indicate students with exposure to issues surrounding substance abuse and recovery held fewer stigmatized beliefs, emphasizing the importance of identifying and researching a target audience before developing a health promotion campaign.
Abstract: For college students recovering from substance addiction, the path to sobriety is fraught with challenges. Many campuses offer recovery support resources, but students indicate stigma associated with recovery prevents them from using these services. This problem could be ameliorated through communication campaigns addressing misperceptions of substance abuse and recovery. The purpose of this study was to understand how students’ perceptions of addiction and recovery vary based on their experience and background. A quantitative survey was employed to examine stigma beliefs among 2 subpopulations of college students at a large Southwestern university. Findings indicate students with exposure to issues surrounding substance abuse and recovery held fewer stigmatized beliefs, emphasizing the importance of identifying and researching a target audience before developing a health promotion campaign.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A case study of the Rutgers ADAP program is presented, of building and sustaining a program committed to engaging students in both evidence-based risk reduction interventions and an on-campus recovery community given their stage of change and motivation to make changes.
Abstract: Since 1983, the focus of the Rutgers Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) has been developing policies, training staff to identify students at risk, developing and implementing evidence-based screening and brief interventions, providing short-term counseling by professionals trained in alcohol and other drug abuse to assist students beyond brief interventions, identifying effective treatment for college students, developing a campus recovery program, on-campus recovery housing, and other supports for students in recovery. This article presents a case study of the Rutgers ADAP program, of building and sustaining a program committed to engaging students in both evidence-based risk reduction interventions and an on-campus recovery community given their stage of change and motivation to make changes. Historical milestones are described as part of a creative model for intervention. We identify the challenges of integrating substance abuse recovery into campus mental health programs, and of integrat...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Unmet treatment need in the United States, the current numbers of service providers, and provisions within the reform legislation to increase the labor force are discussed.
Abstract: Health care reform will increase the number of individuals who have access to substance abuse services. This impending influx of consumers has the potential of overwhelming the service capacity of providers within the field. Provisions included in the reform legislation might fall short of their intended goal to expand the number of service providers needed to deliver services. This article discusses unmet treatment need in the United States, the current numbers of service providers, and provisions within the reform legislation to increase the labor force. Recommendations are set forth that could help expand the number of providers in the field.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, focus group discussions and questionnaires were asked about their perspectives on parenting and their interest in and obstacles to participating in behavioral parent training with their children in drug treatment.
Abstract: Behavioral parent training offers mothers in drug treatment a valuable opportunity to improve their parenting skills through real-time, individualized coaching, but these mothers might be reluctant to participate with their child. Participants were 23 mothers or female guardians from 4 drug treatment programs with children 1 to 10 years old. Focus group discussions and questionnaires asked about their perspectives on parenting and their interest in and obstacles to participating in behavioral parent training. Detailed narrative responses and quantitative analyses identified some unique issues in parenting for this population as well as logistical, attitudinal, and emotional barriers to participating in behavioral parent training with their children.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored facets of mindfulness between patients diagnosed with a gambling disorder and a community sample of non-gambling-disordered individuals (n = 33) and found that gambling severity was negatively associated with higher levels of mindfulness and positively linked to indices of emotional dysregulation, stress proneness, and impulsivity.
Abstract: This study explored facets of mindfulness between patients diagnosed with a gambling disorder (n = 26) and a community sample of non-gambling-disordered individuals (n = 33). Multivariate statistics comparing group differences showed the gambling-disordered patients exhibited significantly lower levels of mindfulness, emotional regulation, stress coping, and impulse control compared to the non-gambling-disordered group. Overall, gambling severity was negatively associated with higher levels of mindfulness and positively linked to indices of emotional dysregulation, stress proneness, and impulsivity. Correlations between mindfulness and emotional dysregulation and impulsivity were much stronger than those between mindfulness and the severity of disordered gambling behaviors as measured by the National Opinion Research Center DSM Screen for Gambling Problems (NODS). These findings are discussed in the context of possible implications for future directions in exploring mindfulness-based interventions as a pl...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigating the use of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale with a convenience sample of addiction workers shows that compared to mental health providers, addiction workers were more likely to view ESTs favorably if they were mandated and intuitively appealing.
Abstract: Mental health workers with favorable attitudes toward empirically supported treatments (ESTs) are more likely to break through implementation barriers. The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale has been shown to be reliable for mental health workers, but it has not been validated with addiction workers. This study investigates the use of the scale with a convenience sample of addiction workers from 4 agencies in 1 city. Results show that compared to mental health providers, addiction workers were more likely to view ESTs favorably if they were mandated and intuitively appealing. They also tended to rely more heavily on practical experience in forming attitudes toward treatment options. These results might help addiction agencies understand which types of workers are more likely to implement ESTs and inform effective engagement approaches specific to addiction workers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixed-methods, concept mapping study in an urban family drug court (FDC) designed to identify keys to FDC success from stakeholders' perspectives is presented.
Abstract: This article describes a mixed-methods, concept mapping study in an urban family drug court (FDC) designed to identify keys to FDC success from stakeholders’ perspectives. Participating FDC team members and clients developed a set of items they deemed integral to an FDC, thematically clustered the items, and then rated their relative importance. Using these data, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling generated 6 themes perceived as contributing to positive outcomes. Resultant concept maps revealed that, compared to team members, clients view relational aspects of the FDC as more important. The findings point to implications for future research and social work practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To measure and describe symptoms of eating disorders among females in treatment for drug addiction in Norway, 29 females with drug use disorder in residential treatment were tested with the Eating Disorder Inventory–2.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to measure and describe symptoms of eating disorders among females in treatment for drug addiction in Norway. Previous clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed coprevalence between eating disorders and substance use or abuse. However, few studies have measured eating disorders in drug-using samples and even fewer within the context of drug treatment. In this study, 29 females with drug use disorder in residential treatment were tested with the Eating Disorder Inventory–2. A subgroup of 9 females (31%) with significant symptoms of eating disorders was identified. The characteristics of this group and possible clinical consequences are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a literature review about a growing trend in meeting the needs of students in recovery who wish to attend an institution of higher education is presented, focusing on the need for, development mechanisms for, and models of different recovery houses.
Abstract: This is a literature review about a growing trend in meeting the needs of students in recovery who wish to attend an institution of higher education. The trend is campus-based recovery community programs and, more specifically, campus-based recovery houses. The need for, development mechanisms for, and models of different recovery houses are discussed. Trends, disagreements, and gaps in the literature are addressed, as are recommendations for future research. To better understand the context of this type of intervention for recovering college students, long-standing formal and informal recovery tools are defined and addressed. Social support, a significant element of recovery, is given special attention as key to the success of campus recovery programs and houses.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, three competing hypotheses regarding the relation between pubertal timing and substance initiation in adolescence: the early timing, off-time, and stressful change hypotheses were tested.
Abstract: We tested 3 competing hypotheses regarding the relation between pubertal timing and substance initiation in adolescence: the early timing, off-time, and stressful change hypotheses. We used longitudinal data from the Developmental Pathways Project (N = 521). Youth reported whether they had ever tried alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana at baseline, and then again at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, and 72-month follow-up interviews. We estimated interval censored parametric survival models and tested interactions between pubertal timing and gender and race variables. We found robust support for the early timing hypothesis, but no support for the off-time and the stressful change hypotheses.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released an extensive library of Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) since its inception of the series in 1993.
Abstract: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released an extensive library of Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) since its inception of the series in 1993. Althoug...

Journal ArticleDOI
Jody Brook1
TL;DR: This collective case study of 20 service providers examined the approaches used by clinicians working with substance-abusing mothers involved in child welfare to shed light on their use of empirically informed, gender-specific interventions.
Abstract: There is a growing acknowledgment of client–provider relationship as a determining factor within evidence-based practice implementation. This collective case study of 20 service providers examined the approaches used by clinicians working with substance-abusing mothers involved in child welfare to shed light on their use of empirically informed, gender-specific interventions. Analyses revealed that clinicians struggle to articulate specific evidence-based frameworks, and their approach relies on an intuitively driven client–provider relationship. Clinicians report little institutional support for integration of empirically supported practices into settings where workforce stress plays a critical role, and thus rely on relationship skills to frame practice approach.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the meaning of significant others in motivational interviewing (MI) sessions and found that family relationships are important and diverse factors that promote or hinder motivation to change in substance users' change talk.
Abstract: Only a very small number of studies have examined the meaning of significant others in motivational interviewing (MI) sessions. The aim of this qualitative study is to provide insights into substance users’ experience of the meaning of family in the change process and to expand current understanding about the significance of family relationships in change talk during MI. The analyses are based on videotaped data consisting of 98 MI sessions in the Finnish Probation Service. The results show that family relationships are important and diverse factors that promote or hinder motivation to change in substance users’ change talk.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of technology in substance abuse treatment has been discussed, and many industries including substance abuse and drug treatment have incorporated technology into their services and products, such as drug rehabilitation.
Abstract: Due to the rapid evolution of technology, many industries including substance abuse treatment have incorporated the use of technology into their services and products. Much of the original developm...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In June 2013, a group of graduate social work students from New York University embarked on a course of study on International Perspectives on Substance Use Problems (IPSOP) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In June 2013, a group of graduate social work students from New York University embarked on a course of study on International Perspectives on Substance Use Problems.11 The course was offered as a ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: College-age adults improved on all outcome measures, and posttreatment service use shows significant difference between college-age and older participants, which implications for practice are discussed.
Abstract: Substance use among college-age adults is of interest due to high levels of use and low levels of treatment access and engagement relative to other adults. Data collected from 1,972 clients in residential services were analyzed to investigate differences in use patterns, treatment outcomes, and other life area problems. Participants completed an Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) at baseline, and an ASI and Treatment Services Review at 1-month and 6-month postdischarge interviews. Almost a quarter (24.1%) of participants were college age (18–25 years old). They were more likely to be White and male, and less likely to complete treatment although they had a longer average length of stay. College-age adults improved on all outcome measures, and posttreatment service use shows significant difference between college-age and older participants. Implications for practice are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the summer before ninth grade, my father, a minister, moved to Houston, TX to serve a church that harbored people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, bringing along my stepmother, half-siblings, my brother, and myself as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: During the summer before ninth grade, my father, a minister, moved to Houston, TX, to serve a church that harbored people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, bringing along my stepmother, half-siblings, my brother, and myself. Shortly after the move, my brother was sent to inpatient drug rehab. At one point I only drank socially, but now it turned into a continual attempt to drown my loneliness. I was feeling depressed and full of self-pity. Pills and psychedelics, which were once taboo to me, became accepted as normal recreation drugs. I knew that if I showed that my life was unmanageable, my father would send me back to my mother, so I tried to hide my behavior as much as I could. By the spring, my life reached a level of unmanageability I had never experienced before. This pattern continued until I hit my bottom: I was arrested in the middle of February for a drug-related incident. I was consumed by resentment, anger, and frustration. My pain, coupled with the negative consequences of my substance use, led to a process of change. My parents enrolled me in Teen and Family Services, an alternative peer group, in Houston in June 2010. In the middle of July, I was on the Teen and Family retreat sitting in the valley within the Collegiate Peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The sun was to the west, and the sky had been teased with partial cloudiness. The day had been filled with soul searching and questions—questions of the life I had been living and of the life that was being presented to me. Although I did not know it at the time, this was the day that my life began to change. Addiction treatment and recovery for adolescents is complicated by the complex and multiple needs of teens and families, the spectrum

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The drawdown of U.S. troops has been on the minds of many in the United States due to Operation Enduring Freedom, and the current drawdown is another topic associated with Afghanis as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Afghanistan has been on the minds of many in the United States due to Operation Enduring Freedom, and the current drawdown of U.S. troops. Beyond war, though, another topic associated with Afghanis...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Addiction intersects nearly every social work practice arena; consequences of drug and alcohol abuse are pervasive among populations involved in child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice as mentioned in this paper...
Abstract: Addiction intersects nearly every social work practice arena; consequences of drug and alcohol abuse are pervasive among populations involved with child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A collaborative needs assessment is conducted and a number of key elements necessary for strategic campus–community partnerships to reduce the prevalence and harm associated with NMPDU are recommended.
Abstract: Although a distant fourth to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use, nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) far exceeds all other illicit drug use on college and university campuses. Campus officials might be unaware of the impact of NMPDU on student health, including drug-related emergency room visits, sexual assault, violent behavior, and academic misconduct. The authors collaborated as scholar-practitioners, representing the nonprofit sector, the public sector, and university life, to understand the needs of campus practitioners in preventing and responding to NMPDU. As a result of a collaborative needs assessment, the authors recommend a number of key elements necessary for strategic campus–community partnerships to reduce the prevalence and harm associated with NMPDU. The role of social workers in this framework is discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the behavioral health field has begun to systematize the idea that trauma is pervasive among individuals who suffer from mental and substance use disorders, but only recently have behavioral health fields begun to identify the root causes of such disorders.
Abstract: There has long been awareness that trauma is pervasive among individuals who suffer from mental and substance use disorders. However, only recently has the behavioral health field begun to systemat...