Showing papers in "Journal of Social Work Practice in The Addictions in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, the buffering effect of perceived social support from parents, teachers, and close friends on the associations among cybervictimization and alcohol use, marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and nonmarijuana illicit drug use over 3 years was investigated.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the buffering effect of perceived social support from parents, teachers, and close friends on the associations among cybervictimization and alcohol use, marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and nonmarijuana illicit drug use over 3 years. Participants were 867 8th graders from the Midwestern United States (13–15 years old; 51% female). The findings revealed positive associations between cybervictimization and alcohol abuse as well as nonmarijuana drug use, with high and low levels of social support moderating these relationships. Implications for social workers and prevention and intervention efforts are also discussed.
30 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult substance abuse and violence in a sample of offenders (n = 180) and found that higher ACE scores were significantly correlated with substance abuse scores and violence scores.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult substance abuse and violence in a sample of offenders (n = 180). Higher ACE scores were significantly correlated with substance abuse scores and violence scores. Substance abuse and violence were also significantly correlated with each other. The violent offenders had significantly higher ACE and substance abuse scores than the nonviolent offenders. In a hierarchical logistic regression model, the ACE score and substance score both emerged as significant predictors of violence. Better understanding of the links between early adversity and adult criminal and addictive behavior will help improve social work practice in forensic and correctional settings. Implications for trauma-informed social work practice and policy are discussed.
26 citations
TL;DR: Practical practitioners should consider violence exposure as a risk factor for early substance use in high-risk youths and potential gender differences in trauma symptom pathways to early Substance use.
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between violence exposure and early substance use as mediated by trauma symptoms. The Assessment of Liability and Exposure to Substance Use and Antisocial Behavior Scale was used to assess violence exposure at age 10 and substance use by age 12. Mediation analysis indicated direct relationships between violence exposure and tobacco or illegal drug use and indirect relationships between violence exposure and girls’ substance use through trauma symptoms. Practitioners should consider violence exposure as a risk factor for early substance use in high-risk youths and potential gender differences in trauma symptom pathways to early substance use.
24 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that employment might be an effective relapse prevention measure, and offers possible opportunities for innovative programming in addiction treatment settings.
Abstract: Employment is a goal for many people in recovery from substance use disorders, and might protect against relapse Interventions that use employment to promote recovery outcomes are well-studied among individuals with serious mental illness, but less is known about the outcomes of such interventions for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders Therefore, we searched the literature for published studies that describe the effects of employment interventions on substance abuse treatment outcomes for persons recovering from substance use disorders Twelve peer-reviewed studies were identified Although employment interventions varied greatly across the studies, 11 of 12 studies demonstrated a positive relationship between employment interventions and substance use treatment outcomes This review suggests that employment might be an effective relapse prevention measure, and offers possible opportunities for innovative programming in addiction treatment settings
22 citations
TL;DR: Cross-lagged structural equation models showed that longitudinal patterns of violence and substance use vary somewhat and that the ways preceding stages of violenceand substance use are associated with subsequent violence, and substanceuse differ by violence, substance type, and transitional stage.
Abstract: Substance use and violence are interrelated behaviors during adolescence and early adulthood. Using National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data, this study examined the longitudinal relationships between (a) alcohol and violence perpetration, (b) marijuana and perpetration, (c) alcohol and victimization, and (d) marijuana and victimization. Cross-lagged structural equation models showed that longitudinal patterns of violence and substance use vary somewhat and that the ways preceding stages of violence and substance use are associated with subsequent violence, and substance use differ by violence, substance type, and transitional stage. Our findings call for primary and secondary prevention strategies targeting early adulthood.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors offer an analysis that views both violence and addiction as the inevitable by-products of inequitably constructed social spaces, where poverty is a powerful structural force that erodes relational stability and undermines community health.
Abstract: Although the associations among interpersonal- and community-level violence and substance use have been well-studied, the mechanisms of change that underlie each have not garnered the same level of attention. We offer an analysis that views both violence and addiction as the inevitable by-products of inequitably constructed social spaces, where poverty is a powerful structural force that erodes relational stability and undermines community health. Principles from the substance abuse recovery self-help and mutual aid group movements can be used to increase collective efficacy and strengthen social capital that enhances recovery commitment and decreases interpersonal and community violence.
12 citations
TL;DR: The goal of this study is to use evidence mapping to define the best evidence-based practices and strategies to improve retention rates within addiction services and to present recommendations.
Abstract: Untreated alcohol and drug addiction continues to be a major health issue in the United States. To meet the challenges of this chronic illness, treatment should be based in the best, most up-to-date science. Treatment retention and completion have been continually shown to significantly improve health and wellness outcomes. Unfortunately, most individuals who enter programs do not successfully complete them. The goal of this study is to use evidence mapping to define the best evidence-based practices and strategies to improve retention rates within addiction services and to present recommendations.
9 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that, compared to heterosexual women, sexual minority women were more likely to have a lifetime history of weapon, physical, and sexual assault, and were younger at the time of their first violent victimization.
Abstract: This exploratory study examines the relationship between sexual identity and violent victimization experiences as predictors of differences in illicit substance and alcohol use and substance use problems among a sample of incarcerated women in rural Appalachia (N = 400). Results indicated that, compared to heterosexual women, sexual minority women were more likely to have a lifetime history of weapon, physical, and sexual assault, and were younger at the time of their first violent victimization. Sexual minority women were younger than heterosexual women at the age of onset for intravenous drug use and at the time they first got drunk, and were more likely to report having overdosed. Multivariate analysis found violent victimization to be the strongest predictor of a history of overdose and substance use problems.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a framework for advancing the transfer of high-quality evidence-based interventions to the 20% of Americans who suffer from mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Abstract: This timely report provides a framework for advancing the transfer of high-quality evidence-based interventions to the 20% of Americans who suffer from mental health and substance abuse disorders. ...
7 citations
TL;DR: For most people, work is important and a normal part of everyday life However, research studies focusing on the significance of employment for successful outcomes in maintenance treatment for opia have shown that employment is important for most people.
Abstract: For most people, work is important and a normal part of everyday life However, research studies focusing on the significance of employment for successful outcomes in maintenance treatment for opia
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated differences between heroin users and non-heroin users in their social and demographic characteristics, previous substance use history, criminal justice involvement, and mental and physical health.
Abstract: Heroin use rates have dramatically increased across the country in recent years. Kentucky has been particularly affected due in part to policies aimed at restricting the availability of prescription painkillers, resulting in making heroin more available and cheap. This study investigated differences between heroin users and nonheroin users in their social and demographic characteristics, previous substance use history, criminal justice involvement, and mental and physical health. Interviews were conducted as part of a pilot study with 60 individuals entering 2 substance abuse treatment facilities. Results indicate that in contrast to nonheroin users, heroin users were younger, fewer reported being married, they were more satisfied with living arrangements, and they had less previous criminal justice involvement. Heroin users also reported greater lifetime use of other substances (i.e., alcohol, other opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogens) and more engagement in high-risk substance-using behavi...
TL;DR: Cognitive behavioral therapy and covert sensitization as mentioned in this paper are two behavioral treatment approaches for working with sexual addiction patients, which can be implemented in therapy when working with clients with sexual addictions.
Abstract: Sexual addiction is an unfamiliar disorder to many social workers, who, consequently, are uncomfortable when treating clients who exhibit such problems This literature review provides a summary of the ongoing discussions on how to define sexual addiction, and describes two behavioral treatment approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and covert sensitization, for working with such clients Because most social workers might not be familiar with covert sensitization, examples are offered showing how this treatment modality can be implemented in therapy when working with clients with sexual addiction More empirical studies, including the use of single-subject designs, are needed to help address a gap in the literature
TL;DR: Relationships between interpersonal violence victimization and smoking from childhood to adulthood indicate that childhood physical abuse predicted smoking and partner violence in young adulthood; partner violence and smoking were reciprocally related in the transition from young adulthood to adulthood.
Abstract: This study examined relationships between interpersonal violence victimization and smoking from childhood to adulthood. Data were from a community-based longitudinal study (N = 808) spanning ages 10 to 33. Cross-lag path analysis was used to model concurrent, directional, and reciprocal effects. Results indicate that childhood physical abuse predicted smoking and partner violence in young adulthood; partner violence and smoking were reciprocally related in the transition from young adulthood to adulthood. Gender differences in this relationship were not detected. Social work prevention efforts focused on interpersonal violence and interventions targeting smoking cessation could be critical factors for reducing both issues.
TL;DR: In this article, Latent profile analysis resulted in two classes of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators: severe and frequent physical violence, stalking and harassment, and increased psychological consequences of IPV for the victim-survivor.
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread social problem that is associated with alcohol misuse. Victim-survivors (n = 1,045) were interviewed after police-involved IPV incidents. Latent profile analysis resulted in 2 classes of IPV perpetrators. The severe IPV class was characterized by more frequent and severe physical violence, stalking and harassment, risk of future homicide, and increased psychological consequences of IPV for the victim-survivor. Logistic regression found that the frequency of perpetrator alcohol misuse was associated with membership in the severe IPV class. Social workers must intervene effectively when cooccurring alcohol misuse and IPV perpetration are present.
TL;DR: The authors compared three groups consisting of individuals with no gambling problem, those with some problem, and pathological gamblers, according to the following four levels of analysis: social context (i.e., accessibility and social acceptance), family context, family functioning, and family quality of life), marital issues, and individual issues.
Abstract: This study compares 3 groups consisting of individuals with no gambling problem, those with some problem, and pathological gamblers, according to the following 4 levels of analysis: social context (i.e., accessibility and social acceptance), family context (i.e., family of origin issues, family functioning, and family quality of life), marital issues (i.e., marital satisfaction and adjustment), and individual issues (i.e., congruence, differentiation of self, and psychopathological symptoms). The study protocol of 8 standardized scales, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and 6 independent questions was administered to 331 adults. The main results indicate that although the 2 groups of nonpathological gamblers exhibited differing levels of gambling severity, they did not differ statistically, suggesting that gambling-related problems were only evident when a pathological level was attained. The pathological gamblers exhibited a greater number of family, marital, and individual difficulties compared to the o...
TL;DR: In this paper, a promising capacity-building model is proposed to improve the grant writing capacity of substance abuse organizations through a partnership between a university technical support provider and 9 substance abuse agencies.
Abstract: While grant writing is critical for substance abuse organizations in the face of limited resources and mounting accountability pressures, no capacity-building models exist for social workers to use as they aim to promote organizational capacity development in this area This article offers a promising capacity-building model—Project STRONG—designed to improve the grant writing capacity of substance abuse organizations Feasibility findings of an initial pilot of the model through a partnership between a university technical support provider and 9 substance abuse agencies are shared Implications for social workers working within or in partnership with substance abuse agencies are offered
TL;DR: Findings suggest social support for alcohol or drug use compromises abstinence social support, particularly among justice-involved persons who are early in their recovery from substance use disorders.
Abstract: Social influences (social support for alcohol/drug use and social support for abstinence) were examined in relation to abstinence self-efficacy among a sample of 250 justice involved persons exiting inpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine social influences in relation to abstinence self-efficacy. Social influences were significantly related to abstinence self-efficacy when examined independently. However, only social support for alcohol/drug use was significant when both social influences were entered into the model. Findings suggest social support for alcohol/drug use compromises abstinence social support, particularly among justice involved persons who are early in their recovery from substance use disorders.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed how well prepared human service organizations in a rural county, with a small urban center, were to screen for, assess, and treat problem gambling, and the results indicated that agency preparedness to address the negative consequences of problem gambling is lacking, and it is an ongoing public health concern.
Abstract: Problem gambling, which directly affects 6 to 9 million Americans, too often results in devastating outcomes. Despite its prevalence it does not appear to get the same amount of attention as other addictions. In fact, despite evidence suggesting that treatment can reduce problem gambling, little research has been conducted on community capacity to address problem gambling. Therefore, this study assessed how well prepared human service organizations in a rural county, with a small urban center, were to screen for, assess, and treat problem gambling. The results indicate that agency preparedness to address the negative consequences of problem gambling is lacking, and it is an ongoing public health concern. Two key issues identified are the need for increased training of human service professionals and improved communication between providers to ensure appropriate coordination of services related to problem gambling.
TL;DR: Qualitative findings from a larger study examining the responsiveness of rural health care providers to IPV and substance use revealed that providers rarely assessed for IPV or substance use, and patients with a history of substance abuse described their health care encounters in negative terms.
Abstract: Primary health care providers are often some of the only helping professionals in rural communities, where community resources to treat substance abuse or shelter survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) are scarce. This article reports on qualitative findings from a larger study examining the responsiveness of rural health care providers to IPV and substance use. FINDINGS from 27 interviews revealed that providers rarely assessed for IPV or substance use, and patients with a history of substance abuse described their health care encounters in negative terms. Providers and patients differed in their descriptions of typical health care encounters involving women concurrently experiencing IPV and substance abuse, but agreed on several basic points, among them the severity of IPV when substances were involved and the unfortunate shortage of social services to address violence and addiction. The article concludes with suggestions for future research on addressing IPV and substance use in primary care settings and the implications for social work. Language: en
TL;DR: In this article, a 4-month program combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior intervention on substance-using street adolescents in India was evaluated using the readiness to change questionnaire and Adolescent relapse coping questionnaire.
Abstract: This study assessed the efficacy of a 4-month program combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior intervention on substance-using street adolescents in India The study followed classical experimental design and the subjects were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups Readiness to change questionnaire and Adolescent Relapse Coping Questionnaire tools were used for the evaluation of the intervention program At the baseline, majority of the respondents in both the groups were at the precontemplation stage of motivation At the end of the 3rd month of the intervention, there was a significant difference, χ2 = 31139, df = 2, p < 001, between the 2 groups on the stages of motivation The study’s limitations are noted
TL;DR: In this article, the reciprocal relationship between delinquency and substance use in foster care youth was examined, and it was shown that delinquent behavior might increase vulnerability for future substance use, as opposed to the latter.
Abstract: Adolescents emancipating from foster care exhibit high rates of both delinquency and substance use, although it is less clear how these behaviors relate to one another. We aimed to examine the reciprocal relationships between these risk behaviors while accounting for relevant child welfare factors. We use data from the Multi-Site Evaluation of Foster Youth Programs to explore longitudinal associations between delinquent behaviors and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) among youths ages 17 and 18 (N = 429). Delinquency at age 17 was a positive predictor of substance use at age 18, after controlling for baseline use of substances. In contrast, substance use at age 17 was not predictive of increased delinquency at age 18 after baseline delinquency was controlled. Findings indicate that among youths emancipating from the foster care system, delinquent behavior might increase vulnerability for future substance use, as opposed to the latter.
TL;DR: For someone like myself, the ability to trust others is so cracked and broken that I am wretchedly timid and am forever trying to read the expr... as discussed by the authors, and I have always shook with fright before human beings.
Abstract: “I have always shook with fright before human beings … for someone like myself the ability to trust others is so cracked and broken that I am wretchedly timid and am forever trying to read the expr...
TL;DR: In a recent bulletin, the World Health Organization detailed the violence prevention work, particularly on homicide, by Rodrigo Guerrero-Velasco in the city of Cali, Columbia, where he is also the mayor as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In a recent bulletin, the World Health Organization detailed the violence prevention work, particularly on homicide, by Rodrigo Guerrero-Velasco in the city of Cali, Columbia, where he is also the mayor (Greenhouse, 2015). Guerrero-Velasco and his colleagues have used epidemiology to study the social problem of violence and found that guns, alcohol use, and social inequalities were strongly associated risk factors with violence, as were child abuse and organized crime in a community.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the interrelated problems of violence and addiction that affect the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and propose a solution to these problems.
Abstract: Violence and addiction are widespread and interrelated problems that affect the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Researchers from social work and other disciplines h...
TL;DR: Early in my career, much of my scholarship, teaching, and professional service revolved around addressing the challenges of social work and interdisciplinary practice with families whose children,... as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Early in my career, much of my scholarship, teaching, and professional service revolved around addressing the challenges of social work and interdisciplinary practice with families whose children, ...
TL;DR: DiNitto is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Cullen Trust Centennial Professor in Alcohol Studies and Education at the School of Social Work at the University of Texas, Austin (UT Au as mentioned in this paper ).
Abstract: Dr Diana DiNitto is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Cullen Trust Centennial Professor in Alcohol Studies and Education at the School of Social Work at the University of Texas, Austin (UT Au
TL;DR: Hesselbrock as mentioned in this paper is an important contributor to research of social work practice with persons with addictions and is an emeritus professor at the University of Connecticut's School of Social Work.
Abstract: Dr. Michie Hesselbrock, Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, is an important contributor to research of social work practice with persons with addictions. In...
TL;DR: I was not certain why I was surprised when walking down the Denver promenade to see a marijuana leaf display sign after all, we were in Denver, and Colorado is one of the most successful states in the US as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: I am not certain why I was surprised when walking down the Denver promenade to see a marijuana leaf display sign After all, we were in Denver, and Colorado is one of the most successful states in