Evaluation of a Self-help Group for Parents of Substance Addicted Offspring: A Mixed Methods Approach

The effectiveness of the self-help method for parents of substance addicted offsprings, using a mixed-methods approach was assessed in two samples (n = 92 and n = 6) of parents attending self-help groups in a therapy center for dependent individuals in Athens, Greece. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA as well as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results indicate that the self-help method contributes to the decrease of anxiety, the adoption of effective coping strategies, and the improvement of family dynamics. Study limitations and implications for clinical practice are discussed.     

“Krokodil”—Revival of an Old Drug with New Problems

In order to summarize current knowledge about the drug “Krokodil” a systematic review including a literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google was conducted in December 2011. According to information acquired, “Krokodil” is a mixture of several substances and was first reported to have been used in Russia in 2003. The core agent of “Krokodil” is desomorphine, an opioid-analogue that can be easily and cheaply manufactured by oneself. Self-production results in a contaminated suspension that is injected intravenously. Due to its pharmacologic features, desomorphine shows a high potential to cause dependence. Against the background of first possible cases of “Krokodil” use in Western Europe, it appears advisable to provide information regarding the fatal consequences of “Krokodil.”     

Demographic Trends of Adults in New York City Opioid Treatment Programs—An Aging Population

Background: The population of adults accessing opioid treatment is growing older, but exact estimates vary widely, and little is known about the characteristics of the aging treatment population. Further, there has been little research regarding the epidemiology, healt h status, and functional impairments in this population. Objectives: To determine the utilization of opioid treatment services by older adults in New York City. Methods: This study used administrative data from New York State licensed drug treatment programs to examine overall age trends and characteristics of older adults in opioid treatment programs in New York City from 1996 to 2012. Results: We found significant increases in utilization of opioid treatment programs by older adults in New York City. By 2012, those aged 50–59 made up the largest age group in opioid treatment programs. Among older adults there were notable shifts in demographic background including gender and ethnicity, and an increase in self-reported impairments. Conclusions/Importance: More research is needed to fully understand the specific characteristics and needs of older adults with opioid dependence.     

The Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Measure of Perceived Stigma Toward Substance Users

A self-report measure of perceived stigma toward substance users was developed and studied. An initial measure was created based on a previously developed scale that was rated by experts for content validity and quality of items. The scale, along with other measures, was administered to 252 people in treatment for substance problems in the United States during 2006–2007. Refinement efforts resulted in an eight-item scale with good face validity, construct validity, and adequate levels of internal consistency. Most relationships with other constructs were as expected. Findings suggest that perceived stigma is distinct from other forms of stigma.     

Gender Differences in Drug Misuse and Related Problem Behaviors among Arrestees in the UK

Traditionally, the addiction literature has focused on male drug users and less attention has been given to female users. More recently, research investigating gender differences in drug use and associated problem behaviors has emerged. This article contributes to the growing research base by drawing on data collected from structured interviews with 2,682 male and 453 female arrestees conducted as part of the New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (1999–2002) program. Clear gender differences in drug use and associated behaviors are identified. Women were found to be more serious drug users and to experience more associated problems than men. The research and policy implications of the research are discussed and the study's limitations are noted.     

Benzodiazepine Dependence in Singapore

The study, conducted in 2003–2005, was aimed at investigating the pattern of benzodiazepine (BZD) use and the attitudes and perceptions of doctors' prescribing practices by a hundred BZD-dependent patients in Singapore. Data on patients' demographic characteristics, psychiatric profiles, patterns of BZD use, and perceptions about doctors' prescribing practices were collected. A benzodiazepine dependence self-report questionnaire (Bendep-SRQ) was also administered. The mean age of the study participants was 39.4 years (SD = 9.7); 88% were Chinese, 58% were males, 46% were married, 48% had received secondary school education, and 48% were unemployed. BZD abuse in Singapore is contributed to by both doctor-shopping behavior and doctors' prescribing practices. Doctors need training on the assessment and management of BZD dependence. The study's limitations were noted. This project was supported by an institutional block grant received from the National Medical Research Council, Singapore.     

The Impact of Managed Care on Drug-Dependent Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Their Children

In the shift from fee-for-service (FFS) to managed care (MC), many drug user treatment programs have eliminated all but basic services, lessening short-term costs without considering long-term consequences. This study explored maternal and infant outcomes at an urban drug user treatment center for pregnant drug-dependent women under FFS (1995) vs. MC (2000) service periods. The two groups had similar birth parameters, but the MC group had more fetal and infant deaths, decreased immunization rates, and greater incidences of social services intervention. While these data are correlational and need to be interpreted with caution, they suggest poorer outcomes for drug-exposed children under MC and invite further study of short- and long-term consequences of such change.     

Comparison of Substance Use Milestones in Cannabis- and Cocaine-Dependent Patients

Objectives: To compare the progression of substance use milestones between cocaine- and cannabis-dependent patients. Methods: Using data gathered from two separate clinical studies for treatment of cocaine dependence and cannabis dependence, 130 cannabis-dependent and 112 cocaine-dependent individuals were compared on milestones related to their substance use. Results: In cannabis- vs. cocaine-dependent patients, the mean age of first use, regular use and first treatment contact differed significantly. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for other measured milestones. Conclusions: These results differ from most epidemiologic studies that suggest cocaine users progress more rapidly to regular use and treatment contact.     

The Influence of Medical Student Gender and Drug Use on the Detection of Addiction in Patients

Little is known about medical students’ interest in their training on drug addiction, their personal experience of consumption, and whether these aspects influence the detection of addiction in patients. Eighty-eight and one half percent considered that drug dependence issues are important to their professional future. The students report consuming alcohol (69%), cigarettes (19.5%), and illegal drugs (15.8%). Female students consumed fewer illegal drugs than the men (p =.022). Male students consumed more illegal drugs more frequently (p =.005), knew more consumers (p =.023), and those who drink alcohol consumed more illegal drugs than women who drink alcohol (p <.005). Drug and alcohol consumption among medical students may serve to normalize consumption and thus, may prevent the detection of addicts. It is important to educate and raise awareness about drugs and alcohol use, as this may influence detection. The focus should be particularly on the male group.     

Patterns of Inattentive and Hyperactive Symptomatology in Cocaine-Addicted and Non-Cocaine-Addicted Smokers Diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Despite a robust relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cigarette smoking, as well as increased prevalence of other substance use disorders in these individuals, little is known about the particular patterns of ADHD symptomatology associated with different forms of drug abuse. The present study compared ADHD adults with and without cocaine dependence (COCDEP) on severity of ADHD symptomatology. Groups did not differ in smoking rate or degree of nicotine dependence. COCDEP ADHD smokers reported significantly more childhood and adult hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, and a higher number of symptoms overall, during adulthood, even after controlling for group differences in age and sex. Our finding of a more severe adult ADHD symptom profile among ADHD smokers with cocaine dependence, accounted for by elevated hyperactive/impulsive but not inattentive features, suggests that cocaine use in smokers with ADHD may be driven by excesses in hyperactivity. These findings have important implications for research, since similarities and differences in patterns and severity of ADHD symptomatology may shed light on drug-specific mechanisms. Our results may also point to improved approaches for treatment of substance abuse based on attention to patterns of ADHD symptomatology specific to different drugs.