MedWorm: Addiction

HI everyone... new to forum

Suboxone Forum — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0100

Author: Matt2 Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:30 pm actually Euph the majority of diabetics (90% according to several sources I checked) are type II ....meaning that the majority could more than likely manage their disease with change of diet, exercise, losing weight, etc... Let's say addiction isn't a disease, just to for the sake of argument What you're saying Euph, "unless my elementary schools teachers didn't do their jobs in teaching me reading and comprehension.... it seems pretty clear that" you think addicts have a healthy normal thought process that isn't diseased. The problem with this argument is that no one in their right mind would choose to give up their relationships with loved ones, risk losing custody of the...

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New estimates predict that between 3.4-3.5 million children live with at least one binge-drinking parent

Action on Addiction — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:10:03 +0100

A new piece of research launched today shows that the number of children living with substance misusing parents is greater than previously thought (Source: Action on Addiction)

Brain Functions That Can Prevent Relapse Improve After A Year Of Methamphetamine Abstinence

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

In a study published online by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, UC Davis researchers report that it takes at least a year for former methamphetamine users to regain impulse control. The results tell recovering substance abusers, their families and drug-treatment specialists that it can take an extended period of time for the brain functions critical to recovery to improve. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Figures Highlight Hidden Human Cost Of Alcohol Misuse In Scotland

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Commenting on new figures published yesterday which show that one in 20 deaths are attributable to alcohol, Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: "These figures highlight the true hidden human cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland. Today's figures are from 2003 and show a shocking death toll caused by a drinking culture that is out of control. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA Scotland Chairman Urges MSPs Not To Play Politics With Public Health

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Speaking at the Annual Conference of the British Medical Association (BMA), Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA Scotland urged MSPs to put party politics aside and stand together to improve health. He also underlined the need for legislation on the price of alcohol as an effective measure to tackle Scotland's drink problem. He said: "Scotland's health is improving, but too slowly. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

μ-Opioid receptor-stimulated synthesis of reactive o

Suboxone Forum — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:20:00 +0100

Author: Euphemism Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:20 am Fascinating. I would have guessed that. The secret to addiction is finally revealed! (Source: Suboxone Forum)

PPIs May Induce Reflux Symptoms & Become Addictive

About Heartburn / Acid Reflux — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

According to a new study, published in the Journal of Gastroenterology, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can become addictive, and mya even induce the symptoms that they were designed to treat. Christina... (Source: About Heartburn / Acid Reflux)

[Letters to the Editor] Analysis of Mechanisms Underlying Depressive and Addictive Comorbid Disorders in Adolescents Should Not Ignore Nicotine Use and Dependence

Am J Psychiatry — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Am J Psychiatry)

I stopped!!!!!!

Suboxone Forum — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:04:00 +0100

Author: angelo212 Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:04 pm Dude, that was a real deep message. You can tell your maturity because of your unselfish way at the end of your message you gave everyone your blessings and wished them the same good fortune you are having. I don't know how any one lives through what you ate but you did it. I'm happy for you and especially your parents. It must be the most painful think to bury your child. Whatever your doing is working so keep doing it and take the doctors advice of being put back on the subs if you need to. The addict in us may say let me get a fast run in for maybe 2 weeks then I'll go on the subs. The think is you might not make it back on the subs. Alot can happen in a 2 week run. Your let...

Michael Jackson Death Probe Focuses on Prescription Drugs

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:02:12 +0100

Officials investigating the death of music icon Michael Jackson are looking at the King of Pop's past struggles with prescription-drug addiction to help determine if his death was due to an overdose. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

BALKANS: Church Hands Out Shock Treatment

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:10:48 +0100

BELGRADE, Jun 30 (IPS) - The torture of drug addicts who had turned to the Serbian Orthodox Church for help has sent shock waves across the country. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Discovery may provide new treatments for alcohol dependence

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Gothenburg) Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have discovered a new brain mechanism involved in alcohol addiction involving the stomach hormone ghrelin. When ghrelin's actions in the brain are blocked, alcohol's effects on the reward system are reduced. It is an important discovery that could lead to new therapies for addictions such as alcohol dependence. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Issues in Long-term Opioid Therapy: Unmet Needs, Risks, and Solutions

Mayo Clinic Proceedings — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Both chronic pain and prescription opioid abuse are prevalent and exact a high toll on patients, physicians, and society. Health care professionals must balance aggressive treatment of chronic pain with the need to minimize the risks of opioid abuse, misuse, and diversion. A thorough, ongoing assessment can help fashion a multimodal therapeutic plan, stratify patients by risk, and identify those who may exhibit aberrant behaviors after receiving opioid therapy. Appropriate safeguards (eg, urine drug screens, pill counts) may be used when necessary. Because not all aberrant behaviors have the same origins or implications, physicians must consider a differential diagnosis and tailor therapy accordingly. Opioid formulations designed to deter and resist abuse are currently in late-stage clinic...

Chemical Dependency and the Physician

Mayo Clinic Proceedings — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Although the nature and scope of addictive disease are commonly reported in the lay press, the problem of physician addiction has largely escaped the public's attention. This is not due to physician immunity from the problem, because physicians have been shown to have addiction at a rate similar to or higher than that of the general population. Additionally, physicians' addictive disease (when compared with the general public) is typically advanced before identification and intervention. This delay in diagnosis relates to physicians' tendency to protect their workplace performance and image well beyond the time when their life outside of work has deteriorated and become chaotic. We provide an overview of the scope and risks of physician addiction, the challenges of recognition and interven...

[Book reviews] The Globalisation of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)

Obama Says His Nicotine Addiction is '95 Percent Cured'

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:05:39 +0100

President Barack Obama told reporters that while he is almost totally over his smoking addiction, quitting remains a constant struggle. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

WATCH: Did Michael Jackson Battle Addiction?

ABC News: Health — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:38:20 +0100

(Source: ABC News: Health)

MIDEAST: Lest We Don't Forget

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:11:58 +0100

GAZA CITY, Jun 29 (IPS) - They are little white, yellow or green pills and are available almost anywhere. At the pharmacies or in the market, they are accessible, addictive and cheap. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

APhA Publishes Reference On Drugs And Substances Of Abuse

Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) will publish in mid-July the second edition of Pagliaros' Comprehensive Guide to Drugs and Substances of Abuse. Written by veteran authors Louis A. (Source: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today)

AMA: Further Support For Prevention Needed, Australia

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The AMA has written to Federal MPs and Senators urging them to support a number of key policy measures to reduce preventable health problems linked to excessive alcohol use, obesity and smoking. The AMA has taken this step in anticipation of the blueprint for national prevention that the National Preventative Health Taskforce will soon provide to Health Minister Nicola Roxon. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

The Site For Alcohol's Action In The Brain

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Alcohol's inebriating effects are familiar to everyone. But the molecular details of alcohol's impact on brain activity remain a mystery. A new study by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies brings us closer to understanding how alcohol alters the way brain cells work. (Source: Epilepsy News From Medical News Today)

Drug Tolerance, Central to Addiction, Responds to Learned Cues

About.com Mental Health — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

New studies reveal that a learned compensatory response can trigger "drug tolerance," a physiological process central to addiction. Drug tolerance makes people need more and more drug to get the same effect, whether pain relief or a "high." (J. of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, Jul-2002) (Source: About.com Mental Health)

[Columns] Alcohol & Drug Abuse: What Is "Women-Focused" Treatment for Substance Use Disorders?

Psychiatr Serv — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Over the past three decades research has highlighted gender differences in substance use disorders and substance abuse treatment participation. Programs devoted to addressing women's treatment needs, broadly encompassed in the term "women-focused treatment," have multiplied. This column examines the rationale for women-focused treatment and describes some of its components. The authors cite the need to evaluate women-focused treatment by developing validated measures of the processes embodied in such treatment and by conducting empirically sound research on clinical outcomes, treatment effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and the optimal means of providing services to women with substance use disorders. (Source: Psychiatr Serv)

[News & Notes] Annual Government Spending on Substance Abuse and Addiction Nears a Half Trillion Dollars

Psychiatr Serv — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychiatr Serv)

[News & Notes] IOM Calls for Stronger Protections Against Conflicts of Interest in Research, Education, and Practice

Psychiatr Serv — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychiatr Serv)

[News & Notes] News Briefs

Psychiatr Serv — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Psychiatr Serv)

Estimating Person--Environment Transactions on Intention to Change Drug-Using Behaviors

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examined the influence of social context referents on intention to change drug using behavior, and examined moderating effects of three contextual indicators (labor market attachment, educational attainment, and family poverty status) on these relationships. The study sample consisted of 302 adults in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, who completed a set of instruments that included the Ecological Assessment of Substance Abuse Experiences (EASE), a new instrument designed to measure the influence of social context referents on addiction and recovery attachment processes. Results showed that all three contextual indicators moderated relationships among social context referenced attitudes, drug use concern, and intention to change drug using behaviors....

Why junk food really is addictive

Telegraph Health — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:23:39 +0100

Ice cream and chocolate bars are addictive because the mix of ingredients in them activates our "bliss point" according to Professor David Kessler a leading scientist. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Suboxone Clinical Trials, Possible Free Treatment

Suboxone Forum — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:20:00 +0100

Author: RosewoodAPBT Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:20 pm Wow, thanks so much for posting this info! Now I have a question... I was given some info on a trial that is being conducted in Sacramento, CA. I called and spoke with the gentleman about getting signed up for the program (since I'm not working and don't have insurance, hence, no means to get the suboxone) but he told me that I had to have proof of addiciton. This would either mean needle marks (which I DO NOT have since I take oxy's) or I would need to have proof of prescriptions from multiple doctors. Well, I don't have that either! Since I don't have insurance, I have just been buying mine off the street. I really want to get on this free program, but I don't know how to go ab...

Stealing a march in the 21st century: accelerating progress in the 100-year war against tobacco addiction in the United States.

American Journal of Public Health — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:17:01 +0100

We describe factors that have contributed to progress over the last 50 years and identify policy and other initiatives that can contribute to the elimination of tobacco use in the United States. PMID: 19443815 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Public Health)

[Methadone treatment and its dangers]

Medicina (Kaunas) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:39:03 +0100

Authors: Reingardiene D, Jodziūniene L, Lazauskas R Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid with high affinity for various opioid receptors, especially for m-opioid receptors. Methadone has been used as a successful pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of heroin dependence and acute and chronic pain. This treatment is effective for opiate addiction, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with heroin use. However, overdosing with methadone has become a growing phenomenon because of the increased availability of this drug. Patients enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program may become physically dependent and may experience methadone withdrawal symptoms. In this review article, there are discussed about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of m...

Cerebellum and nonmotor function.

Annual Review of Neuroscience — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:20:03 +0100

Authors: Strick PL, Dum RP, Fiez JA Does the cerebellum influence nonmotor behavior? Recent anatomical studies demonstrate that the output of the cerebellum targets multiple nonmotor areas in the prefrontal and posterior parietal cortex, as well as the cortical motor areas. The projections to different cortical areas originate from distinct output channels within the cerebellar nuclei. The cerebral cortical area that is the main target of each output channel is a major source of input to the channel. Thus, a closed-loop circuit represents the major architectural unit of cerebro-cerebellar interactions. The outputs of these loops provide the cerebellum with the anatomical substrate to influence the control of movement and cognition. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological data supply compel...

just put my teen daughter on Suboxone...need help PLEASE

Suboxone Forum — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:37:00 +0100

Author: slm3 Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 6:37 pm Hi momof teen. I almost want to say that I know how you feel because I put myself in that position on an almost daily basis. I have been an addict my whole adult life, I'm 33 now. The last 6 yrs. I have been a slave to the opiates. I have dragged 3 children through it with me. My oldest 2 are 11 and 10 and the youngest is 3. The oldest 2 have lived with my mom the whole time but the baby has been with me and his dad through it all. I would say that they have had it the worst because the baby doesn't know any different. They have no idea why their lives changed so dramatically why their mom isn't around for them on a daily basis. I have been clean for 6 months and all I can think about is...

Strain differences between Lewis and Fischer 344 rats in the modulation of dopaminergic receptors after morphine self-administration and during extinction.

Neuropharmacology — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:19:40 +0100

Authors: Sánchez-Cardoso P, Higuera-Matas A, Martín S, Miguéns M, Del Olmo N, García-Lecumberri C, Ambrosio E The Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rat strains have been used as a model to study genetic vulnerability to drug addiction and they differ in their dopaminergic systems. We have studied the variation in the D1-like and D2-like receptors in distinct brain regions of LEW and F344 rats that self-administered morphine (1 mg/kg) for 15 days and also after different extinction periods (3, 7 and 15 days). Under basal conditions, binding to D1-like receptors in the olfactory tubercle and substantia nigra, and to D2-like receptors in the Pyriform cortex and hippocampal-CA1 was lower in LEW rats than in F344 rats. Conversely, the LEW rats exhibited stronger D2-like...

Proteomic analysis of the nucleus accumbens of rats with different vulnerability to cocaine addiction.

Neuropharmacology — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:19:36 +0100

Authors: del Castillo C, Morales L, Alguacil LF, Salas E, Garrido E, Alonso E, Pérez-García C Vulnerability to the addictive effects of drugs of abuse varies among individuals, but the biological basis of these differences are poorly known. This work tries to increase this knowledge by comparing the brain proteome of animals with different rate of extinction of cocaine-seeking behaviour. To achieve this goal, we used a place-preference paradigm to separate Sprague Dawley rats in two groups: rats that extinguished (E) and rats that did not extinguish (NE) cocaine-seeking behaviour after a five-day period of drug abstinence. Once the phenotype was established, we compared the protein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) of these animals after a single injection of either s...

The high prevalence of substance use disorders among recent MDMA users compared with other drug users: Implications for intervention.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:46:24 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Seven out of ten recent MDMA users report experiencing an SUD in the past year. Adults who have recently used MDMA should be screened for possible SUDs to ensure early detection and treatment. PMID: 19361931 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Use of tobacco products among rural older adults: prevalence of ever use and cumulative lifetime use.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:46:22 +0100

Authors: Bell RA, Arcury TA, Chen H, Anderson AM, Savoca MR, Kohrman T, Quandt SA Tobacco use is a well-documented contributor to morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide. Information on the comprehensive use of tobacco products is lacking, particularly smokeless tobacco in its various forms. Data from 635 older (>/=60 years) African American, American Indian and White adults in rural North Carolina were analyzed to assess current and lifetime use of cigarettes, cigars, pipe, snuff and chewing tobacco. Participants were classified as being current, former or never users of each product. Lifetime use of each product was determined by asking about typical intensity of use per day and length of time the product has been used. About 70% of participants were current or former user...

Mental health and rape history in relation to non-medical use of prescription drugs in a national sample of women.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:46:11 +0100

Authors: McCauley JL, Amstadter AB, Danielson CK, Ruggiero KJ, Kilpatrick DG, Resnick HS The current study examined prevalence and correlates of non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), with particular emphasis on lifetime history of rape and PTSD as risk associates. Interviews conducted via telephone using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing technology, resulting in a nationally representative sample of 3001 non-institutionalized, civilian, English or Spanish speaking women (aged 18-86 years) residing in households with a telephone. Demographic characteristics, rape history, general health/mental health, and substance abuse variables were assessed. NMUPD was assessed by asking if, in the past year, participants had misused a prescription drug. Multivariable logistic regress...

Predictors of alcohol use prior to deployment in National Guard Soldiers.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:46:09 +0100

This study examined the relative contribution of these factors in predicting drinking among National Guard soldiers prior to deployment to a combat zone. Members of a National Guard Brigade Combat Team (N=515) completed questionnaires assessing drinking behaviors in the past year (frequency, quantity, binge, and total drinking), as well as demographic, personality, and mental health variables. As a group, demographic and personality variables significantly predicted all drinking outcomes. Negative emotionality and disconstraint were independent predictors of all drinking variables. Younger age predicted higher quantity of drinking, while being unmarried predicted greater total drinking and higher frequency of binge drinking. Once the influence of personality variables were accounted for, m...

Brief screens for detecting alcohol use disorder among 18-20 year old young adults in emergency departments: Comparing AUDIT-C, CRAFFT, RAPS4-QF, FAST, RUFT-Cut, and DSM-IV 2-Item Scale.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:50 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Two items from the DSM-IV criteria for AUD performed best for identifying ED-treated older adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The FAST and AUDIT-C performed well, but are longer and more difficult to score in the hectic environment of the Emergency Department. PMID: 19398161 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids among young polydrug users in Ohio.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:42 +0100

This study, conducted in Columbus, Ohio, identified the predictors of current (past 30 day) illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids among young individuals (n=402) with a history of MDMA/ecstasy use who were recruited in 2002-2003 using respondent-driven sampling. To be eligible, participants had to be 18-30 years old, not involved in a drug abuse treatment, and report MDMA/ecstasy use at least once in the past 6 months. About 81% reported lifetime, and more than 31% reported current illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids. Logistic regression analysis revealed that illicit use of pharmaceutical tranquilizers and pharmaceutical stimulants were the strongest predictors of illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids. Risk of pharmaceutical opioid use was also greater among those who had higher levels ...

A Quick Drinking Screen for identifying women at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:29 +0100

Authors: Dum M, Sobell LC, Sobell MB, Heinecke N, Voluse A, Johnson K Two previous studies comparing the Quick Drinking Screen (QDS) with the Timeline Followback (TLFB) found that these two instruments yielded similar reports of alcohol use for clinical and nonclinical populations of problem drinkers. The current study evaluated the correspondence between these two drinking measures with women at risk of an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy (AEP). Participants were 355 women who voluntarily participated in a research study during 2005 through 2007 designed to prevent AEPs. All women were screened by phone for eligibility using the QDS and approximately 2 weeks later completed a 3-month TLFB by mail. Results of this study, analyzed in 2008, paralleled previous studies showing that the QDS and t...

Patterns of cortisol and craving by menstrual phase in women attempting to quit smoking.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:27 +0100

This study describes the relationship between craving and cortisol concentrations by menstrual phase during ad libitum smoking and investigates the impact of this relationship on time to relapse. Five assessments of cortisol concentrations and craving levels were collected the day before smoking cessation in female smokers (n=38) during either the follicular (n=21; F) or luteal (n=17; L) phase. Craving at wake-up was significantly greater in the F phase than the L phase (2.5+/-1.9 vs. 1.1+/-1.4; p=0.018; respectively). Decreased levels of morning cortisol concentrations and a greater decline from morning to the nadir levels in cortisol were associated with increased craving at bedtime in the L (r=-0.68, p=0.002; r=-0.67, p=0.003; respectively), but not in the F phase. Craving at wake-up wa...

Troubled parents, motivated adolescents: predicting motivation to change substance use among runaways.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:24 +0100

In this study, predictors of motivation for changing substance use were examined among 140 shelter-recruited adolescents and their parents/primary caretakers. Several findings were noteworthy. A perceived negative family environment increased parents' and adolescents' depressive symptoms, which increased adolescent's motivation to change. Also, greater severity of adolescent substance use predicted higher motivation to change. Consideration of the family environment and parent problems when addressing motivation for changing substance use among these adolescents might be important foci for motivational interventions and future research. PMID: 19411144 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Depressive symptoms predict smoking status among pregnant women.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:22 +0100

Authors: Linares Scott TJ, Heil SH, Higgins ST, Badger GJ, Bernstein IM The current study assessed self-reported psychopathology in women who spontaneously quit or continued smoking after learning that they are pregnant and examined whether any potential differences remained after control for confounding variables. All participants (77 smokers and 50 spontaneous quitters) completed 3 assessments of psychological functioning prior to enrollment in either smoking cessation or relapse prevention studies. Assessments included the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI); the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); and the Adult Self-Report (ASR). Smokers and spontaneous quitters differed on sociodemographic and smoking characteristics. In terms of psychological functioning, smokers reported significantly mo...

Multiple trajectories of peer and parental influence and their association with the development of adolescent heavy drinking.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:19 +0100

Authors: Martino SC, Ellickson PL, McCaffrey DF PMID: 19423232 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Testing gender effects on the mechanisms explaining the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and substance use frequency.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:17 +0100

Authors: Bornovalova MA, Ouimette P, Crawford AV, Levy R The present study examines gender differences in the mechanisms that explain the association between PTSD symptoms and substance use frequency in a sample of 182 urban substance users. Specifically, the current study examined gender differences in the role of two potential explanatory variables, namely, difficulties controlling impulsive behavior when distressed (IMP), and a lack of emotional awareness and clarity (AW/CLAR). Multiple-group path modeling (across males and females) was used to examine gender differences in the path coefficients from PTSD symptoms to IMP and AW/CLAR, and from these latter variables to drug use frequency. Results indicated that PTSD symptoms were associated with IMP and AW/CLAR, and these path coeffi...

Smoking trajectories, health, and mortality across the adult lifespan.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:14 +0100

This study extends research on the association between smoking behavior and chronic disease by following a cohort from the time of initiation of regular smoking patterns into old age and by examining the association of lifetime smoking trajectories with chronic disease and mortality. Participants consisted of 232 males selected from the Harvard classes of 1942-1944 and followed biennially through 2003. Five distinct smoking trajectories were identified based on the age at which participants quit daily smoking. Participants following smoking trajectories with later cessation had a higher likelihood of developing lung disease and lived shorter lives than those who quit smoking at an earlier age. This study confirms that the earlier a smoker quits, the greater the health benefits, and that th...

Does readiness to change predict subsequent alcohol consumption in medical inpatients with unhealthy alcohol use?

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:11 +0100

Authors: Bertholet N, Cheng DM, Palfai TP, Samet JH, Saitz R We studied whether readiness to change predicts alcohol consumption (drinks per day) 3 months later in 267 medical inpatients with unhealthy alcohol use. We used 3 readiness to change measures: a 1 to 10 visual analog scale (VAS) and two factors of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale: Perception of Problems (PP) and Taking Action (TA). Subjects with the highest level of VAS-measured readiness consumed significantly fewer drinks 3 months later [Incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57 (0.36, 0.91) highest vs. lowest tertile]. Greater PP was associated with more drinking [IRR (95%CI): 1.94 (1.02, 3.68) third vs. lowest quartile]. Greater TA scores were associated with less drink...

Psychometric properties of the Peer Proficiency Assessment (PEPA): a tool for evaluation of undergraduate peer counselors' motivational interviewing fidelity.

Addictive Behaviors — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:45:08 +0100

Authors: Mastroleo NR, Mallett KA, Turrisi R, Ray AE Despite the expanding use of undergraduate student peer counseling interventions aimed at reducing college student drinking, few programs evaluate peer counselors' competency to conduct these interventions. The present research describes the development and psychometric assessments of the Peer Proficiency Assessment (PEPA), a new tool for examining Motivational Interviewing adherence in undergraduate student peer delivered interventions. Twenty peer delivered sessions were evaluated by master and undergraduate student coders using a cross-validation design to examine peer based alcohol intervention sessions. Assessments revealed high inter-rater reliability between student and master coders and good correlations between previously es...