Browsing by Subject "Substance abuse"
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Item A Report with Recommendations Concerning Chemical Abuse and Chemical-Dependent People(Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), 1992) Downey, DeanItem Attachment style in adult male substance abusers: psychiatric symptomatology, treatment compliance, and life adjustment(Texas Tech University, 1995-12) Gardner, Scott P.Historically, attachment theory has been used to explain differences in the way children "bond" with their primary caregiver. This bond becomes a lens through which a child looks to interact in relationships throughout his/her life. This dissertation addresses adult attachment style in adult male substance abusers and focuses on four areas affected by attachment style: the effect of attachment style on areas of life adjustment, the relation between attachment style and psychopathology, the relation between attachment style and psychopathology treatment outcomes, and the occurrence of various attachment styles in this diverse chemically dependent population. Measures included MMPI-2 clinical and personality disorder scale scores, scores on the three dimension of the Adult Attachment Scale (closeness, dependency, anxiety), staff ratings of treatment adjustment and predicted post-treatment adjustment, and a rating of prior life adjustment. The results suggest that attachment style does help explain differences in life adjustment above and beyond that explained by a composite MMPI-2 scale score (Scale A-Anxiety and Scale 7-Psychasthenia). The results further suggest that those with an insecure attachment style report fewer problems and psychological symptoms. Lastly, higher rates of avoidant attachment styles (46%) and lower rates of preoccupied attachment styles (11%) were found in this chemically dependent sample than are found in nonclinical samples. Implications for treatment and directions for future research are addressed.Item Childhood trauma and subsequent substance abuse: correlation and possible insulating factors(Texas Tech University, 1996-08) Plescia, Gary S.The substantial economic, health and social costs of substance abuse have demanded that national mental health and research efforts address this pervasive problem. Much research has focused on prevention and etiology, with an emphasis on vulnerability to substance abuse as a primary concern. Studies of vulnerability to substance abuse are primarily directed toward identifying individuals at risk for developing abuse patterns based on genetic and familial-psychological factors. In particular, many studies have investigated the subject's family history of substance abuse, affectivity, and arousal as risk factors in later addiction. These studies are not conclusive, and results suggest that other unidentified environmental variables must affect on the likelihood of substance abuse occurring. Additionally, much research suggests that insulating factors may significantly preserve an individual's mental health, regardless of childhood experiences. The results of these research efforts suggest that not only might childhood trauma increase "at risk" behavior, but that other environmental factors, such as insulating experiences, might reduce the patterns of addictive behaviors. Nevertheless, little attention has been focused on determining stressors which precede the development of substance abuse.Item Estimation of costs for emergency department and hospital inpatient care in patients with opioid abuse-related diagnoses(2011-12) Chandwani, Hitesh Suresh; Strassels, Scott A.The economic burden of prescription opioid abuse is believed to be substantial, however it is not known whether total and per-event hospital (ED and inpatient) costs associated with opioid abuse or misuse differ by insurance status. We also wanted identify predictors of charges. We used the 2006, 2007, and 2008 files of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Emergency Departments Sample (HCUP-NEDS) to identify events and charges assigned opioid abuse, dependence, or poisoning ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes (304.0X, 304.7X, 305.5X, 965.00, 965.02, 965.09). Using methods to account for the sampling design of the NEDS, we estimated national total and mean charges -- overall and by insurance status (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or self-payment). Charges were adjusted using the 2010 Medical Consumer Price Hospital Services index. We used a log-linked gamma regression model to assess potential predictors of charges. The number of opioid abuse-related events was 515,896; 506,837; and 564,559 for 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. Approximately 55% visits in each year resulted in inpatient admissions. Total charges billed for opioid abuse-related events were US$9.8; 9.6; and 9.5 billion for 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. Medicaid patients had the highest charges in each years followed by Medicare patients. Approximately 93% of total charges were due to subsequent inpatient admission. Overall unadjusted mean charges were $20,651; $20,373; and $18,384 for 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. Compared to events paid for by private insurance, Medicaid-covered events had significantly higher mean charges, and self-paid events had significantly lower charges (p < 0.001 for each year). Inpatient admissions resulted in significantly higher mean charges compared to treat-and-release ED visits (p < 0.001 for each year). We found similar results after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors. Age, number of diagnoses, inpatient admission, presence of cardiac tissue disorders, respiratory infections or failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and acute pancreatitis were significantly positively associated with total charges billed (p < 0.001 for all). This study helps in determining differences in hospital costs of opioid abusers by insurance status and in identifying potential predictors of such costs, resulting in better understanding the economic burden of opioid abuse on the healthcare system.Item An evaluation of spirituality and substance use : definitions, measures, and research(2010-12) Abadia, Vanessa Bianca; Schallert, Diane L.; Shorkey, Clayton T.The focus of this report is on exploring and clarifying research in the areas of spirituality and substance abuse. In terms of their definitions, these constructs, spirituality and religiosity, have been the subject of debate among researchers. The measurement of spirituality/religiosity and substance abuse has been inconsistent from study to study. Conflicting results are reported in the research evaluating the relationship between spirituality/religiosity and substance abuse, and in intervention studies that have employed treatment methods such as meditation and prayer. However, studies comparing spiritual interventions have yet to be conducted. In this report I review and critique the literature and provide guidelines for future research.Item A proposal for a compassion based recovery program for chemical dependence(2012-12) Silva, Joseph Anthony; Schallert, Diane L.; Neff, KristinThis report is a proposal for a compassion based recovery program for the treatment of chemical dependence. Chemical dependency is a growing problem with many individuals and families worldwide. Mindfulness and self-compassion are two new constructs in the new wave of positive psychology that have shown to be effective in alleviating many of the symptoms that are related to those whom are chemically dependent This report will list the current approaches to the treatment of chemical dependency. This report will also define mindfulness and self-compassion as well as give a basic framework on how a compassion-based recovery program might look as well as a basic design on testing the effectiveness of such a program.Item Special education teachers’ perceptions of substance abuse issues and related classroom pedagogy : a national survey(2010-12) Ndande, Mary Wanjiku; Vaughn, Sharon, 1952-; Velasquez, Mary; Bryant, Diane; Rieth, Herb; Svinicki, MarillaThis study employed a survey design. 5,000 special education teachers were sampled across the nation to determine their perceptions of knowledge of substance abuse, and instructional and behavioral management skills to address students with disabilities who are abusing substances. The following research questions were addressed: (a) What are special education teachers’ perceptions of substance abuse intake among their students; (b) What are special education teachers’ perceptions of their knowledge of different substance abuse areas; (c) What are special education teachers’ perceptions of their classroom knowledge in addressing instructional and behavioral management issues of special education students abusing substances; (d) Are there differences in the teachers’ perceptions of their substance abuse knowledge and related classroom pedagogy skills across: (i) school levels kindergarten/elementary, middle, high school), (ii) school locations (rural, urban, suburban), and (iii) teacher disability assignment (as determined by their students’ primary disability). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) repeated measures, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that although special educators perceive their students abuse substances, they think it is only by a small percentage of students. Significant differences were noted in the teachers’ perception of knowledge in the six substance abuse areas assessed. Significant differences of the teachers’ perceptions of knowledge were also noted across school locations and teacher disability assignments. Future studies should focus on conducting more extensive research in this limited area of study.Item The Effect of the Brain Disease Model of Addiction on Juror Perceptions of Culpability(2017-04-17) Figueroa, Mia Marsala; Henderson, Craig E.; Varela, Jorge; Desforges, DonnaThe role of the brain in drug and alcohol abuse has become an increasingly studied variable in the development of addiction. Regardless of the extensive research base supporting the perspective of addiction as a chronic relapsing disease of the brain, practitioners, the general public, and the criminal justice system alike only display partial support for this model. Research on endorsement of the brain disease model (BDM) of addiction is variable; however, several studies have reflected complete or partial participant acceptance of the BDM. Simultaneously, these same participants lack empathetic responses towards substance using individuals, often maintaining the belief addiction is a decision. Of particular interest is the effect this differentiation of the BDM and empathy has on perceptions of criminal culpability. The present study sought to examine the effect that expert testimony provided on the BDM had on assigned sentence lengths by mock jury members. Participants randomly assigned to an experimental group read a mock court transcript, either with expert testimony on the BDM or without, and then assigned a sentence length for the offender, ranging from six months to two years. It was hypothesized that the results would reflect a mitigating effect of the BDM in the condition in which it is provided on sentencing lengths, resulting in significantly shorter sentences for mock jurors exposed to the expert testimony. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between control and experimental groups, suggesting that mock jurors do not take contextual information into consideration when sentencing an offender on trial for drug-related crime.Item The effects of sensory and behavioral substitutes on craving, withdrawal, and laboratory-induced anxiety after smokeless tobacco deprivation(Texas Tech University, 2005-08) Prensky, Eric H.Smokeless or spit tobacco is used by millions of people each year. This extensive use of smokeless tobacco is of concern due to its harmful effects on health including cancers of the mouth and throat. Therefore, smokeless tobacco is a national health problem in need of effective treatment strategies. Although numerous studies have shown that sensory and behavioral substitutes are effective with cigarette smokers, limited research exists in the utility of sensory and behavioral substitutes among individuals who use smokeless tobacco. The present study examined the sensory and behavioral properties of a nicotine-free, herbal smokeless tobacco substitute (BACCOFF™; Ralston, Inc, Selma, AL) and chewing gum among 24 smokeless tobacco users in order to determine the effect these products had on craving for smokeless tobacco, withdrawal symptoms, and laboratory-induced anxiety after ovemight abstinence. Results suggest that general oral stimulation and the relaxing effects of chewing gum may not reduce withdrawal or craving levels after 24 hours of abstinence or in response to a stressor among smokeless tobacco users. However, the smokeless tobacco substitute reduced both craving and withdrawal levels after 24 hours of abstinence compared to a control condition. This suggests that the sensory and behavioral properties specific to the experience of smokeless tobacco (e.g., handling a tin or placing a dip in one's mouth) are important in the reduction of withdrawal levels and craving among smokeless tobacco users.Item A twin study examining the role of multiple traumas in the sexual assault and substance abuse dialectic(2009-08) Rivaux, Stephanie Leigh; DiNitto, Diana M.; Springer, David W.More than 20 million people in the United States have survived a completed or attempted rape in their lifetimes, and approximately 22.5 million people have problematic substance use. The interplay between these two issues is complex: a history of sexual assault predicts substance abuse and, conversely, substance abuse increases sexual assault risk. This secondary analysis of the Virginia Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders data for White female-female twins (n=1,497) examines the role of multiple traumas in the sexual assault/substance abuse association. Structural models were used to examine pathways between child sexual abuse (CSA), other traumas, familial factors, social support, psychiatric disorders, and substance abuse. The models also integrate the ACE twin design to estimate genetic, shared environment, and individual-specific environment contributions to liability for psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. Study findings support an interplay between childhood trauma, development of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, and risks for adult victimization. The findings also support assertions that multiple traumas may increase likelihood for substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, and that these disorders predict risk of adult sexual assault. Across all ACE models, both genetics and common environment produced consistently large estimates of influence on liability for substance abuse. Individual-specific environment played a smaller role but was also often significant, and the pathways from trauma variables to both psychiatric disorders and substance abuse tended to be strong. This supports an interaction between genes and environment/experience in which genetic predisposition, though present, may or may not be activated depending on life experiences. Study findings underscore the need for integrated services for clients with history of multiple traumas and for clients with trauma history and substance abuse or psychiatric disorders.Item Women's Counter Narrative of Redemption(2010-12) Russell, Matthew H.; Bell, Nancy J.; Zvonkovic, Anisa M.; Sharp, Elizabeth A.; Harris, Kitty S.The purpose of this study was to explore how a group of women construct narratives of redemption in their recovery from long-term drug and alcohol abuse. While there has been a great deal of research on addiction, there has been relatively little research on recovery and virtually none that has made direct inquiry into the lived experiences of women. The narratives that constituted this research represented not only a silenced population but also an alternative narrative to the standard redemptive narrative and the cultural discourse that supports it. Understanding how these women developed and articulated this counter narrative can enhance the understanding of human development in general and the ways in which self-identity is negotiated in everyday life. The research was grounded in post-structural, deconstructive and dialogical theoretical perspectives. Five women who had completed a comprehensive residential substance-abuse treatment program at the Santa Maria Hostel and were active at Mercy Street, a church for recovering addicts in Houston Texas, participated. The Santa Maria Hostel serves an ethnically diverse population of women with children and is known to be the “last chance” for many of these women before the penitentiary. The analysis for the project was based on four semi-structured interviews with each of the women. They were encouraged to talk about their life before recovery, what led to their recovery and how they maintain their recovery. The core imperative with the redemptive master narrative necessitates an interpretive framework based upon Victor Frankl’s “tragic optimism” which creates a direct correspondence between wrongs suffered and the redemptive present. Yet these women’s stories did not conform to the prototypical redemptive construct, particularly in terms of how the past was held, languaged and integrated. They employed entirely different strategies which included holding certain segments of their past in a structure of meaninglessness. This is languaged through what is characterized as the poetics of “nevertheless”. Recovery and redemption is constructed in spite of the past; past suffering is not extolled for present redemption. Implications of this counter narrative in terms of the women’s lives, theory, power relations, and alternative social discourse are discussed.