 |
|
State policies influence drug treatment programs
June 25, 2008State policies have a significant impact on the services performed by substance abuse treatment programs, and could play a key role in efforts to expand the use of research-based "comprehensive" treatment approaches, reports a study in the June issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (JSAT).
"The states are uniquely positioned to institute specific policy proscriptions emanating from scientific research in the substance abuse treatment arena, indicating that a comprehensive approach-[is] associated with positive treatment outcomes and reduced recidivism," according to the researchers, led by Jamie F. Chriqui, Ph.D., M.H.S., of University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Chriqui and colleagues gathered data on state policy requirements regarding outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. They focused on state-authorized programs, which make up the vast majority of drug and alcohol abuse programs in the United States. The study included data on more than 9,000 drug treatment programs nationwide.
Nearly all of the programs were in a state with policies requiring some type of assessment for substance abuse treatment programs. However, most were in states that did not mandate the use of comprehensive diagnostic criteria, such as those published by the American Society for Addiction Medicine.
Most programs were in states requiring some type of group and individual counseling or therapy, but not family counseling or therapy. Studies have found that family counseling is an important part of successful substance abuse treatment. Few programs were in states requiring specific types of medical tests. For example, only six percent of programs were required to perform drug or alcohol testing/screening. Most programs were not in states requiring testing for diseases related to substance abuse, such as hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Less than 30 percent of programs were in states requiring relapse-prevention services. Just over 40 percent were required to provide aftercare counseling services.
When the researchers looked at what services the programs actually provided, there was a closer correspondence to research recommendations. Almost all programs performed diagnostic assessment and group and individual therapy, although rates of family counseling were lower. Nearly all programs performed urine screening for drugs and alcohol, but most did not test for substance-abuse related diseases. Most programs did provide relapse-prevention and aftercare services.
When other factors were taken into account, programs in states requiring more comprehensive services were more likely to offer those services. "The results-indicate that state policy requirements governing outpatient substance abuse treatment may have significant public health implications," the researchers write.
In recent years, major federal and other national organizations have urged the states to play a more active role in ensuring access to proven and effective treatments for substance abuse. A growing body of research shows that comprehensive treatment programs, including all of the components evaluated in this study, yield the best outcomes.
State policies could play a central role in improving the quality of substance abuse treatment programs, the new results suggest. Simply doing research on the most effective treatment approaches is not enough-strategies are also needed to ensure that the research-proven approaches find their way into actual treatment practice. "It is crucial for health services researchers to work with policy makers to incorporate best treatment practices into state policy and regulations," Dr. Chriqui and colleagues conclude.
Elsevier
Nearly all of the programs were in a state with policies requiring some type of assessment for substance abuse treatment programs. However, most were in states that did not mandate the use of comprehensive diagnostic criteria, such as those published by the American Society for Addiction Medicine.
Most programs were in states requiring some type of group and individual counseling or therapy, but not family counseling or therapy. Studies have found that family counseling is an important part of successful substance abuse treatment. Few programs were in states requiring specific types of medical tests. For example, only six percent of programs were required to perform drug or alcohol testing/screening. Most programs were not in states requiring testing for diseases related to substance abuse, such as hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Less than 30 percent of programs were in states requiring relapse-prevention services. Just over 40 percent were required to provide aftercare counseling services.
When the researchers looked at what services the programs actually provided, there was a closer correspondence to research recommendations. Almost all programs performed diagnostic assessment and group and individual therapy, although rates of family counseling were lower. Nearly all programs performed urine screening for drugs and alcohol, but most did not test for substance-abuse related diseases. Most programs did provide relapse-prevention and aftercare services.
When other factors were taken into account, programs in states requiring more comprehensive services were more likely to offer those services. "The results-indicate that state policy requirements governing outpatient substance abuse treatment may have significant public health implications," the researchers write.
In recent years, major federal and other national organizations have urged the states to play a more active role in ensuring access to proven and effective treatments for substance abuse. A growing body of research shows that comprehensive treatment programs, including all of the components evaluated in this study, yield the best outcomes.
State policies could play a central role in improving the quality of substance abuse treatment programs, the new results suggest. Simply doing research on the most effective treatment approaches is not enough-strategies are also needed to ensure that the research-proven approaches find their way into actual treatment practice. "It is crucial for health services researchers to work with policy makers to incorporate best treatment practices into state policy and regulations," Dr. Chriqui and colleagues conclude.
Elsevier
Substance Abuse Current Events and Substance Abuse News RSSWhy can't some people give up cocaine?
Drug dependency is a recurrent but treatable kind of addiction. However, not all people who are drug dependent progress in the same way once they stop taking drugs.
Adolescents' gambling a part of a cluster of problem behaviors
Ten percent of young adolescent boys -- or one in 10 -- exhibit a symptom of conduct disorder as well as a symptom of risky or problem gambling, according to new research findings from the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA).
Substance abuse diagnostic test for teens can also predict high risk sexual behavior
Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity; leading to substantial health risks such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted illnesses, drug overdoses and alcohol poisonings.
Study finds partner abuse leads to wide range of health problems
Women abused by intimate partners suffer higher rates of a wide variety of doctor-diagnosed medical maladies compared to women who were never abused, according to a new study of more than 3,000 women.
Nation's leading experts on substance abuse outline new research agenda
With substance abuse now accounting for one in 14 hospital admissions and generating billions in health care costs, leading scientists held a briefing on Capitol Hill today to present the evidence that we already have and the evidence we need in treating and preventing the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Young Adults May Outgrow Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depression, causes severe and unusual shifts in mood and energy, affecting a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. With symptoms often starting in early adulthood, bipolar disorder has been thought of traditionally as a lifelong disorder.
Prison gambling associated with crime, substance abuse when offenders re-enter community: Study
Parolees with a gambling habit may resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when they are released from prison if there are few community supports to help them re-integrate, a University of Alberta study has concluded.
Are the monoamines involved in shaping conduct disorders?
Antisocial and aggressive behaviours represent a widespread and expensive social problem. Recent research has convincingly shown that there is a strong interaction between genetic inheritance and environment for development of personality and behaviour.
Risky sexual behavior among male clients of Tijuana sex workers heightens risk of HIV transmission
A study by a bi-national team of global health researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, examining HIV infection among male clients of female sex workers in Tijuana, has found that over half of male clients had recently had unprotected sex.
PTSD associated with higher Alzheimer's/dementia risk; moderate alcohol consumption may lower it
Though discoveries about Alzheimer's disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer's disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia.
More Substance Abuse Current Events and Substance Abuse News Articles
 |
Substance Abuse: Information for School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors (4th Edition) by Gary L. Fisher (Author), Thomas C. Harrison (Author) Weaving actual clinical examples with solid research, Substance Abuse continues to provide counseling, social work, and other students with a detailed overview of the alcohol and other drug (AOD) field. Now in its Third Edition, this text provides updated coverage and practical clinical examples to reflect the rapid changes in the field of addiction. In a reader-friendly style, the authors present balanced coverage of various treatment models as well as objective discussions of the controversies in the field. The text covers topics spanning the entire field--pharmacology, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, recovery, prevention, children, families, and other addictions--providing students with a broad view of the AOD field as well as the pervasiveness of the problem in all areas of... |
 |
Substance Abuse Treatment and the Stages of Change: Selecting and Planning Interventions (The Guilford Substance Abuse Series) by Gerard J. Connors (Author), Dennis M. Donovan (Author), Carlo C. DiClemente (Author) This volume synthesizes the latest theory and research on the process of addictive behavior change, helping the clinician more effectively conceptualize and address the needs of particular clients. It offers concrete guidance for tailoring interventions to clients with varying levels of motivation or readiness to change, describing what works--and what doesn't work--at different points in the recovery process. All aspects of addictions treatment are covered, from assessment to intervention and relapse management. Practical recommendations are provided for applying the stages-of-change model to clinical work with individuals, groups, couples, and families, and for addressing the special needs of women and dually diagnosed clients. Ideal for practicing clinicians, the book is also an... |
 |
Substance Abuse & Recovery Workbook (The) by John J Liptak (Author), EdD (Author), Ester Leutenberg (Author), Amy Brodsky (Illustrator) The Substance Abuse & Recovery Workbook contains self-assessments, exploratory activities, reflective journaling exercises and educational handouts - all reproducible - to help participants discover their habitual and ineffective methods of managing substance abuse, and to explore new ways for bringing about healing. The book contains five sections that help individuals: Determine the level of their addiction; Examine personality traits that predispose them to various addictions; Measure codependency characteristics; Understand relapse warning signs; Identify excuses they may be using to continue their abuse of substances. Addictions come in many shapes and forms. The assessments and activities help participants deal with a wide variety of addictions including: drug and alcohol,... |
 |
Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It by William R. Miller Phd (Editor), Kathleen M. Carroll Phd (Editor) While knowledge on substance abuse and addictions is expanding rapidly, clinical practice still lags behind. This state-of-the-art book brings together leading experts to describe what treatment and prevention would look like if it were based on the best science available. The volume incorporates developmental, neurobiological, genetic, behavioral, and social-environmental perspectives. Tightly edited chapters summarize current thinking on the nature and causes of alcohol and other drug problems; discuss what works at the individual, family, and societal levels; and offer robust principles for developing more effective treatments and services. |
 |
I Am Your Disease: The Many Faces of Addiction by Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis (Author), Heiko Ganzer (Author) Compelling, provocative stories of Addiction and Loss "Mom, nobody wakes up one day and decides to be an addict." The stories contained in this book are about people from every walk of life, socioeconomic levels, religious and ethnic backgrounds whose lives were intertwined with people who didn't "decide to be an addict." They all share one common bond - living with, and loving an addicted person. Contained within the pages of this book are stories by bereaved parents who have suffered the ultimate loss: The loss of their precious child. Read how addiction, whether it be drugs, alcohol or gambling, destroys not only the addicted person, but their entire circle of friends and family. No one escapes the tentacles of addiction. Like an octopus it... |
 |
Substance Abuse Counseling: Theory and Practice (4th Edition) by Patricia Stevens (Author), Robert L. Smith (Author) Known for clarity, accessibility, and practicality, this widely-used book thoroughly examines substance abuse in the population, addressing both ways to measure the problem and how to treat individuals and families who seek assistance. It educates prospective clinicians and counselors by guiding them, step-by-step, through the process of working with substance-abuse clients. Chapter content builds in sequence; however, each chapter can be taken as a stand-alone source of valuable information. Individual chapters on special populations add substantial depth to the text's treatment of its subject. |
 |
100 Interactive Activities for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery by Carol A. Butler (Author) Ages 8 & Up. Energize,empower and educate your group participants with these 100 interactive activities. Designed for clients dealing with mental health and substance abuse recovery issues. Treatment components common to both are incorporated. The 14 broad categories in this manual are: Anger Management, Assertion, Cognitive Changes, Coping, Inspiration, Mental Health and Sobriety, Problem Solving, Recovery, Relationships, Self-Development, Self-Esteem, Self-Help, Self-Knowledge, Stress Management. Designed to motivate cognitive and behavioral changes, participants learn to think, problem solve and act to promote mental health. Reproducible materials are included. |
 |
The Substance Abuse Handbook by Pedro Ruiz (Author), Eric C Strain (Author), John G Langrod (Author) The Substance Abuse Handbook succinctly presents the most clinically relevant information from Lowinson, Ruiz, Millman and Langrod's Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook, Fourth Edition. In a user-friendly format, this portable handbook provides all the information health care professionals need to diagnose and treat addictive disorders and associated medical conditions. Major sections cover etiological factors, substances of abuse, compulsive and addictive behaviors, evaluation and diagnostic classification, treatment modalities, management of associated medical conditions, substance abuse in children, adolescents, and the elderly, women's issues, special groups and settings, models of prevention, training and education, and policy issues. |
 |
Treating Substance Abuse, Second Edition: Theory and Technique (The Guilford Substance Abuse Series) by Frederick Rotgers PsyD ABPP (Editor), Jonathan Morgenstern PhD (Editor), Scott T. Walters (Editor) This widely used reference and text captures the breadth of current knowledge about substance abuse and its treatment. Noted theoreticians and practitioners provide an authoritative introduction to the six most prominent psychosocial treatment approaches. For each approach, a chapter on basic assumptions and theories is followed by a clinical chapter that describes specific therapist actions and strategies and offers a start-to-finish view of treatment. In addition, a single chapter discusses psychopharmacological interventions. Comprehensive, clear, and accessible, the text concludes by discussing ways to integrate elements of multiple approaches into carefully planned work with individual clients. |
 |
Group Treatment for Substance Abuse: A Stages-of-Change Therapy Manual by Mary Velasquez (Author), Gaylyn Gaddy Maurer (Author), Cathy Crouch (Author), Carlo C. DiClemente (Author) This practical manual presents a 29-session treatment program designed to engage, motivate, and stimulate processes of change in clients at all stages of recovery. The program is based on the research-supported transtheoretical model of behavior change. The manual employs skills-building activities and interventions that are likely to be most effective with clients as they cycle from the earlier stages of change/m-/precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation/m-/to the later stages, action and maintenance. Each of the structured sessions is presented in a consistent, highly accessible format, including a clear rationale, summary of objectives, and overview of the main activities that will take place. Step-by-step guidelines for implementation are provided, as well as strategies for... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |