摘要:

The study of addiction in women has been given increasing recent attention. Documented gender differences in a variety of domains, including substance craving, have prevention and treatment implications. This article reviews gender differences and sex-specific effects of addiction as they relate to treatment guidelines for women with substance-related disorders. Gender differences in the following domains are summarized: screening, physiological effects of substances, medical consequences, psychiatric comorbidity, craving, and family and developmental issues. Implications for future research and best practices are discussed, with the goal of improving women's mental health throughout the life cycle.

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

ObjectiveMethylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known to the public as “ecstasy,” decreases serotonin function in animals. There is also some evidence that MDMA decreases serotonin function in humans, and thereby may increase impulsivity in MDMA abusers.MethodsSixteen current MDMA users and 20 non–drug-using controls were recruited and completed a behavioral laboratory measure of impulsivity, the IMT/DMT, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, a self-report measure of impulsivity.ResultsHeavy MDMA users (n = 8) were significantly more impulsive on both behavioral laboratory and self-report measures of impulsivity, compared with non–drug-using controls. MDMA users who used MDMA infrequently were not significantly more impulsive than controls. Within MDMA-using subjects in general, there was a significant positive correlation between the quantity of self-reported MDMA use and behavioral laboratory-measured impulsivity.ConclusionsHeavy MDMA users show increased impulsivity. Among MDMA users, the level of impulsivity as measured in the behavioral laboratory is positively correlated with the level of self-reported MDMA use. The increased impulsivity did not appear to be solely related to concomitant drug use. This study gives further support for the idea that heavy MDMA use leads to increased impulsivity in humans. Further research is needed on the long-term effects of MDMA in humans.

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its professional analog, the Minnesota Model, are often the only options available to persons looking for assistance in overcoming an alcohol abuse problem. Twelve reasons why alternatives to the Twelve Steps must be identified, developed, and implemented are outlined in this article. These reasons include AA's high rate of attrition; views on motivation; religious connotations; external orientation; affiliation with the disease model; emphasis on character defects, powerlessness, loss of control, abstinence, and dependence; labeling practices; and weak operationality. In short, 12-step programs may be inappropriate and ineffective for a certain portion of people who misuse alcohol. Alternatives that more closely approximate the belief systems of clients who find AA principles or practices objectionable are consequently required.

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

ObjectivesThis research assessed the rate of substance use among Iranian university students.MethodsFive hundred one university students (172 women and 329 men) selected randomly were assessed. A confidential questionnaire was distributed, completed by the students, and collected in the same sessions in 2000.ResultsThe mean ages for women and men were 22.1 and 24.3 years, respectively. The percentages of students who reported usage of substance(s) one or more times in their lives were as follows: cigarettes (54.9%), alcohol (34.7%), opium (21.2%), hashish (12.6%), marijuana (2%), heroin (1.6%), psychedelics (2.1%), cocaine (2.2%), and morphine (2%). Subjects who reported current substance use were as follows: cigarettes (36.1%), heroin (0.8%), morphine (0.6%), alcohol (21.4%), opium (6.2%), psychedelics (2%), cocaine (0.2%), hashish (2.4%), and marijuana (0.6%). Some used or were using more than one substance.ConclusionsSubstance use was significantly higher among males than among females. Cigarettes, alcohol, and opium were found to be the most prevalent forms of substance use. Seeking pleasure and modeling were the most common reasons for initial substance use, but seeking pleasure and release of tension were the most common reasons for current use. Cultural attitudes toward drug use quite likely affect the type of use. These results can be considered when planning programs to decrease substance use.

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

ObjectivesThe process of seeking treatment is gathering increasing attention in the addiction field. Few studies have addressed the reasons precluding gamblers from seeking treatment earlier, even in the face of cumulative problems. This study tested the combination of four hypotheses as potential treatment-delaying factors: gamblers resist stopping gambling before they have recovered previous losses; financial hardship causes lack of resources for treatment (e.g., money, transportation, time); shame and secrecy; and lack of readiness to engage in the change processes.MethodsTo evaluate the delaying factors, a “Reasons for Delaying Treatment Scale” was developed. The score on this scale was compared with the number of years elapsed between the first gambling problem and the first treatment attempt, controlling for severity and cohort effects. Eighty-four pathologic gamblers were interviewed.ResultsThe total score on reasons for delaying treatment was significantly related to the number of years of problem gambling prior to treatment. Shame and secrecy, and attempts at financial recovery were the best predictors of treatment delay. The period of problem gambling was shorter for the younger cohorts as they experienced problems at a time when treatment availability was greater.ConclusionsIt is concluded that aside from focusing on public awareness and treatment availability, future awareness campaigns should also address gamblers' feelings of isolation, and illusions about overcoming financial problems through gambling.

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1531-5754    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID