The purpose of this study was to measure;

• spiritual well-being (SWB),
• private religious practices (PRP),
• positive religious coping,
• abstinence self-efficacy (AASE),
• affiliation with AA (AAA), and
• their associations with alcoholics in treatment.

Seventy-four adults in a three-week outpatient addiction treatment program were assessed at admission and discharge.

Wilcoxon signed rank and t tests demonstrated significant increases in all variables. Spearman correlation coefficients detected significant associations between the spiritual variables, SWB and AASE, as well as PRP and AAA.

Findings suggest that spiritual variables can change during treatment and that there may be connections between spiritual variables and variables associated with longer-term recovery.

Research; Piderman KM, Schneekloth TD, Pankratz VS, Maloney SD, Altchuler SI. Spirituality in alcoholics during treatment. Am J Addict. 2007 May-Jun;16(3):232-7.

See also;

• Twelve Step Facilitation
• Relapse Prevention

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A qualitative study of Alcoholics Anonymous members and South Asian men.

The spiritual aspect of recovery for people with drinking problems was explored in a comparative analysis of South Asian men recovering from drink problems and white members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants to explore significant factors that assisted recovery. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. Ten participants in total were interviewed; 5 were South Asian men receiving individual and/or group counseling with South Asian therapists either in an NHS or non-statutory specialist alcohol treatment service, and 5 were white members of AA.

Models of recovery for the two groups were developed and are presented.

Spirituality and religion played an important role in the experiences of recovery described by AA and South Asian participants respectively.

For AA participants their experiences reflected those described in AA’s Big Book although concepts such as that of a Higher Power were complex and multilayered, with spirituality just one, albeit significant, aspect.

South Asian participants generally underwent a re-affirmation of existing beliefs rather than the conversion type of experience described by AA participants.

The findings are discussed in relation to implications for service delivery and development and directions for future research.

Morjaria, A.; Orford, J. Role of religion and spirituality in recovery from drink problems: A qualitative study of alcoholics anonymous members and South Asian men. Addiction Research and Theory, 10(3):225-256, 2002.

The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz, Katherine Ketcham Read more about this title…

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The Co-Occurring Center for Excellence. Addressing mental disorders and alcoholism, addiction co-occurring.

The Co-Occurring Center for Excellence (COCE) was created by SAMHSA in 2003 to provide information and a range of services to mental health and substance abuse administrators and policymakers at state and local levels, their counterparts in tribal and Native populations, clinical providers, other providers, and all other agencies and systems through which clients may enter the treatment system.

COCE provides state-of-the-art and sustainable technical assistance, training, information and resources, and links to other resources that serve persons with co-occurring disorders.

http://www.coce.samhsa.gov/

See also;

• Double Trouble in Recovery
• Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
• Double Trouble in Recovery for Alcoholics
• 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative

The Dual Diagnosis Recovery Sourcebook : A Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Approach to Addiction with an Emotional Disorder by Dennis Ortman Read more about this title…

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Study Examines Link Between Stress Relapse

A new animal study finds that a stress-related gene and brain chemical may play a role in addiction relapse, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Researchers from NIAAA and Camerino University in Italy found that rats that showed a preference for alcohol were more sensitive to stress. Those more prone to relapse under stress were examined for genetic patterns that might offer clues to this trait. Researchers found that these rats had higher expression levels of Crhr1, a gene that encodes the stress-related corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH-R1).

“Our findings demonstrate that the Crhr1 genotype and its expression interact with environmental stress to reinstate alcohol-seeking behavior in this animal model of excessive drinking,” said study leader Anita Hansson, Ph.D., a fellow at NIAAA’s Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies.

“This finding helps untangle the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that influence relapse,” added NIAAA Director T-K Li, M.D. “It also points to potential approaches for treating individuals at risk for relapse.”

The research appears in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Research Reference: Hansson, A.C., et al. (2006) Variation at the rat Crhr1 locus and sensitivity to relapse into alcohol seeking induced by environmental stress. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.

From Join Together

Brief-TSF addresses relapse prevention as stress relief.

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Correlates of alcohol use among methadone-maintained adults

This prospective study (n = 190) examined correlates of alcohol use from baseline data of a longitudinal trial conducted among moderate and heavy alcohol users receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

The sample included MMT clients who were 18–55 years of age, and were receiving MMT from five large methadone maintenance clinics in the Los Angeles area.

Half of the sample was heavy drinkers and nearly half (46%) reported heroin use. Using a structured questionnaire, correlates of heavy alcohol use included White and Hispanic ethnicity, and fair or poor physical health combined with older age (?50 years). We also found that MMT clients who were younger than 50 years, regardless of health status, were more likely to be heavy drinkers.

Compared with moderate alcohol consumers, a greater number of heavy alcohol users also experienced recent victimization.

To optimize MMT, alcohol screening should be part of routine assessment and alcohol treatment should be made available within MMT programs.

Moreover, special consideration should be provided to the most vulnerable clients, such as the younger user, those with a long-term and current history of heavy drug use, and those victimized and reporting fair or poor health. In addition, promoting attention to general physical and mental health problems within MMT programs may be beneficial in enhancing health outcomes of this population.

Research report; Adeline Nyamathi, Allan Cohen, Mary Marfisee, Steven Shoptaw, Barbara Greengold, Viviane de Castro, Daniel George and Barbara Leake. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Volume 101, Issues 1-2, 1 April 2009, Pages 124-127. Correlates of alcohol use among methadone-maintained adults

Se also;

• Twelve-Step Programs as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology
• Treating Alcoholism
• AA and Treatment Work Better Together

Clinical Guide to Alcohol Treatment: The Community Reinforcement Approach

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Alcohol relapse can negatively influence the outcome after liver transplantation (LT).

The aim of our study was to identify factors that could be associated with the recurrence of harmful alcohol consumption after LT.

A total of 387 consecutive patients (23.8% women) who underwent LT for alcoholic cirrhosis in Geneva, Switzerland, and Lyon, France, between 1989 and 2005 were evaluated.

• Mean +/- SD age was 51.3 +/-7.5 years. Follow-up time was 61.2 +/- 47.5 months.

Alcohol consumption relapse and potential factors associated with it were studied.

• The relapse rate of harmful alcohol consumption after LT was 11.9%.

In univariate analysis, alcohol relapse was significantly associated with

• age greater than 50 years,
• year of LT 1995 or earlier,
• duration of abstinence less than 6 months,
• presence of psychiatric comorbidities,
• presence of a life partner, and
• a high score on the High-Risk Alcoholism Relapse (HRAR) scale.

Multivariate logistic regression disclosed the following independent factors of relapse:

• duration of abstinence of less than 6 months;
• presence of psychiatric comorbidities; and
• HRAR score higher than 3.

In patients with none of these factors, alcohol relapse was 5%, while the presence of 1, 2, or 3 factors was associated with relapse rates of 18%, 64%, and 100% of the patients, respectively.

In a large cohort of patients undergoing LT for alcoholic cirrhosis,

• a duration of abstinence of less than 6 months before wait-listing for LT,
• the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, or
• an HRAR score higher than 3

was associated with relapse into harmful drinking.

The presence of more than 1 factor dramatically increased this risk over 50%.

In the pre-LT evaluation in this setting, these factors should be accurately determined.

Research; Haber PS, McCaughan GW. “I’ll never touch it again, doctor!” – harmful drinking after liver transplantation. Hepatology. 2007 Sep 25;46(4):1302-1304.

Liver Transplantation & the Alcoholic Patient: Medical, Surgical and Psychosocial Issues by Michael R. Lucey, Robert M. Merion, Thomas P. Beresford Read more about this title…

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via recoveryissexy.com

Health impacts of long term alcohol misuse
Long term abuse of alcohol creates medical risks to individuals and may contribute to many cases of illness and premature death.

Posted via web from Recovery Is Sexy’s posterous

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Adolescent Children of Alcoholics: Vulnerable or Resilient?

BACKGROUND: Children of alcoholics (COAs) have been described as both vulnerable and resilient. Although identified as at-risk for mental and physical health problems, chemical dependency, and child abuse and neglect, many go on to lead successful lives.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between COA status and various adolescent risk behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse and sexual precocity, was assessed by addressing the following research question: Could parental alcoholism be a risk factor for teens engaging in problem behaviors?

STUDY DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a Wyoming high-risk youth data set was conducted (N _ 1632). Werner’s (1992) core resiliency factors provided the conceptual frame for the study.

RESULTS: Adolescent COAs scored significantly (p < .000) lower on all psychosocial factors of family/personal strengths and school bonding and significantly higher on all factors of at-risk temperament, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors than non-COAs.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent COAs are at risk for depression, suicide, eating disorders, chemical dependency, and teen pregnancy. It has been proposed that mental health professionals teach core resiliency factors to promote healthy behaviors for this vulnerable population.

Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers because of both genetic and family environment factors.

Twenty-two percent (n _ 352) of the combined sample identified themselves as a child of an alcoholic. This is consistent with current estimates of children of parental period alcoholics, which is calculated to be 22% (Eigen & Rowden, 2000). Rodney and Mupier (1997), in a recent study among 595 African American boys age 13 to 17 years, identified that 23% of the participating teens were COAs. The National Association of Children of Alcoholics (NACOA, n.d.) estimates that there are 11 million COAs under 18 years of age.

COA’s scored lower on psychosocial factors;

• Family cohesion
• Self-esteem
• Education and school bonding
• Family adaptability

COA’s scored higher on risk factors;

• Negative temperament
• Negative self directed feelings, thoughts and behaviours
• Drug and alcohol use
• Sexual behaviours

COA’s scored higher on negative self directed feelings, thoughts and behaviours

• Depression and hopelessness
• Takes physical risks
• Feels excited doing risky things
• Thought of suicide in last year
• Tried suicide in last year

Research; Adolescent Children of Alcoholics: Vulnerable or Resilient? MaryLou Mylant, Bette Ide, Elizabeth Cuevas, and Maurita Meehan. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2002; 8; 57.

Acoa’s Guide to Raising Healthy Children: A Parenting Handbook for the Adult Children of Alcoholics by William Brines, James Mastrich Read more about this title…

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via recoveryissexy.com

“Spirituality is an awakening—or is it all the loose ends woven together into a mellow fabric?

Posted via web from Recovery Is Sexy’s posterous

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Patterns of alcohol consumption and blood alcohol levels in emergency room patients.

The study was conducted in a public hospital of the province of Jujuy, Argentina.

A survey was conducted among all patients during the 24 hours of 4 consecutive days (N = 500) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, short version (AUDIT-C). Blood samples were collected in 84% of participants.

Results showed that;

• 37% were hazardous drinkers (men 50% vs. women 23%),
• 29% had symptoms of dependence (men 48% vs. women 11%);
• 17% of men and 3% of women had high blood alcohol levels, equal or greater than 50 mg/dl.

In multivariate logistic regression models men had;

• increased likelihood of hazardous drinking (Adjusted OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.1-5.0),
• symptoms of dependence (Adjusted OR 7.5; 95% CI 4.4-12.7) and
• increased blood alcohol levels (Adjusted OR 8.0; 95% CI 2.2-28.8), compared with women.

Patients admitted due to accidents, violence, or drug use, had;

• increased likelihood of hazardous drinking (Adjusted OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.9),
• dependence symptoms (Adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3) and
• increased blood alcohol levels (Adjusted OR 7.7; 95% CI 3.0-19.8), compared with those admitted for other reasons.

Alcoholism has a significant impact on the occurrence of injuries and on the demand imposed on health services.

Prevention programs can potentially reduce the negative health and social impact of alcoholism.

Research; Medicina (B Aires). 2008;68(1):31-6. Alcohol consumption in the emergency room. Alderete E, Bianchini P.

See also;

• Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption.
• Twelve-Step Programs as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology
• Subscribe to BriefTSF by e-Mail

Understanding and Counseling: Persons With Alcohol, Drug, and Behavioral Addictions by Howard Clinebell Read more about this title…

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