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Why Women Seek Treatment
May 6th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Eighty-five percent of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) never seek treatment for their alcohol problems. Women in particular experience barriers to seeking treatment as compared to men. Influences such as less support from family and friends, unemployment, finances, family responsibilities, and increased stigma and social disapproval may lead women to delay seeking help for drinking problems. The aims of this study were to examine and analyze factors surrounding women’s motivations to seek outpatient alcohol treatment. Participants were 180 women with AUDs participating in a...
May 6th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Eighty-five percent of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) never seek treatment for their alcohol problems. Women in particular experience barriers to seeking treatment as compared to men. Influences such as less support from family and friends, unemployment, finances, family responsibilities, and increased stigma and social disapproval may lead women to delay seeking help for drinking problems. The aims of this study were to examine and analyze factors surrounding women’s motivations to seek outpatient alcohol treatment. Participants were 180 women with AUDs participating in a...
Time for Addiction Treatment to Get “Wired”
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
It is estimated that 88% of adults in the United States have a mobile phone, and 78% of adults use the Internet. Adolescent rates of mobile phone and computer use are 75% and 93% respectively. These levels of enhanced communications have provided a strong rationale for the integration of technology into health services delivery. Over-reliance on technology, however, can result in health disparities among those who have limited access to communication technology. This divide has contributed to inequities in obtaining health information and social services. Despite these concerns...
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
It is estimated that 88% of adults in the United States have a mobile phone, and 78% of adults use the Internet. Adolescent rates of mobile phone and computer use are 75% and 93% respectively. These levels of enhanced communications have provided a strong rationale for the integration of technology into health services delivery. Over-reliance on technology, however, can result in health disparities among those who have limited access to communication technology. This divide has contributed to inequities in obtaining health information and social services. Despite these concerns...
Choosing Treatment Goals?
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Of those who complete treatment for alcohol dependence, approximately 60% relapse within the first post treatment year. Choosing treatment goals at treatment entry is a promising, yet under-studied approach to preventing relapse. Evidence is mixed as to whether abstinence as a drinking goal at treatment entry has any influence on future alcohol use. Thus the question of whether those entering treatment should be given the choice of treatment goals remains controversial. Researchers from the University of Michigan examined who, at treatment entry, is most likely to desire abstinence as...
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Of those who complete treatment for alcohol dependence, approximately 60% relapse within the first post treatment year. Choosing treatment goals at treatment entry is a promising, yet under-studied approach to preventing relapse. Evidence is mixed as to whether abstinence as a drinking goal at treatment entry has any influence on future alcohol use. Thus the question of whether those entering treatment should be given the choice of treatment goals remains controversial. Researchers from the University of Michigan examined who, at treatment entry, is most likely to desire abstinence as...
Relapse Rare When Cannabis Use Disorder is in Remission
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in the world and has the highest rate of abuse or dependence. Studies suggest that most who develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD) achieve remission at some point. However some eventually relapse and no study has yet examined predictors of relapse from CUD in the general population. The goals of this study were to identify socio-demographic, psychopathology, and substance use predictors of relapse among CUD individuals in remission. The study used data from the National...
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in the world and has the highest rate of abuse or dependence. Studies suggest that most who develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD) achieve remission at some point. However some eventually relapse and no study has yet examined predictors of relapse from CUD in the general population. The goals of this study were to identify socio-demographic, psychopathology, and substance use predictors of relapse among CUD individuals in remission. The study used data from the National...
Addiction Medicine Training for the Future
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
There is a profound discrepancy between the extent of substance abuse in the United States and access to treatment. This deficiency can be partly attributed to a lack of professional experts in addiction medicine due to inadequate training of medical students and residents. This article in Psychiatric Clinics of North America describes how deficits in addiction medicine training stem from the complex need for multiple credentialing, competition between educators for “more time” for their particular subject, and stigma regarding alcoholism and other substance abuse among entities that...
February 27th, 2013 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
There is a profound discrepancy between the extent of substance abuse in the United States and access to treatment. This deficiency can be partly attributed to a lack of professional experts in addiction medicine due to inadequate training of medical students and residents. This article in Psychiatric Clinics of North America describes how deficits in addiction medicine training stem from the complex need for multiple credentialing, competition between educators for “more time” for their particular subject, and stigma regarding alcoholism and other substance abuse among entities that...
AA Not Just for Men Anymore
January 10th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
In the past, the appropriateness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for women has been questioned. Now this once-seen-as-a-male-dominated organization is one third female. Yet it remained unclear whether a program derived from success with male alcoholics would be open and effective for women. Current studies have found that women participate at least as much as men and benefit equally from AA. Still, it is uncertain whether women benefit from AA in the same or different ways than men. This study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers examined whether the mechanisms through which AA...
January 10th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
In the past, the appropriateness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for women has been questioned. Now this once-seen-as-a-male-dominated organization is one third female. Yet it remained unclear whether a program derived from success with male alcoholics would be open and effective for women. Current studies have found that women participate at least as much as men and benefit equally from AA. Still, it is uncertain whether women benefit from AA in the same or different ways than men. This study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers examined whether the mechanisms through which AA...
Spiritual Change Predicts Less Drinking
November 27th, 2012 / BFI Staff Publications / Betty Ford Institute
This study looked at alcohol-dependent individuals, both in treatment and not, to investigate the effect of spiritual and religious (SR) change on their drinking outcomes - independent of AA involvement. Alcoholics (N = 364, 2/3 male) were identified from two abstinence-based treatment centers, a moderation drinking program, and untreated individuals from the local community. Those from treatment settings were interviewed after 1 week but not later than 4 weeks in treatment. SR changes observed at 6 months were used to predict 9-month drinking outcomes. The specific SR changes examined...
November 27th, 2012 / BFI Staff Publications / Betty Ford Institute
This study looked at alcohol-dependent individuals, both in treatment and not, to investigate the effect of spiritual and religious (SR) change on their drinking outcomes - independent of AA involvement. Alcoholics (N = 364, 2/3 male) were identified from two abstinence-based treatment centers, a moderation drinking program, and untreated individuals from the local community. Those from treatment settings were interviewed after 1 week but not later than 4 weeks in treatment. SR changes observed at 6 months were used to predict 9-month drinking outcomes. The specific SR changes examined...
Recovery Stems From Many Sources
September 4th, 2012 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Correlates are defined as, “two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other.” A number of such associations with “correlates” of recovery from alcohol dependence (AD) have been identified through a variety of study designs. However, many of these studies examined only individuals who underwent formal structured treatment. Yet, this treated segment of those in recovery makes up just one-quarter to one-half of those with lifetime AD in the United States and Canada. In such past studies, many participants were led to seek treatment by the severity of...
September 4th, 2012 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Correlates are defined as, “two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other.” A number of such associations with “correlates” of recovery from alcohol dependence (AD) have been identified through a variety of study designs. However, many of these studies examined only individuals who underwent formal structured treatment. Yet, this treated segment of those in recovery makes up just one-quarter to one-half of those with lifetime AD in the United States and Canada. In such past studies, many participants were led to seek treatment by the severity of...
12-Step Attendance and Involvement Enhances Adolescent Recovery
September 4th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs typically begins during adolescence and, for a significant number of youths, escalates into severe problems. Adolescents who misuse substances to the point where they need treatment, often are faced with costly and limited options for youth-specific care, as well as the fact of high post-treatment relapse rates. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are less costly and generally provide a more available ongoing network of assistance. This study examined the degree to which adolescents currently attend...
September 4th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs typically begins during adolescence and, for a significant number of youths, escalates into severe problems. Adolescents who misuse substances to the point where they need treatment, often are faced with costly and limited options for youth-specific care, as well as the fact of high post-treatment relapse rates. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are less costly and generally provide a more available ongoing network of assistance. This study examined the degree to which adolescents currently attend...
More Clues to the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Legacy
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
More than 8.3 million children under 18 years of age (11.9%) live with at least one parent who was dependent on or abused alcohol or an illicit drug during the past year. There is an extensive research literature linking parental substance use disorder (SUD) to an increased risk of SUD in their children as adults. However, few studies have looked at whether parental treatment for or recovery from drug problems reduces the risk of their child later developing an SUD. A recent study analyzed data from a national survey that identified persons aged 15–54 years who were living in...
August 24th, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
More than 8.3 million children under 18 years of age (11.9%) live with at least one parent who was dependent on or abused alcohol or an illicit drug during the past year. There is an extensive research literature linking parental substance use disorder (SUD) to an increased risk of SUD in their children as adults. However, few studies have looked at whether parental treatment for or recovery from drug problems reduces the risk of their child later developing an SUD. A recent study analyzed data from a national survey that identified persons aged 15–54 years who were living in...
Are 12-Step Meetings Safe for Youth?
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
Regular Aftercare Aids Long-term Recovery
April 23rd, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that as much as 60% - 80% of those treated for addictive disease relapse within the first 3-4 months of treatment. The first year of recovery is known to be a frequent time of relapse. This period of vulnerability has been attributed to a lack of coping skills and inability to make healthy decisions. There is increasing evidence of a positive correlation between aftercare attendance and recovery outcomes. This Canadian study attempted to identify factors associated with greater aftercare participation. Specifically, which factors predict aftercare attendance and how...
April 23rd, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that as much as 60% - 80% of those treated for addictive disease relapse within the first 3-4 months of treatment. The first year of recovery is known to be a frequent time of relapse. This period of vulnerability has been attributed to a lack of coping skills and inability to make healthy decisions. There is increasing evidence of a positive correlation between aftercare attendance and recovery outcomes. This Canadian study attempted to identify factors associated with greater aftercare participation. Specifically, which factors predict aftercare attendance and how...
Phone-based Continuing Care Gets Mixed Results
December 7th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study looked at 24 month outcomes when treatment includes 18 months of follow-up telephone counseling. Alcohol dependent patients (252) - half of which were also cocaine dependent - completed 3 months of intensive outpatient treatment. Participants were then randomly placed in three groups: treatment as usual (TAU), TAU plus telephone monitoring and feedback (TM), or TAU plus telephone monitoring and feedback plus counseling (TMC). TM participants received brief phone calls for up to 18 months (5-10 minute calls for 8 weeks, every other week for 10 months, and once per...
December 7th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study looked at 24 month outcomes when treatment includes 18 months of follow-up telephone counseling. Alcohol dependent patients (252) - half of which were also cocaine dependent - completed 3 months of intensive outpatient treatment. Participants were then randomly placed in three groups: treatment as usual (TAU), TAU plus telephone monitoring and feedback (TM), or TAU plus telephone monitoring and feedback plus counseling (TMC). TM participants received brief phone calls for up to 18 months (5-10 minute calls for 8 weeks, every other week for 10 months, and once per...
Spirituality in Recovery
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined the relationships between AA, spirituality/religiousness (SR), and alcohol use, and tested whether better outcomes can be explained by spiritual changes. According to these researchers, “increasingly rigorous research conducted in the last 15 years supports the notion that AA participation is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and may be a cost-effective treatment adjunct.” AA claims it aids recovery through “spiritual” practices and beliefs but much skepticism and...
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined the relationships between AA, spirituality/religiousness (SR), and alcohol use, and tested whether better outcomes can be explained by spiritual changes. According to these researchers, “increasingly rigorous research conducted in the last 15 years supports the notion that AA participation is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and may be a cost-effective treatment adjunct.” AA claims it aids recovery through “spiritual” practices and beliefs but much skepticism and...
AA and NA for Teens
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
Addiction Training for US Physicians
August 4th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
According to a recent article, accredited residency programs in addiction are only available for psychiatrists specializing in addiction psychiatry (ADP ). Of the 40 accredited ADP residency programs in the United States, only 7 offer training to non-psychiatrist physicians . The 2008 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that over 23 million people in the USA need treatment for drug or alcohol use of whom 20.8 million receive no specialized care. To meet this gap in treatment this study examines the need to expand office-based treatment by training both primary care...
August 4th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
According to a recent article, accredited residency programs in addiction are only available for psychiatrists specializing in addiction psychiatry (ADP ). Of the 40 accredited ADP residency programs in the United States, only 7 offer training to non-psychiatrist physicians . The 2008 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that over 23 million people in the USA need treatment for drug or alcohol use of whom 20.8 million receive no specialized care. To meet this gap in treatment this study examines the need to expand office-based treatment by training both primary care...
Treatments That Do Not Work
May 6th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In recent years there has been an international effort in the addictions field to identify treatments and therapies that have been proven to work. However, evidence-based practices have rarely identified practices that don’t work. This two-stage study involved a panel of 75 experts who examined a list of 65 treatments currently practiced in addiction medicine. They rated them on a continuum from “not at all discredited” to “certainly discredited.” A Delphi methodology was used to achieve a professional consensus on discredited treatments. (Delphi employs structured group...
May 6th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In recent years there has been an international effort in the addictions field to identify treatments and therapies that have been proven to work. However, evidence-based practices have rarely identified practices that don’t work. This two-stage study involved a panel of 75 experts who examined a list of 65 treatments currently practiced in addiction medicine. They rated them on a continuum from “not at all discredited” to “certainly discredited.” A Delphi methodology was used to achieve a professional consensus on discredited treatments. (Delphi employs structured group...
Comments on a Commentary
March 31st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
An editorial by John T. O’Neill As a science writer, research has always seemed to me a rather sporting endeavor. One group arrives at new, perhaps exciting, findings and then their peers take swings at it. Someone once said, “Science is the antidote for the poison of enthusiasm”. In other fields such antagonism would be thought as competiveness. But researchers seem to view others tweaking their work as brotherly/sisterly collaborators on the pathway to truth. A current example of this kind of synergistic interaction is a commentary by Moos and Finney on the findings...
March 31st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
An editorial by John T. O’Neill As a science writer, research has always seemed to me a rather sporting endeavor. One group arrives at new, perhaps exciting, findings and then their peers take swings at it. Someone once said, “Science is the antidote for the poison of enthusiasm”. In other fields such antagonism would be thought as competiveness. But researchers seem to view others tweaking their work as brotherly/sisterly collaborators on the pathway to truth. A current example of this kind of synergistic interaction is a commentary by Moos and Finney on the findings...
Science Looks at Spirituality in Recovery
February 4th, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has grown from an initial membership of less than 100 in the mid 1930’s to more than 1.2 million members meeting in 55,000 meetings in the US alone. Evidence supports the fact that AA can play a valuable role in recovery from alcoholism. Rigorous research over the last 15 years shows also that AA is a cost effective treatment adjunct. A recent study from the Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School hypothesized that AA attendance is associated with positive alcohol use outcomes as well as enhanced...
February 4th, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has grown from an initial membership of less than 100 in the mid 1930’s to more than 1.2 million members meeting in 55,000 meetings in the US alone. Evidence supports the fact that AA can play a valuable role in recovery from alcoholism. Rigorous research over the last 15 years shows also that AA is a cost effective treatment adjunct. A recent study from the Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School hypothesized that AA attendance is associated with positive alcohol use outcomes as well as enhanced...
Study Supports Value of Sober Living Houses
February 4th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that relapse rates are high when clients in outpatient programs have to live in situations that are not supportive of recovery. This is especially true in high crime areas and where heavy drinking and drug use is common. In addition, treating homeless persons with addictions is especially challenging because they must deal with survival, health, and safety as well as staying sober. Earlier research showed that when clients received housing as part of their out-patient treatment, they had better retention and achievement of treatment milestones than those who made...
February 4th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that relapse rates are high when clients in outpatient programs have to live in situations that are not supportive of recovery. This is especially true in high crime areas and where heavy drinking and drug use is common. In addition, treating homeless persons with addictions is especially challenging because they must deal with survival, health, and safety as well as staying sober. Earlier research showed that when clients received housing as part of their out-patient treatment, they had better retention and achievement of treatment milestones than those who made...
Are AA Sponsors Beneficial?
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
AOD Treatment Reduces Family Medical Costs
August 19th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use disorders are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses. Family members of individuals with alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders have higher medical costs than those with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma and have more medical and psychiatric conditions than families without AOD disorders. Past studies provided evidence of reduced family medical costs following AOD treatment but most were based on alcohol-based treatment, did not match patients or families with non-AOD affected families (controls), or consider the AOD patient's treatment...
August 19th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use disorders are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses. Family members of individuals with alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders have higher medical costs than those with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma and have more medical and psychiatric conditions than families without AOD disorders. Past studies provided evidence of reduced family medical costs following AOD treatment but most were based on alcohol-based treatment, did not match patients or families with non-AOD affected families (controls), or consider the AOD patient's treatment...
Nicotine Clue to Other Disorders
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
AA and NA Help Teens
August 16th, 2010 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
August 16th, 2010 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
AA and NA Help Teens
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
Do Medical Illness and Medical Services Encourage Recovery?
January 31st, 2009 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Patients in chemical dependency (CD) treatment have high rates of medical diseases that often precede steps toward recovery. There is evidence to suggest that heavy drinkers, especially older individuals, quit drinking or reduce consumption in response to health problems. This study looked at whether the existence of medical problems predicts better long term CD treatment outcomes, and the role played by primary care services in this process. In a sample of 598 CD patients in a private health plan, researchers examined whether substance abuse-related medical conditions, integrated medical...
January 31st, 2009 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Patients in chemical dependency (CD) treatment have high rates of medical diseases that often precede steps toward recovery. There is evidence to suggest that heavy drinkers, especially older individuals, quit drinking or reduce consumption in response to health problems. This study looked at whether the existence of medical problems predicts better long term CD treatment outcomes, and the role played by primary care services in this process. In a sample of 598 CD patients in a private health plan, researchers examined whether substance abuse-related medical conditions, integrated medical...
Good News for Senior Alcoholics
April 30th, 2008 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Much is known about the damaging effects of alcoholism on the cognitive (thinking) function of the brain. There is also a growing body of knowledge on how much recovery occurs with abstinence. However, there is little research available on cognitive functioning in very long term abstinent alcoholics, especially the elderly. This research examined 91 elderly abstinent alcoholics (EAA) (49 men and 42 women) with an average age of 67.3 years and who were abstinent for an average of 14.8 years. They were compared to a comparable light/non-drinking control group. The EAA group was divided...
April 30th, 2008 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Much is known about the damaging effects of alcoholism on the cognitive (thinking) function of the brain. There is also a growing body of knowledge on how much recovery occurs with abstinence. However, there is little research available on cognitive functioning in very long term abstinent alcoholics, especially the elderly. This research examined 91 elderly abstinent alcoholics (EAA) (49 men and 42 women) with an average age of 67.3 years and who were abstinent for an average of 14.8 years. They were compared to a comparable light/non-drinking control group. The EAA group was divided...
Spiritual Awakening Aids Recovery
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New evidence suggests that spiritual orientation may play a role in recovery. Previous studies offer evidence that spirituality increases after recovery, that greater spirituality is associated with longer recovery, and that those who reported a spiritual awakening during participation in a 12-Step program were much more likely to report total abstinence after 3 years than were those who never experienced a spiritual awakening. Researchers sought to more precisely determine the role of spiritual change in patients in recovery by examining the relationship between 12-Step involvement,...
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New evidence suggests that spiritual orientation may play a role in recovery. Previous studies offer evidence that spirituality increases after recovery, that greater spirituality is associated with longer recovery, and that those who reported a spiritual awakening during participation in a 12-Step program were much more likely to report total abstinence after 3 years than were those who never experienced a spiritual awakening. Researchers sought to more precisely determine the role of spiritual change in patients in recovery by examining the relationship between 12-Step involvement,...
Intensive 12 Step Referrals Enhance Recovery
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Participation in 12-Step self-help groups has been shown to both reduce post-treatment relapse and the need to repeat treatment. A recent VA study compared two different kinds of 12-Step referral: standard and intensive. For standard referral, patients received a schedule for local 12-Step meetings and were encouraged to attend. For intensive referral, counselors linked patients with 12-Step volunteers and encouraged the use of journals to record 12-Step meeting attendance. Study participants (n=345) – patients in a 28-day treatment program – were randomly assigned to one or the other...
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Participation in 12-Step self-help groups has been shown to both reduce post-treatment relapse and the need to repeat treatment. A recent VA study compared two different kinds of 12-Step referral: standard and intensive. For standard referral, patients received a schedule for local 12-Step meetings and were encouraged to attend. For intensive referral, counselors linked patients with 12-Step volunteers and encouraged the use of journals to record 12-Step meeting attendance. Study participants (n=345) – patients in a 28-day treatment program – were randomly assigned to one or the other...
12 Steps Work for the Dually Diagnosed
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
Recovery and Spirituality Linked
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Many people believe that spirituality and/or religiousness (S/R) are important, if not crucial, components of successful recovery from alcohol dependence. This study attempted to quantify changes in S/R, and to see if those changes may have contributed to recovery. Researchers collected longitudinal survey information from 123 outpatients (81 males, 42 females) with alcohol-use disorders at treatment entry and then again six months later. Study participants were asked about 10 measures of S/R, as well as their drinking habits. Results indicate that half of the S/R variables changed...
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Many people believe that spirituality and/or religiousness (S/R) are important, if not crucial, components of successful recovery from alcohol dependence. This study attempted to quantify changes in S/R, and to see if those changes may have contributed to recovery. Researchers collected longitudinal survey information from 123 outpatients (81 males, 42 females) with alcohol-use disorders at treatment entry and then again six months later. Study participants were asked about 10 measures of S/R, as well as their drinking habits. Results indicate that half of the S/R variables changed...
Measuring Cost of Treatment Versus Value of Recovery
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New medicines and advances in behavioral therapies have led to economic pressures to identify which of these interventions are the most efficacious and also the most cost effective. Even though alcoholism has costs – on personal, social, and health care levels – there have been few studies on how best to measure either the economic burden or the effect of treatment on economic outcomes. This study used the Economic Form 90, designed to measure changes in key economic outcomes following treatment for alcohol dependence. The objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness and...
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New medicines and advances in behavioral therapies have led to economic pressures to identify which of these interventions are the most efficacious and also the most cost effective. Even though alcoholism has costs – on personal, social, and health care levels – there have been few studies on how best to measure either the economic burden or the effect of treatment on economic outcomes. This study used the Economic Form 90, designed to measure changes in key economic outcomes following treatment for alcohol dependence. The objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness and...
Cooperate to Graduate
April 30th, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
“Self-efficacy” is a fancy term for what is essentially known as “believing in yourself.” This study applies the term to the field of addictions research in an effort to examine the relationship between substance-abuse treatment and abstinence self-efficacy. Researchers assessed 2,350 clients (99% male) who received treatment at 88 community residential facilities across the United States, both at treatment entry and again one year later. Treatment providers were also asked to report on the patients’ engagement/participation in specific components of treatment. After...
April 30th, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
“Self-efficacy” is a fancy term for what is essentially known as “believing in yourself.” This study applies the term to the field of addictions research in an effort to examine the relationship between substance-abuse treatment and abstinence self-efficacy. Researchers assessed 2,350 clients (99% male) who received treatment at 88 community residential facilities across the United States, both at treatment entry and again one year later. Treatment providers were also asked to report on the patients’ engagement/participation in specific components of treatment. After...
Like It or Not, Spirituality Actually Aids Recovery!
October 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys indicate that 8% of American drinkers eventually become alcohol-dependent. Treatment providers endeavor to match those who seek treatment with the program most appropriate for their needs. There are two basic models of treatment programs: one is spiritually based such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and the other is a more clinical model without a spiritual component. Past research has shown that spirituality facilitates recovery from alcoholism. Positive outcomes have been reported for AA attendance, length of sobriety, and a general sense of purpose in life. However, some...
October 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys indicate that 8% of American drinkers eventually become alcohol-dependent. Treatment providers endeavor to match those who seek treatment with the program most appropriate for their needs. There are two basic models of treatment programs: one is spiritually based such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and the other is a more clinical model without a spiritual component. Past research has shown that spirituality facilitates recovery from alcoholism. Positive outcomes have been reported for AA attendance, length of sobriety, and a general sense of purpose in life. However, some...
Best Recovery Team: AA and Treatment Together
January 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Given the complex and highly individualized nature of alcohol dependence, there does not appear to be one “right” treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some undergo professional treatment. A new study has found that people who become involved in both AA and treatment fare better than those who obtain only treatment. Researchers surveyed 362 individuals (193 females, 169 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study participants were surveyed at baseline (initial contact) and then again at...
January 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Given the complex and highly individualized nature of alcohol dependence, there does not appear to be one “right” treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some undergo professional treatment. A new study has found that people who become involved in both AA and treatment fare better than those who obtain only treatment. Researchers surveyed 362 individuals (193 females, 169 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study participants were surveyed at baseline (initial contact) and then again at...
Partners Make a Difference in Recovery Outcomes
August 31st, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A respectable amount of data has been collected on predictors of recovery following treatment of individuals with alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). However, most of that information has been either retrospective or looked at only short-term recovery. This study looked at the role of psychological and social factors in a sample of alcoholics and their partners as predictors of recovery during a nine year period. For nine years, researchers assessed and monitored “life functioning” of 134 community-based, coupled men. (Participants were identified from an ongoing study of families at high...
August 31st, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A respectable amount of data has been collected on predictors of recovery following treatment of individuals with alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). However, most of that information has been either retrospective or looked at only short-term recovery. This study looked at the role of psychological and social factors in a sample of alcoholics and their partners as predictors of recovery during a nine year period. For nine years, researchers assessed and monitored “life functioning” of 134 community-based, coupled men. (Participants were identified from an ongoing study of families at high...
AA Folklore Confirmed
April 30th, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent Brown University Medical School study confirmed the long-held belief that recovering alcoholics who help other alcoholics are better able to stay sober themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest mutual help organization for alcoholics in the world. Yet little research has been done on its specific mechanisms that enable behavior change. This study, involving 1726 patients, showed that those who were sponsoring others or otherwise doing 12 Step work were more successful at not taking the first drink during the year following treatment. The researchers found no demographic...
April 30th, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent Brown University Medical School study confirmed the long-held belief that recovering alcoholics who help other alcoholics are better able to stay sober themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest mutual help organization for alcoholics in the world. Yet little research has been done on its specific mechanisms that enable behavior change. This study, involving 1726 patients, showed that those who were sponsoring others or otherwise doing 12 Step work were more successful at not taking the first drink during the year following treatment. The researchers found no demographic...
Is Recovery Neurobiological?
October 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Neuroimaging studies have consistently shown that recently detoxified alcoholics have significant and widespread loss of brain cells, a shrinking of the brain’s surface, and a reduction in the size of ventricles that contain spinal fluid. This 1995 study used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure these changes in 58 chronic alcoholics over the course of seven months after they had received 30 days of treatment. The first MRI showed significant deficiencies in brain cells (gray matter and white matter) in the cortex (the “thinking” outside portion of the brain) in the alcoholics...
October 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Neuroimaging studies have consistently shown that recently detoxified alcoholics have significant and widespread loss of brain cells, a shrinking of the brain’s surface, and a reduction in the size of ventricles that contain spinal fluid. This 1995 study used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure these changes in 58 chronic alcoholics over the course of seven months after they had received 30 days of treatment. The first MRI showed significant deficiencies in brain cells (gray matter and white matter) in the cortex (the “thinking” outside portion of the brain) in the alcoholics...
Do They Have to “Bottom-Out?”
October 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Most approaches to intervention with an alcoholic assume that the motivation to cooperate with recovery must emanate primarily from within the drinker. (Perhaps reflecting the old notion that an alcoholic had to “bottom out” before they would accept help). Treatment failures were largely attributed to lack of motivation, resistance or denial – flaws in the individual’s personality. In 1983 W.R. Miller at the University of New Mexico developed a process of motivational interviewing which emphasized that motivation for change can be facilitated by the interviewing techniques of the...
October 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Most approaches to intervention with an alcoholic assume that the motivation to cooperate with recovery must emanate primarily from within the drinker. (Perhaps reflecting the old notion that an alcoholic had to “bottom out” before they would accept help). Treatment failures were largely attributed to lack of motivation, resistance or denial – flaws in the individual’s personality. In 1983 W.R. Miller at the University of New Mexico developed a process of motivational interviewing which emphasized that motivation for change can be facilitated by the interviewing techniques of the...
I Say There Old Chap … AA Works Over Here Too!
January 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
The benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation in the recovery from alcoholism has long been documented, and is indeed the most sought form of help in the United States. Studies have shown that frequent AA attendance is highly effective in reducing consumption. Although it is estimated that there are two million AA members world-wide, there has been little research on the effectiveness of AA attendance in other countries. In the first study of its kind in the UK, British researchers investigated the role of AA in conjunction with a National Health Service (NHS) inpatient alcoholism...
January 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
The benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation in the recovery from alcoholism has long been documented, and is indeed the most sought form of help in the United States. Studies have shown that frequent AA attendance is highly effective in reducing consumption. Although it is estimated that there are two million AA members world-wide, there has been little research on the effectiveness of AA attendance in other countries. In the first study of its kind in the UK, British researchers investigated the role of AA in conjunction with a National Health Service (NHS) inpatient alcoholism...
One Hundred Alcoholic Doctors: A 21-Year Follow-up
January 31st, 2003 / Professionals in Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Few reports on substance misuse and recovery among medical professionals exist, and the results of these published reports shed little light on recovery rates and other issues over a long period of time. However, a recent study on one program in England surveyed the recovery results of 100 alcoholic doctors (general practitioners and hospital doctors) over a 21-year period (1980-2001). With abstinence as its primary goal toward recovery, England’s North West Doctors and Dentists Group (NWDDG), a self-help program founded in 1980, found an especially high recovery rate of 73% among its...
January 31st, 2003 / Professionals in Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Few reports on substance misuse and recovery among medical professionals exist, and the results of these published reports shed little light on recovery rates and other issues over a long period of time. However, a recent study on one program in England surveyed the recovery results of 100 alcoholic doctors (general practitioners and hospital doctors) over a 21-year period (1980-2001). With abstinence as its primary goal toward recovery, England’s North West Doctors and Dentists Group (NWDDG), a self-help program founded in 1980, found an especially high recovery rate of 73% among its...
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