Sci-Mat
Treatment
sort by: date | author
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...
Long-lasting Naltrexone Helps Severe Alcoholics
December 7th, 2011 / Prescription Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Naltrexone is a medication that reportedly reduces the craving for alcohol, one of the symptoms of alcohol dependence (alcoholism). However, past research has suggested that naltrexone’s benefits may be limited to less-severe alcohol dependence and only reduce heavy drinking rather than support abstinence. The current study examined the effectiveness of once a month, injectable, extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) in patients with higher severity alcohol dependence. This method of administering the medication also addresses the problem of adherence - the degree to which a patient...
December 7th, 2011 / Prescription Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Naltrexone is a medication that reportedly reduces the craving for alcohol, one of the symptoms of alcohol dependence (alcoholism). However, past research has suggested that naltrexone’s benefits may be limited to less-severe alcohol dependence and only reduce heavy drinking rather than support abstinence. The current study examined the effectiveness of once a month, injectable, extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) in patients with higher severity alcohol dependence. This method of administering the medication also addresses the problem of adherence - the degree to which a patient...
If Treatment Saves Money, Why Isn’t There More of It
November 3rd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research supports the contention that the cost of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is more than offset by other savings in areas like health care and criminal justice. This study by researchers at the Stanford University Medical Center explores the question, “Why haven’t health care system managers rushed to expand treatment?” The researchers looked at national data from 1998 to 2006 when over 3 million patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). These databases were used to determine the net effect on VA...
November 3rd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research supports the contention that the cost of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is more than offset by other savings in areas like health care and criminal justice. This study by researchers at the Stanford University Medical Center explores the question, “Why haven’t health care system managers rushed to expand treatment?” The researchers looked at national data from 1998 to 2006 when over 3 million patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). These databases were used to determine the net effect on VA...
Cost Savings Reduce Treatment Utilization
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Availability and utilization of alcohol treatment has historically fluctuated with changes in public policy, particularly the organization and financing of the U.S. healthcare system. During the 1980s, private sector alcohol treatment services expanded. This expansion resulted from the federal government’s emphasis on privatization, deregulation, and federalism, and new state mandates for minimum insurance coverage for alcohol services. However, concerns about the rising cost of health care led to policies aimed at reducing costs. The 1990’s brought a clear shift away from long-term...
October 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Availability and utilization of alcohol treatment has historically fluctuated with changes in public policy, particularly the organization and financing of the U.S. healthcare system. During the 1980s, private sector alcohol treatment services expanded. This expansion resulted from the federal government’s emphasis on privatization, deregulation, and federalism, and new state mandates for minimum insurance coverage for alcohol services. However, concerns about the rising cost of health care led to policies aimed at reducing costs. The 1990’s brought a clear shift away from long-term...
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...
Global Commission on Drug Policy Offers Tough Recommendations
August 4th, 2011 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
“The global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world...fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies are urgently needed.” So states the June 2011 report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, a 19-member commission including former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. official George P. Schultz, former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, former presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, the current prime minister of Greece and other notable figures. The purpose of the Global...
August 4th, 2011 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
“The global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world...fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies are urgently needed.” So states the June 2011 report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, a 19-member commission including former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. official George P. Schultz, former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, former presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, the current prime minister of Greece and other notable figures. The purpose of the Global...
International Certification of Addiction Medicine
August 4th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) was founded in 1999 to advance knowledge of addiction as a treatable disease, enhance the creditability of physicians involved in its treatment, and develop educational activities and consensus guidelines . As an increasing number of physicians dedicate a major portion of their practice to this specialty, raising their credibility and validating their practice through certification became a major goal of ISAM. This Canadian lead study describes the growing consensus about the core competencies required of any physician who...
August 4th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) was founded in 1999 to advance knowledge of addiction as a treatable disease, enhance the creditability of physicians involved in its treatment, and develop educational activities and consensus guidelines . As an increasing number of physicians dedicate a major portion of their practice to this specialty, raising their credibility and validating their practice through certification became a major goal of ISAM. This Canadian lead study describes the growing consensus about the core competencies required of any physician who...
Women Only versus Mixed Group Treatment
June 2nd, 2011 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Five percent of US pregnant women use illicit drugs. Substance-abusing pregnant and/or parenting women have great need for medical, mental health, and other social support services. Studies show that, compared with substance-abusing men, women are more likely to have psychiatric problems, lower self-esteem, and histories of traumatic abuse events. Most of these women have limited education, are unemployed, and rely on public assistance and/or crime as sources of income. Treatment can change their lives by promoting family unification and long-term recovery. This UCLA study looked at...
June 2nd, 2011 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
Five percent of US pregnant women use illicit drugs. Substance-abusing pregnant and/or parenting women have great need for medical, mental health, and other social support services. Studies show that, compared with substance-abusing men, women are more likely to have psychiatric problems, lower self-esteem, and histories of traumatic abuse events. Most of these women have limited education, are unemployed, and rely on public assistance and/or crime as sources of income. Treatment can change their lives by promoting family unification and long-term recovery. This UCLA study looked at...
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...
Encouraging Report about Remission from Dependence
March 31st, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Remission (cessation of disease symptoms) from dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine is an observable occurrence, but how often does it occur and to whom? Are there discernable patterns and predictors of remission that could aid in developing timely prevention and treatment? A new study sought to estimate the specific probability of remission for each of those substances and to determine whether race or ethnicity played a role. The National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) provided a database of individuals who at some point in their...
March 31st, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Remission (cessation of disease symptoms) from dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine is an observable occurrence, but how often does it occur and to whom? Are there discernable patterns and predictors of remission that could aid in developing timely prevention and treatment? A new study sought to estimate the specific probability of remission for each of those substances and to determine whether race or ethnicity played a role. The National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) provided a database of individuals who at some point in their...
A Pharmacogenetic Approach to Treating Alcoholism
March 3rd, 2011 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Serotonin (5-HT) is a chemical found naturally in the human brain. The serotonergic system is known to temper mood and emotion and is implicated in the control of many behavioral and physiological functions, including alcohol drinking. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a protein that transports serotonin from synaptic spaces into the nerve cells that released it, which is one of the mechanisms for terminating serotonin’s action. Because serotonin is known to be a regulator of the severity of alcohol drinking, medications that affect the function of the 5-HTT seem promising....
March 3rd, 2011 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Serotonin (5-HT) is a chemical found naturally in the human brain. The serotonergic system is known to temper mood and emotion and is implicated in the control of many behavioral and physiological functions, including alcohol drinking. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a protein that transports serotonin from synaptic spaces into the nerve cells that released it, which is one of the mechanisms for terminating serotonin’s action. Because serotonin is known to be a regulator of the severity of alcohol drinking, medications that affect the function of the 5-HTT seem promising....
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...
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...
Steroids Coming Back to Haunt
July 9th, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a group of hormones that include natural testosterone and numerous synthetic testosterone-like substances. When taken in very large doses and combined with strenuous exercise and proper nutrition, AAS can cause users to gain muscle and lose fat. In the United States alone the number of those who have used AAS has surpassed 2 million. The great majority of AAS users are men because women rarely aspire to becoming extremely muscular. Evidence is showing that AAS can cause dependence wherein individuals will use these drugs for years despite harmful...
July 9th, 2010 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a group of hormones that include natural testosterone and numerous synthetic testosterone-like substances. When taken in very large doses and combined with strenuous exercise and proper nutrition, AAS can cause users to gain muscle and lose fat. In the United States alone the number of those who have used AAS has surpassed 2 million. The great majority of AAS users are men because women rarely aspire to becoming extremely muscular. Evidence is showing that AAS can cause dependence wherein individuals will use these drugs for years despite harmful...
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...
Naltrexone as Treatment for Amphetamine Dependence
January 31st, 2009 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Amphetamine abuse and dependence may not be in the public eye as much as cocaine and heroin abuse, but it represents a major public-health problem with considerable psychiatric, social, and economic consequences. In Sweden, particularly, amphetamines are the most commonly abused substance after marijuana and alcohol. Currently, no approved pharmacotherapy treatment for amphetamine dependence exists. Recent human research suggests that naltrexone – an opioid antagonist use to treat alcohol dependence – may also decrease some of the reinforcing effects of amphetamines. This study compared...
January 31st, 2009 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Amphetamine abuse and dependence may not be in the public eye as much as cocaine and heroin abuse, but it represents a major public-health problem with considerable psychiatric, social, and economic consequences. In Sweden, particularly, amphetamines are the most commonly abused substance after marijuana and alcohol. Currently, no approved pharmacotherapy treatment for amphetamine dependence exists. Recent human research suggests that naltrexone – an opioid antagonist use to treat alcohol dependence – may also decrease some of the reinforcing effects of amphetamines. This study compared...
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...
Court-Directed Treatment Gets Mixed Results
August 31st, 2008 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
“Legal coercion” essentially means using the law to force someone to do something they do not want to do… in this case, entering substance-abuse treatment. As the criminal-justice system in the United States has adopted the disease model of addiction, “drug courts” have popularized the practice of legal coercion in order to address the increasing number of criminal acts that are related to substance use. Such coercion by the courts reflects society’s disillusionment with incarceration as a means of dealing with criminal acts by addicted persons. This study looked at whether or...
August 31st, 2008 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
“Legal coercion” essentially means using the law to force someone to do something they do not want to do… in this case, entering substance-abuse treatment. As the criminal-justice system in the United States has adopted the disease model of addiction, “drug courts” have popularized the practice of legal coercion in order to address the increasing number of criminal acts that are related to substance use. Such coercion by the courts reflects society’s disillusionment with incarceration as a means of dealing with criminal acts by addicted persons. This study looked at whether or...
Topiramate Shows Promise in Treating Alcohol Dependence
August 31st, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Topiramate is normally an anticonvulsant medication, but it has also shown promise in treating alcohol dependence, reportedly by reducing both drinking amounts and craving. Given that its use is still relatively new, its levels of effective dosage and the mechanisms or means by which it works remain relatively unclear. This study systematically looked at the effects of specific doses of topiramate within a laboratory setting, and also examined the means by which it may reduce drinking. Researchers recruited 61 heavy drinkers (39 males, 22 females), of which 14 percent met Diagnostic and...
August 31st, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Topiramate is normally an anticonvulsant medication, but it has also shown promise in treating alcohol dependence, reportedly by reducing both drinking amounts and craving. Given that its use is still relatively new, its levels of effective dosage and the mechanisms or means by which it works remain relatively unclear. This study systematically looked at the effects of specific doses of topiramate within a laboratory setting, and also examined the means by which it may reduce drinking. Researchers recruited 61 heavy drinkers (39 males, 22 females), of which 14 percent met Diagnostic and...
Treatment Center Culture Influences Adoption of Naltrexone
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the success of pharmacotherapies for alcohol and drug disorders a significant number of treatment providers and programs have been slow to adopt these new medications. This study examined how the structural variations of private treatment centers may affect their adoption of naltrexone (Revia) – an opiate antagonist used in the treatment of both opiate and alcohol dependence. Researchers analyzed information gathered on 165 private Substance Abuse (SA)treatment centers by the National Treatment Center Study, which currently contains four waves of data collected between 1994 and...
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the success of pharmacotherapies for alcohol and drug disorders a significant number of treatment providers and programs have been slow to adopt these new medications. This study examined how the structural variations of private treatment centers may affect their adoption of naltrexone (Revia) – an opiate antagonist used in the treatment of both opiate and alcohol dependence. Researchers analyzed information gathered on 165 private Substance Abuse (SA)treatment centers by the National Treatment Center Study, which currently contains four waves of data collected between 1994 and...
The Media Has This One Wrong
April 30th, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
OxyContin is a sustained-release oxycodone preparation that can provide safe and effective relief from chronic pain for 12 hours. During the latter part of the 1990s, the practice of crushing OxyContin tablets – thereby “jumpstarting” the release of the contained opioid – and then inhaling or dissolving and injecting the powder became popular for its pronounced “high.” Several scientific studies found that the role of OxyContin is minimal in the use and abuse of pharmaceutical opioids. A very different characterization of the increase in pharmaceutical opioid use is found in...
April 30th, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
OxyContin is a sustained-release oxycodone preparation that can provide safe and effective relief from chronic pain for 12 hours. During the latter part of the 1990s, the practice of crushing OxyContin tablets – thereby “jumpstarting” the release of the contained opioid – and then inhaling or dissolving and injecting the powder became popular for its pronounced “high.” Several scientific studies found that the role of OxyContin is minimal in the use and abuse of pharmaceutical opioids. A very different characterization of the increase in pharmaceutical opioid use is found in...
Women-Only Treatment Has Long-Term Benefits
January 31st, 2008 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
Women are underrepresented in most alcohol and drug treatment programs. They also often have special accompanying issues, such as child-care responsibilities and past trauma. These issues may be overlooked or discounted in a mixed-gender setting. In fact, many women with substance-use disorders (SUDs) report that all-female groups provide a safer and more comfortable treatment environment. This study tested a treatment program that is women-focused and women-only in design. Researchers recruited patients with SUD from local hospital programs, clinician referrals, etc. Participants were...
January 31st, 2008 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
Women are underrepresented in most alcohol and drug treatment programs. They also often have special accompanying issues, such as child-care responsibilities and past trauma. These issues may be overlooked or discounted in a mixed-gender setting. In fact, many women with substance-use disorders (SUDs) report that all-female groups provide a safer and more comfortable treatment environment. This study tested a treatment program that is women-focused and women-only in design. Researchers recruited patients with SUD from local hospital programs, clinician referrals, etc. Participants were...
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,...
Alcohol and Marijuana: the Prevalent Combination
January 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high prevalence of both alcohol and illegal substance use, little research has been conducted on concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs. Concurrent use is defined as the use of alcohol and other drugs during the same time period, while simultaneous use is the use of alcohol and other drugs at the same time. Using data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey, researchers looked at the prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol with marijuana, cocaine/crack, uppers, downers, heroin/opiates, hallucinogens, and painkillers in the general U.S. population....
January 31st, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high prevalence of both alcohol and illegal substance use, little research has been conducted on concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs. Concurrent use is defined as the use of alcohol and other drugs during the same time period, while simultaneous use is the use of alcohol and other drugs at the same time. Using data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey, researchers looked at the prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol with marijuana, cocaine/crack, uppers, downers, heroin/opiates, hallucinogens, and painkillers in the general U.S. population....
Tracking the Use of Medications for Substance Abuse Treatment
October 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Medications for alcohol and drug dependence have been developed, tested and available for some time in the U.S. Yet their rate of adoption by American treatment organizations appears to be slow. This study is one of the few to examine the availability and use of pharmacotherapies in various treatment settings. Researchers gathered data from 403 privately funded, and 363 publicly funded, treatment centers in the U.S. They analyzed the availability of agonist medications such as methadone and buprenorphine, used mainly for people dependent on opioids (an agonist is a medication that binds...
October 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Medications for alcohol and drug dependence have been developed, tested and available for some time in the U.S. Yet their rate of adoption by American treatment organizations appears to be slow. This study is one of the few to examine the availability and use of pharmacotherapies in various treatment settings. Researchers gathered data from 403 privately funded, and 363 publicly funded, treatment centers in the U.S. They analyzed the availability of agonist medications such as methadone and buprenorphine, used mainly for people dependent on opioids (an agonist is a medication that binds...
Heavy Smoking Interferes with Recovery of Brain from Alcoholism
October 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Between 50 and 90 percent of persons who seek alcoholism treatment in North America are chronic smokers. Previous studies have shown that patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction (loss of the ability to concentrate, remember things, process information, learn, speak, and understand) among heavy smokers are very similar to those observed in alcoholics. This study looked at neurocognitive recovery among abstinent alcoholics who continued to smoke heavily. Researchers gathered three groups for long-term study: 13 nonsmoking alcoholics in recovery (12 men, 1 woman), 12 actively smoking...
October 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Between 50 and 90 percent of persons who seek alcoholism treatment in North America are chronic smokers. Previous studies have shown that patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction (loss of the ability to concentrate, remember things, process information, learn, speak, and understand) among heavy smokers are very similar to those observed in alcoholics. This study looked at neurocognitive recovery among abstinent alcoholics who continued to smoke heavily. Researchers gathered three groups for long-term study: 13 nonsmoking alcoholics in recovery (12 men, 1 woman), 12 actively smoking...
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...
Compliance Monitoring Appears to Improve Treatment Outcomes
August 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
“Medication compliance” is defined as the extent to which a patient takes his/her medication according to a healthcare provider’s instructions. Pharmacotherapy trials of alcoholism have shown that compliance is equal to, or more important than, other areas of medicine. This study uses two different compliance methods to evaluate naltrexone’s efficacy in treating alcoholism as well as the impact of compliance on its effects. (Naltrexone is a drug used in the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence. It is used after the patient has stopped taking drugs or alcohol and works by...
August 31st, 2007 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
“Medication compliance” is defined as the extent to which a patient takes his/her medication according to a healthcare provider’s instructions. Pharmacotherapy trials of alcoholism have shown that compliance is equal to, or more important than, other areas of medicine. This study uses two different compliance methods to evaluate naltrexone’s efficacy in treating alcoholism as well as the impact of compliance on its effects. (Naltrexone is a drug used in the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence. It is used after the patient has stopped taking drugs or alcohol and works by...
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...
It Helps to Get Help
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Most clinical studies examine individuals either during or immediately following formal treatment. However, individuals who are willing to acknowledge their alcohol-use problems actually choose self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and/or treatment, or sometimes nothing at all. This study tracks individuals for 16 years who chose one of these three options, comparing their success rates and/or life changes. Researchers surveyed 461 individuals (232 females, 229 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study...
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Most clinical studies examine individuals either during or immediately following formal treatment. However, individuals who are willing to acknowledge their alcohol-use problems actually choose self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and/or treatment, or sometimes nothing at all. This study tracks individuals for 16 years who chose one of these three options, comparing their success rates and/or life changes. Researchers surveyed 461 individuals (232 females, 229 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study...
Another Relapse Prevention Drug
August 31st, 2006 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate are the only treatment medications currently approved for the management of alcohol dependence. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new antiepileptic drug that reduces glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. Given that acamprosate (ACP) also slows transmission between glutamate nerve cells, this pilot study compares the efficacy and safety of OXC with ACP in recently withdrawn alcohol-dependent patients. Researchers conducted a 24-week study of 30 alcohol-dependent patients seeking outpatient treatment for alcohol-relapse prevention. Patients...
August 31st, 2006 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate are the only treatment medications currently approved for the management of alcohol dependence. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new antiepileptic drug that reduces glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. Given that acamprosate (ACP) also slows transmission between glutamate nerve cells, this pilot study compares the efficacy and safety of OXC with ACP in recently withdrawn alcohol-dependent patients. Researchers conducted a 24-week study of 30 alcohol-dependent patients seeking outpatient treatment for alcohol-relapse prevention. Patients...
Treatment Shown to Reduce Criminal Convictions
April 30th, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study in England found substantial reductions in criminal convictions for drug users who under- went treatment for drug dependence problems. These results replicated previously reported findings demonstrating that treatment reduces criminal activity. Researchers investigated changes in criminal convictions among 1075 patients admitted to 54 drug misuse centers across England. Convictions data were collected by personal interviews during the year prior to treatment, and at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after treatment. During the year prior to treatment, 34% of the subjects had...
April 30th, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study in England found substantial reductions in criminal convictions for drug users who under- went treatment for drug dependence problems. These results replicated previously reported findings demonstrating that treatment reduces criminal activity. Researchers investigated changes in criminal convictions among 1075 patients admitted to 54 drug misuse centers across England. Convictions data were collected by personal interviews during the year prior to treatment, and at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after treatment. During the year prior to treatment, 34% of the subjects had...
Outpatient Treatment in Germany
January 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
In Germany and many other European countries, alcohol-treatment rehabilitation programs have traditionally focused almost exclusively on inpatient treatment. The costs are considerable. This study investigated the effectiveness of a highly structured outpatient treatment program, and also looked at predictors for relapse after three years. Researchers consecutively recruited 103 alcohol-dependent patients who enrolled in a two-phase treatment program: a 12-week motivational phase, followed by an eight-month rehabilitation phase. Patients were interviewed at entry to, as well as exit...
January 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
In Germany and many other European countries, alcohol-treatment rehabilitation programs have traditionally focused almost exclusively on inpatient treatment. The costs are considerable. This study investigated the effectiveness of a highly structured outpatient treatment program, and also looked at predictors for relapse after three years. Researchers consecutively recruited 103 alcohol-dependent patients who enrolled in a two-phase treatment program: a 12-week motivational phase, followed by an eight-month rehabilitation phase. Patients were interviewed at entry to, as well as exit...
Dependence, Abuse, and Treatment of Jail Inmates
January 31st, 2006 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
In a survey conducted by researchers of the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2002, more than two-thirds of jail inmates were classified as alcohol or drug dependent or abusers. Fifty-three percent of inmates were dependent on or abused drugs, as opposed to 47% for alcohol. Surprisingly, almost two-thirds of inmates who met the criteria for dependence or abuse had participated in a substance abuse treatment program in the past, and most while under correctional supervision. Some important results of the survey are given below: White and middle-aged inmates had higher rates of...
January 31st, 2006 / Treatment / Betty Ford Institute
In a survey conducted by researchers of the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2002, more than two-thirds of jail inmates were classified as alcohol or drug dependent or abusers. Fifty-three percent of inmates were dependent on or abused drugs, as opposed to 47% for alcohol. Surprisingly, almost two-thirds of inmates who met the criteria for dependence or abuse had participated in a substance abuse treatment program in the past, and most while under correctional supervision. Some important results of the survey are given below: White and middle-aged inmates had higher rates of...
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...
Groundbreaking Kudzu Study
August 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
None of the medications currently used to treat alcohol-related problems are universally effective. All have side effects that may limit their usefulness as well as reduce individual adherence to the prescribed dosage. Previous research has shown that an extract of an herbal plant called Pueraria lobata (kudzu), which contains isoflavones, can reduce alcohol consumption in rats and hamsters. Kudzu is a frequent ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine. This study tested kudzu’s effectiveness on alcohol consumption among heavy human drinkers. Researchers recruited 14 (11 males, 3 females)...
August 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
None of the medications currently used to treat alcohol-related problems are universally effective. All have side effects that may limit their usefulness as well as reduce individual adherence to the prescribed dosage. Previous research has shown that an extract of an herbal plant called Pueraria lobata (kudzu), which contains isoflavones, can reduce alcohol consumption in rats and hamsters. Kudzu is a frequent ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine. This study tested kudzu’s effectiveness on alcohol consumption among heavy human drinkers. Researchers recruited 14 (11 males, 3 females)...
Nicotine Lozenges Help Smokers Quit
August 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
In 2002, a report of the U.S. Surgeon General identified nicotine dependence as an impediment to smokers who wish to stop smoking. Since the early 1980s, studies have shown that treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases success in smoking cessation among heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day). More recent research studied the efficacy of NRT among light smokers. In the trial, 917 participants who were identified as light smokers (those who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes per day) were given either a low (2 mg) dose nicotine lozenge or a...
August 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
In 2002, a report of the U.S. Surgeon General identified nicotine dependence as an impediment to smokers who wish to stop smoking. Since the early 1980s, studies have shown that treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases success in smoking cessation among heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day). More recent research studied the efficacy of NRT among light smokers. In the trial, 917 participants who were identified as light smokers (those who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes per day) were given either a low (2 mg) dose nicotine lozenge or a...
Older Women Do Better in Treatment
April 30th, 2005 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment of older adults – particularly older women – for alcohol dependence has received little research attention. This study, led by Dr. Derek Satre of UCSF, examined the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of older alcohol-dependent men and women at a mixed-age, private outpatient chemical dependency program. Researchers drew data from two randomized studies conducted at the Kaiser Permanente Chemical Dependency Recovery Program in Sacramento between 1994 and 1996, and 1997 and 1998, gathering a final sample of 92 patients (63 males, 29 females), ages 55 to 77 years....
April 30th, 2005 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment of older adults – particularly older women – for alcohol dependence has received little research attention. This study, led by Dr. Derek Satre of UCSF, examined the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of older alcohol-dependent men and women at a mixed-age, private outpatient chemical dependency program. Researchers drew data from two randomized studies conducted at the Kaiser Permanente Chemical Dependency Recovery Program in Sacramento between 1994 and 1996, and 1997 and 1998, gathering a final sample of 92 patients (63 males, 29 females), ages 55 to 77 years....
One Study the Truth Does Not Make: A Great Example
April 30th, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Many studies have identified a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and alcohol use. Yet there has been some reluctance to treat tobacco dependence concurrently with alcohol and drug dependence for fear of jeopardizing drinking treatment outcomes. Recently, University of Minnesota researchers conducted an extensive study to compare concurrent treatment for alcohol and tobacco dependencies with separate delayed treatment for tobacco dependencies. Four hundred ninety-nine smokers were enrolled and randomly assigned to either concurrent alcohol and tobacco treatment or delayed (six...
April 30th, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Many studies have identified a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and alcohol use. Yet there has been some reluctance to treat tobacco dependence concurrently with alcohol and drug dependence for fear of jeopardizing drinking treatment outcomes. Recently, University of Minnesota researchers conducted an extensive study to compare concurrent treatment for alcohol and tobacco dependencies with separate delayed treatment for tobacco dependencies. Four hundred ninety-nine smokers were enrolled and randomly assigned to either concurrent alcohol and tobacco treatment or delayed (six...
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...
Lower Copayment Brings More Adolescents Into Treatment
April 30th, 2005 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use by teenagers creates major health and policy issues. The sheer size of this group – today’s adolescents make up the largest generation in American history – illuminates the need for substance-use treatment services. This study looks at the effects of a reduction in the copayment amount by a large self-insured state employer on utilization of adolescent services. Specifically, does the number of adolescent users of substance-use outpatient services increase if there is a resultant reduction in cost-sharing arrangements? Researchers analyzed 31,585 records on...
April 30th, 2005 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use by teenagers creates major health and policy issues. The sheer size of this group – today’s adolescents make up the largest generation in American history – illuminates the need for substance-use treatment services. This study looks at the effects of a reduction in the copayment amount by a large self-insured state employer on utilization of adolescent services. Specifically, does the number of adolescent users of substance-use outpatient services increase if there is a resultant reduction in cost-sharing arrangements? Researchers analyzed 31,585 records on...
A Look at the Awareness/Treatment Mix
April 30th, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol use is associated with a variety of personal, health, and social problems. Considerable research has looked at identifying demographic, clinical, and motivational variables that might predict that a person would enter alcohol treatment. Still the question remains: What profile of clinical features of alcohol dependence are associated with entry into treatment? The study addresses this gap by identifying clinical features associated with receiving or not receiving alcohol treatment. In 1998, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health gathered information from 25,500 respondents...
April 30th, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol use is associated with a variety of personal, health, and social problems. Considerable research has looked at identifying demographic, clinical, and motivational variables that might predict that a person would enter alcohol treatment. Still the question remains: What profile of clinical features of alcohol dependence are associated with entry into treatment? The study addresses this gap by identifying clinical features associated with receiving or not receiving alcohol treatment. In 1998, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health gathered information from 25,500 respondents...
Treatment Outcomes for Women are Better than for Men
January 31st, 2005 / Spirituality & 12 Steps / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug dependence treatment outcomes of older alcoholics, particularly women, have been largely ignored. This study examined clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among older alcoholics in a mixed-age, private outpatient, chemical dependency program. Researchers examined 92 patients, 55 to 77 years of age (63 males, 29 females) for their demographic characteristics, alcohol and drug use/dependence, drinking history, health status, psychiatric symptoms, length of stay in treatment, use of Alcoholics Anonymous, and six-month treatment outcomes. The women reported...
January 31st, 2005 / Spirituality & 12 Steps / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug dependence treatment outcomes of older alcoholics, particularly women, have been largely ignored. This study examined clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among older alcoholics in a mixed-age, private outpatient, chemical dependency program. Researchers examined 92 patients, 55 to 77 years of age (63 males, 29 females) for their demographic characteristics, alcohol and drug use/dependence, drinking history, health status, psychiatric symptoms, length of stay in treatment, use of Alcoholics Anonymous, and six-month treatment outcomes. The women reported...
“Just a Couple of Beers”
January 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Since a high percentage of offenders convicted of driving while impaired (DWI) suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, many courts require DWI offenders to undergo assessments of their drinking. These screenings, however, are often inaccurate due to under-reporting. Offenders under-report their alcohol use out of concern for legal and social consequences. They may be ashamed and thus defensive about their alcohol use. And, offenders must pay for the screening and subsequent treatment so they falsify information to avoid the costs. To identify the extent of this under-reporting,...
January 31st, 2005 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Since a high percentage of offenders convicted of driving while impaired (DWI) suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, many courts require DWI offenders to undergo assessments of their drinking. These screenings, however, are often inaccurate due to under-reporting. Offenders under-report their alcohol use out of concern for legal and social consequences. They may be ashamed and thus defensive about their alcohol use. And, offenders must pay for the screening and subsequent treatment so they falsify information to avoid the costs. To identify the extent of this under-reporting,...
Naltrexone Proven Effective in the Treatment of Alcoholism
October 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
A most significant breakthrough in unraveling the medical mystery of alcoholism was a 1992 study published by the Yale University School of Medicine reporting the positive results of clinical testing of the drug naltrexone. The drug proved superior to placebo in measures of amount of drinking, abstinence rates, relapse, and severity of alcohol-related problems. (Ed. Note: This was one of two articles published in the same journal showing the value of naltrexone.) Previous work had shown that naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, might be effective as pharmacological treatment for alcoholism....
October 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
A most significant breakthrough in unraveling the medical mystery of alcoholism was a 1992 study published by the Yale University School of Medicine reporting the positive results of clinical testing of the drug naltrexone. The drug proved superior to placebo in measures of amount of drinking, abstinence rates, relapse, and severity of alcohol-related problems. (Ed. Note: This was one of two articles published in the same journal showing the value of naltrexone.) Previous work had shown that naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, might be effective as pharmacological treatment for alcoholism....
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...
Affirmation for Intense Treatment Plus 12 Steps
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
Older Patients Do OK in Community-Based Treatment
April 30th, 2004 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
The number of patients 55 years or older with alcohol use problems has increased. There is concern that these older patients may not receive the same quality of treatment as do younger patients, especially in community-based facilities. In contrast to hospitals, community settings have relatively fewer older patients, lower levels of professional staffing, and a wide range of treatment services, and might consequently be biased in their treatment of older individuals. A recent study compared older (55–77 years of age), middle-aged (40–54), and young (24–39) male veterans who...
April 30th, 2004 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
The number of patients 55 years or older with alcohol use problems has increased. There is concern that these older patients may not receive the same quality of treatment as do younger patients, especially in community-based facilities. In contrast to hospitals, community settings have relatively fewer older patients, lower levels of professional staffing, and a wide range of treatment services, and might consequently be biased in their treatment of older individuals. A recent study compared older (55–77 years of age), middle-aged (40–54), and young (24–39) male veterans who...
A Step Toward Healthier Treatment
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly three times as many individuals with alcohol and drug problems smoke cigarettes when compared to the general population. Despite these statistics, few treatment programs or providers offer structured smoking cessation services. Opinion is divided regarding whether or not smoking cessation helps treatment outcomes, or worsens the chances of success. This study examined changes in smoking status during a 12-month period among a group (649) of individuals seeking treatment in a private, managed-care setting. At treatment entry, 395 of the participants were smokers and 254 were...
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly three times as many individuals with alcohol and drug problems smoke cigarettes when compared to the general population. Despite these statistics, few treatment programs or providers offer structured smoking cessation services. Opinion is divided regarding whether or not smoking cessation helps treatment outcomes, or worsens the chances of success. This study examined changes in smoking status during a 12-month period among a group (649) of individuals seeking treatment in a private, managed-care setting. At treatment entry, 395 of the participants were smokers and 254 were...
National Alcohol Screening Day Proves Worthwhile
April 30th, 2004 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In 1992, 14 million Americans were diagnosed with alcohol use disorders and an estimated 20% more could have been classified as risky drinkers, yet only an estimated 3.4 million Americans received alcohol treatment. This disparity led to the creation in 1999 of National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), a program providing public education, screening, and referral for treatment. There were 1,218 community sites (mostly general and psychiatric hospitals) and 499 college sites across the United States that participated in the AUDIT screening, a ten-question self-test developed by the World Health...
April 30th, 2004 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In 1992, 14 million Americans were diagnosed with alcohol use disorders and an estimated 20% more could have been classified as risky drinkers, yet only an estimated 3.4 million Americans received alcohol treatment. This disparity led to the creation in 1999 of National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), a program providing public education, screening, and referral for treatment. There were 1,218 community sites (mostly general and psychiatric hospitals) and 499 college sites across the United States that participated in the AUDIT screening, a ten-question self-test developed by the World Health...
Education Level May Impact Drug Treatment Outcome
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Researchers associated with the McLean Hospital Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment program in Belmont, MA recruited 101 alcohol-dependent men and women and interviewed them on a monthly basis for one year in order to determine the relationship between educational status and drinking outcomes after treatment. The participants in the study were placed in two distinct categories, those with a “high school education or less,” and those with “some college or more.” Those with a high school education or less were more likely to relapse after treatment, to have a greater proportion of...
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Researchers associated with the McLean Hospital Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment program in Belmont, MA recruited 101 alcohol-dependent men and women and interviewed them on a monthly basis for one year in order to determine the relationship between educational status and drinking outcomes after treatment. The participants in the study were placed in two distinct categories, those with a “high school education or less,” and those with “some college or more.” Those with a high school education or less were more likely to relapse after treatment, to have a greater proportion of...
Naltrexone: Is It a Case of “Rejection Without Investigation”?
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
There are currently two medications available for use during treatment of alcoholism, naltrexone and disulfiram. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist; it is thought to reduce craving and the reinforcing properties of alcohol. Disulfiram deters patients from drinking by producing an aversive reaction if/when alcohol is consumed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved naltrexone in December 1994; however, it is not frequently prescribed by U.S. physicians. This study examined why that may be. U.S. physician members of two addiction medicine associations – the American Society of...
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
There are currently two medications available for use during treatment of alcoholism, naltrexone and disulfiram. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist; it is thought to reduce craving and the reinforcing properties of alcohol. Disulfiram deters patients from drinking by producing an aversive reaction if/when alcohol is consumed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved naltrexone in December 1994; however, it is not frequently prescribed by U.S. physicians. This study examined why that may be. U.S. physician members of two addiction medicine associations – the American Society of...
Topiramate Shows Promise as Treatment for Alcohol Dependence
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Topiramate is a drug that decreases cellular release of dopamine (one of the feel-good neurotransmitters) in the midbrain, and also antagonizes several other receptors and thus may minimize alcohol’s rewarding effects. This study investigated its effectiveness as a treatment for alcohol dependence. Study participants comprised 150 individuals (107 males, 43 females) seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. Seventy-five received topiramate (an escalating dose of 25 to 300 mg per day), and 75 received a placebo in conjunction with standardized medication. After 12 weeks of treatment,...
January 31st, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Topiramate is a drug that decreases cellular release of dopamine (one of the feel-good neurotransmitters) in the midbrain, and also antagonizes several other receptors and thus may minimize alcohol’s rewarding effects. This study investigated its effectiveness as a treatment for alcohol dependence. Study participants comprised 150 individuals (107 males, 43 females) seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. Seventy-five received topiramate (an escalating dose of 25 to 300 mg per day), and 75 received a placebo in conjunction with standardized medication. After 12 weeks of treatment,...
Craving, Treatment and Cocaine Use
October 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
The key to successful treatment is control over the patient’s craving for a particular substance, either through medication or psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In cocaine-dependent patients, however, current pharmacotherapies have not proven effective in reducing craving. Researchers continue to study the mechanisms of craving and its effect on continued cocaine use. One such recent study examined the relationship between cocaine craving, psychosocial treatment and cocaine use during a 24-week treatment program. In addition to weekly toxicology screening and different types of...
October 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
The key to successful treatment is control over the patient’s craving for a particular substance, either through medication or psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In cocaine-dependent patients, however, current pharmacotherapies have not proven effective in reducing craving. Researchers continue to study the mechanisms of craving and its effect on continued cocaine use. One such recent study examined the relationship between cocaine craving, psychosocial treatment and cocaine use during a 24-week treatment program. In addition to weekly toxicology screening and different types of...
It Helps If He Cares
October 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Studies have shown that the success of a woman’s drug treatment may depend upon the drug-use status of her male partner, and that pregnant women who are involved with drug-using partners can be 5 times more likely to use drugs than women whose partners are drug-free. The authors of a recent study conducted at the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy (CAP) in Baltimore suggest that those women who choose to enter treatment face losing not only the coping mechanism of drug use, but also their romantic relationships. Pregnancy and a drug-using partner can be conflicting motivators for drug...
October 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Studies have shown that the success of a woman’s drug treatment may depend upon the drug-use status of her male partner, and that pregnant women who are involved with drug-using partners can be 5 times more likely to use drugs than women whose partners are drug-free. The authors of a recent study conducted at the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy (CAP) in Baltimore suggest that those women who choose to enter treatment face losing not only the coping mechanism of drug use, but also their romantic relationships. Pregnancy and a drug-using partner can be conflicting motivators for drug...
Quitting Alcohol and Tobacco Simultaneously
August 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high co-occurrence of alcohol and tobacco dependence, alcohol-treatment programs have been reluctant to promote smoking cessation. Opinion is divided on whether or not smoking cessation during or subsequent to alcohol treatment jeopardizes alcohol abstinence. This study uses the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to examine simultaneous smoking and drinking cessation. TTM is a collection of variables that has been shown to accurately predict smoking and drinking outcomes. Study participants were 115 alcohol and tobacco dependent outpatients (70% male, 81% white) enrolled in a...
August 31st, 2003 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the high co-occurrence of alcohol and tobacco dependence, alcohol-treatment programs have been reluctant to promote smoking cessation. Opinion is divided on whether or not smoking cessation during or subsequent to alcohol treatment jeopardizes alcohol abstinence. This study uses the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to examine simultaneous smoking and drinking cessation. TTM is a collection of variables that has been shown to accurately predict smoking and drinking outcomes. Study participants were 115 alcohol and tobacco dependent outpatients (70% male, 81% white) enrolled in a...
Rx: Keep Going to Meetings
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
© Copyright 2009 - 2012 Betty Ford Institute All Rights Reserved.
| Privacy Policy | Site Disclaimer | Press Releases | Join Our Community
Operating independently of the non-profit drug treatment Betty Ford Center in a relationship of "cooperative independence."