Analyzed importance of previous suicidal behavior for treatment of alcoholics. Of 72 patients, 21 had previously seriously threatened or attempted suicide. Compared to other alcoholics, those with previous suicidal behavior had similar attrition rate, were not more troublesome in treatment, and had same rate of favorable outcome during third year…

This article presents an interview with Frank Miller, a renowned addictions assessment authority who jointly initiated the updated Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) versions and helped establish the inventories in the addictions assessment mainstream. Among other things, Miller describes how he began working at the SASSI Institute…

Many counselors, psychologists, and social workers assist clients to take psychotropic drugs but recoil from helping clients to rethink drug use or stop taking drugs. They might fear resisting the prevailing ideology, violating "standards of care," or contradicting physicians' advice. This article discusses withdrawal emergent reactions from…

While the epidemiologic trends concerning alprazolam (Xanax[R]) are unknown, the use of benzodiazepines, in general, has increased in popularity among youth within recent years. To shed light on the drug problem, the current pilot study used a qualitative approach to investigate relevant beliefs, norms, and perceived addiction associated with…

Developed and tested multi-media nutrition unit for patients enrolled in an alcoholic treatment program. Content of the instruction was based on nutrition education needs which had been identified earlier. T-tests showed a significant increase in total test scores associated with instruction, suggesting that classes were effective for transmitting…

Reports field test results of current efforts by the state of Michigan to develop, implement, and evaluate three levels of credentials (N=87). Use of a written examination based on an educational manual is discussed, and candidate demographics are compared to test score results. Results indicated the method was effective. (JAC)

Results indicated school grade, controlled for age, was the only client predictor variable found to account for more than one percent of the variance in the "Reasons for Discharge." Marijuana was the only client variable to account for more than one percent of the variance in the "Reduction in Drug Use." (Author/BL)

A survey of drug treatment suggested conflict exists about how drug treatment should be conducted. A case was made for paradigms of treatment as a guide for progress in treatment for addicts. A theoretical paradigm which tried to relate family therapy to the relief of self-esteem distress is discussed. (Author/ABL)

Examined the effect of race on the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC) performance of alcoholic (N=73) and nonalcoholic (N=73) inpatients in an active-duty military sample. Results showed that the MAC discriminated successfully between White alcoholics and nonalcoholics but not between Black alcoholics and nonalcoholics. (LLL)

Applied an integrative model of change to the study of subjects (N=872) changing their smoking habits on their own. The subjects represented five stages of change: (1) precontemplation; (2) contemplation; (3) action; (4) maintenance; and (5) relapse. Relapsers' responses were a combination of contemplation and action. (JAC)

Examined the impact of coercion in rehabilitation of drug abusers. A validated interview schedule was utilized for both coerced and non-coerced participants. Data analysis found that coercion facilitates success for certain groups (e.g., older, longer term heroin addicts), and certain criteria (e.g., arrest and abstinence). (Author/JAC)

Examined effectiveness of implosive therapy with heroin addicts during detoxification from methadone. Treatment groups received 12 sessions of implosive therapy or eclectic counseling and were followed for a six-week period. The implosive therapy group were the only ones to significantly reduce their methadone level during treatment and follow-up.…

Describes the making of a poem to record the ending of a creative writing group at a residential facility for persons recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Presents the collaborative poem. (SG)

This article examines the unique ethical considerations for the provision of family therapy as substance abuse treatment. Use of family therapy as substance abuse treatment has grown rapidly, but the ethical codes that guide clinical practice have not kept pace. Ethical pitfalls specific to family counseling within alcohol and drug treatment…

This article describes a strengths-based alternative to substance abuse treatment. Many contemporary youth are experiencing problems with alcohol or other drugs but reject the message of total abstinence and disease models of treatment. The authors draw from their experience and research to combine a strengths perspective with a harm-reduction…