The purpose of this paper is to show how "realist synthesis" methodology (Pawson, 2002) was adapted to review a large sample of community based projects addressing alcohol and drug use problems. Our study drew on a highly varied sample of 127 projects receiving funding from a national non-government organisation in Australia between 2002…

This study examined whether Motivational Interviewing (MI), found effective with voluntary entrants to drug treatment, would improve intrinsic motivation and treatment retention among drug court probationers. Probationers were randomly assigned to receive either a two-session MI intervention or a two-session Drug Education (DE) intervention…

Substance abuse is a major problem encountered by social workers in all settings. This study investigated the impact of a postmaster's program in the treatment of substance-abusing clients on the domains of "Attitudes and Values," "Knowledge and Skills," and "Behaviors" of its graduates. Overall, 91 percent of…

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…

In the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean there has been a dramatic expansion in drug demand reduction (DDR) programmes over the past decade. Often drawing on models originating in the countries providing the funding in North America or Europe, these activities have often been inadequately monitored and rarely evaluated. The absence of…

The narrow preoccupation with abstinence causes many substance-abusing youth to react either with dishonesty or resistance. Drug education and treatment programs need to help youth rethink their use of drugs, rather than utilize harshly confrontational tactics. Drug courts can provide sanctions, while treatment interventions such as the Seven…

States that, although sociologists have made contributions to the drug abuse research literature, they have been absent in the formulation of drug policy. Argues that sociologists should take a pragmatic approach, using the tools of their science within the context of existing policy, to reduce drug abuse and thereby limit the need for punitive…

Having witnessed drug use, idleness, and dangerous driving, a parent urges school officials to encourage neighborhood vigilance, follow up on leads, use dogs to sniff out drugs, suspend hard cases, expose second offenders to drug victims in local hospitals, and provide students with positive role models and career goals. (PB)

Presents second part of two-part series reviewing the published literature of smokeless tobacco in the United States. Explores smokeless tobacco as a pharmacologically addicting substance, discusses educational interventions designed to prevent use or help users quit, and outlines areas of future research. (Author)

Harm reduction, a new model in the field of drug education, recognizes that people have always and always will use drugs. The new strategy attempts to minimize the potential hazards associated with drug use rather than the use itself. The rationale is presented as well as an example of needs assessment. (Author/JPS)

Findings show a relationship between counselor background and treatment techniques but no relationship between counselor background and outcome. (Author)

Describes California Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education programs for intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Presents types of educational interventions, both for IVDUs in treatment and those not in treatment. Concludes the state is making a good effort to reach IVDUs, but programs must move toward assessment of attitudes that impede…

Examined effectiveness of relapse prevention training (RPT), part of outpatient-drug education program for 83 drug addicted probationers, with special attention to knowledge maps as supplemental instructional materials. Found that program participation improved during use of RPT. Participants who successfully completed RPT sessions had lower rates…

Presents data on methamphetamine use in the United States and the economic and social pressures that may partially explain expanded methamphetamine use. Recommends a policy response that utilizes a public health approach, including prevention campaigns, harm-reduction outreach and treatment approaches, and pharmacologic and abstinence-based drug…

Describes crack cocaine education project conducted by Highlands County, Florida School System in cooperation with Florida Alcoholism Treatment Center which used 10 patients being treated for cocaine addiction to present drug information to students. Results showed statistically significant increases in self-esteem of patients following program.…