An autobiographical, narrative art therapy approach to treat drug addiction was co-developed at the Methadone Clinic of Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The 10-session art therapy intervention included a group of 7 men. The protocol, as illustrated with a case example, suggests that it could help resolve deep-seated pain,…

Objective: Relapse is a major problem in drug addiction treatment. Both drug craving and drug-related cognitions (e.g., attentional bias and implicit attitudes to drugs) may contribute to relapse. Using ecological momentary assessments, we examined whether craving and cognitions assessed during drug detoxification treatment were associated with…

Compared the effectiveness of the American Cancer Society's "FreshStart," the American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking," and a laboratory smoking cessation clinic. A one-year followup favored the more intensive laboratory and "Freedom from Smoking" clinics over the "FreshStart" method. (FMW)

Previous studies have shown that the use of behavior modification techniques, specifically the use of token reinforcement systems, can produce positive changes in the behavior of heroin addicts within a hospital setting. A token economy program was assessed to determine the effectiveness of such a program with patients in an outpatient methadone…

Examined self-reported dysphoria in 82 consecutive admissions to intensive outpatient treatment for cocaine abuse for individuals on whom data for the Beck scales for depression, anxiety, and hopelessness were available for intake and four subsequent weeks with no more than one missing data point. Mean scores decreased significantly between intake…

In this study, the authors evaluated a low-cost contingency management (CM) procedure for reducing cocaine use and enhancing group therapy attendance in 77 cocaine-dependent methadone patients. Patients were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of standard treatment or standard treatment with CM, in which patients earned the opportunity to win prizes…

Rutgers University's alcohol and drug abuse program aids New Jersey college students while they live in special facilities and continue to attend class. Previously, students referred to off-campus clinics had to choose either recovery or college. However, some say help with addictions is not a college responsibility. (MSE)

Since psychopathology may be linked to substance abuse behavior, one aspect of that relationship should have an effect on the development and consequences of the other. This study sought to determine whether psychopathology would decrease after a 28-day period of alcoholism treatment. Thirty Caucasian adults who had sought inpatient treatment for…

In January of 1994 the Addictions Training Center at the University of Nevada, Reno surveyed the treatment staff and directors at 46 publicly supported addictions training centers located in the state of Nevada. Four hundred twenty-nine surveys were mailed, and 189 were returned. In addition to demographic information, respondents were surveyed on…

There is evidence that drug treatment in correctional facilities can impact recidivism, perceptions of self-efficacy, and mood states such as depression and anxiety. This study was designed to provide detailed and systematic descriptions of participants and treatment program components for five drug treatment programs. Also included are program…

An outline of vocational rehabilitation of the ex-addict is presented, with emphasis placed on the development of treatment plans, counselor inservice training, and clinical procedures. Discussion is based on the Beth Israel Medical Center (BIMC) programs of Methadone Maintenance Treatment and Alcohol Treatment. Section 1, Proceedings, defines…

This group study features a loss-grief inventory in the treatment of 98 substance abusers in an outpatient treatment facility. The inventory designed in this study serves both assessment (helps counselor and client identify unresolved loss-grief issues which may contribute to addiction) and treatment (assists the client through the grieving…

Describes a program for older adolescents exhibiting substance use problems. After initial assessment and referral, most patients enter outpatient treatment groups. Groups fulfill three purposes: (1) Staff monitors clients; (2) Help clients recognize the promise of recovery; and (3) Change behavior. Difficulties of working with multiple community…

La Casita is a culturally relevant 6-month residential substance abuse treatment program in southeast Los Angeles County (California) for low income Latina women. Most participants are second and third generation Latinas who clearly identify themselves as being Hispanic but behave in a bicultural manner. The average La Casita resident is 30 years…

Researchers surveyed 78 clients in drug abuse treatment facilities to determine their perceptions regarding factors related to their use and abuse of drugs. About 40% of the sample began using drugs between 11 and 15 years of age. Males tended to begin using drugs at an earlier age than did females. Over 90% of participants reported using drugs…