Examined characteristics of drug-testing programs that were associated with personnel managers' judgments of the programs' effectiveness using data gathered from human resource managers (N=190). Results showed drug-testing programs considered to be effective were supported by ancillary activities (such as employee assistance programs), targeted…

Evaluated the effectiveness of three 16-hour-long unstructured marathon groups composed of female illicit drug users in a woman's prison (N=78), using evaluative adjective pairs of the semantic differential concept Women. Marathon groups rated women as more successful and more pleasurable than did controls. (JAC)

Conducted a three-year observational study of clients (N=100) receiving methadone treatment in three drug abuse programs. Concluded that the chemotherapeutic treatment system itself fosters addictive behavior and recommended changes within the clinics and the macrosystem. (LLL)

Frequent use of marijuana has reached an alarming proportion in the student population. Outlines the signs and stages of frequent use so that educators can recognize the symptoms and intervene. (MD)

Compared sex role attributes of male alcoholic veterans to those of 81 nonalcoholic veterans and 386 college students. Results showed male alcoholics were sex-typed more frequently as feminine than masculine. Results were interpreted as a consequence, not a cause of the disorder and were considered reversible with sustained sobriety. (JAC)

The problem of drug abuse in school and the detrimental effects of drug use are well documented. Identification of the problem is only part of the solution. Members of the school health team are in an excellent position to intervene and provide alternatives for the student. Intervention strategies are discussed. (Author/DF)

Evaluated a sample of 31 residents in an alcohol halfway house upon admission and after a duration of time. Results showed that the poor outcome group was younger, had a multiple drug history, tended to drink with others, and had greater number of blackouts while drinking. (LLL)

Cocaine, including crack cocaine, was responsible for 12.8 percent of admissions to substance abuse treatment services in 2002.1 The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) asks persons aged 12 or older to report their use of illicit drugs, including cocaine. NSDUH defines cocaine use as use of cocaine in any form, including crack cocaine.…

This guide looks at drug abuse in the context of adolescent development and provides a framework for understanding what has been learned about effective adolescent drug treatment over the last decade. The guide, which underscores the need to address developmental issues when treating adolescents, provides concrete ways to assess treatment…

As a valuable addition to substance abuse treatment, adventure programming can have positive impacts on clients' self-efficacy, social behavior, and problem solving. A study explored the extent to which traditional substance abuse treatment programs use adventure programming, the level of adventure training and experience among substance abuse…

Using data from the National Corrections Reporting Program, this study examined trends in imprisoning drug offenders in the United States, focusing on the numbers of incarcerated drug offenders and the relationship between incarceration for drug use and rates of drug use. Overall, the increase in drug admissions to prison from 1986 to 1996 is…

Evaluated perceptions of treatment environments within the Comprehensive Drug Program of Dade County (Miami) Florida. Analysis revealed that perceptions of drug clients toward their treatment environments were more positive than those of clients in other types of medical and psychiatric treatment. Perceptions varied directly with contact between…

Reports on node-link mapping--a method for visually representing ideas, feelings, and actions. Examines counseling session evaluations collected from probationers at a residential substance abuse treatment facility. Results indicate that participants rated sessions featuring more extensive mapping as being deeper and as involving more group…

Examines the use of focus group interviews in understanding staff perceptions of training to work with drug users in the Therapeutic Community model. Discusses methodological issues relevant to the use of focus groups and the individual responses to the training program and the content and structure of the training program are also discussed.…

Study assessed whether differences exist in levels of psychological distress in abused, chemically dependent adolescents when compared to non-abused counterparts, and non-abused, non-chemically dependent adolescents. Results indicated abused adolescents demonstrated more severe levels of distress, and earlier onset of alcohol and drug use.…