Experience with numbers of drug addicts has shown them to be singularly unmotivated to discontinue drug use. To develop motivation, a treatment program is described in terms of motivational progression: (1) confrontation of the problem; (2) development of an intellectual understanding of the problem and its harmful effects; and (3) development of…

A study was done to examine the possibility that the concepts of "alcoholic" and "drug addict" are defined by individuals in relation to their self-perceptions. (JN)

Black volunteers differed significantly, scoring higher on the Hypochondriasis, Depression, and Hysteria scales. Such differences add evidence against the addiction-prone personality hypothesis and underscore the need for evaluating the effects of voluntarism and ethnicity in personality research on drug abuse. (Author)

Presents a Gestalt therapeutic approach that has shown promise within a drug treatment program. The major issues discussed include the acquisition of self-support, taking responsibility, dealing with anxiety, contact, and the expression of pent-up feelings. (Author)

Chronic callers (N=67) are reviewed; 51 percent were diagnosed as drug or alcohol dependent. Four were known to have committed suicide and 37 had made suicide attempts; 47 percent of the group was eventually referred to an ongoing treatment resource. Agency strategies for dealing with the chronic caller are discussed. (Author)

Identifies the occupational and personal characteristics and stressors that might be correlated with burnout among inpatient therapists (N=79) in substance abuse treatment facilities. Results show that recovering therapists had a higher sense of personal accomplishment than nonrecovering therapists. Therapists with more social support also enjoyed…

An urban nonprofit residential treatment program for chemically dependent teenagers uses the Myers Briggs Type Indicator as a team-building tool for volunteers sponsoring teens through the 12-step recovery process. Training in team building and personality types increases understanding of communication style differences and conflict management.…

Based on five years observations, three items were more likely to appear in drawings of patients who relapsed within three months: (1) presence of psychoactive substances or drug paraphernalia; (2) lack of a figure representing the self or any detailed figure; (3) notable use of abstract or geometric drawing style. (LSR)

No studies of substance abuse treatment program outcomes specifically related to women and women's programs has been undertaken. In this study of a women's treatment center, variables shown to be related to length of sobriety include active participation in two sections of the program: the aftercare program and vocational/educational training.…

Randomly assigned 30 prisoners undergoing treatment for heroin addiction to either standard Drug Unit treatment program or to standard program plus single exposure to computerized relapse prevention package. Found immediate improvement in self-efficacy of computer group relative to standard group. Three months later, both groups displayed similar…

Examined usefulness of Devereux Adolescent Behavior Rating Scale (DAB) for assessing behavior problems in adolescents (n=404) hospitalized in inpatient substance abuse treatment units. From 15 original DAB scales, developed 4 scales measuring acting out behaviors, psychotic behaviors, attention-seeking/expressive behaviors, and inner…

Investigated differences in family variables between adult felons on probation from alcoholic homes (n=43) and those from nonalcoholic homes (n=53). Found significant differences in family violence, abuse, delinquency, running away, and addiction, suggesting that probationers from substance abusing families have significantly more family…

The clinical characteristics of cocaine addiction, cocaine abstinence symptoms, and the short-term and long-term neurochemical actions of cocaine are discussed. The relative therapeutic value of various medications and treatment programs are discussed. (KR)