Six potential problems with the use of randomized experiments to evaluate programs in the field are addressed. Problems include treatment dilution, treatment contamination or confounding, inaccurate case flow and power estimates, violations of the random assignment processes, changes in the environmental context, and changes in the treatment…

Discusses problems associated with the increasing number of drug offenders in U.S. correctional institutions. Explores the relationship between drugs and crime, the history of treating drug-using offenders, and efforts afoot in the Federal Correctional Options Program and the Bureau of Prisons to rehabilitate these prisoners. (MKA)

Explores the need for drug-abuse treatment among drug-using arrestees in four U.S. cities. Results show that 30% to 55% of drug-using arrestees perceived a need for treatment. Explains that the most important predictors for perceived need for treatment are previous experience with drug treatment, having previously injected a drug, and having no…

Describes the spiritual transformation of an Idaho State Penitentiary Cherokee inmate who worked with an Indian elder and an Alcoholics Anonymous elder to utilize the interrelated teachings of the American Indian Medicine Wheel (the East, new beginnings) and the first three steps (honesty, hope, and faith) of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.…

Describes the author's work using poetry therapy groups with chemically-dependant adults in a residential drug treatment unit and in an outpatient setting of a large drug rehabilitation program. Discusses each poetry therapy group and notes the stages of group work. (SR)

Article examines a Drug Court that offers culturally specific programming as a strategy to enhance retention in the treatment of female and African-American male substance abuse offenders. Study found that mandating treatment was insufficient to foster client engagement. Retention was significantly enhanced by treatment that recognized cultural…

To be effective with rehabilitation counseling, counselors need to be aware of cultural patterns of drug use. This study analyzed trends in heroin use between 1990 and 1997 among the arrestee population in some parts of the South. Findings suggest geographic, ethnic, and age-related variables for heroin use. (JDM)

Synthesizes articles in this special issue, highlighting the increasing public policy response to connecting child welfare and substance abuse services that will simultaneously serve children and their families affected by substance abuse. Considers challenges faced by these cooperative efforts, including the need to improve administrative data,…

Based on the literature and recent research, an integrated, consistent definition of wilderness therapy is presented to differentiate it from other outdoor adventure programs and guide program design and research efforts. Trends in the outdoor industry are explored that suggest that wilderness therapy programs are searching for recognition by…

Analysis was made of the common sense explanations of 60 Mexican teenage illicit drug users in rehabilitation to determine their drug use debut. The explanatory model was separated into three blocks, two of which contained common sense aspects: interaction between subject's plane and the collectivity; and relationship between subject's interior…

Young adults' 3,4-methylenedyoxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use is a national public health concern. Although research on the epidemiology of MDMA use has increased, inquiry into intervention and treatment is needed. The authors examine results from an epidemiological investigation from a clinical perspective and provide suggestions for clinicians…

Persons concerned about drug addiction and who seek to help addicts must learn to distinguish between types of addicts. Three cases are reviewed. Those offering help to addicts in need should look beyond simple abstinence to the development of the total person. (Author/PC)

This volume, 30th of a series dealing with social and behavioral implications of human drug involvements, contains abstracts of literature concerning public health issues relevant to the drug field. Intended to provide drug researchers with a sampling of drug-relevant literature (published in English since 1970) across a number of public health…

This report compares current trends in national and Maryland drug abuse rates; reviews social and psychological factors associated with drug abuse; describes the physiological effects of frequently abused substances; reviews the State's drug and alcohol enforcement programs targeted to adolescents; and outlines Maryland's prevention and treatment…

This report examines the incidence of drug abuse and the methods of treatment and prevention of drug abuse used in Southeast Asia. Countries studied include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Because of Malaysia's intensive effort to eliminate its drug abuse problem, emphasis is placed on this country's treatment and…