Published by Haight Ashbury Publications
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Fortieth Anniversary Edition |
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Table of Contents
(scroll
down to view abstracts)
Volume 40, Number 3
September 2008
View sample article |
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Editors’ Introduction -
David E.
Smith, M.D.; Terry Chambers, B.A.
&
Richard
B. Seymour, M.A
View this article |
MDMA-Assisted
Psychotherapy Using Low Doses in a Small Sample of Women
with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
—
José Carlos Bouso, B.Sc.; Rick Doblin, Ph.D.; Magí
Farré, M.D., Ph.D.; Miguel Ángel Alcázar, Ph.D.
&
Gregorio
Gómez-Jarabo, Ph.D. |
Young
Adult Ecstasy Users and Multiple Sexual Partners:
Understanding the Factors Underlying this HIV Risk Practice
—
Claire E. Sterk, Ph.D.; Hugh Klein, Ph.D. & Kirk W. Elifson,
Ph.D. |
Gamma
Hydroxybutyrate: An Ethnographic Study of Recreational Use
and Abuse
—Steven
J. Lee, M.D. &
Petros Levounis, M.D.,
M.A. |
The
Phenomenon of Drug Craving
—
Jeffrey L. Fortuna, Dr.P.H. & David A. Smelson,
Psy.D. |
Hypothesizing that Marijuana Smokers are at a Significantly
Lower Risk of Carcinogenicity Relative to
Tobacco-Non-Marijuana Smokers: Evidenced Based on
Statistical Reevaluation of Current Literature
—
Amanda L.C. Chen, Ph.D.
Thomas J.H. Chen, Ph.D.; Eric R. Braverman, M.D.;
Vanessa Acuri,
B.S.;
Mallory Kerner; Michael
Varshavskiy; Dasha Braverman, P.A.; William B. Downs,
B.Sc.; Seth H. Blum,
B.A.; Kimberly Cassel & Kenneth Blum, Ph.D. |
Heroin Users in Cape Town, South Africa: Injecting
Practices, HIV-Related Risk Behaviors, and Other Health
Consequences
— Andreas
Plüddemann, M.A.; Charles D.H. Parry, Ph.D.; Alan J. Flisher,
Ph.D. & Esmé Jordaan, M.Sc. |
Including the Siblings of Youth Substance Abusers in a
Parent-Focused Intervention: A Pilot Test of the Best Plus
Program
—
John H. Bamberg, M.A.; John W. Toumbourou, Ph.D. & Richard
Marks, R.N. |
Newsmaking on Drugs: A Qualitative Study with Journalism
Professionals
—
Fabio C.
Mastroianni, M.Sc. & Ana Regina Noto, Ph.D. |
Reassessing the Cultural and Psychopharmacological
Significance of Banisteriopsis caapi: Preparation,
Classification and Use Among the Piaroa of Southern
Venezuela
—
Robin Rodd, Ph.D. |
|
SHORT
COMMUNICATIONS |
Availability and Characteristics of Betel Products in the
U.S.
— Melissa Blank, Ph.D.; Laxmikant Deshpande, Ph.D. &
Robert L. Balster, Ph.D. |
Substance Use in a Sample of Medical Patients
—
Jamshid Ahmadi, M.D.; Leila Benrazavi, M.D.; Mohammadali
Babaeebeigi, M.D.; Ahmad Ghanizadeh, M.D.; Mohammadjavad
Ghanizadeh M.D & Saxby Pridmore, M.D. |
COVER
ART
—
Buddhagirl by Chuck Whelon
(www.whelon.com),
with thanks to Janie Lucas for the original drawing |
|
Abstracts |
MDMA-Assisted
Psychotherapy Using Low Doses in a Small Sample of Women
with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
—
José Carlos Bouso, B.Sc.; Rick Doblin, Ph.D.; Magí
Farré, M.D., Ph.D.; Miguel Ángel Alcázar, Ph.D.
&
Gregorio
Gómez-Jarabo, Ph.D.
Abstract—The
purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of
different doses of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy administered
in a psychotherapeutic setting to women with chronic PTSD
secondary to a sexual assault, and also to obtain
preliminary data regarding efficacy. Although this study was
originally planned to include 29 subjects, political
pressures led to the closing of the study before it could be
finished, at which time only six subjects had been treated.
Preliminary results from those six subjects are presented
here. We found that low doses of MDMA (between 50 and 75 mg)
were both psychologically and physiologically safe for all
the subjects. Future studies in larger samples and using
larger doses are needed in order to further clarify the
safety and efficacy of MDMA in the clinical setting in
subjects with PTSD.
Keywords—MDMA,
MDMA psychotherapy, posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD,
safety |
|
Young
Adult Ecstasy Users and Multiple Sexual Partners:
Understanding the Factors Underlying this HIV Risk Practice
—
Claire E. Sterk, Ph.D.; Hugh Klein, Ph.D. & Kirk W. Elifson,
Ph.D.
Abstract—The
purposes of this study are to (1) examine the extent to
which young adult Ecstasy users recently reported having had
multiple sex partners and (2) identify the factors
predictive of engaging in this behavior. Potential
predictors included demographic characteristics, background
and experiences measures, childhood maltreatment
experiences, substance use variables, and measures assessing
psychological/psychosocial functioning. This research is
based on a sample of 283 young adult recurrent users of the
drug, Ecstasy. Study participants were recruited in Atlanta,
Georgia between August 2002 and August 2004 using a targeted
sampling and ethnographic mapping approach. Interviews took
approximately two hours to complete. Nearly one-third of
the study participants had more than one sex partner during
the preceding month, and sexual protection rates tended to
be low. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed
seven predictors associated with an increased likelihood of
having multiple sex partners: (1) being nonwhite, (2)
knowing someone who was HIV-positive, (3) younger age of
first sexual experience, (4) using Ecstasy for its
touch-enhancing qualities, (5) higher self-esteem, (6)
handling disagreements more dysfunctionally, and (7) not
being involved in a romantic relationship. The HIV
prevention- and intervention-related implications of these
findings are discussed.
Keywords—drug
users/abusers, Ecstasy users, HIV/AIDS, multiple sex
partners, predictors, substance use/abuse |
|
Gamma
Hydroxybutyrate: An Ethnographic Study of Recreational Use
and Abuse
—Steven
J. Lee, M.D. &
Petros Levounis, M.D.,
M.A.
Abstract—Gamma
hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a psychoactive substance with
complex neurophysiological activity and significant
potential for abuse, addiction, and dangerous toxicity. In
this study, a semistructured interview was administered to
17 subjects to investigate GHB use, including: manner of
use; setting; positive and negative consequences; other drug
history; and sexual practices. Respondents were
overwhelmingly male, but otherwise had a broad demographic
background. Settings varied from nightclubs to private use
at home. There was significant variability in the drug
obtained, which subjects found problematic because of the
narrow therapeutic window and ease of accidental overdose.
Common positive experiences included increased sexual
desire, decreased sexual inhibitions, and decreased anxiety.
Common negative consequences included oversedation, loss of
consciousness, motor incoordination, and mental confusion.
Nine subjects reported that they would use GHB again, some
despite severe negative consequences. Although most subjects
reported negative experiences, only three felt their use was
problematic, and none sought treatment for GHB abuse or
addiction. Subjects were highly drug-experienced, most
commonly using MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, alcohol, and
methamphetamine. Some reported that GHB could cause poor
decision making in sexual situations. This effect has
significant ramifications for issues such as date rape and
control of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Keywords—club
drugs, gamma hydroxybutyrate, GHB, sodium oxybate |
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The
Phenomenon of Drug Craving
—
Jeffrey L. Fortuna, Dr.P.H. & David A. Smelson,
Psy.D.
Abstract—The
phenomenology of drug craving has become the focus of much
research within addictive disorders because of the belief
that desire plays a role in maintaining the addiction. Many
of the studies have focused on the activation of neural
pathways, particularly within the dopamine system in
response to specific events or stimuli. While many of these
studies have focused on a particular drug of choice, little
has been done across addictive disorders. This article will
present and review phenomena that induce drug craving, as
well as delineate precise neural pathways which are
activated during craving and specific neurobiological
markers which are associated with an increased risk for drug
craving and other forms of addictive behavior.
Keywords—amygdala,
anterior cingulate, blue cone, cue-induced, dopamine-2,
electroretinogram |
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Hypothesizing that Marijuana Smokers are at a Significantly
Lower Risk of Carcinogenicity Relative to
Tobacco-Non-Marijuana Smokers: Evidenced Based on
Statistical Reevaluation of Current Literature
—
Amanda L.C. Chen, Ph.D.
Thomas J.H. Chen, Ph.D.; Eric R. Braverman, M.D.;
Vanessa Acuri,
B.S.;
Mallory Kerner; Michael
Varshavskiy; Dasha Braverman, P.A.; William B. Downs,
B.Sc.; Seth H. Blum,
B.A.; Kimberly Cassel & Kenneth Blum, Ph.D.
Abstract—A
hypothetical link between marijuana smoking and cancer has
been established based on a number of misleading
assumptions. However, recent studies tend to suggest, if
anything, an inverse association between marijuana use and
cancers. To test the hypothesis that marijuana smoking
significantly lowers the risk of developing cancer in
humans, we analyzed published data from a prospective cohort
study on cancer incidence among nonsmokers (NS),
marijuana-only smokers (MS), tobacco-only smokers (TS), and
marijuana and tobacco smokers (MTS). Using the log linear
model to calculate the probability of developing each cancer
form as a function of the interaction between marijuana and
tobacco smoking, as well as functions of marijuana and
tobacco smoking main effects whereby chi square statistics
were calculated for the interaction and main effect
estimates, we found that in all cases tested there was a
significantly lower risk for MS compared to TS. Male and
female TS had a greater probability of developing lung
cancer (r = 0.72) than did MS (r = 0.02). Males and females
TS had a greater probability of developing lung cancer (r =
0.72) compared with NS (r = 0.05). Males and female MTS had
a slightly higher probability of developing lung cancer (r =
0.73) than did MS (r = 0.07). This difference was
statistically significant: c2 = 30.51, p <
.00001, with a correlation coefficient of -0.75, Z = -7.84,
p < .05. Male and female MTS had a lower probability
of developing lung cancer (0.23) than did TS (0.77). This
difference was statistically significant: c2 =
71.61, p = .00003, with a correlation coefficient of0
.61, Z = 5.06, p < .05. |
|
Heroin Users in Cape Town,
South Africa: Injecting Practices, HIV-Related Risk
Behaviors, and Other Health Consequences — Andreas
Plüddemann, M.A.; Charles D.H. Parry, Ph.D.; Alan J. Flisher,
Ph.D. & Esmé Jordaan, M.Sc.
Abstract — UN reports point to a steady increase in
heroin use in a number of African countries, including South
Africa. South Africa also has one of the highest HIV
infection prevalence rates in the world. Given the link
between intravenous heroin use and HIV transmission, this
study aimed to investigate HIV-related risk behaviors among
heroin users in the city. A snowballing or chain referral
sampling technique was used to find 239 heroin users in Cape
Town who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
Overall, 24% of all the participants reported that they had
injected heroin in the past 30 days and 89% of these had
shared a needle at least once during that period. Condom use
was irregular among the survey participants. Three percent
stated that they were HIV positive. Heroin use has become a
major concern in Cape Town and may still be increasing.
While injecting use still appears to be fairly limited, this
has the potential to change. Further debate is required
regarding the introduction of harm reduction approaches that
have been found to be effective elsewhere.
Keywords—harm reduction, heroin, HIV, injecting,
South Africa |
|
Including the Siblings of Youth Substance Abusers in a
Parent-Focused Intervention: A Pilot Test of the Best Plus
Program
—
John H. Bamberg, M.A.; John W. Toumbourou, Ph.D. & Richard
Marks, R.N.
Abstract—Substance
use is common among young people and can escalate into
significant problems for affected individuals and their
families. Family responses can influence the course of youth
substance use and its consequences for family members,
including parents and siblings. Family-level interventions
developed to date have neglected the important role that
siblings can play. This article describes a pilot test of an
intervention designed to assist parents and siblings
affected by youth substance use and related problems. The
BEST Plus intervention consisting of professionally-led,
multifamily groups sequenced over eight sessions is
described with reference to the intended therapeutic
processes. Professionally observed and self-reported changes
for family participants including siblings suggested that
the program had a beneficial therapeutic impact. This
evaluation of early impacts suggests the BEST Plus program
offers a promising means of assisting families to respond to
substance use problems in young people.
Keywords—family
therapy, youth substance use |
|
Newsmaking on Drugs: A Qualitative Study with Journalism
Professionals
—
Fabio C.
Mastroianni, M.Sc. & Ana Regina Noto, Ph.D.
Abstract—Drugs
are a frequent subject in the news media. Despite the
existence of an important dynamic interplay between the
print media, public opinion, and public policies, studies on
these relationships are still scarce regarding the drug
issue. The objective of this study is to understand the
newsmaking process regarding drugs from the vantage point of
Brazilian journalism professionals. Using qualitative
research, semistructured interviews were conducted among an
intentional sample of 22 professionals who write news
stories and articles about drugs in nationwide news media.
Interviewees mentioned illegality and crime as the main
factors leading to the production of stories and articles.
They claimed that by instilling fear among readers,
newspapers and magazines tend to increase their audiences
and/or sales. Most interviewees considered the coverage of
drugs in Brazil as weak. Main problems reported include lack
of knowledge on the subject, and not enough time to prepare
the stories. It was concluded that the newsmaking process
regarding drugs undergoes a series of interferences that
compromise the content of the stories, therefore social
strategies are needed in order to improve the quality of the
material published in Brazil.
Keywords—Brazilian
print media, journalism, psychotropic drugs, qualitative
research |
|
Reassessing the Cultural and Psychopharmacological
Significance of Banisteriopsis caapi: Preparation,
Classification and Use Among the Piaroa of Southern
Venezuela
—
Robin Rodd, Ph.D.
Abstract—Recent
attention to the monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties of
Banisteriopsis caapi’s harmala alkaloids has
precluded a balanced assessment of B. caapi’s overall
significance to indigenous South American societies.
Relatively little attention has been paid to the cultural
contexts, local meanings and patterns of use of B. caapi
among snuff-using societies, such as the Piaroa, who do not
prepare decoctions containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
admixtures. This article reviews the psychopharmacological
literature on B. caapi in light of recent
ethnographic work conducted among the Piaroa of southern
Venezuela. Piaroa shamans use only B. caapi’s
cambium, identify at least five distinct varieties of B.
caapi, and emphasise the plant’s importance for
heightening empathy. Some Piaroa people also attribute a
range of extra-shamanic uses to B. caapi, including
as a stimulant and hunting aid. In light of the
psychopharmacological complexity of harmala alkaloids, and
ethnographic evidence for a wide range of B. caapi
uses, future research should reconsider B. caapi’s
cultural heritage and psychopharmacological potential as a
stimulant and antidepressant-like substance.
Keywords—ayahuasca,
Banisteriopsis caapi, ß-carbolines, Piaroa yopo |
|
SHORT
COMMUNICATIONS |
Availability and Characteristics of Betel Products in the
U.S.
— Melissa Blank, Ph.D.; Laxmikant Deshpande, Ph.D. &
Robert L. Balster, Ph.D.
Abstract—Betel
use involves oral placement of shards of areca nut (Areca
catechu palm seed containing the cholinergic agonist
arecoline) wrapped with slaked lime in a betel leaf (Piper
betle plant) or various chopped or powdered products
containing areca nut and/or parts of the betel plant.
Additives to this mixture include catechu (areca palm
extract), spices/sweeteners (e.g., saccharin, cloves),
and/or tobacco. Betel use is most common in Asia and East
India; however, little is known about the availability and
characteristics of these products outside of this region.
Thus, a representative sample of betel products and
additives was purchased in the Richmond, Virginia area. Five
venues were visited between March and May, 2006. Products
successfully purchased were those containing betel alone
(seven), betel/tobacco (three), tobacco alone (four), and
additives (four). Most betel products listed ingredients on
the packaging, though some did not explicitly distinguish
between those with versus without tobacco. Importantly,
seven of seven betel alone and one of three betel/tobacco
products omitted any health-related warnings. All products
were inexpensive and relatively obtainable in the groceries
visited. More research is warranted in order to accurately
estimate product emergence into the U.S. and other world
markets, and the consequent impact on public health.
Keywords—areca,
betel nut, gutka, paan, tobacco |
|
Substance Use in a Sample of Medical Patients
—Jamshid
Ahmadi, M.D.; Leila Benrazavi, M.D.; Mohammadali Babaeebeigi,
M.D.; Ahmad Ghanizadeh, M.D.; Mohammadjavad Ghanizadeh M.D &
Saxby Pridmore, M.D.
Abstract—The
purpose of the current study was to assess the rate of
substance use in patients with medical diseases who were
admitted to different wards at Shiraz hospitals affiliated
to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data were
gathered from 600 randomly selected patients by a structured
interview that included DSM-IV criteria for substance
dependency. The mean ages for men and women were 45.8 and
44.7 years, respectively. In this group, 76.7% of the men
and 83.7% of the women were married. The majority (29%) of
the patients were current nicotine users, and 7.2% were
opium users; none used cocaine or LSD. The reported reasons
for initial use of substance(s), in order of frequencies,
were enjoyment, modeling and release of tension; for current
users the reasons were habit, enjoyment and need. Substance
use, especially cigarettes, was found to be common among
patients. Cultural attitudes toward substance use were
thought to affect the type and amount of use. These
findings can be considered when planning preventive
programs.
Keywords—medical
patients, substance use |
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Vol. 40 (3)
September 2008
Fortieth Anniversary Edition
Table of Contents
(downloadable file)
View sample article |