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Published by Haight Ashbury Publications
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Table of Contents
(Scroll down to view abstracts)
Volume 41, Number 3
September 2009 |
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A
Six-Month Prospective Evaluation of Personality Traits,
Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Ayahuasca-Naïve
Subjects
—
Paulo Cesar Ribeiro Barbosa, M.Sc.; Irene Maurício Cazorla,
Ph.D.; Joel Sales Giglio M.D., Ph.D. & Rick Strassman, M.D. |
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Subjective Effects of Salvia Divinorum: LSD-
or Marijuana-like?
—
Dawn N. Albertson, Ph.D. & Laura E. Grubbs, B.S.
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Making Connections: New Orleans Evacuees’ Experiences in
Obtaining Drugs
—
Eloise Dunlap, Ph.D.; Bruce D. Johnson, Ph.D.; Joseph A.
Kotarba, Ph.D. Jennifer Fackler, M.A. |
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Methamphetamine in Three Small Midwestern Cities: Evidence
of a Moral Panic
—Robert
R. Weidner, Ph.D. |
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Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse Beyond Individual Users
—
Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, P.hD.; Steve Ryan, M.D.;
Katherine Hansen, M.P.H.; Brad Hullsiek, B.A.; Victoria Muli,
M.P.A. & A. Cate Malone, B.A. |
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Sense
of Coherence as a Stable Predictor for Methadone Maintenance
Treatment (MMT) Outcome
—Yali
Abramsohn M.S.W.; Einat Peles, Ph.D.; David Potik; Shaul
Schreiber, M.D. & Miriam Adelson, M.D. |
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Gender Differences in Crime, Drug Addiction, Abstinence,
Personality Characteristics, and Negative Emotions
—Gila Chen, Ph.D. |
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Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning Across
Substance Abuse Treatment
—Sandhya
R. Rao, Ph.D.; Michael Czuchry, Ph.D. & Donald F. Dansereau,
Ph.D. |
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Modified Therapeutic Communities and Adherence to
Traditional Elements
—Meredith
Huey Dye, Ph.D.; Lori J. Ducharme, Ph.D.; J. Aaron Johnson,
Ph.D.; Hannah K. Knudsen, Ph.D. & Paul M. Roman, Ph.D. |
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Premature Discharge from Methadone Treatment: Patient
Perspectives
—
Heather
Schacht Reisinger, Ph.D.; Robert P. Schwartz, M.D.;
Shannon Gwin Mitchell, Ph.D.; James A. Peterson, Ed.D.;
Sharon M. Kelly, Ph.D.;
Kevin E. O’Grady, Ph.D.;
Erica A. Marrari, B.A.;
Barry S. Brown, Ph.D. & Michael H. Agar, Ph.D. |
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SHORT
COMMUNICATIONS |
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Investigating the Effects of San Francisco’s Treatment on
Demand Initiative on a Publicly-Funded Substance Abuse
Treatment System: A Time Series Analysis
—
Clare Sears, Ph.D.; Thomas Davis, B.S.; Joseph Guydish,
Ph.D. & Alice Gleghorn, Ph.D. |
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Availability of Websites Offering to Sell Psilocybin Spores
and Psilocybin
—
Jason P.
Lott, M.D., M.S.H.P; Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. &
Robert F. Forman, Ph.D. |
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COVER
ART
— The
Beginning of the Flowing World by Clay Vajgrt (www.clayvajgrt.net) |
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ABSTRACTS |
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A
Six-Month Prospective Evaluation of Personality Traits,
Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Ayahuasca-Naïve
Subjects
—
Paulo Cesar Ribeiro Barbosa, M.Sc.; Irene Maurício Cazorla,
Ph.D.; Joel Sales Giglio M.D., Ph.D. & Rick Strassman, M.D.
Abstract—The
authors assessed 23 subjects immediately before and six
months (27.5 weeks) after their first ayahuasca experience
in an urban Brazilian religious setting, either Santo Daime
(N = 15) or União do Vegetal (N = 8). Measures included
scores on instruments assessing psychiatric symptoms,
personality variables and quality of life. Independent
variables were the frequency of ayahuasca use throughout the
period and the length of ayahuasca wash-out after six
months. Santo Daime subjects had a significant reduction of
minor psychiatric symptoms, improvement of mental health,
and a change in attitude towards more confidence and
optimism. The União do Vegetal group had a significant
decrease in physical pain, and attitude change towards more
independence. Independence was positively correlated with
the frequency of ayahuasca use and negatively correlated
with the wash-out period. We discuss possible mechanisms by
which these changes may occur and suggest areas for future
research.
Keywords—ayahuasca,
mental health, psychometric, religion |
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Subjective Effects of Salvia Divinorum: LSD-
or Marijuana-like?
—
Dawn N. Albertson, Ph.D. & Laura E. Grubbs, B.S.
Abstract—Salvia
divinorum
is a naturally occurring psychedelic considered to be one of
the most potent hallucinogens found to date. The few
behavioral studies conducted conclude that Salvia’s
effects may be similar to traditional psychedelics, which is
noteworthy because Salvia acts via a unique molecular
mechanism as a kappa opioid receptor agonist. One hundred
and ninety-three participants, including 34 Salvia
users, were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires
related to general drug use, personality characteristics,
demographics and their experiences with Salvia.
Salvia users were found to differ from nonusers on
personality characteristics and reported consuming
significantly more alcohol than nonusers. In addition,
although Salvia users rated their hallucinogenic
experiences as similar to those seen in previously published
reports, the majority likened their experiences as most
similar to marijuana instead of more traditional
psychedelics. Low scores on the ARCI LSD subscale confirmed
this finding and call into question the reigning theory of
LSD-like subjective effects elicited by Salvia.
Keywords—personality
measures, Salvia divinorum, subjective effects |
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Making Connections: New Orleans Evacuees’ Experiences in
Obtaining Drugs
—
Eloise Dunlap, Ph.D.; Bruce D. Johnson, Ph.D.; Joseph A.
Kotarba, Ph.D. Jennifer Fackler, M.A.
Abstract—Between
August 29 and September 7, 2005, almost all New Orleans
residents were evacuated from the area in the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina. News reports indicate that almost 130,000
New Orleans Evacuees (NOEs) were evacuated to Houston,
Texas, the largest recipient of the civilian population from
New Orleans. Some of these NOEs were active participants in
the illicit drug market in New Orleans prior to the
hurricane. The period between the flooding and the nearly
complete evacuation of New Orleans as well as their
subsequent displacement to Houston and other locations
provided unique opportunities to study what occurs when
illicit drug markets are disrupted, since populations of
illicit drug users and purchasers could no longer routinely
obtain their drugs in predictable ways. Utilizing
qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus groups,
this article describes the ways NOEs (1) managed their drug
acquisition and use following evacuation; (2) located new
sources of drugs in Houston and elsewhere by tapping into
shared drug culture; and (3) gained access to and learned
the argot for drugs in the local drug market in new
settings. This report contributes to the nascent literature
on disrupted drug markets.
Keywords—
illicit drug culture, illicit drug markets , illicit drug
use, New Orleans evacuees |
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Methamphetamine in Three Small Midwestern Cities: Evidence
of a Moral Panic
—Robert
R. Weidner, Ph.D.
Abstract—This
study examined the coverage of methamphetamine from 1997 to
2005 by three newspapers serving small Midwestern cities and
contrasted their portrayals of methamphetamine problems with
available data on the severity of the meth problem in each
locality. Results of quantitative and qualitative content
analyses show that—to varying degrees, across sites and over
time—newspaper coverage of meth was disproportionate to the
scale of the meth problem as indicated by site-specific
treatment admissions data. To some extent, each of the three
newspapers used drug-scare rhetoric (e.g., medical metaphors
such as “plague”) to describe the prevalence and effects of
meth. Results indicate that two of the three newspapers’
portrayals of meth were conducive to promoting a moral panic
over the drug. Potential explanations for variations in
coverage are discussed, and findings are considered in light
of research on prior drug scares.
Keyword—drug
scare, media, methamphetamine, moral panic |
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Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse Beyond Individual Users
—
Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, P.hD.; Steve Ryan, M.D.;
Katherine Hansen, M.P.H.; Brad Hullsiek, B.A.; Victoria Muli,
M.P.A. & A. Cate Malone, B.A.
Abstract—Since
1997, the use of methamphetamine as a drug of abuse has been
widespread in the United States. While several forms of
amphetamine are useful in some areas of medicine,
methamphetamine as an abused substance is associated with
severe and multifaceted consequences. Problems associated
with the abuse of amphetamine and its derivatives such as
methamphetamine have been well documented. As the
manufacture and use of methamphetamine across the United
States has increased, the impact of methamphetamine abuse
has been felt beyond individual users; families as well as
communities can be seriously affected. An increase in child
neglect and violence as well as a lack of resources for
health care, social services, and law enforcement because of
methamphetamine abuse have been reported by many
communities. This study examines the historical spread of
methamphetamine misuse in the United States and the
resulting individual, social, and environmental
consequences. A public health perspective on family,
community, and social aspects is offered, and ideas for
future research and policy changes are explored.
Keywords—effects,
exposure, history, methamphetamine |
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Sense
of Coherence as a Stable Predictor for Methadone Maintenance
Treatment (MMT) Outcome
—Yali
Abramsohn M.S.W.; Einat Peles, Ph.D.; David Potik; Shaul
Schreiber, M.D. & Miriam Adelson, M.D.
Abstract—We studied stability of sense of
coherence (SOC) over time and in relation to the
outcomes of former heroin addicts in MMT. Between September
of 2003 and April of 2006, all 90 newly admitted patients to
a MMT clinic in Tel Aviv were studied and followed up for
one year. A SOC (inner resources) questionnaire was done at
baseline and after one year. Use of opiates, cocaine,
benzodiazepines, cannabis and amphetamines in the 13 months
after admission was recorded, and defined as positive if at
least one urine test for any drug was positive. After one
year, 77 (85.6%) stayed in treatment. SOC scores were
similar at baseline and after one year, but were lower among
42 patients who still abused any drugs (118.8+ 27.4),
compared with the 35 patients who did not (128.5+26.5,
Repeated measures, Groups p = 0.003, Time effect p
= 0.5, Time*Group p = 0.003). Cumulative retention
revealed that 30 patients with SOC scores greater than 130
had longer retention (3.5 years, 95% CI 3.2-3.9) as compared
with 60 patients with SOC scores of 130 or less (2.9 years,
95%CI 2.5-3.3). SOC is a stable parameter that can serve as
a predictor for success in MMT, both as retention in
treatment and drug abstinence.
Keywords—methadone
maintenance treatment (MMT), outcome, predictor, sense of
coherence, stability |
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Gender Differences in Crime, Drug Addiction, Abstinence,
Personality Characteristics, and Negative Emotions
—Gila Chen, Ph.D.
Abstract—The
current study examined gender differences in
personal and psychological characteristics among
drug-abstinent Israeli inmates.
The study focuses primarily on three personal variables:
sense of coherence (SOC), anxiety, and hostility. Additional
factors that were examined are demographic variables, which
include background, crime, and drug addiction. The sample
included 119 inmates (65
males and
54 females) who abstained from drugs
use for two different time intervals—up to one year, and more than one year—and did not receive treatment.
Overall, males and females shared similar backgrounds except
for a higher rate of sexual abuse among female inmates. No
gender differences were found in recidivism. These findings
show that drug-addicted female inmates injected drugs to a
greater extent than males.
They
also
indicated that male inmates remained abstinent for longer
periods than female inmates. Additionally, length of
abstinence was related to higher SOC, lower trait anxiety,
and less hostility among male inmates compared to female
inmates.
Among female inmates, length of abstinence was related to lower SOC,
higher trait anxiety, and no change in
hostility.
These findings may indicate the need to
require separate gender-oriented therapeutic interventions.
Keywords:
crime; drug addiction; duration of abstinence; gender
differences; inmates |
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Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning Across
Substance Abuse Treatment
—Sandhya
R. Rao, Ph.D.; Michael Czuchry, Ph.D. & Donald F. Dansereau,
Ph.D.
Abstract—The
present study investigated gender differences in
psychosocial functioning among clients mandated to substance
abuse treatment. In the current study, 210 probationers’
self reports of depression, anxiety, self esteem,
decision-making, life beliefs, role modeling, cooperation,
and AIDS risky behavior were gathered. Ratings were
collected at intake as well as midway and toward the end of
the residential phase of treatment. A series of growth curve
models were used to examine changes in psychosocial
functioning across these time periods. Improvements were
recorded in several areas of psychosocial functioning over
the course of treatment (including anxiety, depression, self
esteem, decision-making, role modeling, and life beliefs).
Importantly, significant gender by time interactions
indicated that females showed greater rates of change than
their male counterparts in such areas as self esteem,
decision-making, and role modeling. The importance of
psychosocial change and the implications of these gender
differences are discussed.
Keywords
—gender differences, mandated drug treatment, psychosocial
functioning, therapeutic communities |
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Modified Therapeutic Communities and Adherence to
Traditional Elements
—Meredith
Huey Dye, Ph.D.; Lori J. Ducharme, Ph.D.; J. Aaron Johnson,
Ph.D.; Hannah K. Knudsen, Ph.D. & Paul M. Roman, Ph.D.
Abstract—Traditional
therapeutic communities (TCs) are characterized by
confrontational group therapy, treatment phases, a
tenure-based resident hierarchy, and long-term residential
care. Many TCs have modified the structure and intensity of
the traditional model, tailored services for specific client
populations, and hired more professionally trained staff.
This study examines the extent to which modified TCs are
able to retain the underlying core technology of the TC.
Using data from a nationally representative sample of 380
self-identified TCs, six traditional TC elements are
identified. Results from a structural equation model
indicate that offering services for specific populations and
professionalization of staff has limited impact on the six
TC elements. Modifications to structure and intensity of TC
programming evidenced the strongest effect. Specifically,
outpatient-only TCs showed significantly lower adherence to
five of the six elements. Short-term residential programs
showed a similar negative trend. Findings suggest selected
modifications are possible without significantly impacting
the TC model’s core technology.
Keyword—substance
abuse treatment, therapeutic community |
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Premature Discharge from Methadone Treatment: Patient
Perspectives
—
Heather
Schacht Reisinger, Ph.D.; Robert P. Schwartz, M.D.;
Shannon Gwin Mitchell, Ph.D.; James A. Peterson, Ed.D.;
Sharon M. Kelly, Ph.D.;
Kevin E. O’Grady, Ph.D.;
Erica A. Marrari, B.A.; Barry S.
Brown, Ph.D. & Michael H. Agar, Ph.D.
Abstract—Longer
retention in drug abuse treatment is associated with better
patient outcomes, and research indicates the first 12 months
of methadone treatment are critical to patient success.
Nevertheless, large-scale multisite longitudinal studies
over the past three decades indicate that the majority of
patients drop out during the first year of methadone
treatment. Through an examination of 42 qualitative
interviews with patients prematurely discharged from six
methadone treatment programs in Baltimore, this study
highlights factors patients describe as contributing to
their reasons for being discharged within the first 12
months of the treatment. The two most consistent themes are
program-related factors and incarceration. The former
factors are richly described through patients’ words and
underscore the ways in which patients’ perceptions of
control exerted by the program and by the medication and
misunderstandings of program structure can lead to premature
discharge. Patients’ reasons for discharge were compared to
counselors’ reasons as indicated in discharge summary forms.
An analysis of the patterns of agreement and disagreement
are presented. Patient-centered program and policy
implications are discussed.
Keywords—
discharge, ethnography, methadone treatment |
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SHORT
COMMUNICATIONS |
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Investigating the Effects of San Francisco’s Treatment on
Demand Initiative on a Publicly-Funded Substance Abuse
Treatment System: A Time Series Analysis
—
Clare Sears, Ph.D.; Thomas Davis, B.S.; Joseph Guydish,
Ph.D. & Alice Gleghorn, Ph.D.
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Availability of Websites Offering to Sell Psilocybin Spores
and Psilocybin
—
Jason P.
Lott, M.D., M.S.H.P; Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. &
Robert F. Forman, Ph.D.
Abstract—This
study assesses the availability of websites offering to sell
psilocybin spores and psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen
contained in Psilocybe mushrooms. Over a 25-month
period beginning in March 2003, eight searches were
conducted in Google using the term “psilocybin spores.” In
each search the first 100 nonsponsored links obtained were
scored by two independent raters according to standardized
criteria to determine whether they offered to sell
psilocybin or psilocybin spores. No attempts were made to
procure the products offered for sale in order to ascertain
whether the marketed psilocybin was in fact “genuine” or
“counterfeit.” Of the 800 links examined, 58% led to
websites offering to sellpsilocybin spores. Additionally,
evidence that whole Psilocybe mushrooms are offered
for sale online was obtained. Psilocybin and psilocybin
spores were found to be widely available for sale over the
Internet. Online purchase of psilocybin may facilitate
illicit use of this potent psychoactive substance.
Additional studies are needed to assess whether websites
offering to sell psilocybin and psilocybin spores actually
deliver their products as advertised.
Keywords—epidemiology,
Google, hallucinogens, Internet, psilocybin, website |
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September 2009
Table of Contents
(downloadable file) |
