bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“What Else Should I Do?” Cultural Influences on the Drug Trade of Migrants in Germany
Authors: Bucerius Sandra M.
Published: March 2012

The article is based on ethnographic research in Frankfurt am Main/Germany with young male migrants who are involved in drug dealing. The aim is to give an account of the mechanisms, values, and self-constructions that influence the dealers, e.g., in their choice of substances dealt, their display of violence, how they neutralize contradicting values, etc. Moreover, changes in the studied milieu that have occurred over time will be examined. Most interesting seems the fact that the subjects' cultural background has a greater impact on their business than economic rationality, the “seductions of crime” or the “search of respect.” Their distinct concept of purity and impurity, honor and dishonor, and their morality regarding the choice of substances seem particularly interesting and influence their behavior in the market.
Outcomes in a Sample of Opioid-Dependent Clients Treated under California's Proposition 36
Authors: Chun JongSerl , Guydish Joseph R. , Sorensen James L. , Haug Nancy A. , Andrews Siara , Nelson Larry
Published: March 2012

This study evaluated treatment outcomes for the reduction of criminal justice involvement and substance use among opioid dependent clients in a therapeutic community setting under California's Proposition 36. We compared treatment outcomes between those mandated to treatment under Proposition 36 (n = 24) and those on probation but not involved in Proposition 36 (n = 61) over 12 months. Over time, both groups showed significant improvement on drug use and employment measures, were more likely to be involved in job training and less likely to be engaged in work activity, and had similar retention in treatment. There was no evidence that treatment outcomes were different between the two groups. These findings may be helpful in guiding policy makers and clinicians in states where similar initiatives are under consideration.
Prevalence and Patterns of Prescription Drug Misuse among Young Ketamine Injectors
Authors: Lankenau Stephen E. , Sanders Bill , Bloom Jennifer Jackson , Hathazi Dodi S. , Alarcon Erica , Tortu Stephanie , Clatts Michael
Published: March 2012

In recent years, epidemiological monitoring data has indicated sharp increases in prescription drug misuse. Despite these increases, little is known about the context or patterns associated with prescription drug misuse, particularly among youth or young injection drug users (IDUs). A three-city study of 213 young IDUs found prescription drug misuse to be pervasive, specifically the use of opioids and benzodiazepines. Particular practices not commonly associated with prescription drugs were reported, such as sniffing, smoking, and injection. Associated health risks included initiation into injection drug use, polydrug use, drug overdose, and drug dependency. A greater awareness of the potential health risks associated with prescription drug misuse should be incorporated into services that target IDUs, including street outreach, syringe exchanges, and drug treatment.
International Policy on Illicit Drug Trafficking: The Formal and Informal Mechanisms
Authors: Fazey Cindy
Published: March 2012

In the last 10 years the world's leading economic powers have driven important changes in international policy on illicit drug trafficking. They have set up and financed semi-formal or informal transnational groups to proactively implement policy on the ground. This is a reaction to the bureaucratic, formal mechanisms of the United Nations and its agencies, where policy is diluted by the need for consensus among 53 member states, plus various regional groupings of other countries. The new groups take a more integrated approach to the problem by going beyond trafficking into countering money laundering and controlling the sale of precursor chemicals, which criminal gangs use to synthesize drugs earlier in the supply chain to reduce the bulk of trafficked materials. The established link between organized transnational crime, drugs, and the financing of terrorism has added impetus to these efforts, but there is still a need for better cooperation on projects and to harmonize the collection of seizure statistics between key international bodies.
Hierarchies, Markets and Networks: Ethnicity/Race and Drug Distribution
Authors: Murji Karim
Published: March 2012

Three models—hierarchies, markets, and networks—are used to explore the organization of drug distribution and the place of ethnicity/race in that. These models are well established as conceptual approaches to the coordination of social life. Each of them is employed in the analysis of drug distribution, though not always clearly. This paper aims to elucidate their key features as they bear on questions of ethnicity/race. In doing so, it problematizes the way that ethnicity/race is employed in research and policy circles and challenges naïve assumptions about ethnic sameness and ethnicity/race as bases for organizing drug distribution. Ethnicity may be a useful resource for criminal and legitimate enterprises but both comparisons between the two and details of what is specifically ethnic are generally lacking. Some avenues for future research and simple principles to guide such research are proposed.
Research on Upper Level Drug Trafficking: A Review
Authors: Desroches Frederick
Published: March 2012

This article examines research on upper level drug traffickers in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. Included is an analysis and critique of typologies of drug traffickers and theoretical models of organized crime as they apply to upper level drug networks. Studies of higher level drug trafficking indicate that drug markets represent informal and loosely organized associations of relatively small syndicates or crews of independent drug entrepreneurs. They compete for market share and deal primarily or exclusively with trusted associates chosen from ethnic, kinship, and friendship networks. Most dealers are highly cautious, eschew the use of violence, typically make huge profits, attempt to maintain a low profile, rationalize their conduct as business activity, and operate within geographically niche markets.
Arenas of Drug Transactions: Adolescent Cannabis Transactions in England—Social Supply
Authors: Coomber Ross , Turnbull Paul
Published: March 2012

The issue of the social supply of illicit drugs is an important one because it delineates a separate category of “dealing,” whereby friends supply or facilitate supply to other friends. Supply of this nature has been argued to be sufficiently different to “dealing proper” to justify a different criminal justice approach in relation to it. This has been argued to be particularly true regarding social supply among young people who use substances such as cannabis. This research involved interviews with 192 cannabis users in six (three rural, three urban) locations in England. Most were exclusively cannabis users. Nearly half (45%) had been involved in some form of supply, and 78% reported sharing their cannabis with others. Nearly all supply events were between friends within a close age range. The findings suggest that there is little contact by young cannabis users to the wider drug market and that it may be better to understand this activity as taking place in an “arena of transaction” rather than seeing it as an extension of the normally conceived drug market. We argue that there is sufficient difference within this arena of transaction from the wider drug market for most activity there to be dealt with less punitively by the criminal justice system.
Conditions That Increase Drug Market Involvement: The Invitational Edge and the Case of Mexicans in South Texas
Authors: Valdez Avelardo , Kaplan Charles
Published: March 2012

Research on drug trafficking has not been able to discern the exact nature of illegal drug markets and the relationship between their individual and group participants. This article delineates the role of Mexican immigrants and Mexican-American participants involved in the stratified drug market of South Texas. This article synthesizes ethnographic materials drawn from two previous National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) studies in order identify the different types of drug distribution behaviors that occur within the groups, the differentiated roles of individuals, the organizational framework, and most significantly, the processes that link market participants to others outside of the drug market. This illegal behavior can be interpreted as an adaptive mechanism that is a direct response to the marginal economic status imposed by macro socio-economical background factors. As well, we conclude that the specific foreground factors of the opportunities offered by the context, culture, and proximity of the U.S./Mexico border and invitational edges explain this behavior. There are both parallels and particular differences between the South Texas case and the structuring and functioning of informal legal and illegal markets that are characteristic of other economically disadvantaged communities.
Illicit Drug Markets among New Orleans Evacuees before and Soon after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Dunlap Eloise , Johnson Bruce D. , Morse Edward
Published: March 2012

This paper analyzes illicit drug markets in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina and access to drug markets following evacuation at many locations and in Houston. Among New Orleans arrestees pre-Katrina, rates of crack and heroin use and market participation was comparable to New York and higher than in other southern cities. Both cities have vigorous outdoor drug markets. Over 100 New Orleans evacuees provide rich accounts describing the illicit markets in New Orleans and elsewhere. The flooding of New Orleans disrupted the city's flourishing drug markets, both during and immediately after the storm. Drug supplies, though limited, were never completely unavailable. Subjects reported that alcohol or drugs were not being used in the Houston Astrodome, and it was a supportive environment. Outside the Astrodome, they were often approached by or could easily locate middlemen and drug sellers. Evacuees could typically access illegal drug markets wherever they went. This paper analyzes the impact of a major disaster upon users of illegal drugs and the illegal drug markets in New Orleans and among the diaspora of New Orleans evacuees following Hurricane Katrina. This analysis includes data from criminal justice sources that specify what the drug markets were like before this disaster occurred. This analysis also includes some comparison cities where no disaster occurred, but which help inform the similarities and differences in drug markets in other cities. The data presented also include an initial analysis of ethnographic interview data from over 100 New Orleans Evacuees recruited in New Orleans and Houston.
Drug Use/Abuse Prevalence, Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment in Hispanic Adolescents: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Prado Guillermo , Szapocznik José , Maldonado-Molina Mildred M. , Schwartz Seth J. , Pantin Hilda
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the state of drug abuse research among Hispanic adolescents in the areas of prevalence, etiology, prevention, and treatment from a cultural perspective. Cultural and acculturation-related processes are central to the understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of drug use among Hispanic adolescents. Culture is also embedded within each of the efficacious interventions for Hispanic adolescents, suggesting that integrating Hispanic cultural symbols and values is an important element in preventing and treating drug use and related problem behaviors in this population. The recommendations presented in this article, along with existing work in the fields of epidemiology, risk protection, prevention, and treatment, will help to reduce the health disparities in drug use and related problem behaviors in this vulnerable and rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population.
Acculturation among Latino Youth and the Risk for Substance Use: Issues of Definition and Measurement
Authors: Valencia Elvia Y. , Johnson Valerie
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the acculturation literature with a specific focus on exploring acculturation as a concept as well as examining its measurement and relationship to substance use/abuse among Latino adolescents in the United States over the past 20 years. A brief overview of the development of theoretical models and instruments assessing acculturation over the past two decades is provided. In addition, studies examining the relationship between acculturation and substance use/abuse among these adolescents are reviewed. Findings indicate that the development of acculturation theory and measurement has been hampered by the lack of both clear terminology and consistency. In the majority of studies reviewed, acculturation appeared to be a risk factor for Latino adolescent substance use/abuse. A small majority of these studies utilized language as a sole measure of acculturation. Language preference, in combination with other proxy measures of acculturation were found to be a robust predictor of substance use/abuse outcomes for Latino adolescents. The findings are discussed in the context of recommendations for future research on the measurement of acculturation as well as on implications for preventive interventions.
Social Relationships, Social Assimilation, and Substance Use Disorders among Adult Latinos in the U.S.
Authors: Canino Glorisa , Vega William A. , Sribney William M. , Warner Lynn A. , Alegría Margarita
Published: March 2012

Based on social control perspectives and results from prior studies, we test hypotheses about the extent to which characteristics of family and social networks are associated with substance use disorders (SUD), and whether these associations vary by sex. In this study an SUD is alcohol or illicit drug abuse or dependence as defined by criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. With nationally representative data of adult Latinos from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS), we found that respondents' language use with family rather than language proficiency appears to be a more efficient proxy for social assimilation to represent differential levels of risk of SUD. SUD was positively associated with problematic family relations for men but not women and was positively associated with more frequent interactions with friends for women but not men. The results suggest that the salient features of social assimilation associated with SUD include the context of language use and transformations in family and social network relationships that differ in important ways between Latino men and women.
Perceiving the Risk of Substance Use: The Roles of Nativity, Acculturation, and Family Support among Hispanic Children
Authors: Warner Tara D. , Krebs Christopher P. , Fishbein Diana H.
Published: March 2012

The prevalence of substance use behavior and the personal characteristics and social and cultural factors that influence substance use among children have been studied extensively. However, much less attention has been directed at the attitudes towards, and particularly the perceived risks of, using substances, and even less research has focused on Hispanic youth, whose rates of substance use have been increasing. Understanding what factors are associated with perceived risk is important because there is evidence that perceived risk is associated with subsequent substance use. The current study uses longitudinal data collected from 553 children in the Cicero Youth Development (CYD) Project to identify individual and environmental factors associated with the perceived risk of substance use. We pay particular attention to dimensions of nativity and acculturation in an effort to determine whether there are differences in risk perception between U.S.-born Hispanic children and their foreign-born counterparts. Results indicate that a number of factors are associated with perceived risk, including family support, parent-child communication, peer substance use, and child temperament. Additionally, U.S.-born Hispanics perceive substances as less risky than immigrants, and among immigrants, length of time in the U. S. is negatively associated with perceiving great risk in substance use. Implications for policy and prevention strategies are discussed.
A Cross-National Comparison of Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use Behaviors: U. S. Hispanics and Youth in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Torres Luis R. , Peña Juan B. , Westhoff Wayne W. , Zayas Luis H.
Published: March 2012

The prevalence of substance use behaviors during adolescence is an important concern in the United States and internationally. Of particular importance to the U.S. is our ability to compare prevalence estimates and trends with those of neighboring countries, particularly those that feed our immigrant population and have a circulatory migration pattern with us. One of the fastest-growing Hispanic groups is Dominicans, who are also a young group, with a third of Dominicans in the United States under age 18. However, cross-national comparisons of the substance use rates of youth in the U. S. and the Dominican Republic have not been done. Our study represents, to our knowledge, the first such comparison. We conducted a secondary data analysis comparing data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a biennial survey in the U.S., to data from a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic in 1997. The Dominican Republic survey used a similar sampling methodology and the Spanish version of the YRBS, piloted and modified to ensure linguistic and cultural appropriateness. Youth in the United States in general, and U.S. Hispanic youth in particular, consistently reported higher lifetime and recent use of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine than youth in the Dominican Republic. Our study supports other cross-national comparisons that have found rates of substance use for youth in Latin America lower than those for youth in the United States. Cross-national comparisons of this nature help each individual country inform its social policies around prevention. They may also allow us to examine the impact of immigration, acculturation, and return migration processes on adolescent substance use in both countries.
Communication about Sexually-Related Topics among Hispanic Substance-Abusing Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Mena Maite P. , Dillon Frank R. , Mason Craig A. , Santisteban Daniel A.
Published: March 2012

Hispanic adolescents have been shown to have high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and substance abuse has been linked to risky sexual behaviors. The literature indicates that good parent-adolescent communication about sexual risk and safe sexual behaviors may help protect youth, yet little is known about this type of communication in Hispanic families. This article reports data on adolescent and parent factors associated with communication about moral and birth control talk between 108 Hispanic substance abusing adolescents and their parents. Results indicate that Hispanic parents who had older adolescents, reported more involvement, were less concerned of possible negative reactions from their child, and felt more knowledgeable and confident regarding sex and birth control also reported greater frequency of birth control talk. Hispanic parents with a daughter, who reported more involvement, or whose child reported more communication were more likely to report greater frequency of talking about moral issues.
Stigmatization, Substance Use, and Sexual Risk Behavior among Latino Gay and Bisexual Men and Transgender Persons
Authors: Bruce Douglas , Ramirez-Valles Jesus , Campbell Richard T.
Published: March 2012

Following the minority stress model as a framework, we examine the associations between racial and homosexual stigma, substance use, and sexual risk behavior among a respondent-driven sample of Latino gay and bisexual men and male-to-female transgender persons (GBT) in Chicago and San Francisco (N = 643). We use structural equations to test such a model and disentangle the possible effects of the different stigmas and their corresponding dimensions (i.e., perception, experience, internalization). Findings revealed distinct pathways to sexual risk. Two are typified by experienced homosexual stigma and internalized racial stigma via multiple drug use, and two are characterized by experienced racial stigma and internalized homosexual stigma via alcohol use.
Explaining Substance Use among Puerto Rican Adolescents: A Partial Test of Social Learning Theory
Authors: Miller Holly Ventura , Jennings Wesley G. , Alvarez-Rivera Lorna L. , Miller J. Mitchell
Published: March 2012

This study examines the cross-cultural efficacy of social learning theory as it relates to substance use among Puerto Rican adolescents. Using data from a self-report survey of high school students attending private and public schools in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we compare the relative effects of personal and peer definitions (differential association) on substance use. Results indicate that statistical differences exist between public and private school respondents on all three outcomes (cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use) and the two aspects of social learning theory, definitions and differential association. After controlling for demographic factors, peer definitions are shown to have the greatest effect on likelihood of substance use. Students who perceive greater peer approval of substance use are far more likely to report lifetime cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use regardless of their own personal definitions of such behavior. Sex differences are also discussed.
Hispanics in Specialty Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Reif Sharon , Horgan Constance M. , Ritter Grant A.
Published: March 2012

With the growing number of Hispanics in the U. S. and the accompanying growing number of Hispanic clients in the specialty substance abuse treatment system, it is increasingly pertinent to ensure that they receive appropriate and relevant treatment for substance use disorders. We use nationally representative data to determine the sociodemographic, substance use, mental health, and treatment characteristics of Hispanic clients in specialty substance abuse treatment, as compared to non-Hispanic White clients. Hispanic clients are in treatment more often for heroin use and are referred to treatment more often by the criminal justice system. More White clients receive individual counseling than Hispanic clients. Hispanic clients have fewer co-occurring mental disorders than White clients, but a similar history of mental health treatment. These findings set the stage for refining the agenda to develop the most effective treatments for Hispanics with substance use disorders.
Ethical Issues in Research with Hispanic Drug Users: Participant Perspectives on Risks and Benefits
Authors: Singer Merrill , Mirhej Greg , Hodge Derrick , Saleheen Hassan , Fisher Celia B. , Mahadevan Meena
Published: March 2012

There has been considerable discussion in the research ethics literature concerning special researcher responsibilities in studying vulnerable populations, including whether or not drug addicts, as a result of their health condition and craving for drugs, constitute a vulnerable group from a human subject perspective. In the assessment of ethical issues, researchers in recent years have begun to recognize the critical importance of hearing the subject's voice and learning the concerns and attitudes of those who participate in research. To date, however, despite a significant increase in studies of not-in-treatment drug users, little attempt has been made to determine the perspectives of drug users about participation in research, especially ethnic minority drug users, and in particular, Hispanic drug users. Based on recent findings of a study of drug user attitudes and perspectives on research, this paper reports on the perceived risks and benefits of participation in research of a subsample of Hispanic street drug users from Hartford, Connecticut
“Alcohol Allows You to Not Be Yourself”: Toward a Structured Understanding of Alcohol Use and Gender Difference among Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Youth
Authors: Peralta Robert L.
Published: March 2012

This paper explores how homosexual and heterosexual women and men exploit situational and behavioral aspects of alcohol consumption using alcohol-related excuses to justify divergent gender displays. Seventy-eight in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of youth are used to examine how alcohol-related excuses counteract the deviance associated with gender norm violation and ease the shame associated with inappropriate gender displays. It is in these contexts that the dynamic approach of structured action theory allows for an examination of the diverse ways in which men and women situationally construct gender. This investigation seeks to understand how situations and alcohol use contexts allow women and men to engage in and/or ignore inappropriate displays of gender. Also examined is how the “alcohol excuse” is experienced when either purposeful or accidental gender difference occurs. Conclusions illustrate the fluidity of gender, the contexts in which gender difference takes place, and the way in which excuses render gender categories unchanged.
The Association between School Performance at 14 Years and Young Adults' Use of Cannabis: An Australian Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Hayatbakhsh Mohammad R. , O'Callaghan Michael J. , Jamrozik Konrad , Najman Jake M. , Mamun Abdullah A. , Alati Rosa , Bor William
Published: March 2012

This study examines, firstly, the association between school performance at 14 years and frequency of use of cannabis in early adulthood and, secondly, whether this association is explained by family and individual characteristics, including child cognitive capacity in childhood and adolescence. Data are from a cohort of 3,478 Australian young adults who were followed up from birth to age 21 years. Data on child school performance and use of cannabis were collected at the 14- and 21-year follow-ups, respectively. Child school performance was assessed at 14 years via self- and maternal-report. Potential confounding factors were measured between the child's birth and age 14 years. School performance at 14 years predicts young adults' use of cannabis. Children who had lower school performance had increased risk of frequent use of cannabis in young adulthood. Exploration of the pathway linking school performance and cannabis use in young people may help identify opportunities for preventive interventions.
Heavy Drinking and Polydrug Use among College Students
Authors: O'Grady Kevin E. , Arria Amelia M. , Fitzelle Dawn M.B. , Wish Eric D.
Published: March 2012

Excessive alcohol consumption is a serious problem on college campuses but may not be adequately captured by traditional methods of defining binge drinking. This study examined a new approach to categorizing alcohol use and its relationship with illicit drug use. A survey was administered to 484 college students ages 18 to 25. Drinkers were divided into three groups based on the number of typical drinks consumed per day: “light”—1 to 4 (n=182); “moderate”—5 to 9 (n=173); and “heavy”—10+ (n=56). Heavy drinkers could be differentiated from moderate and light drinkers on age of onset of alcohol use, illicit drug use, and frequency of illicit drug use. A binary categorization of “binge” vs. “nonbinge” drinking may obscure important differences within binge drinkers. These findings have implications for prevention, as well as clinical risk assessment of college student drinkers for adverse consequences of concomitant alcohol and illicit drug consumption.
Assessing the “Gateway Hypothesis” among Middle and High School Students in Tennessee
Authors: Choo Tae , Roh Sunghoon , Robinson Matthew
Published: March 2012

The current study examines the applicability of the “gateway hypothesis” to drug use patterns of secondary school students from a nonmetropolitan area in Tennessee. The data were collected from students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades at three secondary schools, using self-administered questionnaires under supervision of teachers. Although there is some support for the gateway hypothesis in our data, there is also evidence that what differentiates those who move from initial marijuana use to use of harder drugs are risk factors unique to individuals and their environments, consistent with the predictions of problem behavior theory and integrated systems theory. Implications for various interpretations of the gateway hypothesis are discussed.
Poly-Drug Use among Ecstasy Users: Separate, Synergistic, and Indiscriminate Patterns
Authors: Boeri Miriam W. , Sterk Claire E. , Bahora Masuma , Elifson Kirk W.
Published: March 2012

The main objective of this paper is to explore poly-drug use among young adult ecstasy users. This phenomenon of using multiple substances within a specific time period is multi-faceted. In this paper, we focus on the various patterns of poly-drug use and the reasons for combining multiple drugs among ecstasy users. Using a mixed-methods design, we conducted interviews with young adults who used ecstasy and other licit and illicit drugs in the past 90 days. Based on the qualitative analyses, we define three distinct types of poly-drug experiences: separate, synergistic, and indiscriminate use. While separate and synergistic poly-drug use tended to be intentional, indiscriminate poly-drug use often was unintentional. These findings show the importance of recognizing poly-drug use as a common phenomenon. The findings presented here suggest areas for further research aimed at identifying risk and protective behaviors and risk reduction strategies.
Dual Substance Abusers Seeking Treatment: Demographic, Substance-Related, and Treatment Utilization Characteristics
Authors: Colpaert Kathy , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Van Hal Guido , Broekaert Eric , Schuyten Gilberte
Published: March 2012

High comorbidity exists between alcohol and drug-related disorders. However, little information is available on characteristics of clients abusing both alcohol and illicit drugs (so-called dual substance abusers). The proportion of dual substance abusers and their characteristics are examined in a sample of 1,626 clients seeking treatment in one of the 16 participating centers in the province of Antwerp (Belgium). More than a quarter of all clients were identified as dual substance abusers. Their characteristics correspond better to those of drug abusers than to those of alcohol abusers, but compared to the former, they are younger, more often male, use more types of illicit substances and more often use stimulating substances. Alcohol is often underestimated in substance use patterns. Thorough alcohol assessment, early intervention, and preventive actions are needed within the drug treatment system, and closer collaboration with the alcohol treatment system is absolutely essential.
A Systematic Review of Recent Literature on Religiosity and Substance Use
Authors: Chitwood Dale D. , Weiss Michael L. , Leukefeld Carl G.
Published: March 2012

This paper contains a systematic review of articles about the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and alcohol and drug use that were published between 1997 and 2006. Summaries of methodological characteristics (e.g., study design, sample size and composition, specific dimensions of religiosity, and substances investigated) and general findings of 105 studies provide an overview of the field. The association between religiosity/spirituality and reduced risk of substance use is well established, but a well defined body of knowledge on this relationship has been slow to emerge. The development of more sophisticated instrumentation to measure religiosity and spirituality, the investigation of samples that include users of major drugs of abuse, and the integration of the study of religion and drug use into the broader literature on religion and health can help the field build upon the considerable work that has been published.
Religion and Initiation into Marijuana Use: The Deterring Role of Religious Friends
Authors: Adamczyk Amy , Palmer Ian
Published: March 2012

Over the last two decades researchers have begun to look at how personal religious beliefs and behaviors influence substance use, finding that more religious teens are less likely to drink, smoke, and use illegal drugs. This study builds on this previous research, combining it with work on religious contextual effects to develop a theoretical model that explains why friends' religion would influence teens' marijuana use, even if teens are not personally religious. Using two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines whether individual and friends' religiosity (e.g., religious participation and importance) or born-again identity influence marijuana initiation. Individual and friends' born-again identity appear to independently influence marijuana initiation, which is not significantly mediated by the proportion of in-school friends who have tried marijuana. Findings offer support for the role of micro religious contexts for explaining illegal substance use.
Religiosity, Peers, and Adolescent Drug Use
Authors: Bahr Stephen J. , Hoffmann John P.
Published: March 2012

In this paper we examined the relationship between religiosity, peer drug use, and adolescent drug use among 4,983 Utah adolescents and the 13,534 respondents from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Adolescents who were religious were less likely to smoke, drink heavily, and use marijuana than adolescents who were not religious. Adolescents in highly religious schools were less likely to smoke than adolescents in schools low on religiosity. Individual religiosity tended to lessen the influence of peer drug use on respondent drug use for cigarettes, heavy drinking, and marijuana use but not for the use of other illicit drugs. The associations between individual religiosity and the four types of drug use were not affected by the level of school religiosity. The findings were consistent across the two different samples and three types of drugs: cigarettes, heavy drinking, and marijuana. Social learning and social control theories were used to explain these findings.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use within a Religious Affiliated University
Authors: Felt Jacquelyn N. , McBride Duane C. , Helm Herbert W.
Published: March 2012

This study examines the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use within a religiously affiliated, conservative Christian university to assess whether risk and protective factors for substance use, which have been found to function in general society, also apply within a unique context which prohibits use and has overall lower prevalence rates. Variables examined included perception of normative use, personal religious behaviors, and need for adult approval. Self-reported substance use was low, while perception of normative use was high. Perception of use was positively related to self-reported use while personal religiosity and need for adult approval were inversely related to use. These data suggest that these risk and protective factors apply not only within general populations, but also within a specific subcultural context, supporting the importance of these models in a religious college context in understanding substance use patterns, variables related to those patterns, and possible prevention programs.
Religion and Alcohol Use among College Students: Exploring the Role of Domain-Specific Religious Salience
Authors: Ellison Christopher G. , Bradshaw Matt , Rote Sunshine , Storch Jennifer , Trevino Marcie
Published: March 2012

A growing body of work examines links between religious involvement and alcohol use patterns. Most studies in this vein have relied upon generic measures of religion such as affiliation, service attendance, or overall salience. This study contributes to the literature by developing refined measures of domain-specific religious salience, and exploring their links with the frequency of alcohol use in a diverse sample of college students. Results confirm the importance of domain-specific religious salience in shaping alcohol choices, but at the same time, also show that overall levels of such salience in this sample are relatively low, indicating that other influences (e.g., peers, parents) are also important. The effects of other religious variables (e.g., religious tradition, attendance, prayer) on drinking frequency are largely indirect, serving primarily to heighten the salience of religious convictions in the domain of alcohol behavior. Implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Religious Involvement and the Intoxication Trajectories of Low Income Urban Women
Authors: Hill Terrence D. , McCullough Michael E.
Published: March 2012

Although prior research has made significant contributions to our understanding of the risk factors associated with increased alcohol consumption in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, very little is known about the resources that help residents to resist the countless circumstances and conditions that sustain these systems of alcohol abuse. Building on prior research, we use data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project, a probability sample of 2,402 lowincome women with children living in lowincome neighborhoods in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio, to test whether religious involvement is protective against intoxication. Results obtained from ordered logistic regression models indicate that regular religious attendance is associated with lower levels of intoxication over two years.
Male and Female Stimulant Use among Rural Kentuckians: The Contribution of Spirituality and Religiosity
Authors: Staton-Tindall Michele , Oser Carrie B. , Duvall Jamieson L. , Havens Jennifer R. , Webster J. Matthew , Leukefeld Carl G. , Booth Brenda M.
Published: March 2012

This study describes gender-specific patterns of drug use among active rural stimulant users and examines religiosity and spirituality as factors that may be related to stimulant use among males and females. The study includes a sample of 225 active rural stimulant users from Kentucky who were recruited using respondent driven sampling and completed face-to-face interviews. Findings suggest gender specific patterns among active rural stimulant users, with females reporting more amphetamine use. In addition, bivariate findings indicate that there is an inverse relationship between spirituality, religiosity, and stimulant use (specifically methamphetamine and amphetamine use), particularly for males. However, when further examining this relationship in multivariate models controlling for age and race, few significant findings were noted for spirituality and religiosity in predicting gender-specific stimulant use patterns. These findings suggest that treatment interventions that incorporate spirituality and religiosity should not only be gender specific, but should also target clients differentially. Findings on the degree of reported spirituality and religiosity also suggest that religious and/or faithbased organizations could be utilized for drug use interventions for rural stimulant users.
Longitudinal Substance Use following an Emergency Department Visit for Cocaine-Associated Chest Pain
Authors: Thapa Purushottam B. , Walton Maureen A. , Cunningham Rebecca , Maio Ronald F. , Han Xiaotong , Savary Patricia E. , Booth Brenda M.
Published: March 2012

Substance abuse is a chronic, relapsing condition, yet some individuals over time seem to cease use for factors that are largely unclear. A life threatening episode of cocaine-associated chest pain requiring an emergency department (ED) visit may influence subsequent use. A consecutive cohort (n = 219) of patients who presented to a large, urban ED with cocaine-associated chest pain was interviewed at baseline, three months, six months, and 12 months to evaluate longitudinal rates of subsequent drug use. Overall, there was a significant decrease in cocaine use over time (baseline = 100.0%, three months = 56.5%, six months = 54.2%, and 12 months = 51.7%, p < .05 for baseline versus each follow-up interval). Findings suggest that substance use declines following an ED visit for cocaine-related chest pain. However, about half of the subjects were still using cocaine one year later. Future studies examining the potential impact of brief interventions or case management to intervene with this not-in-treatment ED population are warranted.
Condom Use Self-Efficacy among Young Adult Ecstasy Users
Authors: Elifson Kirk W. , Klein Hugh , Sterk Claire E.
Published: March 2012

Relying upon a sample of 283 young adult ecstasy users, this research examines three primary research questions: How high/low are young adult ecstasy users' levels of condom use self-efficacy? How does condom use self-efficacy relate to actual condom use in this population? What factors underlie condom efficacy levels in this population? The study entailed face-to-face interviews that were completed with the use of computer-assisted structured interviews (i.e., CASI). Study participants were recruited in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area between August 2002 and August 2004 using a targeted sampling and ethnographic mapping approach. Interviews took approximately two hours to complete. Condom use self-efficacy levels were found to be fairly high in this population. A strong, direct relationship was observed between condom use self-efficacy and actual condom use. Using a multiple regression approach, five factors were found to be predictive of greater condom use self-efficacy in this population. These were educational attainment, amount of communication in one's family of origin, having asked about one's most recent casual sex partner's HIV serostatus, no prior drug treatment, and level of self-esteem.
Regulatory Issues Encountered When Conducting Longitudinal Substance Abuse Research
Authors: Evans Elizabeth , Murphy Debra A. , Grella Christine E. , Mouttapa Michele , Hser Yih-Ing
Published: March 2012

Our research summarizes challenges unique to obtaining institutional review board (IRB) approval for longitudinal substance abuse research, focusing on solutions and lessons learned. Thirteen senior principal investigators with experience conducting research on substance abuse treatment and health services outcomes recalled instances from the prior five years when obtaining UCLA and non-UCLA IRB approval, which were hampered by differences in the interpretation of regulatory guidelines, and how those differences were resolved. Comprehensive yet flexible research protocols regarding (a) informed and voluntary consent, (b) participant payment, and (c) recontact efforts are essential for securing IRB approval of longitudinal substance abuse studies. Specific examples of lessons learned are provided. These experiences can help researchers provide appropriate and explicit justification for longitudinal substance abuse research protocols, thereby minimizing the burden and cost associated with meeting regulatory requirements as well as enhancing the efficiency, quantity, and quality of data collected.
The Place of Adoption in the NIDA Clinical Trials Network
Authors: Jessup Martha A. , Guydish Joseph , Manser Sarah Turcotte , Tajima Barbara
Published: March 2012

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) was established in 1999 to determine effectiveness of drug abuse treatment interventions among diverse client populations and settings. To address dissemination of research findings, the CTN also has as its mission the transfer of research findings to treatment providers. In a qualitative study of adoption of evidence-based practice in the context of two CTN clinical trials, we interviewed 29 participants from seven organizational levels of the multisite study organization about post-trial adoption, their role in the clinical trial, and interactions between the research initiative and clinic staff and setting. Analysis of interview data revealed a range of opinion among participants on the place of adoption within the CTN. Innovation within the CTN to support adoption and further observational research on dynamics of adoption within the CTN can increase dissemination of evidence-based drug abuse treatment interventions in the future.
Marijuana and Alcohol Use during Early Adolescence: Gender Differences among American Indian/First Nations Youth
Authors: Walls Melissa L.
Published: March 2012

This study examines the growth of alcohol and marijuana use during early adolescence among a sample of 746 Indigenous youth (aged 10–12 years at wave 1; 50.3% female) of the upper Midwest and Canada, with a special focus on potential gender differences in these patterns. Research documenting the disproportionately high rates of Indigenous substance use, coupled by our lack of understanding of gender patterns among this group—especially in very early adolescence—highlight the need for this culturally specific work. Results of latent growth curve analyses from three waves of annual data collection indicate that the females in our sample engage in alcohol and marijuana use at rates similar to or greater than their male peers. This finding counters conventional ideas of gender and substance use that place young males at elevated rates of use compared to females, and also adds to our understanding of gendered substance use patterns among Indigenous youth.
Barriers and Facilitators to Undergoing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing through Drug Treatment Programs
Authors: Strauss Shiela M. , Munoz-Plaza Corrine , Tiburcio Nelson Jose , Astone-Twerell Janetta , Des Jarlais Don C. , Gwadz Marya , Hagan Holly , Osborne Andrew , Rosenblum Andrew
Published: March 2012

Given the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users, HCV testing is critical in this population. While many drug treatment programs offer HCV testing, patients often do not utilize this essential program-facilitated service. Summarizing data collected in semi-structured interviews and surveys with patients in 25 programs, this paper identifies barriers and facilitators to being tested for HCV through the program. Barriers include the patient's belief that she/he is not HCV infected, fear of needles, fear of obtaining a positive HCV test result, fear of disclosure of such a result, and fear of inappropriate or disrespectful treatment during the testing process. In addition, 38% of HCV sero-unaware or sero-negative patients completing the survey did not know that HCV testing was offered through their programs. Salient facilitators for those tested through their programs include support from staff in explaining the importance of testing and help in understanding and coping with test results.
Getting Huge, Getting Ripped: A Qualitative Exploration of Recreational Steroid Use
Authors: Petrocelli Matthew , Oberweis Trish , Petrocelli Joseph
Published: March 2012

Steroid use is only now being recognized as a national epidemic. Although American athletes have been using anabolic steroids since the 1950s, it was not until the 1980s that athletic governing bodies began to monitor and sanction illegal supplementation. It is easier to understand why paid, professional athletes might partake in steroid use; keeping up with the competition, sustaining or improving abilities, salary incentives and endorsements based on performance are but a few reasons. But it is more difficult to understand why adult nonprofessional athletes would eagerly flout the law and put their health at risk. Academic research into steroid use has largely ignored this populous group, instead focusing on professional, college or high school/adolescent athletes. Through semi-structured interviews with 37 recreational steroid users, this paper seeks to fill that void by exploring their motivations, knowledge, and attitudes toward illegal anabolic steroids. The findings are discussed in terms of their policy implications.