bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Class, Length of Treatment Contacts and the Outpatient Treatment of Alcoholism
Authors: Kalb Melvyn
Published: January 2006

Previous research has indicated that one of the prime factors in determining the kind of outpatient treatment the alcoholic receives is his social class. Concomitantly it has also been shown that how long the alcoholic stays in treatment varies with his social class. The issues become therefore: (1) Does the alcoholic's social class effect the kind of outpatient treatment he receives regardless of how long he remains in treatment? (2) Does length of treatment contact effect the kind of treatment given to the alcoholic regardless of his social class?

By controlling for the variables of social class and length of treatment contacts, the results of this study indicated that when the alcoholic patient attended for three or less treatment sessions (low treatment contact), his social class was not significantly related to the discipline of the therapist he saw, whether medication was prescribed, or whether he attended A.A. concomitant with his clinic treatment. When, however, the alcoholic patient attended for ten or more sessions (high treatment contact), social class was significantly related to all outpatient dependent variables studied.

In addition, the findings indicated that for the middle class alcoholic, length of treatment contact was unrelated to the kind of outpatient treatment received, while for the low social class alcoholic, the kind of outpatient treatment received covaried with the length of treatment contact. These findings suggest that the factors that keep middle class alcoholics in treatment appear to lie outside of the patient‐clinic interaction, while for the low social class patients such interactions play a significant role in determining whether they continue in or drop out of treatment.

The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of “matching” the needs of the alcoholic and particularly the low social class alcoholic to a particular therapeutic program at a very early point in treatment. Such attempts, it is believed, would reduce the high clinic attrition rate and foster a more favorable prognosis.
Illegal Drug Use by Israeli Youth
Authors: Harrison Joseph
Published: January 2006

During January, 1974 and February, 1974, the illegal use of drugs by Israeli youth was evaluated through interviews. Those interviewed included psychiatrists, chemists, government officials, police, drug users, prostitutes, and others directly involved. In addition, interviews were carried out with the goal of understanding the totality of the situation, and these discussions were with Israeli writers, philosophers, sociologists, and students familiar with the socio‐psychological picture of modem Israel. Conclusions indicate strong fears by government personnel that drugs may affect national security status, yet tend to support the view that Israel's drug problem is not intense.
Production, Consumption and Recent Changes of Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
Authors: Sulkunen Pekka
Published: January 2006

Accurate and reliable data on alcohol consumption and the production of alcoholic beverages are available mainly for western industrial countries.

The consumption of each beverage type is highly concentrated in regions in which they are part of an established drinking culture. The rise of such a culture is based on both socio‐economic and natural conditions of the production of the respective beverage type.

Of the three beverage groups which are distinguished by international statistics, production and consumption of wine is most clearly concentrated in certain wine areas, whereas the prevalence of beer is independent of the production of grain. Spirits are mostly consumed in countries where also grain production is voluminous.

This is interpreted so that a large part of present day beer consumption takes place in new circumstances and is not tied to old traditions and beer drinking cultures. The consumption of wine is still traditional to a much greater degree.
Female Alcoholics: Correlation between Sociomedical Variables
Authors: Medhus Asbjörn
Published: January 2006

The proband group consists of 71 female alcoholics subjected to compulsory treatment by the Temperance Board. The correlation between 10 variables is recorded. Corrective training, gonorrhoea, recorded criminal offences, age 34 or younger at the first compulsory treatment represent a cluster of sociomedical symptoms. Also included to some extent are: at least five convictions for drunkenness and 0‐class (= not insured for daily sickness allowance) or disability pension. Another and independent correlation is found between frequent sickness periods and at least one long period of public assistance.
Alcoholism Disease Concept and Loss of Control Revisited*
Authors: Glatt M. M.
Published: January 2006

Recent criticism of the applicability of the disease concept, the medical model and “loss of control”, to alcoholism, all seem in part to be based on semantic “man‐of‐straw” arguments. If each of the terms “disease”, “medical”, “alcoholism”, “loss of control” is equated with organic physical changes only, such criticism might perhaps be justified—with the proviso that knowledge on alcoholism at present is still far from complete. These criticisms, however, lose much of their basis if the terms “disease”, “medical”, “alcoholism”, and “loss of control” are taken to include psychosomatic and psycho‐social factors as well as physical ones. Medical men are concerned with psychological and social, as well as physical, conditions. If “loss of control” is viewed as a multi‐factorial condition affected by psychological and social, as well as physico‐chemical factors, the finding that under certain favourable psychological and social conditions some alcoholics can drink in moderation for shorter or longer periods, becomes easily understandable‐this, however, by no means affects the basic applicability of the “loss of control” concept, the alcoholics' inability to drink safely in moderation for very long, and the advisability of adhering to the principle of total abstinence.
On Defining Alcoholism
Authors: Madden J. S.
Published: January 2006

Definitions of alcoholism should not ascribe an essential nature to the condition. Instead they should follow the scientific convention in which the defined term is simply a working label for a designated group of phenomena.
Criminality Among Homeless Men
Authors: Lindelius Rolf , Salum Inna
Published: January 2006

A group consisting of 202 Swedish male citizens who, during 1969, were registered with a special Bureau for Homeless men, was investigated in regard to criminality. The persons studied were followed‐up for a 3‐year observation period.

Compared to the general population there was a marked excess registration in the Criminal Register. Even the crime recurrence rate was high. Only a few persons, however, had been guilty of serious crimes with an element of violence, such as manslaughter, robbery with violence or rape.

The fact that severe criminality is not particularly common in alcoholics is also reflected in the legal consequences. In view of the high rate of recidivism and the fact that the sentences often concerned several crimes simultaneously these were usually relatively mild.

For one fourth of the persons registered, criminality had started before the age of 20, i.e. at an age when alcoholism had probably not attained its maximum degree of severity. Among those alcoholics who become criminal at an early age both alcohol abuse and criminality may be manifestations of other factors which contribute to the development of a deviating behavioural pattern.
An Education Program in Alcoholism for Social Workers: Its Impact on Attitudes and Treatment‐Oriented Behavior
Authors: Manohar Velandy , Roches Joyce Des , Ferneau Ernest W.
Published: January 2006

The Marcus questionnaire, consisting of 40 statements, was administered to social workers who participated in a training program. Of the 100 copies distributed, 53 were returned by 42 social workers who presented three types of attendance patterns. The two groups that completed only one questionnaire, either before or after the program, had significantly more negative attitudes. The group that completed both questionnaires (Group B) had uniformly more positive attitudes than either of the other two groups. One factor (concerning the socioeconomic status of alcoholics) shifted in a negative direction in Group B. This change is not believed to be maladaptive.

The positive attitudes expressed by Group B might be evidence of intellectual sophistication instead of absence of moralistic sentiment (Pittman and Sterne 1965). Their attitudes may also have been affected by the awareness that they were being researched (Cisin and Cahalan 1970). The four objectives of the training program were substantially accomplished by Group B.

Our results prompted changes in the social service department. The education program prompted a referral arrangement that would ease the flow of patients from hospital wards to the alcoholism clinic of Boston City Hospital. Three trainees were instructed in the counseling of alcoholics in an outpatient setting. A new program was developed following the guidelines set up by the education program; 17 counsellors of alcoholics worked on the wards of Boston City Hospital under the supervision of 13 social workers.

Greater involvement was also made in direct care. Four social workers are being supervised in casework with alcoholics by a staff member of the alcoholism division of Boston City Hospital. One of the social workers who attended the course joined the alcoholism division staff as a group leader.

We are left with one big, unresolved question: How do we involve those who are most ambivalent or have negative attitudes in training programs? It appears that the most consistent participants are those with more positive attitudes to begin with. Another important consideration is the role of graduate schools in preparing students studying social work for casework with alcoholics.
Risk‐Taking and Drug Dependence
Authors: Booth Gisela , Gossop Michael
Published: January 2006

Differences in risk‐taking behaviour between intravenous and oral abusers of drugs were studied by means of three questionnaires. The hypothesis that intravenous users are most risky was not confirmed. When data were analysed into component variables, e.g. health, driving, money, etc., oral users were found to be significantly more risky than intravenous users in situations involving money. Implications of these findings, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Reflections on the Positive Consequences of Illicit Drug Usage by the Younger Generation
Authors: Tec Nechama
Published: January 2006

This paper starts with the basic assumption that together with its dysfunctional consequences illicit drug usage by the young has led to some positive societal developments. This paper attempts to identify and describe these positive developments. Accordingly there seems to be: (1) less glorification of medication in general; (2) more adequate controls in the realm of drug production, distribution and research; (3) an awareness of inconsistencies, in the existent drug laws, their enforcement, both of which resulted in attempts at making both the existing laws and their enforcement less arbitrary.
Towards a Three‐process Learning Theory of Alcoholism
Authors: Wilson Allan
Published: January 2006

An etiological theory of alcoholism stimulus response learning, social learning, and physiological dependence and withdrawal phenomena is outlined. Two extreme types of alcoholic are described and held to anchor a continuum on which any case of alcoholism can be located: the “screwed‐up” alcoholic whose alcoholism is largely attributable to inappropriate social learning, and the “precipitated” alcoholic whose alcoholism can largely be explained by stimulus–response learning. A system of criteria by which “precipitated” and “screwed‐up” alcoholics can be differentiated is detailed, and an experimental paradigm for testing the theory is described.
Values associated with Marijuana Use among College Students
Authors: Mercer G. W. , Kohn Paul M.
Published: January 2006

Responses to questions about marijuana use and to the Rokeach Value Survey were obtained from 54 male and 69 female undergraduates. Heavy users valued broadmindedness and imaginativeness more, and obedience less than did nonusers and light users. Nonusers ranked family security higher than did light users and heavy users, and heavy users considered freedom more important than did nonusers. Sex differences suggested conventional sex‐role identifications plus a female preoccupation with equality. Marijuana use × sex interactions occured with two inter‐personal values. In these cases, men seemed to mellow, and the women to harden with marijuana use. No differences in value hierarchies were found between those who stopped using the drug and those who had never used it. Also, no differences were found, when use level was controlled for, between the value hierarchies of those who slopped using marijuana and those who continued to use it. The findings are discussed and future research directions are suggested.
Maintenance Dosage as a Critical Factor in Methadone Maintenance Treatment*
Authors: Siassi Iradj , Angle Burleigh P. , Alston Dominick C.
Published: January 2006

This study concentrates on methadone dosage as a critical factor influencing abuse of other psychoactive drugs (including alcohol) by patients maintained on methadone. The study population were patients who remained on methadone for at least two years. The effects of dosage level on a group of 46 patients (low dosage n=27, ×= 48.32; high dosage n = 19, ×= 86.43) is reported. Significant increases (p < 0.01) were found in the abuse of barbiturates, ataractics, and alcohol for the low dosage group. Dosage level had no significant relationship with heroin and amphetamine abuse. These results suggest that higher doses of methadone may provide the patients with a generalized central nervous system depressive effect.
A Specialised Treatment Service for Young Problem Drinkers (16–30 years): Treatment results obtained during the first six months of the treatment programme
Authors: Fischer Jay , Coyle Brian
Published: January 2006

A lack of treatment services designed for young problem drinkers as well as their poor prognosis when seen at alcoholism treatment facilities, where the predominant age of patients is 35 to 50 was noted. In order to obviate this problem, a special programme consisting of twice‐weekly group therapy was established to meet the treatment needs of young patients aged 16 to 30, whose primary or secondary problem was alcohol abuse. Encouraging results with respect to continued attendance, reduced drug and/or alcohol consumption and improved social functioning were obtained during the first six months of the treatment programme.
Alcoholism in Italy: An outline highlighting some special features
Authors: Bonfiglio Giovanni , Falli Silvana , Pacini Antonella
Published: January 2006

Statistics are given to define the dimensions of alcoholism in Italy with data on consumption, cirrhosis of the liver and alcoholic psychosis. Up‐to‐date figures are compared with those of the preceding years. The results of personal researches follow, with a particular study of the interrelations of alcoholic intoxication and arteriosclerosis. Drug therapy of the withdrawal syndrome and of alcoholomania is also illustrated.
Effects of Deprivation and Pre‐loading on the Experimental Consumption of Tea by Alcoholics and Social Drinkers
Authors: Williams Robert J.
Published: January 2006

An analogy was drawn between the so‐called compulsive behaviours af over‐eating and over‐drinking. A study of drinking by alcoholics and social drinkers (of a non‐alcoholic drink) was based on the example of experiments which have analysed the differential effects of various environmental cues on over‐eating.

During repeated ‘tea taste’ sessions which alternated deprivation and preloading experimental conditions, a differential pattern of consumption was recorded from 14 hospitalised alcoholics and 14 normal drinkers from the local community. The normal drinkers drank significantly more of their overall tolal consumption when deprived (63 per cent) but the alcoholics drank similar quantities whether deprived (51·7 per cent), or preloaded (48·3 per cent).
Factors Associated with Undergraduate Marijuana Use in Cork
Authors: Parfrey P. S.
Published: January 2006

To examine cigarette, alcohol and drug use among undergraduates in University College, Cork a preceded questionnaire was mailed to 1 in 7 (458) students, chosen systematically. The response rate was 97 per cent. Twenty‐three per cent of males and 13 per cent of females have taken marijuana at least once. Student use of marijuana was significantly related to leisure money available, belief in a God, frequency of attendance at religious services, attitudes to marriage partner drinking and to misdemeanour considered most serious. It appears that peer group pressures as illustrated by friends' drug taking, siblings' drug taking, encouragement by friends to take drugs and faculty, had a greater influence on student marijuana use than family related factors. Current cigarette use, pattern of drinking behaviour, use of other drugs and attitude to future marijuana use also had significant associations with marijuana‐related behaviour.
Outcome Evaluation of a Hospital‐based Alcoholism Treatment Programme
Authors: Wilson Allan , White John , Lange Donald E.
Published: January 2006

The present paper describes the outcome evaluation of a hospital‐based treatment programme for chronic ‘skid‐row’xs alcoholics. Patients who had been detoxified were randomly assigned either to the Alcoholism Treatment Programme or to a comparison facility elsewhere in the community. A 34‐item questionnaire was administered prior to assignment to treatment, and parallel forms of the questionnaire were administered at 5, 10 and 15 month intervals following discharge from treatment. The techniques of data reduction and analysis are described, and the results of these analyses reported. The use of the results obtained to direct systematic programme development is described.
A Comparative Study of Male and Female Opium Addicts Among the Hmong (Meo*)
Authors: Westermeyer Joseph , Peng Grace
Published: January 2006

This study was undertaken in order to elucidate the differences and similarities between male and female opium addicts in Hmong society. Remarkably, only two differences were found: sex ratio (more male addicts) and occupation (most women reported themselves as ‘housewives’). Comparison of twelve other demographic and clinical factors failed to show statistically significant differences. This study suggests that the many sex‐linked clinical differences observed in the United States and elsewhere (such as earlier onset in men and more rapid course among women) are related to sex‐linked sociocultural factors rather than biological differences.
Can Television Influence Smoking?
Authors: Eiser J. Richard , Sutton Stephen R. , Wober Mallory
Published: January 2006

The influence on cigarette smokers' attitudes and behaviour of two television programmes broadcast in April 1975 is assessed from three Gallup polls (March, April and July, 1975) and a postal survey (September, 1975). The April Gallup poll showed that smokers who had seen the first programme were more likely than those who had not to acknowledge that smoking was harmful to their own health and that smoking causes more deaths than road accidents (although most still regard road accidents as the greater cause). The September survey showed that 59 per cent of smokers who remembered seeing either programme said they had tried to give up smoking at some time during 1975, as compared with 32 per cent who saw neither programme. Among those who tried to give up, the success‐rate was not significantly higher for viewers (64 per cent) than non‐viewers (59 per cent).
The Relationships between per capita Consumption, Drinking Patterns and Alcohol Related Problems in a Population Sample, 1965–1974. Part I: Increased Consumption and Changes in Drinking Patterns
Authors: Cartwright A. K. J. , Shaw S. J. , Spratley T. A.
Published: January 2006

Sample surveys of the population of the same London suburb, conducted in 1965 and 1974, were studied to trace changes in drinking habits. Over the nine year period, per capita consumption increased 47%, but there was no change in the proportion of abstainers, and the drinking population did not drink any morefrequently in 1974 than they had in 1965. The increase in mean consumption was due largely to a 56% increase in average drinking day consumption. Drinking on weekdays became as frequent and as heavy as weekend drinking had been in 1965, and there was also a general shift towards drinking more at home.

The populations were categorised into 18 demographic sub‐groups on the basis of age, sex and occupational status. Each group followed the main trend in overall consumption, except for changes in the types of beverage consumed. Relative differences between the drinking habits of the sexes and the age groups remained fairly consistent, but the frequency of drinking and the beverage choice of the lower status group moved closer towards that of the upper status group.

Changes in drinking habits within the suburb which did not replicate national changes were related to factors peculiar to the suburb's population, but a consideration of the validity of sample data concluded that such longitudinal surveys could produce valid and reliable data on changes in overall drinking habits.
Sleep Patterns in Human Methadone Addiction
Authors: Orr William C. , Stahl Monte L.
Published: January 2006

In order to determine the effects of methadone addiction on electroencephalographic sleep patterns, five chronic methadone addicts and five controls were studied in the sleep laboratory for four consecutive nights. The electroencephalogram, electro‐oculogram, and electromyogram were monitored, and sleep records were scored according to the Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria. The results revealed a significantly decreased REM and stage 4 latencies and increased stage 1 and slow‐wave sleep percentages in the methadone patients, and no significant differences in any other sleep parameters measured.
‘Drug Addiction’ and ‘Drug Dependence’: A Note on Word Meanings
Authors: Rippere Vicky
Published: January 2006

This paper presents semantic differential data from 5 groups of English‐speaking subjects showing that the connotations of the verbal concept ‘drug dependence’ are less negative than those of drug addiction'. It thus appears that substituting the term ‘drug dependence’ for ‘drug addiction’ as recommended by the WHO may promote a shift towards less emotive discourse. However, subject report data suggest that the difference in connotation may to some extent be related to a difference in what ‘drug dependence’ denotes for these subjects.
Working‐class Opium Eating in the Nineteenth Century: Establishing the Facts
Authors: Berridge Virginia
Published: January 2006

The paper attempts to establish an accurate picture of working class opium eating in the nineteenth century. The factory areas, at first, and London, in the later years of the century, attracted most attention. It seems likely that many working people, rather than using opiates recreationally, were unconsciously addicted, their dependence unrecognized until supplies failed.
An Empirical Assessment of Controls affecting Marijuana Usage
Authors: Staats Gregory R.
Published: January 2006

This study, based on self‐reported data (N=134) gathered via self‐adminstered anonymous questionnaires, examines the extent of marijuana use is limited by three general types of controls: supply and access considerations, secrecy concerns and questions involving the morality or immorality of use. It was observed that controls having the greatest effects on limiting use were factors affecting supply and access. Secrecy concerns and questions regarding the morality of use respectively have decreasing effectiveness in limiting marijuana use.
Spontaneous Remission from Alcoholism ‐A Community Study
Authors: Saunders W. M. , Kershaw P. W.
Published: January 2006

A community survey study of the prevalence of alcohol related problems on Clydeside revealed that a number of respondents had experienced alcohol problems in the past, but were symptom‐free at the time of interview. These respondents (N = 162) were re‐interviewed to assess the extent of their previous problems and also to determine what processes they considered to have been significant in their recovery. Examination of completed interview schedules showed that so‐called ‘spontaneous’ processes were frequently reported as precipitators of change. However, a small number of ‘ex‐alcoholics’ did report treatment as being influential in their improvement and such cases were significantly more chronic than those that were designated as ‘spontaneous remitters’.

It was concluded that not only does spontaneous remission occur in alcoholism, but that this occurs most readily in less severe cases, and that the processes that are involved in such remission concern significant life circumstance changes, such as marriage and job change, which may in turn reflect increasing maturity. It was also found that persons designated as ‘spontaneous remitters’ were more likely to still be regular alcohol users, whilst those respondents who had recovered with treatment were mainly teetotal.
The Structure of Depression in Heroin Addicts*
Authors: Shaw Brian F. , Steer Robert A. , Beck Aaron T. , Schut Jacob
Published: January 2006

The factor structure of the Beck Depression Inventory for 100 heroin addicted men seeking methadone maintenance therapy was reported. A principal components analysis revealed four meaningful aspects of depression reflecting Cognitive‐affective, Somatic‐motivational, Physiological, and Loss of Interest dimensions; these components were descriptively compared to other factor structures reported for the Beck Depression Inventory. The conclusion was drawn that the structure of depression for heroin addicted men was comparable to that of non‐addicted depressed patients.
The Personality of Young Smokers
Authors: Powell Graham E. , Stewart Robert A. , Grylls Diana G.
Published: January 2006

In a sample of 808 middle‐class children more than half of the boys and girls had tried smoking cigarettes by the age of 15 years. These children were found to be particularly extreme on the psychoticism (+), neuroticism (+) and lie scale (‐) dimensions of personality, and also somewhat high on the extroversion dimension. This pattern is identical to that of children who misbehave and do not conform in a general sense. The implications for an anti‐smoking campaign were briefly discussed.
Fertility and Offspring of Alcoholic Women: An Unsuccessful Search for the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Bark Nigel
Published: January 2006

Forty married women in a psychiatric hospital with a diagnosis of alcoholism were interviewed to obtain details of their pregnancies and outcome of pregnancies with particular reference to spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, deaths, mental handicap and congenital abnormalities. Forty controls matched by age and with a diagnosis of endogenous depression were also interviewed. No significant differences were found in the fertility, outcome of pregnancy or state of the children. The probable reasons for this are discussed briefly and the introduction contains a review of some of the literature on the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Psychosocial Factors in Alcohol‐Discordant Twins
Authors: Borg Stefan , Fyrö Bengt , Myrhed Mårten
Published: January 2006

Sixty‐three alcohol‐discordant male twin pairs, aged 45–65 years, have been investigated with respect to psycho‐social conditions, psychiatric symptoms and use of psychotropic drugs. The low consumers were significantly more often found to be married and to remain married in their first marriage, to have children and to have a higher education than their high consuming co‐twins. No differences were obtained as regards employment, income, living standard or criminality. A significantly larger number of the high consumers had been convicted for being drunk. As far as political and social activities are concerned the high alcohol consumers showed less interest and activity than their low‐consuming co‐twins. No evident disparities were found with respect to psychiatric symptoms and use of psychotropic drugs but a significantly larger number of the high consumers had seen a physician because of nervousness. The results indicate different life styles and personality traits in the group of high consumers as compared to the low alcohol consumers but no differences as to serious social disturbances between the two groups.
The Value of Thiamine Replacement in Chronic Alcoholism: A Reminder
Authors: Reilly Terence M.
Published: January 2006

Enumeration is made of the various pathological conditions accompanying chronic alcoholism in which thiamine deficiency has been aetiologically implicated. The efficacy of thiamine repletion in several of these conditions is illustrated. The role of routine thiamine administration to newly‐admitted chronic alcoholics is briefly discussed and the author concludes that thiamine supplementation in all chronic alcoholics should be a standard procedure.
There Ought to be a Law
Authors: Dorn Nicholas
Published: January 2006

This paper describes and questions the social meaning of some 1975 general population survey data on individuals' expressed attitudes to legal control of various forms of behaviour, including possession of cannabis. Only a small proportion of the sample favoured ‘legalization’ of cannabis, larger proportions favouring legal status for homosexual behaviour, abortion and the buying of contraceptives. Few respondents would, however, take it upon themselves to report cannabis users to the police, and opinions about proper court sentences were highly varied. The paper briefly contrasts a social interpretation of such moral sentiments (involving social relations of labour market, family and law) with the individualistic interpretation that the attitude‐survey methodology itself imposes. The paper concludes that there is a need to develop social theory able to generate problem‐solving research and practice in the dependency field.
Smoking Prevalence Among General Practitioners’ Patients
Authors: Russell M. A. H. , Wilson C. , Taylor C. , Baker C. D.
Published: January 2006

The prevalence of smoking is reported in a representative sample of 2,616 patients attending the surgeries of 28 General Practitioners (GPs) in London. 43% of the men and 34 % of the women were current cigarette smokers. These figures are substantially lower than those of the general population due to a higher proportion of ex‐smokers rather than those who have never smoked. Daily cigarette consumption of current smokers, at 19 per day for men and 16 per day for women, was similar to the general population. The excess of ex‐smokers was comprised mainly of those who had stopped smoking recently possible due to the current illness causing their attendance at the surgery, and who under natural circumstances would be likely to start smoking again after recovery. Besides current cigarette smokers, this group of recent ex‐smokers would seem an ideal target for preventive intervention by GPs.
Alcoholism in Black Male Heroin Addicts
Authors: Weller Ronald A. , Halikas James A. , Darvish Harriet S.
Published: January 2006

This study systematically evaluates the presence of alcoholism and alcohol problems in a large sample of black male heroin addicts. Of 192 addicts 24 per cent were diagnosed as alcoholics and 13 per cent as probable alcoholics when objective criteria for alcoholism were used. An additional 19 per cent reported isolated problems with alcohol. Thus 56 per cent of this sample of addicts had experienced some problem because of alcohol. The occurrence of such problems as medical complications from alcohol and use of non‐beverage alcohol indicates the seriousness of their alcohol use. Among subgroups of the study sample, the highest rate of alcoholism was in addicts currently addicted ‐ 49 per cent; while the lowest rate of alcoholism was in addicts who were in successful treatment – 22 per cent. Thus, a sizeable portion of the heroin addict population is having problems from the use of two drugs ‐ heroin and alcohol.
Unidimensionality of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test
Authors: Zung Burton J.
Published: January 2006

Oblique factor analyses of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, controlling for differential frequency of item endorsement, revealed the probable Unidimensionality of test content in four different populations.
Variations in Staff Characteristics, Programmes and Recruitment Practices among Halfway Houses for Problem Drinkers
Authors: Ogborne Alan C. , Ian Wiggins T. R. , Shain Martin
Published: January 2006

In a sample of halfway houses for problem drinkers those with staff oriented to Alcoholics Anonymous tended to recruit residents less involved in skid‐row than houses whose staff were not oriented to A.A. In general, however, staff ideologies and house programmes were not clearly related to the characteristics of the residents recruited. Overall retention was unrelated to staff ideology or the intensity of the in‐house programme. Residents less involved in skid‐row, however, tended to slay longer in houses with well articulated, structured programmes.
Detoxification – An Approach to Developing a Comprehensive Alcoholism Service
Authors: Arroyave Fernando , McKeown Steve , Cooper Sally E.
Published: January 2006

The Oxford Detoxification Unit was established in 1975 as part of reorganisation within the existing services. From the outset a policy of open admission has been pursued. Referrals are accepted by telephone, limited only by bed availability.

The development of the Unit is discussed in relation to other services provided for alcoholics.
Effect of Moderate Doses of Ethanol and Phenobarbital on Pituitary and Thyroid Hormones and Testosterone
Authors: Linnoila M. , Prinz P. N. , Wonsowicz C. J. , Leppaluoto J.
Published: January 2006

Effects of ingestion of .8 g/kg of body weight of ethanol or 100 mg of phenobarbital on seven consecutive nights on plasma LH, TSH, prolactin, T3, T4, and testosterone levels were studied in five healthy young men. Ethanol increased plasma TSH levels during sleep whereas phenobarbital decreased plasma TSH levels during sleep and awake periods. Neither ethanol nor phenobarbital had significant effects on plasma prolactin, total T3, T4, or testosterone levels.
Opium Availability and the Prevalence of Addiction in Asia
Authors: Westermeyer Joseph
Published: January 2006

Epidemiologic data collected by several investigators in numerous communities of Asia indicate that the role of a community vis‐a‐vis opium production and commerce strongly influences the prevalence of addiction. Poppy producing communities tend to have the highest crude prevalence rates (i.e., over 6 addicts per 100 people). Communities involved with opium transshipment generally have intermediate rates (i.e., 3 to 6per 100 people). End use or consuming locales have the lowest rates (i.e., under 3 per 100 people). These differences are attributed to varying drug availability in these three locations (i.e., inside most homes, passing through the community, or on demand only). Ethnicity, religion and national origin are not associated with addiction rate. It appears that community survey provides the most reliable data, while case registers may often underestimate the number of cases.
Are Different Therapeutic Perspectives Important in the Treatment of Alcoholism?
Authors: Cartwright A. K. J.
Published: January 2006

From a comparison of the literature concerning treatment outcome in general psychotherapy and alcoholism it is argued that there are substantial similarities in predictive factors. It is suggested that therapist factors may be as important in the treatment of alcoholism as in general psychotherapy, and that future alcoholism treatment research ought to be designed in a way which would make it possible to evaluate this possibility.
Mortality Related to Psychotropic Substances: Current Knowledge and Research Problems
Authors: Poikolainen Kari
Published: January 2006

Mortality data may be used to indicate the magnitude of public health problems related to psychotropic substances. The scanty data available shows that fatal poisonings from psychotropic substances have increased in several, but not in all the countries studied. In addition to poisonings, deaths from infectious complications and violent causes are prevalent among substance abusers and the risk of premature death is considerably increased. Research methods, reliability of statistics, thoroughness of cause‐of‐death inquiries, and problems of diagnosis are discussed.
The Reliability of Smoking History Amongst Survivors of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ronan G. , Ruane P. , Graham I. M. , Hickey N. , Mulcahy R.
Published: January 2006

Summary and Conclusions

One hundred and seventeen survivors of a first attack of acute coronary heart disease had blood carboxy‐haemoglobin levels checked and smoking histories recorded. All were participants in a longterm follow‐up and secondary prevention programme. At last follow‐up, four to eighteen years after the initial attack, 35 stated that they were still smoking, 57 claimed to be ex‐smokers, 6 were non‐smokers and 19 were pipe or cigar smokers.

Thirty‐one of the 35 current smokers had a COHb concentration which exceeded 1.6 %. Five of the ex‐smokers had concentrations between 1.6 and 2.3%. There was a low and possibly zero deception rate amongst the ex‐smokers. This may reflect a high degree of rapport achieved between patients and medical staff during an exceptionally long and regular follow‐up period.
Changing Smoking Patterns in Calvados (France)
Authors: Tuyns A. J. , Hu M. X.
Published: January 2006

The results of a population survey in Calvados (France) on smoking patterns are presented and discussed. At some time during their lives, 80 % of males and 20 % of females have indulged in smoking, 54 % and 14 % respectively are currently smoking. Cigarettes are the most widespread product smoked. Hand‐rolled cigarettes are still used by males of older age‐groups, particularly in rural areas, but are progressively replaced by commercial cigarettes. The proportion of ex‐smokers increases with age but the resulting decrease in consumption is compensated by an earlier starting age among young males and by a larger proportion of smokers among young females.

The differential behaviour of males and females towards smoking contrasts with attitudes observed in the United Kingdom and the United States, but the recent changes occurring in young females indicate a trend towards a more homogeneous distribution of smoking in both sexes, as in other countries, with its prospective health implications.
The Dynamics of Drug use in Nigeria
Authors: Pela O. A.
Published: January 2006

Interviews were carried out with 35 drug abusers admitted to the psychiatric ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data analysed included age, sex, family constellation, education, birth order, age and circumstances of first drug use. The majority of drug abusers were from polygamous homes and fairly large family backgrounds. In cases where drug abusers were from monogamous homes, they were later born. Initial drug use was usually a social experience with considerable peer group influence and began with either prescribed drugs or marijuana. Although most had tried to stop drug abuse, they reported lack of support from relatives, and getting used to aversive drugs.
Reactions to Research: The case of the evaluation of Ontario's Detoxication Centres
Authors: Ogborne Alan C. , Smart Reginald G.
Published: January 2006

There is a very general question as to the extend to which social science research ever achieves its follow‐through to social action. This problem is illustrated by a particular case example relating to research on Detoxication Centres in Ontario.
Assessment of an Urgent Admission Procedure to an In‐Patient Drug Dependence Unit
Authors: Strang John , Connell P. H.
Published: January 2006

An Urgent Admission Procedure has recently been introduced in the In‐patient Drug Dependence Unit. No difference in effectiveness (in terms of duration of stay of patients) is found when compared with the lengthier Normal Admission Procedure. However, those Urgent Admission patients who did not complete their drug withdrawal failed at an earlier stage of the withdrawal phase. Certain issues concerning the interpretation of the findings, the introduction of this scheme, its apparent benefits and the limitations of the research design are discussed. It is suggested that there is a need for such a service.
The Shetland Islands: Drinking Patterns in the Community
Authors: Caetano Raul , Suzman Richard M. , Rosen David H. , Voorhees‐Rosen Deborah J.
Published: January 2006

General population drinking patterns in the Shetland Islands and their demographic correlates are described. A total of 533 individuals comprising a stratified random sample of the Island's population were interviewed, yielding a response rate of 78 per cent; 35 questionnaires were rejected as incomplete having 498 questionnaires to be utilized in this analysis. Weekly per capita consumption among male drinkers is 17 drinks, and among female drinkers is 2.5 drinks. Approximately 14 per cent of the women and 3 per cent of the men are abstainers. The predominant drinking pattern among women is occasional drinking (50%), and among men moderate drinking (40%). Also 33 per cent of the men are heavy drinkers. The associations between drinking patterns and social and demographic variables do not follow a pattern; the direction of the associations may change according to sex. Of all the demographic variables sex is the best predictor of drinking behaviour, accounting for 42 per cent of the variance explained out of a total of 49 per cent. The relationship of the findings to previous research done in Scotland and England and their implications for prevention are discussed.
Money and Health Messages as Incentives for Smoking Low Tar/Nicotine Cigarettes: Changes in Consumption and Exhaled Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Jaffe Jerome H. , Kanzler Maureen , Friedman Larry , Kaplan Thelma
Published: January 2006

Cigarette brands advertised as ‘low’ tar are increasing sales yearly; undoubtedly because smokers hope they are less hazardous than ‘high’ tar/nicotine cigarettes. However, it is questionable how much switchers to ‘low’ tar/nicotine brands actually reduce their exposure to toxic components in smoke. A switching project examined the cigarette purchases over fifteen weeks of 121 paid volunteers in four experimental and one control group (separately within sex). Experimental groups received differing combinations of money and/or health message incentives to encourage switching to brands with lower tar/nicotine delivery. Subjects in all but one experimental group significantly decreased tar/nicotine exposure; controls did not. Money incentives produced the greatest decrease. The effect of health messages was unclear. Switchers' exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) remained higher than would be expected from the theoretically lower CO delivery of their brands. Small increases in number of cigarettes smoked per day did not account adequately for the persistently high exhaled CO.
Tension Reduction and the Effects of Prolonged Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Hodgson Ray , Rankin Howard
Published: January 2006

It has been argued that the phenomenon of alcoholics experiencing mood deterioration during a heavy drinking bout discredits the Tension Reduction Hypothesis of alcohol consumption [6]. An experiment is described which sought to illustrate two ways in which this phenomenon and the hypothesis are compatible. Nine male alcoholics consumed 6gm of alcohol per kg bodyweight in 16 equal doses over two days. Ratings of mood and related physiological indices were used. In the long‐term the physiological measures were elevated on the second drinking day and yet individual doses of alcohol lowered these throughout. Severely alcohol dependent subjects showed corresponding effects for subjective ratings ie long‐term mood deterioration with short‐term improvement. All subjects expected continuing to drink to be reinforcing relative to stopping. Thus alcohol may retain tension‐reducing properties, and alcoholics may expect these, even if affective state was worsened overall during a drinking bout.
The Shetland Islands: Longitudinal Changes in Alcohol Consumption in a Changing Environment
Authors: Caetano Raul , Suzman Richard M. , Rosen David H. , Voorhees‐Rosen Deborah J.
Published: January 2006

This research reports longitudinal changes in drinking practices which occurred in two communities in the Shetland Islands since the development of the oil industry in the Islands began. The‘target’community was directly affected by the oil development; the‘comparison’community was located in a protected zone where no oil development could take place. Increases in mean alcohol consumption were twice as large in the target area as in the comparison area. In both communities, increases were largely concentrated among those less than 30 years old. Frequency rather than quantity was the component of drinking which increased. Beer is the beverage whose consumption increased most. The association between the rapid social change occurring in Shetland and the above results is analyzed. The implications for developing governmental responses to health problems and formulating alcohol control policies is also discussed.
The Treatment of Cigarette Dependence
Authors: Jarvis Martin
Published: January 2006

While intensive trials of purely psychological techniques in smoking cessation continue to give disappointing results, there is now good evidence that a clinically relevant specific treatment effect is obtained with appropriate use of nicotine chewing gum. The gum is in no way a panacea and should be seen as a treatment aid rather than as a complete treatment in itself. General practitioners are seen as having the major contribution to make towards smoking reduction, and their undoubted potential as motivators could be enhanced by the use of temporary nicotine substitution in dependent smokers.
Drug Abuser Deaths
Authors: Spear H. B.
Published: January 2006

A study of deaths coming to the notice of the Home Office from 1978 to 1980 of persons previously notified as addicts, or where controlled drugs appear to play a major role, shows a significant rise in the latter group. This, and the increasing involvement of opioids in these deaths, are consistent with other evidence of an increase in black market supplies from a variety of sources.
Caffeine: A Survey of Some of the Known and Suspected Deleterious Effects of Habitual Use
Authors: James Jack E. , Stirling Keryn P.
Published: January 2006

The potential untoward consequences of habitual caffeine use are considered in terms of two broad classes of deleterious effects: (a) the symptom constellation known as‘caffeinism', and (b) a number of disease states in which caffeine may be an etiological factor. In addition, a brief overview is provided of recent attempts to assist heavy users to reduce caffeine intake to moderate and presumably safer levels.