bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Men's issues: gender role conflict and substance abuse
Authors: RITTER ALISON J. , COLE MICHAEL J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe present paper aims to explore issues related to men within the context of seeking help for substance abuse. The male gender role is in conflict with help‐seeking behaviour and with the fundamental principles of therapy, i.e. introspection, emotional expressivity and acknowledgement of difficulties. This creates a paradox for the male seeking psychological treatment and, it will be argued, particularly for the male substance abuser. It is argued that interventions which address the gender role and challenge men's perceptions of themselves are critical variables in the outcome of therapy, i.e. enabling them to make the necessary changes in order to promote psychological well‐being. An examination of the male gender role in relation to intrapsychic issues and family systems will be followed by a brief discussion of therapeutic interventions. Some of the difficulties and issues confronted by workers who work with male substance abusers will be explored.
The measurement of outcome in opiate treatment evaluation studies
Authors: DARKE SHANE 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOne of the major contributors to the fragmentation of the opiate treatment outcome literature has been the plethora of measurement techniques employed by researchers. This has led to a situation where direct comparability between studies is often extremely difficult, if not impossible. In this article the measurement methodologies employed in the major treatment outcome studies are reviewed, and the implications for future research discussed.
Australian reports into drug use and the possibility of heroin maintenance
Authors: HARTLAND N. , McDONALD D. , DANCE P. , BAMMER G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOfficial Australian reports into drug use reveal a high level of agreement over the nature of drug use and the problems associated with drug use. We examine the lines of argument which make up the shared approach of past reports into drugs, and assess to what degree the connections between these lines of argument are changing. This assessment reflects on the possibility of arguing that heroin should be made available for the treatment (including maintenance) of heroin‐dependent users. This paper is derived from a report prepared for a feasibility study which examined whether or not heroin should be made available in the Australian Capital Territory in a controlled manner. After a close reading of a number of official reports, we conclude that it is possible to argue that heroin should become available.
Comments on ‘the great legalization debate’
Authors: SANTAMARIA JOSEPH N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe debate over the legalization of drugs should be encouraged so that an appropriate and acceptable strategy can be formulated. Any policy should be based on the available data which should not be used selectively to establish an ideological position. Ultimately, the policy should be determined by what outcomes are considered to be the most desirable, taking into account both short term and long term objectives.
Drinking habits of central Queensland adolescents: local research for local needs
Authors: WILKS JEFFREY 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study examined the utility of monitoring adolescent drinking habits in order to assist the development of local drug education programmes. Drinking patterns are reported for a quota‐sample of 1154 adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years in central Queensland. Results showed that the prevalence of drinking increased according to age, with 47% of 13‐year‐olds reporting that they have used alcohol (not just sips or tastes), through to 93% among the 18‐year‐old group. Older teenagers were more likely to report drinking in the past month and the past week, though their consumption patterns are very similar to young people in other studies. Locations for drinking varied with age, younger groups drinking more often in home settings while older groups enjoyed a greater range of public and private venues. Beverage preferences again showed some age and sex differences, but overall males expressed a preference for regular beer and spirits, while females reported a preference for spirits and wine coolers. The importance of conducting local research to address local needs is discussed.
Prodigious alcohol consumption by Australian rugby league footballers
Authors: LAWSON JAMES S. , EVANS ALICE R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs an incidental finding in a general ‘life‐style’ survey, amateur rugby footballers were found to drink prodigious (12–24 schooners per session) quantities of beer. Such drinking was regarded by the players as part of the traditions of mateship associated with the game. The need for intervention is discussed.
Structure and measurement of dimensions of risk for HIV transmission in injecting drug users
Authors: ROSS MICHAEL W. , BUZOLIC ADRIAN , WODAK ALEX , STOWE AARON , GOLD JULIAN , MILLER M. E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDimensions of HIV infection risks were investigated in 1,245 injecting drug users (IDUs) in Sydney, Australia. Factor analysis of the degree of risk of the 33 items of risk behaviours revealed ten dimensions, which covered the domains of oral sex, withdrawal before ejaculation, protected intercourse, unprotected vaginal intercourse, saliva, blood products, manual sex, needles and syringes, unprotected anal sex, and social transmission. The perceived riskiness of particular activities closely approximated the objectively assessed risk of particular practices. Women assessed the risks of classes of activities (with the exception of oral sex) as being higher than did men. IDUs appear to have readily interpretable and consistent perceptions of HIV transmission risks, and these dimensions have utility for measuring perception and knowledge of HIV transmission risks.
Detection of problem‐drinkers in an emergency department using a breathalyser and questionnaire
Authors: ROBINSON GEOFFREY M. , LESLIE HAMISH , ROBINSON BRIAN J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOver a 2‐week period in January 1990 consecutive adult emergency attenders were breathalysed and screened for problem drinking using the WHO screening instrument. Results were compared with a similar study conducted 8 years previously. Of the patients tested, 12.5% had a positive alcohol in 1990 compared with 16% in 1982. Of those with positive alcohol results, the mean blood alcohol equivalent (BAE) concentration was significantly (p = 0.0006) lower in 1990 (73.6 ± 65.1; mg/100 ml; mean ± SD) when compared to those levels found in 1982 (136.9 ± 102.4 mg/100 ml). There was also significant reductions in 1990 of positive breath alcohol attenders both from road traffic accidents (p < 0.03), and from head injuries (p < 0.005) compared to 1982. In 1990 the questionnaire was positive in 23% of attendees. These studies suggest a trend towards less alcohol misuse in emergency department patients, but nevertheless indicate high rates of problem drinking. It is suggested that alcohol breathalysers be available in emergency departments to assist the detection of alcohol misusers and predict alcohol‐associated medical problems.
A computerized information system for monitoring and evaluating substance misuse services
Authors: OLEARNIK HENRYK , POWER ROBERT 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA computerized, comprehensive information system for the managerial monitoring and evaluation of local substance misuse service delivery is presented. It is based on a model which comprises basic elements of service provision such as, client caseload, time management and workload, work and client satisfaction, in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Findings from its initial implementation in a community drug team and drug dependency units in one of the London District Health Authorities are discussed. The possibility of using this evaluation package by drug and alcohol agencies themselves for the purpose of self‐evaluation and monitoring as well as quality assurance is also discussed.
Alcohol, cardiovascular diseases and all causes of death: a review of the epidemiological evidence
Authors: BEAGLEHOLE ROBERT , JACKSON RODNEY 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews the epidemiological evidence on the association of alcohol consumption with the major cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, stroke and coronary heart disease), and all causes of death. The focus is on light and moderate consumption and several important methodological issues are apparent with the epidemiological evidence on alcohol and mortality. The epidemiological data justify the following recommendations on alcohol consumption. The evidence does not support the unqualified claim that light and moderate drinking confers overall health benefits. However, in persons over 35 years of age, there is no consistent evidence that daily consumption of up to 2–3 drinks in men or up to 1–2 drinks in women increases the risk of dying. Non‐drinkers should not be encouraged to change their drinking status. The consumption of more than 2–3 drinks per day in men and more than 1–2 drinks per day in women should be actively discouraged. Further research on the effects of light and moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease and all causes of death are required, particularly in young people, women and the elderly.
Public support for the prevention of alcohol‐related problems
Authors: HAWKS DAVID , LANG ERNIE , STOCKWELL TIM , RYDON PHIL , LOCKWOOD ANNE 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSupport for a number of strategies and policies for the prevention of alcohol related harm was ascertained as part of a larger survey of public attitudes and behaviours in a representative sample of the Perth metropolitan area. Support for these policies varied, but was generally positive, with young male drinkers the least supportive. The greatest degree of support was found for a variety of training strategies for licensees and barstaff, while a number of restrictive practices, such as reduced trading hours and the banning of the sale of beer in jugs, were less popular. Those who had recently worked in the alcohol trade were less likely than the general population to be supportive of these policies. This effect could not be completely explained by their generally being younger and drinkers. It is concluded that governments generally have a mandate to introduce certain policies and practices into the licensed drinking environment, but that the resistance of the alcohol trade to such measures may need to be overcome if they are to be successfully introduced.
A comparison of residential heroin detoxification patients and methadone maintenance patients
Authors: CAPLEHORN JOHN R. M. , SAUNDERS JOHN B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInterviews were conducted with 101 heroin dependent persons entering a residential drug‐free detoxification unit in 1989. These self‐report data were compared with those previously collected in 1985‐6 from 457 methadone maintenance patients. The detoxification patients injected less frequently, used less heroin, had been physically dependent for a shorter period and were more likely to be single, unemployed and to have been charged with a criminal offence in the last 12 months. It is suggested that these findings may indicate that addicts who use more heroin are less likely to seek drug‐free detoxification. The wider implication of the finding is that future surveys of injecting drug users should assume that there are significant differences between heroin users entering different modalities of treatment.
A 40 month follow‐up of pregnant drug using women treated at Westmead Hospital
Authors: BATEY ROBERT G. , WEISSEL KATHY 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA 40 month follow‐up of 84 women admitted to a study of the outpatient management of pregnant heroin users is reported. Fifty‐eight of the patients were on methadone at the time of their delivery while a further 26 remained on heroin at delivery. The whereabouts of 61 patients were identified at the time of follow‐up but only 46 consented to interview. Twenty‐three could not be traced even utilising the services of the Departments of Corrective Services and Community Services. The general health of mothers and babies was reported as good to excellent and only one child was in the care of the State. Many patients on methadone at delivery had exited the programme whereas those on heroin at delivery were likely to be on methadone programmes at follow‐up. A majority of all patients had had no new legal charges laid in the 12 months preceding the interview and if any charges had been laid they were likely to be traffic offences. Drug use, on the other hand, continued to be a problem even in those on methadone programmes. Up to 75% of patients in one group reported intermittent use of heroin and other drugs and these self reports were confirmed by urine testing. The data suggest that methadone does lead to a reduction in criminal activity and in daily drug usage but it does not completely abolish drug seeking behaviour. Overall, the results suggest that the use of methadone is safe for mother and baby and it has positive benefit in the management of pregnant drug users.
Correlates of student substance use
Authors: CRUNDALL IAN A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFifteen socio‐demographic variables were examined as potential correlates of alcohol, tobacco, inhalant, marijuana and other illicit drug use among students in Years 7 to 11. The variables which most consistently discriminated users and non‐users related to truancy, adult supervision of leisure, self‐esteem, income and the quality of the mother‐child relationship. Age was also a discriminator for all but the illicit group of drugs and revealed an inverse association with inhalant use. Drinking and smoking by various family members or others distinguished the users of alcohol and tobacco too. While further identification of correlates is encouraged, those highlighted should help to target interventions and validate self‐report measures of substance use.
Changes in equipment sharing in injecting drug users in Sydney 1989–1990
Authors: ROSS MICHAEL W. , STOWE AARON , WODAK ALEX , GOLD JULIAN 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe investigated levels of equipment sharing in injecting drug users in Sydney, Australia, in two consecutive samples recruited in a non‐treatment setting using similar methodology in 1989 (n = 1,245) and 1990 (n = 550). Comparison between the two waves of the study indicated that there were consistent and major reductions in percentage of time used equipment was re‐used, and number of people from whom used equipment had been accepted. There was a corresponding significant and major increase in use of sterile injection equipment, obtained more frequently in the second sample from needle and syringe exchanges. The proportion of respondents reporting they had never shared equipment rose significantly. These data suggest that there is a continuing increase in the adoption of safer injecting practices and utilisation of needle and syringe exchanges over time in response to the threat of HIV transmission in injecting drug users.
Alcoholic hangover and performance: a review
Authors: LEMON JIM 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe study of alcoholic hangover is reviewed, with particular concern given to its effects upon skills performance. Different models of hangover, and the evidence gathered in their support, are surveyed. Several factors appear to contribute to hangover, and individuals may be differentially susceptible to these influences. The severity of hangover is affected by dose, coproducts of manufacture, and a number of psychological variables. Hangover is differentiated from post‐intoxication effects on performance, and the results of a variety of studies on these effects are considered. Post‐intoxication effects have been found in a variety of tasks, but no tasks have been consistently affected in a number of studies. This may reflect the fact that few studies have used the same tasks to assess performance. Proposed mechanisms of post‐intoxication effects are considered, and the most consistent symptom accompanying impaired performance is found to be fatigue. This notion finds some support in electroencephalographic data collected during the period following intoxication.
Pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the reversible (thiamine‐responsive) and irreversible (thiamine non‐responsive) neurological symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy
Authors: BUTTERWORTH ROGER F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractChronic alcoholism results in thiamine deficiency as a result of poor nutrition and impaired gastrointestinal absorption of the vitamin. Pyrithiamine‐induced thiamine deficiency in the rat reproduces a neurological syndrome and ultimately neuropathological damage of a nature and distribution that is similar to that encountered in Wernicke's encephalopathy in humans. Pyrithiamine‐induced thiamine deficiency results in selective reversible decreases in activity of the thiamine‐dependent enzymeα‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and concomitant reversible changes in brain amino acids. It is proposed that these changes constitute “the biochemical lesion” in thiamine deficiency encephalopathy. If sufficiently severe and prolonged, decreased activities of a‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase may result in compromised brain energy metabolism and in lactate accumulation in brain, both of which could be responsible for neuronal cell death in this condition. In addition, it has been suggested that cell death results from NMDA‐receptor mediated excitotoxic damage. Similar pathophysiologic mechanisms could be responsible for brain cell death in Wernicke's encephalopathy in humans.
Sociology—the poor relation in alcohol and drug research?
Authors: HAMILTON MARGARET A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs a foundation theoretical discipline, sociology has much to offer the multi‐disciplinary field of alcohol and drug studies. It has, nevertheless, been overshadowed by others such as medicine and, more recently, psychology. This paper maps significant policy issues in the alcohol and drug field over the past decade using Australian experience as an example. It identifies contributions of the social sciences and in doing so, poses a challenge for sociology.
Social change and the control of psychotropic drugs—risk management, harm reduction and ‘postmodernity’
Authors: MUGFORD STEPHEN 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper argues that in order to understand the broad tide of change in drug control in recent times, we need to link these changes to a general understanding of social change. The paper sketches out how modern society arose and how it is giving way to the postmodern. Two themes are then developed. The first concerns the way that the state shrinks in postmodernity and links this to drug control, mentioning the example of random drug testing in the workplace as a good example of the change. It then moves to looking at the related shift in social control regimes from the ‘corporal’ regime of the premodern through the ‘carceral’ regime of the modern to population and risk management in the postmodern. It argues that in society in general there is a tension between carceral discipline and the amoral management of risk and that this is exhibited in drug control as a struggle between individual treatment and law enforcement on the one hand and ‘harm reduction’ on the other. This is illustrated by reference to a persistent tension within the NCADA enterprise.
The relevance of ethnographic understanding to Aboriginal anti‐grog initiatives
Authors: ROWSE TIM 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAboriginal initiatives to “beat the grog” may or may not draw on ethnographies of Aboriginal drinking behaviour. The deeper reason for this uncertainty has to do with fundamental ideas of citizenship and (self) governance. What is the relevance of “culture” to individual responsibility? This paper reviews this question at three levels; the political debate about “rights” and “responsibility”, ethnographic depictions of Aborigines as both group‐dominated and individualistic, and through one Aboriginal organization's embracing of the perspectives of Alcoholic's Anonymous.
Beyond Zinberg's ‘social setting’: a processural view of illicit drug use
Authors: MOORE DAVID 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis article seeks to go beyond existing understandings of ‘social setting’, or social context, in the addictions field. Using drug‐career data, collected during recent ethnographic research, the fluidity and dynamism of recreational drug‐using social scenes are described before introducing a number of anthropological and sociological concepts. These concepts are processural, that is, they seek to describe and analyze social and cultural change. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of recognizing the diversity and ever‐changing nature of recreational drug‐using social networks are discussed.
Lived fictions: moving from pharmacology to ethnography
Authors: FITZGERALD JOHN L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWhile positivist science dominates the drug and alcohol research sector, alternative constructivist paradigms of inquiry into drug and alcohol use are also present. The passage of individual researchers through paradigm shifts is often difficult, and rarely documented. Different paradigms of inquiry produce different types of information. The use of the psychoactive drug methylenedioxymetham‐phetamine (MDMA or “Ecstasy”) is discussed in light of a multidisciplinary investigation into the pharmacology and use of MDMA. The role of the author in interpreting data from both positivist and constructivist paradigms is highlighted by documenting a researchers' changes in epistemology whilst undertaking multidisciplinary research. It is concluded that multidisciplinary research into drug and alcohol use could benefit from evaluation of the processes that frame how information from both research paradigms is interpreted and integrated.
Alcohol use among older hospital patients: findings from an Australian study
Authors: Powell Janet E. , McInness Elizabeth 
Published: July 2006

AbstractData on alcohol use were obtained from structured interviews with hospital patients aged 65 and over. The cross‐sectional sample (sex by age by region) was drawn from three hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Multivariate statistics and chi‐square tests of proportion were used to analyse the data. Significant main effects were found for sex and age. The majority (65%) of the sample had consumed alcohol in the past year. Males were more likely than females to be current drinkers and also had a higher mean weekly alcohol intake than females. There was a significant fall in alcohol consumption with age. More males (25%) than females (6%) were found to be hazardous/harmful users of alcohol, and those in the 65‐74‐year age group had a higher incidence of problem alcohol use (20.8%) than those aged 75‐84 (9.8%) and over 85 (4.9%). The results suggest a comparatively high incidence of problem alcohol use among older hospital patients and indicate the need for consumer education.