bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and risk factors for methamphetamine use in northern Thai youth: results of an audio‐computer‐assisted self‐interviewing survey with urine testing
Authors: Sattah Martin V. , Supawitkul Somsak , Dondero Timothy J. , Kilmarx Peter H. , Young Nancy L. , Mastro Timothy D. , Chaikummao Supaporn , Manopaiboon Chomnad , Griensven Frits van 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsData from drug treatment facilities, drug seizures and drug arrests suggest rapidly increasing methamphetamine use by adolescents in Thailand. However, limited quantitative data are available about the prevalence of its use or correlates of use. The purpose of our study was therefore to estimate the prevalence of methamphetamine use and to identify possible risk factors.DesignCross‐sectional survey using anonymous audio‐computer‐assisted self‐interview and urine specimen analysis.SettingChiang Rai Province, Thailand.Participants1725 students, 15–21 years of age (893 male and 832 female) attending one of three vocational schools in Chiang Rai Province.FindingsThree hundred and fifty male and 150 female students reported a history of having ever used methamphetamine. In addition, 128 male and 49 female students had positive urine test results, indicating recent methamphetamine use; 27 of these students denied having ever used methamphetamine. According to history, urine test, or both, 41.3% of male students and 19.0% of female students used methamphetamine. In multivariate analysis, methamphetamine use was highly correlated with the use of other substances, sexual activity, peer pressure, positive attitudes toward methamphetamine, and absence of a family confidant.ConclusionsMethamphetamine use is common among adolescent students in northern Thailand. Demographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates of methamphetamine use identified in this study may be helpful for the design and implementation of preventive interventions.
ERIT‐Italia, the Italian Federation for Professionals Working in the Field of Drug Abuse
Authors: Nizzoli Umberto , Foschini Vittorio 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWhat is ERIT‐Italia? In what cultural context was it founded and in what state were the services for drug dependency at that time? What has it produced in recent years? Can a professional association successfully work alongside administrations and governments to contribute to the development of effective treatment for drug addiction? It is these questions which are addressed in this description of the major Italian professional body concerned with drug misuse.
Childhood and adolescent antecedents of substance use in adulthood
Authors: Ensminger Margaret E. , Juon Hee Soon , Fothergill Kate E. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsTo examine childhood antecedents of marijuana and cocaine use in adulthood.DesignEpidemiological, longitudinal cohort study of African American first graders (age 6) followed to age 32.ParticipantsChildren (N = 1242) and families in the 57 first grade classrooms from Woodlawn, an inner‐city community in Chicago. First grade teachers, mothers and children provided assessments over the life course. During adulthood, 952 participants were re‐interviewed.MeasurementsFirst grade teacher behavior ratings, readiness for school tests, self‐reports of adolescent drug use, social bonds and adult self‐reports of drug use were the primary variables.FindingsMales who were both shy and aggressive in first grade were more likely to be adult drug users compared to those who were neither. Shy females in first grade were less likely to be adult marijuana users than non‐shy females. Adolescent social bonds did not moderate the relationships of earlier childhood behavior to adult drug use. Males who had a ‘high/superior’ readiness to learn scores in first grade were less likely to be cocaine users as adults, even though in earlier work we showed that they were more likely to initiate adolescent drug use. Females scoring as poor performers in first grade were less likely to ever use cocaine compared to females with higher scores.ConclusionsThe combination of shy and aggressive behavior is an important antecedent for later male drug use and may help distinguish those who will be persistent users in adulthood from those who experiment in adolescence.
Real‐world efficacy of prescription and over‐the‐counter nicotine replacement therapy
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Rolf Clyde N. , Hellebusch Stephen J. , Gorsline Jane , Gorodetzky Charles W. , Chiang Yu‐Kun , Schleusener Debra S. , Marino Michael E. Di 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsTo assess smoking cessation rates achieved with nicotine gum and patch in simulated over‐the‐counter (OTC) and actual prescription (Rx) settings.DesignSeparate open‐label studies with gum and patch in OTC and Rx settings.ParticipantsThere were multiple samples: OTC gum: 2981 smokers; OTC patch: 2367; Rx gum: 324; Rx patch: 669.InterventionsAll smokers received active nicotine replacement. In the OTC setting, smokers self‐selected doses of nicotine gum (2 or 4 mg Nicorette®) or patch (21, 14 or 7 mg NicoDerm®CQ). No intervention was provided. In the Rx setting, smokers were prescribed gum or patch by their physician.MeasurementsBiochemically verified continuous smoking abstinence was assessed at 6 weeks (28‐day abstinence) and 6 months.FindingsOTC success rates were consistently higher than Rx rates: differences were significant at 6 weeks for both patch [OR = 1.45 (1.05–1.98)] and gum [OR = 2.92 (1.58–5.40)], and remained significant at 6 months for patch [OR = 3.63; (1.74–7.61)] but not gum [OR = 1.37; (0.73–2.58)]. Among OTC gum users, 16.1% were abstinent at 6 weeks and 8.4% at 6 months. For Rx gum users, abstinence rates were 7.7% at 6 weeks and 7.7% at 6 months. With OTC patch, 19.0% were abstinent at 6 weeks and 9.2% at 6 months. With Rx patch, abstinence rates were 16.0% at 6 weeks and 3.0% at 6 months.ConclusionsSmoking cessation rates achieved with nicotine gum and patch under OTC conditions were as good as those under real‐world prescribing conditions.
Cohort effects on gender differences in alcohol dependence
Authors: Holdcraft Laura C. , Iacono William G. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims The present study investigated the presence of cohort effects on gender differences in the course, severity and symptomatology of DSM‐III‐R alcohol dependence in a community‐based sample.Design A comparison of substance‐related variables among men and women divided into two groups based on the median birth year of the sample was conducted.Participants Participants were 468 men and 132 women with life‐time alcohol dependence, the vast majority of whom were born between 1941 and 1960.Measurements Substance use and DSM‐III‐R substance use disorders were assessed by a structured interview administered in person.Findings Individuals born after 1951 had higher rates of alcohol dependence. Among individuals with alcohol dependence, those born after 1951 had an earlier onset and longer duration of alcohol‐related problems. Significant interactions indicated that these effects were stronger for women than men.Conclusions Risk for alcohol dependence appears to be rising in younger generations, and particularly for younger women, making them an important target group for prevention and treatment programs.
Methamphetamine in Japan: the consequences of methamphetamine abuse as a function of route of administration
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihiko , Kamijo Atsushi , Miyakawa Tomohiro , Endo Keiko , Yabana Tatsuo , Kishimoto Hideji , Okudaira Kenichi , Iseki Eizo , Sakai Takeshi , Kosaka Kenji 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsTo determine differences in life backgrounds and clinical features between methamphetamine (MAP) smokers and injectors in Japan.SettingOut‐patient clinic at a psychiatric centre.ParticipantsAmong 451 MAP abusers undergoing initial assessments, 116 subjects whom the first author had directly interviewed and treated were studied.Design and ProceduresIn this study, life backgrounds, clinical features and psychiatric symptoms were compared between three subgroups: 42 (36.2%) in group S (smoking only); 57 (49.1%) in group I (injection only); and 17 (14.7%) in group SI (initially smoking, later injecting).FindingsGroup I more often had parental absence (P < 0.001), a family history of alcoholism (P < 0.05), limited education (P < 0.001), or a criminal record (P < 0.001) than patients in the other two groups. Group S had the most cannabis use (P < 0.01), while group I had the most volatile solvents use (P < 0.01). Group S experienced their first psychotic episode sooner after first MAP use (P < 0.01), but showed fewer auditory hallucinations at intial assessment than patients in other groups (P < 0.001). Group SI was intermediate between groups S and I in life background, clinical features and psychotic symptoms, while they had lost control of their drug use most frequently (P < 0.02).ConclusionsIn Japan, MAP smokers have different life backgrounds from injectors. Smoking MAP does not appear to be a safer route as regards losing control of MAP use and inducing psychosis than injection.
Alcohol sales and fatal alcohol poisonings: a time‐series analysis
Authors: Poikolainen Kari , Leppänen Kalervo , Vuori Erkki 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims To discover whether the number of fatal alcohol peaks during festivities characterized by unrestrained drinking and relates to sales of alcoholic beverages.Design Time‐series and cross‐sectional.Data Fatal alcohol poisonings and retail alcohol sales in Finland in 1983–99.Findings Fatal alcohol poisonings were found to peak during weekends and in the May Day, Midsummer Day and Christmas celebrations. Regression analysis of quarterly series lead to a model showing that 1% increase in the sales of spirits increases the number of fatal alcohol poisonings by 0.4%.Conclusions At the population level, increases in the sales of spirits and periods of hard drinking seem to increase deaths from alcohol poisoning. The findings could be of use in efforts to decrease hard drinking.
An increase in overdose mortality during the first 2 weeks after entering or re‐entering methadone treatment in Amsterdam
Authors: Buster Marcel C. A. , Brussel Giel H. A. van , Brink Wim van den 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims It has been suggested that starting and temporarily discontinuing methadone treatment is related to an increased risk in overdose mortality. This study describes the incidence of overdose mortality in relation to time after (re)entering or leaving treatment.Design A dynamic cohort of 5200 Amsterdam methadone clients was observed during treatment and (a maximum of 1 year) after treatment.Findings Between 1986 and 1998, 29 729 person‐years (py) and 68 overdose deaths were recorded, leading to an overdose mortality rate of 2.3/1000 py (2.2 during and 2.4 after treatment). A modest increase was observed during the first 2 weeks after (re)entering treatment; 6.0/1000 py (rate ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.4; 5.8). Directly after leaving treatment no increase was observed.Conclusions Inhaling heroin, common among Amsterdam heroin users, is thought to account for low OD mortality rates both during and after treatment. Accumulation of methadone, inadequate assessment of tolerance of known clients re‐entering treatment and concurrent periods of stress or extreme heroin use when entering treatment are mentioned as possible explanations of the increased risk within the first 2 weeks. An Australian study reported a much higher increase. The modest increase in Amsterdam is explained by low background risk of overdose mortality, low starting dosage and the low threshold to treatment.
Trends in opiate and opioid poisonings in addicts in north‐east Paris and suburbs, 1995–99
Authors: Gueye P. N. , Megarbane B. , Borron S. W. , Adnet F. , Galliot‐Guilley M. , Ricordel I. , Tourneau J. , Goldgran‐Toledano D. , Baud F. J. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims(1) To assess the trends in the number, mortality and the nature of severe opiate/opioid poisonings from 1995 to 1999 in north‐east Paris and adjacent suburbs and (2) to examine the effects of the introduction of high‐dose buprenorphine on these parameters.DesignRetrospective, 5‐year study with review of pre‐hospital, hospital and post‐mortem data.Setting and participantsEighty patients from the toxicological intensive care unit (TICU) in north‐east Paris, 421 patients from the pre‐hospital emergency medical service in a north‐east suburb of Paris (SAMU 93) and 40 deaths from the coroner's office in Paris.Measurements and resultsWe found that the number of pre‐hospital opiate/opioid poisonings and deaths decreased over 5 years. During the same time frame, opiate/opioid poisoning admissions to our TICU remained steady, but the number of deaths declined. From 1995 to 1999, the detection of buprenorphine among opiate/opioid‐poisoned TICU patients increased from two to eight occurrences per year while detection of opiates diminished from 17 to 10 occurrences per year. Increased buprenorphine detection correlated directly with increasing sales over this time period. In spite of the increased use of buprenorphine, the mortality associated with opiate/opioid poisonings has diminished in the pre‐hospital environment from 9% in 1995 to 0% in 1999, and in the TICU from 12% in 1995 to 0% in 1997 and thereafter. We found a high frequency of multiple opiate/opioid use in severe poisonings, as well as the frequent association of other psychoactive drugs including ethanol.ConclusionsThe number and the mortality of opiate/opioid poisonings appear to be stable or decreasing in our region. The association of multiple opiates/ opioids appears nearly as common as the association with other psychoactive drugs. The introduction of high‐dose buprenorphine coincides with a decrease in opiate/opioid poisoning mortality. Further study will be necessary to clarify this observation.
The Impaired Control Scale: confirmation of factor structure and psychometric properties for social drinkers and drinkers in alcohol treatment
Authors: Marsh A. , Smith . , Saunders B. , Piek J. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsTo examine (1) the structure of the Impaired Control Scale using confirmatory factor analytical techniques and (2) the internal consistency and validity of the ICS subscales.DesignCross‐sectional data were collected on alcohol‐related variables using standard self‐completion scales.ParticipantsThree hundred and fifty‐seven social drinkers (not in alcohol treatment) and 137 treatment drinkers (in alcohol treatment) who acknowledged experiencing impaired control over alcohol intake in the last 6 months. Impaired control was defined as drinking more than intended or more than one thinks one should.MeasurementsSelf‐completion questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire (SADD), Impaired Control Scale (ICS) and three questions assessing alcohol consumption from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).FindingsThis first confirmatory factor analytical study of the ICS found that all three parts of the ICS were unidimensional for both social and treatment drinkers. These results confirmed previous exploratory principal components analysis findings. The excellent validity and internal consistency of all three parts of the ICS found here also confirmed results of previous research into the scale.ConclusionsThe confirmation of the structure and psychometric properties of the ICS suggest that the scale is a reliable and valid instrument, with a predictable and stable factor structure, for use with both clinical and non‐clinical samples.
Nimodipine in opiate detoxification: a controlled trial
Authors: Jiménez‐Lerma Juan Manuel , Landabaso Miguel , Iraurgi Loseba , Calle Ricardo , Sanz Juan , Gutiérrez‐Fraile Miguel 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the use of L‐type calcium channel blockers (CaCB) in out‐patient opiate detoxification.DesignControlled trial with sequential allocation of patients to groups.MethodsThree groups of individuals subject to opiate detoxification were involved: (1) the experimental group (n = 30) received a course of nimodipine and dextropropoxiphen; (2) one control group (n = 20) was detoxified with a course of dextropropoxiphen and benzodiazepine; and (3) a second control group (n = 30) was treated with a standard course of α‐2‐adrenergic agents and naltrexone. In all cases, the detoxification course was scheduled to last 7 days.ResultsAll the groups showed a significant opiate withdrawal syndrome (OWS) during detoxification (follow‐up effect: Λ = 0.04; F6.52 = 201.89; P < 0.001), but from the first day the group treated with CaCB manifested fewer symptoms than the control groups (treatment effect: F2.57 = 97.99; P < 0.001). From the start, the intensity of the OWS was reduced by half in the CaCB group (M = 6.67) compared with that manifested by the two other groups (M ≈ 13). The clinical impression of the evolution of the detoxification was that it was comfortable and free of complications (significant side‐effects were not observed).ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that the use of calcium channel blockers (CaCB) may be an effective method in opiate detoxification. Full randomized trials are warranted.
Assessing ‘stage of change’ in current and former smokers
Authors: Etter Jean‐François , Sutton Stephen 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAimsThe concept of ‘stage of change’ is widely used by researchers and clinicians in the field of smoking cessation. Our aim was to assess the validity of three staging questionnaires and of the concept of ‘stage of change’ itself.Setting and participantsSurvey on the Internet in 1025 ever smokers, retest after 8 days in 318 people (31%), follow‐up after 32 days in 451 people (44%).MeasurementsThree measures of ‘stage of change’.FindingsParticipants (83–93%) were classified in the same stage by all pairs of questionnaires, and 15% changed stage during an interval of 8 days. Including quit attempts in the ‘preparation’ stage had a large impact on stage distributions, because 18–24% of smokers who had decided to quit in the next 30 days were downgraded to the ‘contemplation’ stage as they had not made a quit attempt in the previous year. The ‘action’ stage included 5–7% of occasional smokers. Quit attempts during the past 7 days and 30 days were better predictors of smoking cessation than quit attempts during the past 12 months. Baseline stage and a continuous measure of intention predicted smoking abstinence at follow‐up.ConclusionsThese results reflect theoretical and methodological problems with the concept of stage of change. ‘Stage’ covers four different variables: current behaviour, quit attempts, intention to change and time since quitting. These variables are combined in a somewhat haphazard manner, none of them is measured comprehensively, and intention and time are continuous variables categorized by arbitrary cutpoints. Measuring each of these four variables independently may be preferable to using an incomplete mix of these elements.
Pharmacological treatment of cocaine dependence: a systematic review
Authors: Lima Maurício Silva de , Soares Bernardo Garcia de Oliveira , Reisser Anelise Alves Pereira , Farrell Michael 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims Cocaine dependence is a common and serious condition, associated with severe medical, psychological and social problems, including the spread of infectious diseases. This systematic review assesses critically the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine dependence.Methods The literature search strategy included: electronic searches of Cochrane Library holdings, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycLIT, Biological Abstracts and LILACS; scans of reference lists of relevant articles, personal communications, conference abstracts, unpublished trials from the pharmaceutical industry and book chapters on the treatment of cocaine dependence. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the use of antidepressants (ADs), carbamazepine (CBZ), dopamine agonists (DAs) and other drugs used in the treatment of cocaine dependence were included. The reviewers extracted data independently, and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Qualitative assessments were carried out using a Cochrane validated checklist. Where possible, analysis was carried out according to ‘intention‐to‐treat’ principles.Findings The search strategy generated 45 different trials. Most studied drugs were ADs (20 studies), DAs and CBZ. Data were very heterogeneous, with dropout rates within the studies between 0 and 84%. A non‐significant trend favoring CBZ was found in terms of dropouts (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.75–1.03) and results from one trial suggest that fluoxetine patients are less likely to drop out. The main efficacy outcome reported in the studies was the presence of cocaine metabolites in the urine. No significant results were found, regardless the type of drug or dose used for all relevant outcomes assessed.Conclusions There is no current evidence supporting the clinical use of CBZ, antidepressants, dopamine agonists, disulfiram, mazindol, phenytoin, nimodipine, lithium and NeuRecover‐SA in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Larger randomized investigation must be considered, while taking into account that these time‐consuming efforts should be reserved for medications showing more relevant and promising evidence. Given the high dropout rate among the test population, clinicians may wish to consider adding psychotherapeutic supportive measures aimed at keeping patients in treatment programs.
Witnessing heroin‐related overdoses: the experiences of young injectors in San Francisco
Authors: Davidson Peter J. , Ochoa Kristen C. , Hahn Judith A. , Evans Jennifer L. , Moss Andrew R. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAims  Assessment of young injectors' exposure and response to others' heroin‐related overdose.Design  Cross‐sectional survey.Setting  San Francisco, CA, United States.Participants  Nine hundred and seventy‐three street‐recruited current injectors under 30 years old.Measurements  Self‐reported experiences of witnessing heroin‐related overdoses from structured interviews.Findings  Seven hundred and nine of 973 (73%) had ever witnessed at least one heroin‐related overdose, and 491 of 973 (50%) had witnessed an overdose in the last 12 months. Fourteen per cent of those who had witnessed an overdose in the past year reported that the outcome of the overdose was death. Emergency services were called to 52% of most recent witnessed overdoses. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or expired air resuscitation (EAR or ‘rescue breathing’) was performed in 61% of cases. Inappropriate strategies such as injection with stimulants or application of ice were rare. In 67% of cases in which emergency services were not called the witness said this was because the victim regained consciousness. In the remaining 33%, 56% stated emergency services were not called due to fear of the police.Conclusions  Respondents were willing to act at overdoses at which they were present, but frequently did not do so in the most efficacious manner. Fear of police was identified as the most significant barrier to the ideal first response of calling emergency services.