bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of alcohol and other drugs: experience from the WHO collaborative cross‐cultural applicability research (CAR) study
Authors: GUREJE OYE , VAZQUEZ‐BARQUERO J. L. , JANCA ALEKSANDAR 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCurrent psychiatric classificatory systems commonly provide similar criteria for the identification of disorders relating to the use of alcohol and other drugs. However, since cultural views of substance use disorders are influenced by prevailing norms in the society, it is unlikely that a given culture wiH have identical threshold for the identification of disorders relating to the use of alcohol, commonly socially approved, and those relating to the use of other mood‐altering substances, commonly socially disapproved. Using data derived from the WHO nine‐country Cross‐Cultural Applicability Research (CAR) study, we studied the cultural views on the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Our observations suggest that, viith a few notable exceptions, any use of addictive substances other than alcohol is commonly considered socially aberrant. Most cultures set a much lower threshold for the identification of disorders relating to these substances than they do for alcohol‐related ones.
Drinking and driving: drinking patterns and drinking problems
Authors: GRUENEWALD PAUL J. , MITCHELL PATRICK R. , TRENO ANDREW J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo perspectives guide examinations of alcohol‐related injury; studies of drinking behaviors which characterize the activities in which drinkers participate, and studies of drinking patterns which characterize individuals' likelihoods of intoxication. This paper presents a study of self‐reported drinking and driving using both perspectives. A theoretical model of the relationships of drinking patterns and drinking behaviors to drinking and driving is derived. This model is used as the basis for analyses of self‐reports of driving after drinking and driving while intoxicated. Using cross‐sectional data from a study of alcohol‐related injury in the United States, these self‐reports were related to measures of respondent socio‐demographics, drinking patterns, beverage preferences and routine activities. The results showed: (1) that the drinking pattern measures were significantly related to likelihoods of drinking and driving; (2) these measures were superior to alternate measures of drinking patterns in their ability to explain drinking and driving; (3) the measures of beverage preferences were unrelated to either measure of drinking and driving; and (4) that the utilization of certain venues for drinking (bars and restaurants) was significantly related to both measures of drinking and driving. It is concluded that observed socio‐demographic differences in drinking and driving (e.g. related to ethnicity and marital status) are due to related differences in drinking patterns and drinking behaviors.
Overview of studies on drinking patterns and consequences
Authors: BONDY SUSAN J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractResearch on selected consequences of alcohol use are reviewed in terms of now alcohol use is measured and reported in research designs common to that area of study. In addition, evidence of the probable underlying mechanisms by which alcohol leads to the various consequences is examined, particularly in relation to the aspects of drinking pattern which are theoretically most relevant to the outcome. There is considerable variation in the degree to which research in these areas stresses pattern of drinking (as opposed to average amount consumed or total dose). Ideally, theoretical consideration of underlying causal links should determine data collection and analysis techniques.
Simplified quantitation of urinary benzoylecgonine in cocaine addiction research and for related pharmacotherapeutic trials
Authors: PETERS JULIE E. , CHOU JAMES Z. , HO ANN , REID KEVIN , BORG LISA , KREEK MARY JEANNE 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn clinical trials of potential pharmacotherapies for cocaine addiction, objective determination of subject relapse relies on qualitative urine analysis for benzoylecgonine, the major metabolite of cocaine. Unlike qualitative analysis, quantitative measurement allows differentiation between continued cocaine use and a single use, as well as identification of changes in the quantity of cocaine used at different times. The only quantitative technique that has been used is expensive and not generally feasible. This study was performed to modify an existing qualitative technique for use as a new simple and readily available quantitative method for identifying cocaine use among research subjects. Benzoylecgonine levels in 24–hour urine specimens collected from 11 cocaine‐addicted subjects hospitalized in a research setting were measured semi‐quantitatively by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Accurate results required thorough mixing of urine specimens prior to analysis. At admission, eight subjects had urinary benzoylecgonine levels 9 0.30 fig/ml, the standard positive/negative cut‐off used in qualitative analysis. The mean half‐life of benzoylecgonine during initial elimination was 0.46 ± 0.08 (SEM, n = 8) days. Benzoylecgonine (BE)/creatinine (C) levels remained ≥0.30 μgBE/mgC for 4. S ± 0.5 (n = 8) days and ≥ 0.03 μgBE/mgC for 10.5 ± 1.5 (n = 8) days. Relapses in three subjects could be identified by quantitative analysis. This study indicates that quantitation of benzoylecgonine in daily urine specimens provides a sensitive, objective index to cocaine use.
Non‐prescribed drug use during methadone treatment by clinic‐ and community‐based patients
Authors: WOLFF KIM , HAY ALASTAIR W. M. , VAIL ANDREW , HARRISON KEVIN , RAISTRICK DUNCAN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of methadone maintenance treatment in clinic‐based (n= 10) and community‐based (n= 10) patients by studying the relationships between dose, plasma concentrations of methadone and non‐prescribed drug‐use using logistic regression. We found that clinic‐based patients had significantly reduced odds of having a urine sample test positive for illicit drugs when compared to community‐based patients (OR = 0.20; 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.38: p < 0.001). There was no relationship between either methadone dose or plasma methadone concentration and testing positive for non‐prescribed drugs (including cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, ecstasy, benzodiazepines). We looked specifically at the misuse of opiate drugs. Location was again important and clinic‐based patients had significantly reduced odds of having a urine sample test positive for opiate drugs (OR= 0.36, 95% confidence internal 0.13–0.71: p∼0.004). Opiate drug use in our patients was also significantly related to plasma methadone concentration, increasing noticeably when the drug concentration < 0.48 nmol/L (p∼0.04). We found no relationship between methadone dose and odds of having a positive urine drug test in either clinic‐ or community‐based patients.
Predictors of brief smoking intervention in a midwifery setting
Authors: COOKE MARGARET , MATTICK RICHARD P. , BARCLAY LESLEY 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aims of this study were: to assess current practice in smoking cessation interventions by midwives and to examine the relationship between the use of smoking intervention, practitioner characteristics and organizational factors. A mail‐out survey was sent to a random sample of 500 midwives. The response rate was 85% (n = 425). The results indicated that most midwives used minimal interventions (advice and education) for at least some of their clients. However, the more skilled and more time‐intensive forms of intervention such as counselling about methods to quit, negotiating a quit date and follow‐up were infrequently utilized. Moreover, participants estimated that half their smoking clients were not offered any advice about smoking. Organizational factors such as: hospital policy for smoking intervention, type of hospital, size of hospital, cohesion of staff and work pressure predicted the use of smoking interventions. Self‐reported ability to intervene for smoking and the level of assessment undertaken were practitioner characteristics which predicted the use of smoking interventions. The barriers that inhibit the use of smoking intervention by midwives are discussed and methods for change canvassed.
The disadvantage of being advantaged?–on a social gradient in excess mortality among alcohol abusers
Authors: ROSSOW INGEBORG , AMUNDSEN ARVID 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDo alcohol abusers from upper social classes have a more elevated excess mortality than alcohol abusers from lower social classes? This question was empirically assessed by analyses on data from a 40‐year prospective study of more than 40 000 Norwegian conscripts on whom data on social class(i. e. educational level), alcohol abuse (admission to treatment) and cause specific mortality before the age of 60 years were available. The results demonstrated a social gradient in excess mortality: relative risk of premature death was 2.7 among those with the lowest educational level (primary school only) increasing to 6.2 among those with the highest educational level at conscription (grammar school). Among the alcohol abusers the risk of premature death was slightly, but not significantly higher among those highly educated as compared to those with less education. Thus, alcohol abuse was not only found to elevate the individual's risk of premature death, but it also appeared to outweigh the advantages of those more socially privileged with respect to health and mortality. The question as to whether social class differences in selection to treatment could account for the observed social gradient in excess mortality is focused in the discussion.
Predicting underage drinking and driving behaviors
Authors: GRUBE JOEL W. , VOAS ROBERT B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA social‐psychological model of underage drinking and driving (DUI) and riding faith drinking drivers (RWDD) was tested with data from a random digit dial telephone survey of 706 16‐20‐year‐old drivers from seven western states in the United States. Consistent with the model, a structural equations analysis indicated that DUI and RWDD were primarily predicted by (a) expectancies regarding the physical risks of DUI, (b) normative beliefs about the extent to which friends would disapprove of DUI, (c) control beliefs about the ease or difficulty of avoiding DUI and RWDD and (d) drinking. Expectancies concerning enforcement had a significant effect on RWDD, but not on DUI. Among the background and environmental variables included in the analysis, only night‐time driving and age had significant direct effects on DUI and RWDD. Drinking and involvement in risky driving had indirect effects on DUI and RWDD that were mediated through expectancies and normative beliefs. Males, European Americans, Latinos, respondents who drove more frequently and respondents who were less educated held beliefs that were more favorable toward DUI and RWDD, drank more and engaged more frequently in risky driving. As a result, such individuals may be at greater risk for DUI and RWDD.
WHO cross‐cultural applicability research on diagnosis and assessment of substance use disorders: an overview of methods and selected results
Authors: ROOM R. , JANCA A. , BENNETT L. A. , SCHMIDT L. , SARTORIUS N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe cross‐cultural applicability of criteria for the diagnosis of substance use disorders and of instruments used for their assessment were studied in nine cultures. The qualitative and quantitative methods used in the study are described. Equivalents for English terms and concepts were found for all instrument items, diagnostic criteria, diagnoses and concepts, although often there was no single term equivalent to the English in the languages studied. Items assuming self‐consciousness about feelings, and imputing causal relations, posed difficulties in several cultures. Single equivalent terms were lacking for some diagnostic criteria, and criteria were sometimes not readily differentiated from one another. Several criteria–narrowing of the drinking repertoire, time spent obtaining and using the drug, and tolerance for the drug–were less easy to use in cultures other than the United States. Thresholds for diagnosis used by clinicians often differed. In most cultures, clinicians were more likely to make a diagnosis of drug dependence than of alcohol dependence although behavioural signs were equivalent. The attitudes of societies to alcohol and drug use affects the use of criteria and the making of diagnoses.
Irish descent, religion, and alcohol and tobacco use
Authors: MULLEN KENNETH , WILLIAMS RORY , HUNT KATE 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe West of Scotland has traditionally been a focus for Irish migration. Using data from two studies carried out in this region, one quantitative, the other qualitative, this paper shows little difference in drinking and smoking between Scots of Irish descent and other Scots. It does, however, show significant differences in these behaviours according to religious affiliation in adulthood. Rather than confirming the stereotype of Irish Catholics as heavy drinkers and smokers the present paper puts forward the hypothesis that drinkers and smokers are differentially retained in membership by different religious affiliations, and argues that this accounts for differences in reputation and in health‐related behaviours.
The effect of caffeine on cue exposure responses in ex‐smokers
Authors: HEPPLE JASON , ROBSON PHILIP 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe responses of ex‐smokers to an experimental cue exposure trial, and the effect of caffeine on these responses, were compared with those of a matched group of control subjects in a placebo controlled single‐blind cross‐over design. In contrast to placebo, caffeine protected the ex‐smokers from a surge of anxiety and rise in blood pressure associated with exposure to smoking‐related cues. Caffeine had no significant effects on the control group at this dose (equivalent to a single cup of strong coffee). The results are discussed with reference to Stewart's conditioned appetitive motivational model of addiction. It is suggested that further work may identify caffeine as an adjunct to smoking relapse prevention measures.
Gender differences in drinking behaviour in the Netherlands: convergence or stability?
Authors: NEVE RUDIE J. M. , DROP MARIA J. , LEMMENS PAUL H. , SWINKELS HENK 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGender differences in drinking behavior are analysed with emphasis on their relationship with changes in roles and positions of men and women in society. The ‘convergence hypothesis’ is used as a starting point. From its implications, a number of specific hypotheses are derived and tested using data from six surveys of the general population of the Netherlands, held between 1958 and 1993. No convergence of gender differences is found for abstinence and heavy frequent drinking. Convergence of male‐female differences in average weekly consumption appeared in the 1980s, but it is no longer significant at 5% level after controlling for age, education and family situation. Further elaboration of the gender by year interaction shows that convergence is related to a decrease in consumption among higher educated men. Contrary to expectation, an increase in consumption has occurred among women over 40 years of age. No relationship appears with female employment and religion. Having a family is related to lower consumption among women, while it has no significant effect on men's consumption. Although some evidence for convergence was found, results are not in agreement with expectations formulated from the perspective of the convergence hypothesis.
Overdose among heroin users in Sydney, Australia: II. Responses to overdose
Authors: DARKE SHANE , ROSS JOANNE , HALL WAYNE 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA sample of 329 heroin users were interviewed about their experiences at other peoples' heroin overdoses. The overwhelming majority (86%) had witnessed a heroin overdose, on a median of six occasions. Heroin users were reluctant to seek medical attention, with an ambulance being called on only half (56%) of the most recent overdose occasions. At only 17% of most recent overdoses was calling an ambulance the first action taken. Males reported taking significantly longer than females to call an ambulance. Nearly half (44%) of subjects reported that there were factors that had delayed or stopped them seeking medical assistance, the most common impediment being a fear of police involvement. The importance of interventions to encourage help‐seeking at overdoses are discussed.
Alcohol misuse and juvenile offending in adolescence
Authors: FERGUSSON DAVID M. , LYNSKEY MICHAEL T. , HORWOOD L. JOHN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe associations between alcohol misuse and juvenile offending during the period from 15 to 16 years of age were studied in a birth cohort of New Zealand adolescents. This analysis showed that young people who misused alcohol had significantly (p < 0.001) higher rates of both violent and property offences. These associations were similar for males and females. Further analysis suggested that a substantial component of the association between alcohol misuse and juvenile offending arose from shared risk factors that were common to both outcomes. These risk factors included measures of family social background, family and parental characteristics, individual characteristics and adolescent peer affiliations. After adjustment for antecedent risk factors there was no significant association between alcohol misuse and odds of property offences. However, young people who abused alcohol had odds of violent offending that were 3.2 times (p < 0.001) the odds of those offences for young people who did not misuse alcohol. It is concluded: (a) that a large component of the association between alcohol misuse and juvenile offending arises because of the effects of shared risk factors that are associated with both outcomes; (b) none the less, the unexplained association between alcohol misuse and violent offending may suggest the presence of a direct cause and effect association in which adolescent alcohol misuse is associated with increased risks of violent offending.
Places and patterns of drug use in the Scottish dance scene
Authors: FORSYTH ALASDAIR J. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInterviews were conducted with 135 participants in the Glasgow dance (rave) scene. Drug use in this group was varied and not merely restricted to drugs associated with dance events, such as MDMA (Ecstasy). The setting in which each drug was used varied greatly. Amphetamine, nitrites and Ecstasy were the drugs most commonly used at dance events. Pharmaceuticals were least likely to be used in such settings. However, some drugs, such as Temazepam, were sometimes used prior to or after attending rave events. It is suggested that dance drug users are polydrug users who use drugs in a setting specific fashion. As such it would be wrong to classify such users solely on the grounds of their very visible behaviour in the public arena (at dance events). Other forms of substance use engaged in by this group may have a greater potential for harm than that seen at raves. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Development of the Cocaine Relapse Interview: an initial report
Authors: McKAY JAMES R. , RUTHERFORD MEGAN J. , ALTERMAN ARTHUR I. , CACCIOLA JOHN S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAlthough fine‐grained analyses of circumstances surrounding relapses have been conducted with alcoholics, smokers and opiate users, there is comparatively little information about the relapse process in cocaine abusers. The Cocaine Relapse Interview (CRI) is a structured interview that gathers information on the onset, course and termination of cocaine relapse episodes. This article describes the development of the CRI and presents initial data on its reliability and validity. Sections of the CRI assess experiences on the day of the relapse, experiences during the week prior to the relapse, attributions for the relapse, experiences following initial use of cocaine and factors in terminating the relapse. Most of the subscales in each section of the CRI had adequate internal consistency and test‐retest reliabilities. Validity studies indicated that most of the subscales that assess experiences prior to relapse differentiated relapsers from two control groups of non‐relapsers, and that several subscales and individual items from the sections that assess experiences following initial use and factors in termination differentiated “lapsers” from “relapsers”. Limitations of the CRI and recommendations for its use were also discussed.
Benzodiazepines in primary health care: a survey of general practitioners prescribing patterns
Authors: BOIXET MERCE , BATLLE ENRIC , BOLIBAR IGNASI 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a survey carried out to investigate the benzodiazepine (BZD) prescribing patterns of the general practitioners (GP) in the catchment area of a Drug Dependence Unit located in a general hospital in Mataro (Barcelona, Spain). The aims of the survey were: (i) to obtain descriptive information on the knowledge of the GPs about BZD and its potential for dependence; (ii) to study the frequency of their prescribing; and (iii) to examine different factors linked to their prescribing. The study was carried out using a combination of a personal interview and a self‐administered questionnaire. A total of 68 doctors (88.3%) completed the questionnaire. The results show that the GPs have, in general, correct knowledge about the therapeutic indications for BZD prescribing, but are far less aware of their potential to induce dependence and how to manage withdrawal. The rate of prescribing seems to be high. Furthermore, the results of the external check of validity point out that doctors tend to underestimate the number of prescriptions. The majority of GPs express the need for alternative resources to BZD prescribing. No significant associations have been found between doctor's characteristics, such as postgraduate training and type of practice, and their knowledge about BZD and frequency of their prescribing. In our view, a more accurate knowledge about BZD and alternatives to its use, both factors closely linked to training, together with the availability of non‐pharmacological resources, are likely to improve the quality of doctors prescribing habits, thus preventing risks such as dependence of BZD.
Selection bias in national surveys due to screening: implications from a county general population survey
Authors: TAM TAMMY W. , MIDANIK LORRAINE T. , GREENFIELD THOMAS K. , CAETANO RAUL 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNational alcohol surveys using face‐to‐face interviews, such as the US 1988 National Health Interview Survey Alcohol Supplement and the 1990 US National Alcohol Survey, for reasons of efficiency often use screener items lo identify individuals who are likely lo have experienced alcohol‐related problems and only those individuals are chosen to respond to a list of alcohol‐related problem questions. The consequence of screening is that only a subset of the current drinkers have complete data on such items. This paper examines the bias introduced by the exclusion of cases with incomplete information due to screening. Data from a regional general population survey were used to investigate possible bias due to screening because it included the screening questions used in NHIS and NAS but did not screen on those items. Risk curves and estimated probabilities from logistic regressions of three alcohol dependence symptom items and two problem indices were compared by gender across three subsamples: (1) all current drinkers (without screening); (2) those who passed the screener item for the NHIS and (3); the NAS, respectively. Results indicate that the effect of the screener items on the estimated prevalence of the measures concerned are minimal, supporting the practice, judiciously applied, when greater survey efficiency is required.