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1 – 10 of over 2000
Book part
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Dr Cassey Muir

Through association with a family member who uses substances, stigma and shame can be experienced by children and young people whose parents use substances. Such stigma and…

Abstract

Through association with a family member who uses substances, stigma and shame can be experienced by children and young people whose parents use substances. Such stigma and induced shame can lead to fear of being treated unfairly and for some young people the experience of bullying and discrimination from peers, adults, and practitioners. Within my research, young people often described feeling that they had ‘survived’ within their experiences of parental substance use, rather than ‘thrived’, leaving them feeling lonely and isolated from support. Stigma played a role in this survival. By understanding the stigma experienced by young people whose parents use substances, we can move beyond young people only surviving their experiences to supporting them to thrive. Within this chapter, experiences of delivering interactive workshops and teaching practitioners about the lived experiences of children and young people whose parents use substances are reflected upon. Young people who experience parental substance use want practitioners and learners to have four key takeaways when supporting or working with young people: realisation and awareness of the impacts on young people, recognition of ways young people cope, responding in ways of understanding, and resisting further stigmatisation and isolation of young people.

Details

Developing and Implementing Teaching in Sensitive Subject and Topic Areas: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals in FE and HE Settings
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-126-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Mohammad Ali Shenasa, Maryam Soltani, Victor Tang, Cory R. Weissman, Lawrence Gregory Appelbaum, Zafiris J. Daskalakis and Dhakshin Ramanathan

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a well-established treatment with efficacy for several psychiatric disorders and has yielded promising yet mixed data…

Abstract

Purpose

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a well-established treatment with efficacy for several psychiatric disorders and has yielded promising yet mixed data showing reductions in craving for substance use. Patients with substance use disorders and comorbid depression may encounter obstacles to receiving rTMS in outpatient settings for treatment of depression. In turn, implementation of rTMS in residential substance use programs would greatly benefit those with comorbid treatment resistant depression. This paper aims to provide recommendations for implementing rTMS within residential substance use treatment centers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PubMed, the authors conducted a narrative review of manuscripts using various combinations of the following search terms: rTMS, depression, substance use and substance use disorder. The authors read manuscripts for their methodology, outcomes and adverse events to synthesize their results, which correspond to their recommendations for patient selection, safely implementing rTMS in residential substance use facilities and optimal rTMS protocols to start with.

Findings

Advantages of this approach include increased compliance, monitoring and access to care. Recommendations to safely incorporate rTMS in residential substance use disorder treatment centers revolve around selection of patients eligible for rTMS, allowing for sufficient time to elapse prior to commencing rTMS, monitoring for signs of recent substance use or withdrawal and using rTMS protocols compatible with the therapeutic programming of a treatment center.

Originality/value

This paper details the challenges and benefits of implementing rTMS for patients with dual diagnosis and provides recommendations to safely do so. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel and unpublished endeavor.

Details

Advances in Dual Diagnosis, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0972

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2022

Tianjie Deng, Anamika Barman-Adhikari, Young Jin Lee, Rinku Dewri and Kimberly Bender

This study investigates associations between Facebook (FB) conversations and self-reports of substance use among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). YEH engage in high rates of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates associations between Facebook (FB) conversations and self-reports of substance use among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). YEH engage in high rates of substance use and are often difficult to reach, for both research and interventions. Social media sites provide rich digital trace data for observing the social context of YEH's health behaviors. The authors aim to investigate the feasibility of using these big data and text mining techniques as a supplement to self-report surveys in detecting and understanding YEH attitudes and engagement in substance use.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants took a self-report survey in addition to providing consent for researchers to download their Facebook feed data retrospectively. The authors collected survey responses from 92 participants and retrieved 33,204 textual Facebook conversations. The authors performed text mining analysis and statistical analysis including ANOVA and logistic regression to examine the relationship between YEH's Facebook conversations and their substance use.

Findings

Facebook posts of YEH have a moderately positive sentiment. YEH substance users and non-users differed in their Facebook posts regarding: (1) overall sentiment and (2) topics discussed. Logistic regressions show that more positive sentiment in a respondent's FB conversation suggests a lower likelihood of marijuana usage. On the other hand, discussing money-related topics in the conversation increases YEH's likelihood of marijuana use.

Originality/value

Digital trace data on social media sites represent a vast source of ecological data. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using such data from a hard-to-reach population to gain unique insights into YEH's health behaviors. The authors provide a text-mining-based toolkit for analyzing social media data for interpretation by experts from a variety of domains.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Hannah Sophia Holland and Anna Tickle

This study aims to identify and critically appraise literature exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving borderline personality disorder (BPD…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify and critically appraise literature exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology for individuals who misuse substances.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic searches across six databases (PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL and ProQuest), hand searching and citation chaining were conducted between June and August 2021. Key search terms included BPD, substance use, therapy and effect. Study and sample characteristics, interventions, outcome measures and key findings were extracted. Quality assessment and a narrative synthesis approach were used to explore strengths, limitations and relationships between and within studies.

Findings

Seven eligible reports were included and showed mostly adequate quality. Mixed samples, designs, outcomes, definitions and implementation varied. Treatment completion did not differ significantly between those who did and did not misuse substances. Interventions demonstrated effectiveness in relation to psychiatric symptoms, hospital admissions, self-efficacy and impulsive and self-mutilating (cutting, burning, etc.) behaviours. No effects were found for suicidal or parasuicidal (threats, preparation and attempts) behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

This review only considers individuals with diagnoses of BPD who are not accessing substance misuse treatment. Radically open dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), therapeutic communities and other interventions are available as interventions for substance misuse (Beaulieu et al., 2021). Based on the findings of this review, it should not be assumed that such interventions affect substance misuse rather than BPD symptomatology. Therefore, future research might explore the effectiveness of these interventions on BPD symptomatology despite this not being the primary target for intervention.

Practical implications

Despite McCrone et al. (2008) noting the cost of this population’s difficulties to both themselves and services, the limited number of studies in this area is astonishing. Despite a lack of quality in the data available, there i some evidence to support the use of DBT and general psychiatric management (GPM) interventions for those with BPD and concurrent substance misuse. It is therefore of principal importance that health and social care services action Public Health England’s (2017) recommendations. Individuals with coexisting BPD and substance misuse would then receive support from any professional they see, who could then refer for psychological therapies.

Originality/value

Although the reports appear to show that DBT, integrated therapies and GPM may be effective for this population, conclusions cannot be drawn with high levels of confidence due to heterogeneity among studies. The findings indicate that future, high-quality research is needed to test the effects of interventions on BPD symptomatology for those who misuse substances. Randomised controlled trials with sufficient statistical power, homogeneous outcomes and standardised methodological approaches are needed.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Rayan M. Joudeh, Raba’a F. Jarrar, Adnan Raed Alnaser, Abdelkader Battah, Mazen Hindi, Arwa A. Battah, Eslam M. Wadi and Osama A. Zitoun

Illicit drug use is a well-known global problem that has been noticed to be increased significantly among medical students. This study aims to assess the prevalence and…

Abstract

Purpose

Illicit drug use is a well-known global problem that has been noticed to be increased significantly among medical students. This study aims to assess the prevalence and consequences of illicit drug use among medical students in the country of Jordan using the validated Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a cross-sectional, descriptive design to conduct this study. A total of 2,104 participants from six medical schools were included. A structured online-based English self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

Findings

Out of 2,104 included participants, 242 (11.5%) reported using illicit drugs in the past year. More than three-quarters (77%) of the drug users suffer from various degrees of problems related to drug use, ranging from risky (41%) to severe risk (6%). Drug use was found to be associated with gender, planned specialty and exposure to psychiatry training.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design prevents from drawing cause-and-effect relationships and confirming how the tendency toward substance use is affected by the psychological state, sleep quality and exposure to psychiatry. Also, although it is important to measure the subjective observation of distress and sleep, objective estimates of psychological distress and sleep including actigraphy and sleep diary could be helpful to strengthen the findings. Also using an online survey with convenience sampling are some inevitable limitations with the present COVID-19 restrictions. Also, the nature of DAST-10 closed-ended questions precluded from accurately exploring the consequences of substance abuse.

Practical implications

Appropriate screening to identify medical students at risk for substance abuse and provide them with treatment referrals are strongly recommended in this study. In addition, medical schools should provide a comfortable environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle with a responsible attitude toward using drugs.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of information about illicit drug use among medical students, especially in the country of Jordan. The nature of their studies, the different stresses they experience and the impact imposed by other factors such as sociocultural all are likely to make medical students more susceptible to drug abuse. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first cross-national study of its kind in Jordan with a representative sample of 2,104 participants. We assessed the prevalence and consequences of self-reported illicit drug use and the sleep quality of medical students from all schools of medicine in Jordan.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2023

Nishadi Darsha Dharmarathna, Akila Randika Jayamaha, Nadeeka Dimuthu Kumari Ranadeva, Harshini Rajapakse, Chinthika Gunasekara, Neluka Fernando and Lalitha Meegoda

This study aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of residential treatment which follows the therapeutic community (TC) model for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of residential treatment which follows the therapeutic community (TC) model for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two selected residential treatment centers which follow the TC model as a rehabilitation approach. All the clients of the selected residential treatment centers were invited to take part in the study and data were collected from 75 consented male participants using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The perceived effectiveness of the residential treatment was assessed using the Treatment Effectiveness Assessment instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Most of the participants were Sinhalese (98.7%, n = 74) with a mean age of 27.0 ± 6.0 years. The average duration in which participants stayed at selected centers was 8.0 ± 4.0 months. Most of the participants reported that the encouragement during the program was sufficient (89.3%, n = 67), psychological support was satisfactory (89.3%, n = 67), freedom (69.5%, n = 52) and facilities were adequate (76.0%, n = 57) within the program. A higher proportion of participants said that the counselors and program guides were friendly (80.0%, n = 60), and participants were allowed to communicate with their family with restrictions (92.0%, n = 69). The mean perceived effectiveness score (score range 1–40) was 34.0 ± 7.0 and the four domain scores (score range 1–10) were substance use (9.0 ± 2.0), health (8.0 ± 2.0), lifestyle (9.0 ± 2.0) and community (9.0 ± 2.0). The majority (88.0%, n = 66) of the participants perceived a high level of treatment effectiveness.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of empirical evidence on effectiveness of TC model for individuals with SUD in South Asian countries including Sri Lanka. The findings of this study highlight that the participants perceived higher effectiveness of the residential treatment which follows the TC approach for Sri Lankan individuals with SUD.

Details

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-1866

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Sean Patrick Roche, Angela M. Jones, Ashley N. Hewitt and Adam Vaughan

The police often respond to persons who are not in direct violation of the law, but are rather undergoing behavioral crises due to mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The police often respond to persons who are not in direct violation of the law, but are rather undergoing behavioral crises due to mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine how police behavior influences civilian bystanders' emotional responses and perceptions of procedural justice (PPJ) when officers interact with these populations, which traditionally have been stigmatized in American culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a factorial vignette approach, the authors investigate whether perceived public stigma moderates the relationship between police behaviors (i.e. CIT tactics, use of force) and PPJ. The authors also investigate whether emotional reactions mediate the relationship between police behaviors and PPJ.

Findings

Regardless of suspect population (mental illness, substance use), use of force decreased participants' PPJ, and use of CIT tactics increased PPJ. These effects were consistently mediated by anger, but not by fear. Interactive effects of police behavior and perceived public stigma on PPJ were mixed.

Originality/value

Fear and anger may operate differently as antecedents to PPJ. Officers should note using force on persons in behavioral crisis, even if legally justifiable, seems to decrease PPJ. They should weigh this cost pragmatically, alongside other circumstances, when making discretionary decisions about physically engaging with a person in crisis.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Marissa Katerina Mackiewicz, Patricia Slattum and Leland Waters

This paper aims to describe the development, implementation and evolution of a multi-media educational tool to improve health profession students’ knowledge and awareness of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development, implementation and evolution of a multi-media educational tool to improve health profession students’ knowledge and awareness of stigma and ageism on the treatment of older adults with substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, this paper outlines the relationship between mental health and SUD and the impact of health provider stigmatization of older adults with behavioral health needs and the relationship between SUD and mental illness.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted and initial project outlines was developed. Ten interviews were completed with content experts. The draft video was reviewed and minor revisions were incorporated. The facilitator guide accompanying the video was developed. A draft of the facilitator guide was shared with several interprofessional university faculty and the older adults with SUD. The video was presented to groups of health professions students, and following each video viewing, discussion content was used to provide additional edits.

Findings

The educational resources created for this project are appropriate for health professions curriculums related to older adults. Interprofessional health professions students are developing a basic foundation of knowledge on SUD through their standard coursework. More compassionate vocabulary is slowly being incorporated into health provider. Knowledge related to treatments and resources to treat SUD is lacking. In addition, health professions students need more education focused on assessment and interventions for individuals suspected of problematic substance use.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to facilitate discussion and education around SUD for health professions students.

Details

Advances in Dual Diagnosis, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0972

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Mahvia Gull, Zartashia Kynat Javaid, Kamran Khan and Husnain Ali Chaudhry

Stigma is a major impediment to human rights in health care that causes discrimination, isolation and the exclusion of individuals from essential health-care services. It fosters…

Abstract

Purpose

Stigma is a major impediment to human rights in health care that causes discrimination, isolation and the exclusion of individuals from essential health-care services. It fosters fear, leading to negative stereotyping of individuals based on their social, cultural or health status and undermines their dignity and respect, consequently violating their right to health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the moderating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized), mental health and the quality of life of substance users.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a cross-sectional design and included 200 male patients with an age range of 18–65 years from 23 rehabilitation centers in four cities in Pakistan. The purposive sampling technique was used, and the sample size ranged from 4 to 23 participants for each site. Four scales were used to measure stigma, general mental health, quality of life and psychological flexibility in substance users.

Findings

The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS, which showed that stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized) had a detrimental effect on substance users’ mental health and quality of life. Additionally, psychological flexibility acts as an efficient moderator between them.

Originality/value

This research unveils the moderating role of psychological flexibility in mitigating stigma’s adverse effects on individuals with substance use disorders. Future investigations should prioritize interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility to ameliorate the repercussions of stigma, ultimately enhancing the well-being and quality of life of substance users.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2023

Chris Wagstaff, Anna Davis, Elizabeth Jackson-McConnell, Matilda MacDonald, Ashley Medlyn and Sandra Pillon

Homelessness and psychoactive substance (PS) use are both determinants of physical and mental ill health, with the homeless population using, and dying of PSs more frequently than…

Abstract

Purpose

Homelessness and psychoactive substance (PS) use are both determinants of physical and mental ill health, with the homeless population using, and dying of PSs more frequently than the general population. However, there is a gap in research on the real-world implications psychoactive substance use (PSU) has on the homeless population. This study aims to explore the experiences of PSU from the perspective of homeless users.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit participants and semi-structured interviews collected data from participants, with interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) generating common themes from the data gathered.

Findings

Four participants were interviewed. The themes generated were family and close relationships; cyclical patterns; mistrust in people and services; and low self-worth.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by potential bias from researchers who built relationships with participants through the data collection process. Despite efforts to remove this bias, through reflexivity throughout data collection and analysis, some bias may be still present. The researchers saw the participants as vulnerable people who were striving to overcome adversity. Such conception of the participants is reflective of how the participants portrayed themselves. The small sample is suitable for IPA purposes. Of course, it could have been possible that if different participants had been recruited or more participants had been recruited, then there could have been different themes and findings. IPA prides itself on its idiographic focus.

Practical implications

More research is needed on a wider scale to assess the extent and cause of these issues. Increased education and dissemination of research such as this is required to break down stigma within the public and guide policy change in professional services.

Originality/value

This paper interpretatively presents themes generated by semi-structured interviews with four homeless PSUs. As such, these individuals are vulnerable and have faced adversity throughout life from both society and the services they use. Their vulnerability leads to a cycle of substance use and a feeling of low self-worth, which is perpetuated by the perceived views of those around them.

Details

Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6739

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000