Drug Addiction Treatment Center Research Articles

Comparison of Opioid Use Disorder Patients with and without Problematic Internet Use in Terms of Impulsivity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

This study seeks to investigate ADHD symptoms and impulsivity among individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) who also exhibit symptoms of Problematic Internet Use (PIU). The study involved the participation of 360 Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) patients enrolled at an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center (ADATC) during the period from October to December 2022. Various assessment tools were administered, including Young's Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Problematic Internet Use (PIU) was identified by YIAS scores equal to or exceeding 50. The majority of participants diagnosed with OUD showed comorbid PIU with high levels of depression, anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Both BDI and BAI scores showed a significant increase in the PIU group compared to the non-PIU group (p<0.001). Significant differences were observed in BIS Motor Impulsivity, Attentional Impulsivity and Total scores, indicating higher impulsivity in the PIU group (all p<0.001). Additionally, higher ASRS scores were found in the PIU group (p<0.001). These findings highlight the importance of addressing PIU and comorbidities in OUD treatment. Interventions targeting ADHD symptoms and emotional well-being may benefit PIU management.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the brief assessment of recovery capital (BARC-10) scale into Bangla.

Recovery capital is a construct central to the substance use disorder treatment and recovery field. Lack of structured instrument for its assessment in the local context necessitated the translation of the English self-assessment version of the "Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital" (BARC-10) scale to Bangla and the study of its psychometric properties. The objective was to develop a culturally adapted and validated Bangla version of the BARC-10 scale for substance use disorders patients. This study conducted in the period of January 2021 to March 2022 in the department of Psychiatry of a tertiary hospital and central drug addiction treatment center. Initially BARC-10 questionnaire was translated into Bangla (T1 and T2) by 2 separate translators and then synthesis of a single version (T12) was done based on the previous translations. After that 2 back translations (BT1 and BT2) were done by 2 more translators based on the synthesized version (T12). By reviewing all these forward and backward translations, an expert committee made the pre-final version after making some linguistic modification. Then data collection was done among 100 subjects who were selected purposively. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach alpha. Content validity, face validity and Construct validity by factor analysis were measured. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach alpha found was 0.846. No significant change in Cronbach alpha was observed following deleting any item. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit to data by a chi-square/df value1.33, RMSEA value 0.058. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value (.840) showed sampling adequacy. Exploratory factor analysis of the principal component identified 2 factors which had eigenvalues of more than 1. Scree plot also revealed similar factors. These 2 factors together explained 53.1% of the variance. All items were loaded under 2 factors after varimax rotation. The validated Bangla version of the BARC-10 demonstrated high internal reliability and validity. It can potentially be applied in "recovery-oriented" deaddiction service.

Hepatitis C virus point-of-care microelimination approach in a vulnerable population in the South of Spain.

Since the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, thousands of chronic hepatitis C patients have been successfully treated. However, vulnerable populations have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and face barriers that impede their access to antivirals. We carried out an HCV microelimination program focused on vulnerable population groups in Malaga. People in drug addiction treatment centers and homeless shelters in Malaga who participated in the program between October 2020 and October 2021 were included. After providing participants with educational information on HCV, a dry drop test (DDT) was used to collect blood for subsequent screening for HCV infection. The participants who were diagnosed with HCV infection were scheduled for comprehensive healthcare assessments, including blood tests, ultrasonography, elastography, and the prescription of antivirals, all conducted in a single hospital visit. Sustained viral response (SVR) was analysed 12 weeks after end of treatment. Of the 417 persons invited to participate, 271 (65%) agreed to participate in the program. These participants were screened for HCV infection and 28 of them were diagnosed with HCV infection (10%). These hepatitis C-infected patients had a mean age of 53 ± 9 years; 86% were males and 93% were or had been drug users. Among 23 patients with HCV infection, HCV genotype 1a predominated (74%). Medical exams showed that 19% (4/21) had advanced fibrosis (F3-4), and 5% (1/21) had portal hypertension. Finally, 23 infected patients received treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and SVR was confirmed in 22 patients (96%). Drug users and homeless people have a higher prevalence of HCV infection than the general population. The microelimination program with educational activity and screening tools achieved a high participation rate, easy healthcare access, and a high rate of SVR despite the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Quality of life among adolescents with substance use disorders

Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to substance use, which profoundly affects their function, feelings and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains of QoL among adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from October 2020 to September 2021 among 44 adolescents selected purposively from Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center (CDC), Dhaka and Ashokti Punorbashon Nibash (APON), Manikganj. Clinical diagnosis was assigned using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) by psychiatrists. Then, they were interviewed with a questionnaire and a Bengali Version of the World Health Organization quality of life scale brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Among the 44 adolescents with SUD, 18 (40.9%) rated their QoL as poor, 14 (31.8%) as very poor, 8 (18.2%) as neither poor nor good, and only 4 (9.1%) as good. Nearly half of them (47.7%) reported that they were dissatisfied, one third (29.5%) were very dissatisfied with their health. Among the four domains, the psychological domain (9.8±2.3) had the lowest mean score, followed by physical health (10.5±2.7), social relationships (10.6±2.6), and environmental domain (11.5±2.2) of the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple drug users had poorer scores of their QoL than single drug user. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that all domains of QoL (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) are impaired in adolescents with SUDs.

Prediction of Addiction Relapse Based on Perceived Social Support and Childhood Trauma.

The adverse effects of addiction relapse have always been major challenges in addiction treatment. Perceived social support and childhood trauma are determinants of drug addiction and relapse prevention. The current study aimed to predict drug addiction relapse based on perceived social support and childhood trauma in drug addiction treatment centers in Qom, Iran. The present study examined 320 individuals, who visited drug addiction treatment centers in Qom, Iran and were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, the Social Support Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and the Addiction Relapse Frequency Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson test, and multivariate regression. The research results indicated that 49.4% (n=158) of cases used opium. The results of multivariate regression of the factors related to addiction relapse indicated that the childhood trauma score had a significant effect on the relapse of more than 3 times in a way that childhood trauma increased the relapse rate of more than 3 times by 13%, but social support caused a significant reduction in the relapse rate of more than 3 times. The research findings indicated that addiction relapse had a significant relationship with childhood trauma and perceived social support. The results can be a guide for future studies to expand psychological knowledge about the determinants of the treatment and prevention of addiction relapse and help to develop psychological explanations of this disorder.

Applying computerized adaptive testing to the Desires for Speed Questionnaire in the Chinese population: A simulation study.

The current methods for measuring patient-reported outcomes for amphetamine (speed) craving have limitation ability to adapt to the needs of individual patients while maintaining consistency in their scores. This study aimed to investigate whether the 40-item Desires for Speed Questionnaire (DSQ) could be improved for assessing clinical subjects using computerized adaptive testing (CAT). A sample of 677 participants from four drug addiction treatment centers in China was utilized in the study. Two types of analysis were conducted using the response data. First, the psychometric properties of all items were evaluated to meet the requirements of CAT. Second, multiple CAT simulations were carried out using real response data. The results indicated that the CAT method, which only required a small number of items (50%-75%), produced results that were only slightly different from the full DSQ assessment in terms of measuring amphetamine craving and criterion validity. In conclusion, this study suggests that developing a DSQ CAT for clinical subjects is useful as it leads to more efficient measurement without compromising the reliability of the test outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluation of the relationship between values and psychological resilience of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder: A cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between values and psychological resilience in individuals with substance use disorder. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 70 individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder who had applied to the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Research Center between February and April 2022 and volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Values Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). All participants were male, the average age of substance use onset was 17.67 ± 5.95 years, and they had been receiving addiction treatment for 1.97 ± 2.30 years on average. The average total score of the individuals on the BRS scale was 17.18 ± 1.45. A significant positive correlation was found between the social values, intellectual values, spiritual values, materialistic values, human dignity, and freedom sub-dimensions of the Values Scale and psychological resilience (p < .001). Additionally, spiritual values were found to have the highest positive effect on the psychological resilience levels of individuals (B = 0.185; p < .05). Individuals with higher levels of social values, intellectual values, spiritual values, materialistic values, human dignity, and freedom were found to have higher psychological resilience. Nursing care provided by taking into account the values of the individual and strengthening their values may contribute to the psychological resilience of the patient.

High dose piracetam on alcoholic cerebellar degeneration: A case report

IntroductionChronic alcohol use is related to alcoholic cerebellar degeneration that is caused by B1 (thiamine) deficiency and associated with the degeneration of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex.ObjectivesThis report aims to present a case with cerebellar ataxia and tremor due to alcoholic cerebellar degeneration that is unexpectedly regressed after starting piracetam infusion treatment in the inpatient Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research, Treatment and Education Center (AMATEM).MethodsWe investigated the case prospectively. The patient was informed and consent was obtained.A 57-year-old, divorced, retired, male with alcohol use disorder for 48 years (mostly high alcohol, cologne for 2 years) presented to our hospital with upper and lower limb tremors and balance problems for 2 years. Neurological examination revealed dysmetria, cerebellar tremor, hypoesthesia of lower extremities, ataxia so he was unable to tandem-walk. CIWA-Ar score:13. The blood test, including hemogram, biochemical, HbA1C, TFT, serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels, results were all normal. Diazepam 50 mg was started and titrated down by 5 mg per day and discontinued, 600 mg parenteral and 250 mg p.o thiamine initiated for 3 days and continued orally, propranolol 20 mg/day and ecopirin 100 mg/day were continued. Cranial CT, cranial MRI, and EMG were ordered.The patient was consulted to the neurologist for movement disorder.ResultsMRI appearance of the cortical sulcus, fissure, cisterna, and cerebellar folia were obvious. The ventricular system was assessed as ecstatic secondary to atrophy. Therefore the alcoholic cerebellar degeneration was diagnosed and increased propranolol to 30 mg/day dose. Furthermore iv infussion piracetam was empirically started at secuencely dose of 60 g/day for 3 days, 45 g/day for 3 days, 30 g/day for 3 days. Upper and lower limb tremor disappeared and ataxa regressed after the treatment was arranged.Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsSeveral authors proposed that serotonergic system among other neurotransmitters in the cerebellum might be affected in ACD. Recent studies investigating the use of buspirone in the treatment of ataxia has showed positive results (1-3).The mechanism of action of the piracetam is unclear. Supposed that piracetam binds to the polar head groups of membrane bilayers and induces distinct changes in membrane structure. Its actions in the nervous tissue include indirect modulation of several neurotransmitter systems, neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects and positive influence on neuronal plasticity.In conclusion, we suggest that high dose piracetam has a potential antiataxic effect in ACD.Cessation of drinking and nutritional supplementation are the only treatments available for ACD. However, gait does not improve in most patients. Pysical therapy, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are helpful in maintaining mobility (4). Similarly, we observed that the patient’s need for care has been continuing.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Cannabis use and first onset Schizophrenia-like psychosis after traumatic brain injury in a patient with intracranial bullet

ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cannabis use disorder and psychosis are rare but serious comorbidities seen after TBI. Recent studies indicate that the use of cannabis for self-medication may increase after TBI. Schizophrenia-like psychosis (SLP) is also seen, generally showing a late and gradual onset after TBI. Especially in case of cannabis use disorder, post-TBI psychosis may develop earlier than expected and cause difficulties in terms of diagnosis. In this report, a middle-aged female patient started using cannabis to relieve her anxiety symptoms, six months after a TBI secondary to gunshot wounding, and developed psychotic symptoms within two months. We document her admission, detoxification and recovery during an inpatient stay in the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research, Treatment and Education Center (AMATEM) inpatient unit. We aim to emphasize the importance of follow-up of patients after TBI in terms of neuropsychiatric symptoms and initiation of symptomatic treatment.

Trait anger – Anger expression style and coping with stress in alcohol and substance use disorders: A randomized and controlled study

PurposeThe objective of this randomized controlled study is to analyze the effect of nine-session psychoeducation on anger and stress coping abilities of individuals who are individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders. Design and methodsThe single-blind research method was used in the experimental study in the pretest - posttest order. The study was conducted in the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research, Treatment and Education Center (AMATEM) of a Training and Research Hospital, between July 1st and October 30th of 2021, with 61 patients (30 in experimental group, 31 in control group). The data was collected with Sociodemographic Information Form, Ways of Coping with Stress Scale (WCSI), and Trait Anger – Anger Expression Style Scale (STAI). The data was analyzed using mean, percentage distribution, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, Fisher-Exact test or “Pearson-χ2” and “Spearman” correlation coefficient. ResultsThe age average of the experimental group is 33.48±9.28 and control group is 34.03±8.49.A statistically significant difference was detected in the experimental group in terms of pretest and posttest scores of WCSI and STAI subscales (p < 0.05). ConclusionPsychoeducation program is observed to be effective in coping with stress and providing anger control in in-patients with the objective of this randomized controlled study is to analyze the effect of nine-session psychoeducation on anger and stress coping abilities of individuals who are individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders. Practice implicationsThe psychiatric nurse should ensure the continuation of the psychoeducation program for the objective of this randomized controlled study is to analyze the effect of nine-session psychoeducation on anger and stress coping abilities of individuals who are individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders.

The Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Individuals with Alcohol and Risky Substance Use Disorder

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the internalized stigma and self-esteem in individuals with alcohol and risky substance use disorder. The sample of the study is consisted of 233 individuals who have been diagnosed with alcohol and substance use disorder and are undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment. The researcher’s Socio-Demographic Information Form, Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (CSEI) and The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) were applied to the participants. The data of the study was collected in person between 10th of May – 31st of December 2021 at the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research, Treatment and Education Center (AMATEM). The mean CSEI score of participants was 39,51 ± 11,84, and the mean ISMI score was 78,70 ± 9,70. It was discovered that the social withdrawal scores of the unemployed are higher than those of the retired (p < .05). There was a positive correlation between social withdrawal and self-esteem r = 0.172, and stigma resistance and self-esteem r = 0.14 (p = 0,033 < 0.05). It was found that the self-esteem and the internalized stigma experienced by individuals with alcohol and risky substance use disorder were moderate, and there was a positive correlation between self-esteem and the ISMI subscales of social withdrawal and stigma resistance.

The effectiveness of family-based empowerment on changing the emotional atmosphere of the family and prevention of addiction in adolescents with substance-dependent parents

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of family empowerment based on socio-emotional learning on changing the emotional atmosphere of the family and prevention of addiction in adolescents with substance dependent parents. Methods: The method of the present study was quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design and control and follow-up group. The statistical population consisted of adolescents with substance dependent parents who had referred to drug addiction treatment centers in Tabriz. 30 of them were sampled in a targeted and accessible manner and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Research data were collected using the Nordgah Fard Family Emotional Atmosphere Questionnaire (1994) and the Mousavi et al. Addiction Tendency Scale (2008) and analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The results of the present study showed that family empowerment is effective on changing the emotional atmosphere of the family and prevention of addiction in adolescents with substance dependent parents and this effectiveness is stable in quarterly follow-up. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that family empowerment based on socio-emotional learning is one of the effective therapies on the emotional atmosphere of the family and addiction prevention.

How Do Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids Affect Neurocognitive Functions?

In this study, the losses of neurocognitive function caused by the use of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid were studied on specific cognitive areas (attention and working memory, executive functions, visuospatial perception, learning and memory, planning and problem solving, word naming) and were described in comparision with healthy controls (control group). In this study, while 52 participants who applied to Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Mental Health and Mental Disorders Drug Addiction Treatment Center Clinic between March 2015 - February 2017 and used cannabis at least for one year in the past and 51 participants who used synthetic cannabinoids for at least one year in the past were participant groups with a history of substance use; 57 staff/student of Ege University with no history of any substance use were participants of the control group. The research sample consisted of 160 participants. The sample group consisted of 160 men aged 18-35, and also 16 participants aged 36-54 were involved in the study in order to observe neuropsychological functions that changed with age. Stroop Test for attention area, Raven Standart Progressive Matrices Test for executive functions area, Line Orientation Test and Cancellation Test for visuospatial perception area, Serial Digit Learning Test and Öktem Verbal Memory Progresses Scale for learning and memory area, The Tower of London Test for planning and problem solving skill, Boston Naming Test for word naming area were used. In this study, while the lowest perfomance on the ability of focused attention, visuospatial cognition, visual scanning, orientation, sustained attention, general ability, short-term memory, learning, long-term memory, word naming was shown by the participants with a history of synthetic cannabis use, the participants with a history of cannabis use had the lowest performance on the ability of response rate, perseveration, conceptualizing, abstract thinking, changing sets, recognition. Participants' history of substance use did not affect the ability of planning and problem solving. In conclusion, this study suggests that the addition of cognitive rehabilitation programs to medical and psychosocial improvement studies carried out in the field of addiction will increase the success.

Positive and negative religiousness and search for meaning: Impact on treatment of substance abuse after 6 months

BackgroundReligiousness and meaning in life are protective factors against addiction. Understanding this relationship may help to improve treatment. The aim of the current study was to assess the associations of positive and negative religiousness and search for meaning with treatment outcome, for patients with substance disorder (SUD). MethodThe sample consisted of 115 participants attending a Christian drug addiction treatment center in the Netherlands. The study had a longitudinal design in which associations of positive/negative religiousness and search for meaning at baseline (T0) with treatment outcome after six months (T1) were assessed by means of regression analyses. Treatment outcome was measured by clinical dysfunction and the degree of addiction. Instruments used were the ROM (Routine Outcome Monitoring) Meaning and Religious Faith, the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) and the Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluations (MATE-1). ResultsA high degree of positive religiousness at T0 was associated with less addiction at T1 (p < .01). A high degree of negative religiousness at T0 was related to more clinical dysfunction at T1 (p = <0.05). A higher search for meaning at T0 predicted a higher level of addiction at T1 (p = <0.05). ConclusionsPositive religiousness is associated with less, whereas search for meaning is associated with more addiction after six months. Negative religiousness is not associated with addiction, but with clinical dysfunction. Health professionals are recommended to assess these factors at the start of treatment and to consider possibilities to integrate them into treatment.

Investigation of the relationship between transactional analysis ego states and treatment compliance of individuals with substance use disorder

ABSTRACT Aim This study was conducted to examine the relationship between transactional analysis ego states and treatment compliance of individuals diagnosed with SUD(substance use disorder). Materials and Methods This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between January and June 2018 with 132 individuals diagnosed with SUD at the a Mental Health and Diseases Hospital AMATEM (Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research and Treatment Center) unit. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Ego States Scale and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. SPSS program was used to evaluate the data. Results Mean scores of the Ego States Scale subscales of the participants were 0.16 ± 0.02 for the Critical Parent subscale, 0.23 ± 0.01 for the Nurturing Parent subscale, 0.21 ± 0.01 for the Adult subscale, 0.19 ± 0.02 for the Adapted Child subscale and 0.19 ± 0.27 for the Natural Child subscale. The mean score of the participants’ Medication Adherence Scale was found to be 1.66 ± 0.27. No statistically significant relationship was found between treatment compliance and ego states (p > .005). Conclusion In this study, it was found that the participants mainly used Adult and Nurturing Parent ego states and their level of treatment compliance was moderate.

The Relationship between the Family Functioning of Individuals with Drug Addiction and Relapse Tendency: A Moderated Mediation Model

To explore the relationship between family functioning, psychological capital, life history strategy, and relapse tendency of individuals with drug addiction, 842 individuals with drug addiction completed a questionnaire. The results showed that (1) there was a significant negative correlation between the family functioning of individuals with drug addiction and their relapse tendency; (2) psychological capital played an intermediary role between family functioning and relapse tendency; and (3) life history strategy regulated the mediating effect of psychological capital. The results of this study suggest that family members should collaborate with drug addiction treatment centers and participate in the education and treatment process to help reduce drug relapse tendency. Increasing the psychological capital and self-efficacy of individuals with drug addiction through group psychological counseling and psychological education courses could also reduce drug relapse tendency.

Common Drugs Abused by The Drug Addicted Young People in Dhaka City

Background: Drug addiction is a burning problem in Bangladesh affecting a majority of population especially the youths. Multiple drug use has aggravated the overall situation affecting our personal, economical, social life and impairing health status.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the variety of common drugs used by drug addicted young population in Dhaka City.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was performed during July 2016 to December 2016 at five drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre in Dhaka. A total of 57 habitual drug addicted young people aged 15 to 24 years were selected by purposive and convenient method of sampling. The primary data was collected by repeated visit to centers and face to face interview with addicts and their family members using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire containing both closed and open ended query. Collected data were compiled and analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Most 45(78.95%) of the drug addicted were male and among them 12(21.05%) belonged to age group 15-17 years. Considering occupation, majority were students 14(24.56%) followed by unemployed 12(21.05%). Thirty five (61.40%) were the lone earning member of the family. Thirty seven (75.51%) collected money for drug from family members and stealing from house followed by criminal activities 26(53.06%). Majority of the addicts (85.96%) started taking drugs after being influenced by friends. Causes of drug addiction included unemployment 12(21.05%) followed by peer pressure 9(15.79%). The commonly used drugs included-Barbiturates/Sedatives 32(56.14%), Yaba 28(49.12%), Toluene/Aica 22(38.59%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The dangers of drug addiction have affected all class population of our country. Preventive measures for drug smuggling and addiction are needed to be taken. More drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres are required to combat present situation.&#x0D; KYAMC Journal Vol. 11, No.-2, July 2020, Page 73-76

Mephentermine abuse of prescription drugs in gym

A case report of 32 years old male presented to the drug addiction OPD and treatment center for the withdrawal symptoms of mephentermine. Mephentermine a synthetic derivative of amphetamines with cardiac stimulatory action is been misused for boast of endurance in bodybuilders. Abuse of mephentermine result in psychosis, cardiovascular disorder and development of tolerance and dependence over time. Given its potential of causing harm, the abuse and dependence liability of mephentermine needs to be highlighted to gym instructors and general public.

The effect of Alcoholics Anonymous on abstinence duration in alcohol dependence: An example from Turkey

Objective: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a civil organization that play a role in the treatment of alcohol miusers worldwide for nearly 100 years. Many studies in the literature regarding AA have shown its significant positive contri-bution to abstinence. There is no study in Turkey about the effectiveness of AA. The aim of this study was to inves-tigate the effect of anonymous alcoholics on the abstinence duration of alcohol addicts. Methods: The study included 47 patients who attended AA and 43 patients who did not. The alcohol addicts attending AA consisted of volunteers in open meeting of AA. Whereas the patients who did not attended AA consisted of those with the diagnosis of alcohol addiction who presented to Bursa Public Hospital Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center (ADATC). Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of total duration of alcohol misuse (p>0.05). The yearly number of presentations was significantly higher among the patients who attended AA and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between duration of healing and duration of attendance to AA (p

Capturing the Invisible Wealth in Nonprofits to Overcome Myopic Perceptions

Since nonprofits use third-party funds for their activities, they are often perceived as resource managers or spending units, instead of being considered as social wealth generating entities. The aim of this study is to help to overcome this myopic perception by showing how the invisible wealth generated by these organizations can be made visible. We use the SROI methodology to do so, by identifying stakeholders, outcomes (tangible, intangible) and social impacts in a drug addiction treatment centre. The results show that social impact in monetary terms exceeds that of the inputs used, confirming the idea that addiction-based nonprofits are social wealth generating units. The conclusion drawn is that social impact measurement should be widely used as a management tool and a mechanism for reinforcing the social image of nonprofits.