Abstinence Self-efficacy Research Articles

Mechanism of community quitters' psychological traits on their smoking cessation effects: Based on a study of community intervention.

We study the relationship between psychological traits of smokers and their smoking cessation effects, and provide more scientific evidence for smoking cessation intervention. The study was conducted as a nested case-control study. Smokers who participated in the community smoking cessation intervention projects in Beijing in 2018-2020, were selected as the research participants and divided into two groups: a successful smoking cessation and unsuccessful smoking cessation group, according to their smoking cessation effects at 6 months. Psychological traits of quitters including smoking abstinence self-efficacy, willingness to quit smoking, and trait coping style, were compared between the two groups, and a structural equation model was established for confirmatory factor analysis to analyze their mechanisms. There were differences in smoking cessation results between the successful smoking cessation group and the unsuccessful smoking cessation group in terms of smoking abstinence self-efficacy and willingness to quit smoking. Willingness to quit smoking (OR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.008-1.118) is a risk factor, while smoking abstinence self-efficacy in habit/addiction situations (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.657-0.912) is a protective factor. The results of the structural equation model showed that smoking abstinence self-efficacy (β=0.199, p=0.002) and trait coping style (β= -0.166, p=0.042) could influence smoking cessation effects. The structural equation model was well fitted, which showed that smoking abstinence self-efficacy (β=0.199, p=0.002) and trait coping style (β= -0.166, p=0.042) might have influenced the effect of smoking cessation among smokers. Willingness to quit smoking has a positive impact on the smoking cessation effect, while smoking abstinence self-efficacy in habit/addiction situations and negative trait coping style have a negative impact. Smoking abstinence self-efficacy and trait coping styles can significantly affect smoking cessation outcomes.

Does Ego Identity Process Have a Predictive Role in Drug Abstinence?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive effect of ego identity process on self-efficacy for abstinence from substance abuse.
 Method: The research that is descriptive and correlational was conducted with 415 young individuals between the dates 01.07.2021 and 30.01.2022. Socio-demographic characteristics information form, Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ) and Self-Efficacy for Protecting Adolescences from Substance Abuse Scale (SEAPSAS) were applied in this study.
 Results: The general mean score of the youth sub-dimension of abstinence from substances/stimulants in the SEAPSAS scale was 54.13±11.05, and the total mean score of the EIPQ was 124.86±15.84. A moderate positive correlation was identified between the total scores of the EIPQ and SEAPSAS scales. Although the detected correlation coefficient was significant, EIPQ's interpretation of SEAPSAS was at a low level (R2=.135). According to participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, the scores obtained from the SEAPSAS were low in males, those with a bachelor's or higher education degree, those living in a dormitory or alone, those with six or more siblings, those with fragmented families, those who smoke, and in those who are children of working mothers. EIPQ stability sub-dimension score of the participants who live in the county is higher than those who live in the province. 
 Conclusion: In line with the results of the study, it is recommended to organize programs that will develop the young's ego identity process and self-efficacy for abstinence from substance abuse. It is expected that these programs will contribute to the prevention of substance addiction.

Effects of an Interactive Smoking Cessation Coaching Program on Smoking in Female College Students

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of an interactive smoking cessation coaching program on smoking cessation motivation, smoking knowledge, smoking shame, urine cotinine levels, tobacco craving and smoking abstinence self-efficacy. The conceptual framework of the study applied Cox’s interaction model of client health behavior for female college students who smoked.Methods: This was a before-and-after experimental design study with a non-equivalent control group. The participants were smoking female college students, who were assigned either to an experimental group (n=22) or a control group (n=24). The interaction model of client health behavior was the theoretical basis. The core tactic of smart management and strategy for health was applied as a coaching technique. The experimental group attended 11 sessions of an interactive smoking cessation coaching program, (60 to 120 minutes per session) for 6 weeks, and the control group received education regarding smoking cessation after the program finished. The data collection period was from January 23, 2019 to March 7, 2019.Results: This study showed differences in smoking cessation motivation (F=71.09, <i>p</i><.001), smoking knowledge (F=20.77, <i>p</i><.001), smoking shame (t=5.11, <i>p</i><.001), urine cotinine levels (t=-9.58, <i>p</i><.001) and smoking abstinence self-efficacy (t=11.68, <i>p</i><.001). However, no difference in tobacco cravings (t=-1.57, <i>p</i>=.127) was found.Conclusion: As a result of the interactive smoking cessation coaching program, statistically significant differences were found in smoking cessation motivation, smoking knowledge, smoking shame, urine cotinine levels and smoking abstinence self-efficacy. However, further research is needed because there was no statistically significant difference in tobacco cravings.

Emotion regulation expectancies and smoking cessation factors: A daily diary study of California adults who smoke cigarettes during a practice quit attempt

SignificanceCross-sectional studies have shown that greater cigarette smoking-related emotion regulation expectancies were associated with retrospectively reported withdrawal during prior quit attempts and greater barriers to cessation. Few studies have investigated the relationship of within-person daily emotion regulation expectancies to factors related to initiating and maintaining a brief quit attempt. MethodsPeople living in California who smoked cigarettes daily (n = 220, 50 % female; 48.5 % white, 14.6 % Hispanic, 16.7 % Black or African American, 9.6 % Asian, 7.6 % Multi-race, 3.0 % other race; mean age=43.71 years old) completed a practice quit attempt and 28-days of daily diary surveys. In the morning, participants reported non-smoking and smoking emotion regulation expectancies based on the Affective Processing Questionnaire, daily abstinence plan, abstinence self-efficacy, and cigarettes smoked. Successful abstinence plans were calculated as days with an abstinence plan and no cigarettes smoked. Multilevel models investigated whether within-person emotion regulation expectancies were associated with abstinence plan, self-efficacy, and successful abstinence plan. ResultsGreater within-person non-smoking emotion regulation expectancies were associated with increased odds of having an abstinence plan, higher self-efficacy, and a successful abstinence plan on a given day (ps < .05). Greater within-person smoking emotion regulation expectancies were associated with lower odds of having an abstinence plan and lower self-efficacy (ps < .001) but did not significantly associate with a successful abstinence plan. ConclusionsThese findings show that within-person levels of expectations in emotion regulation abilities may contribute to factors relevant to initiating and achieving daily abstinence during a practice attempt.

Efficacy of mindfulness and goal setting interventions for increasing resilience and reducing smoking in lower socio-economic groups: randomised controlled trial protocol

BackgroundSmoking and resulting health problems disproportionately impact low socioeconomic status (SES) individuals. Building resilience presents an approach to ‘closing the gap’. Mindfulness-based interventions and setting realistic goals are preferred in low socioeconomic communities. We aim to test if these interventions, delivered online and consolidated with peer support offered via ex-smokers, are successful in promoting smoking cessation and resilience. Our conceptualisation of resilience encompasses the inner capacity/skills and external resources (e.g., social support) which smokers utilise to bounce back from adversity. We include a process evaluation of barriers/facilitators to interventions and cost-effectiveness analysis (from health system perspective).MethodsWe plan a four-arm parallel 12-month RCT with a 6-month follow-up to test the efficacy of three group-based interventions each followed by peer support. Arm 1: mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavioural therapy; Arm 2: mindfulness training; Arm 3: setting realistic goals; Arm 4: active control group directed to quit services. All interventions will be administered online. Participants are adult smokers in Australia (N = 812) who have an average weekly household income less than $457AUD or receive welfare benefits. Group-based interventions will occur over 6 months, followed by 6 months of forum-based peer support. Primary outcome: self-reported 14-day period prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 months, with remote biochemical verification of saliva cotinine (< 30 ng/mL). Secondary outcomes include: internal resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-25); external resilience (ENRICHD social support tool); quality adjusted life years (EQ-5D-5L); self-efficacy for smoking abstinence (Smoking-Abstinence Self-Efficacy Questionnaire); motivation to quit smoking (Biener and Abrams Contemplation Ladder); nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependency); equanimity (Equanimity Scale-16); stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10); goal assessment/attainment (Problems and Goals Assessment Scale).DiscussionThis study is the first to compare resilience interventions for low SES smokers which have been identified by them as acceptable. Our various repeated measures and process evaluation will facilitate exploration of mechanisms of impact. We intervene within the novel framework of the Psychosocial Model of Resilience, applying a promising paradigm to address a critical and inequitable public health problem.Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12621000445875, registered 19 April 2021 (https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381007&isReview=true). The Universal Trial Number is U1111-1261–8951

The association between adverse childhood experiences and treatment response for adults with alcohol and other drug use disorders.

Adverse events during childhood increase the risk for the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). This study examined the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and SUD treatment response. This cohort analysis included data from longitudinal clinical assessments extracted from the records of 438 consenting individuals undergoing SUD treatment (63% male; 88.8% White). Mixed effects models evaluated the relationship between scores on the ACE questionnaire and indicators of treatment response (i.e., alcohol and drug abstinence self-efficacy; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder) for individuals with alcohol-related (n = 332) and other drug-related (n = 275) diagnoses, with some participants included in both groups. Treatment response varied as a function of ACEs, with the magnitude of differences varying across time in treatment. Relative to those with no ACE history, those who experienced ≥2 ACEs reported worse depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and alcohol/drug abstinence self-efficacy at baseline, with many differences remaining at the 30-day assessment. All differences abated by discharge, with the exception of PTSD symptoms among those in the drug use group with a history of ≥4 ACEs. Male gender and older age were generally associated with lower symptomology and higher abstinence self-efficacy. Assessing ACE history early in SUD treatment may improve treatment planning and prognosis. Future studies should evaluate the role of trauma-informed programming and individual interventions to improve treatment response. This study demonstrates the association between adverse childhood experiences and symptom severity among patients across participation in SUD treatment.

Effect of Alcohol Prevention Program on Subject Well-being Scale, Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale and Alcohol Decisional Balance Scale of Alcohol Related Prisoners in Correctional Institutions in Korea

Introduction: This research intends to determine the intervening effect of alcohol prevention education programs on subjective well-being, alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, and alcohol decisional balance of alcohol-related prisoners. Methods: The subjects of the research were 25 alcohol-related prisoners who were detained in S district prisons in South Korea. The program was organized into less than 10 subjects for each session and carried out in three rounds from June 1 to July 2, 2019. A total of eight sessions programs were provided for four weeks, two times a week for each session. The collected data were analyzed with frequency, percentage, and paired t-test using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. Results: After the alcohol prevention training program, there was significant difference in subjective well-being scores (t=3.05, p= .005) and alcohol decisional balance score (t=2.16, p=.041). However, there was no significant difference in the abstinence self-efficacy score (t=-1.17, p=.254). Conclusion: Implementing the program will not only enriches the quality of life of alcohol-related prisoners by improving inherent positive emotions but also contribute to re-socialization and reduction of recidivism by making them aware of shortcomings rather than the benefits of alcohol.

Remotely Assessing Mechanisms of Behavioral Change in Community Substance Use Disorder Treatment to Facilitate Measurement-Informed Care: Pilot Longitudinal Questionnaire Study.

Research shows that improvements in coping strategies, abstinence self-efficacy, craving, and depression are potential mechanisms of behavioral change (MOBC) in treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, little is known about how these insights regarding MOBC can be applied to SUD treatment settings. One way to facilitate MOBC-informed care in frontline settings could be to measure and monitor changes in MOBC throughout treatment using brief, frequent questionnaires that patients complete by using mobile technologies (eg, smartphones). The results derived from these questionnaires could potentially be used for clinical monitoring (ie, measurement-based care) to better understand whether individual patients are experiencing treatment-related improvements on key clinical targets. This study evaluated whether brief, weekly MOBC questionnaires completed by patients remotely can potentially provide clinically meaningful information about changes in MOBC in the context of real-world, community-based SUD treatment. A total of 30 patients (14/30, 47% female; 13/30, 43% racial or ethnic minority) in a community SUD treatment clinic participated in a pilot study where they were invited to complete brief, weekly questionnaires that assessed various MOBC, including coping strategies, abstinence self-efficacy, craving, depression, and therapeutic alliance. Questionnaires were typically completed remotely via smartphone for up to 6 months; 618 questionnaires were completed in total. Participants also completed longer, psychometrically validated measures of the same MOBC at baseline and 6-month research appointments. Statistical analyses tested whether brief, weekly, remotely completed MOBC questionnaires exhibited characteristics that would be desirable for real-world longitudinal clinical monitoring, including a tendency to detect within-person changes in MOBC over time; cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with longer, psychometrically validated measures completed at research appointments; and similar patterns of associations with 6-month percentage of days abstinent as longer, psychometrically validated MOBC measures completed at research appointments. The results of this study indicated that the brief, weekly, remotely completed MOBC measures exhibited characteristics that are desirable for clinical monitoring, including a tendency to vary longitudinally (within patients over time) more often than measures of alcohol and drug consumption, generally having medium to large cross-sectional and longitudinal correlations with longer psychometrically validated measures of MOBC completed at research appointments, and generally having similar patterns of association with 6-month percentage of days abstinent from alcohol and drugs as longer psychometrically validated MOBC measures completed at research appointments. The results of this pilot study provide initial evidence that incorporating brief, weekly, and remotely completed MOBC questionnaires into community SUD treatment may be a viable approach for facilitating MOBC-informed care. Such questionnaires can potentially support measurement-based care by providing meaningful information about within-patient changes in clinical domains that are often directly targeted in SUD treatments and predict long-term substance use outcomes.

Personal Social Networks and Relapses in Women With Substance Dependence: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Establishing positive network resources and rebuilding drug free networks are key components of recovery process for women with substance use disorder (SUDs). Theory of planned behavior (TPB) posits that behaviors are determined by behavioral intentions, which are determined by three factors: attitude toward the behavior, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms. The current study applied TPB to examine whether women's personal social network characteristics (as subjective norms) were related to intentions towards, and/or a substance use relapse using prospective research design. Longitudinal data from 300 American women with SUD who received treatment at three county-funded, women-only intensive treatment programs was utilized for the current study. Bayesian estimation path analyses indicated that attitude and abstinence self-efficacy at intake were not related to intention at the 6-month follow-up, but abstinence self-efficacy was directly related to substance use relapse by 12 months. Personal social network characteristics, number of treatment related persons in personal social network and sobriety support were significantly associated with intention at 6 months. The interaction between the numbers of treatment related persons and density was found on intention, suggesting that density strengthens the relationship between treatment related persons in network and intention. Intention to use substance was associated with relapse to substance use behavior. Our findings support that personal social network characteristics can be considered as subjective norms in the TPB model. Personal social network interventions focusing on rebuilding consistent social norms against drug-using behaviors may decrease intention to use substance, which will lead to abstinence.

Longitudinal associations between pain and substance use disorder treatment outcomes

IntroductionPain is commonly reported among those in treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and is associated with poorer SUD treatment outcomes. The current study examined the trajectory of pain over the course of SUD treatment and associations with substance use outcomes. MethodsThis observational study included adults seeking treatment for alcohol, cannabis, or opioid use disorders (N = 811). Participants completed a battery of assessments at treatment admission, 30 days post admission, and at discharge, including measures of demographics, pain, quality of life, abstinence self-efficacy, and craving. ResultsAnalyses indicated linear reductions in pain intensity and interference over time. Significant interactive effects were observed for opioid use disorder (OUD) and time, such that participants with OUD had greater reductions in pain intensity and interference over time compared to those without OUD. Elevated pain intensity was associated with negative treatment outcomes, including reduced quality of life and abstinence self-efficacy, and greater craving and negative affect. ConclusionsReductions in pain occur over the course of SUD treatment, particularly for those with OUD. Greater pain was also associated with adverse SUD treatment outcomes. Results suggest that treatment and associated abstinence may be beneficial for those with co-occurring pain and SUD, highlighting an additional benefit of improving access to SUD treatment for patients and health care systems. Future research should replicate these findings among diverse samples and further characterize the trajectory of pain during and after SUD treatment.

Behavioral activation, affect, and self-efficacy in the context of alcohol treatment for women with elevated depressive symptoms.

Women with Alcohol use disorder (AUD) are more likely than men to have co-occurring depression, drink to cope with negative affect (NA), and cite negative affect as a contributor to relapse. Among AUD treatment seekers, low behavioral activation, NA, and reduced self-efficacy in abstaining from alcohol (e.g., in tempting situations) are relapse risk factors. This study investigated the association between behavioral activation, affective states, and self-efficacy among treatment-seeking women. Participants were 70 women (M = 40.50, SD = 11.59 years of age) with elevated depressive symptoms seeking AUD treatment. The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) was used to assess environmental engagement. The Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy (AASE) scale was used to assess temptation to drink in contexts of positive and negative affect, and general positive and negative affect were assessed with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Results indicated that behavioral activation was directly correlated with positive affect (PA; r = .62, p < .001) and inversely correlated with depression (r = -.35, p = .004), negative affect (r = -.39, p = .001), and temptation to drink in the context of negative affect (r = -.33, p = .006). After controlling for depressive symptoms, behavioral activation continued to be associated with greater general positive affect (β = .595, p < .001) and lower temptation to drink in the context of negative affect (β = -.348 p = .008). Our results suggest a nuanced association between behavioral activation, negative affect, and temptations to drink that is not accounted by depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy to abstain from drinking in a negative affect context should be considered when designing AUD interventions for women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparing the Effectiveness of Adlerian Lifestyle-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Therapy on Substance Abstinence Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Opioid-Dependent Individuals

Comparing the Effectiveness of Adlerian Lifestyle-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Therapy on Substance Abstinence Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Opioid-Dependent Individuals

Do Personality, Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy, and Depressive Symptomatology Affect Abstinence Status in Treatment-Seeking Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder?

Given the high global incidence and disabling nature of alcohol use disorders, alongside high relapse rates, we sought to investigate potential predictors of abstinence, considered a prerequisite of full remission. With an aim to examine (i) the effect of personality, alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, and depressive symptomatology on abstinence status as our primary objective, and (ii) interactions between these three factors, as well as (iii) their changes over time as two secondary objectives, we recruited 51 inpatients at an alcohol rehabilitation center to complete the International Personality Item Pool, the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, and to provide information on abstinence attainment 2 months post-treatment. Although regression analyses revealed no evidence for the effect of the investigated factors (personality, self-efficacy, or depressive symptoms) on post-therapy abstinence, other findings emerged, demonstrating (i) a significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms, (ii) the effect of personality and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy on depressive symptom severity, and (iii) the role of personality in predicting the temptation to use alcohol in recovering drinkers. These preliminary indications of links between personality, self-efficacy, and subjective well-being mark a promising area for future research on powerful and relevant cues of relapse and abstinence efficacy.

Self-stigma, hope for future, and recovery: An exploratory study of men with early-onset substance use disorder.

The internalizing of experience of stigma among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) can be debilitating to recovery. Individual factors such as self-regulation and abstinence self-efficacy can impact confidence in recovery and hope for future. The aim of the study was to explore relationship among self-stigma, self-regulation, self-efficacy, optimism, and confidence in recovery of patients with early-onset SUDs. The study was carried out on a sample of 40 male patients with SUDs. The study had a single group exploratory design. The Self-Regulation Questionnaire, Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire, Substance Abuse Self Stigma Scale, Revised Generalized Expectancy of Success (GES), and visual analog scale for craving were the measures used in the study. Pearson and spearman's correlation coefficient were used to test associations between the variables. Multiple regression models were drawn to examine predictors of generalized expectancy of success and confidence in recovery. Self-regulation, generalized expectancy of success (optimism), and confidence in recovery were found to be significantly correlated with self-stigma dimensions. The multiple regression model revealed self-regulation and self-devaluation as significant predictors of optimism (GES), whereas abstinence self-efficacy and values disengagement dimension of self-stigma predicted patients' confidence in recovery. Poor regulatory capacities along with internalized feelings of shame, guilt, and devaluation may lead to lower levels of optimism and poorer expectancies of success from future. Patient's self-efficacy in terms of abstaining from use behaviors and disengagement from pursuing life goals can lead to lower levels of confidence in recovery from SUDs and have implications for treatment seeking.

중독관리통합센터 알코올 의존자를 대상으로 한 템플스테이 프로그램의 효과

Objective: Treating alcohol-dependent patients is not easy. Spirituality received more attention treating alcohol-dependent patients than before. One study found that a Temple Stay Program (TSP) improved spirituality. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the TSP on spirituality in adults with alcohol related problem. We also studied the effects of the TSP on happiness and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy. Methods: The TSP was advertised by calling and facing and through mailing and texts to the attendants in Busan Community Addiction Management Center during 2013–2015. We used the Korean Spirituality Scale, Happiness Index for Koreans, and the Alcohol Abstinence Self-efficacy Scale as assessment tools. Results: A total of 22 clients were included. The TSP increased the total scores on the Korean Spirituality Scale, the Happiness Index for Koreans, and the Alcohol Abstinence Self-efficacy Scale significantly(P=0.007, 0.014, and 0.034). The TSP also increased the Korean Spirituality subscale scores for transcendence, mercy, inner-resource, and interconnectedness significantly (P=0.039, 0.016, 0.008, and 0.018). Conclusion: The TSP improved happiness and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy as well as spirituality in adults with alcohol related problem. Therefore, the Temple Stay Program that improves spirituality would be useful for alcoholism treatment.

Development and Effectiveness Evaluation of Mindfulness-Cognitive Schema Therapy Program for Decreased Alcohol Craving, Increased Abstinence Self-Efficacy, Mindfulness and Self-compassion of Alcohol Use Patients

본 연구는 알코올 사용 장애 환자의 음주 갈망 감소와 금주 자기효능감, 마음챙김, 자기자비 증진을 위해 정신건강의학과 병원에 입원치료 중인 알코올 사용 장애 환자를 대상으로 마음챙김-인지도식 프로그램을 개발하고 그 효과를 검증하였다. 본 프로그램은 8회기로 구성하였고, 처치 집단에 12명, 통제 집단에 12명을 할당하였으며, 사전-사후 검사를 실시하였다. 연구 결과, 사전-사후 검사에서 처치 집단의 경우, 음주 갈망, 금주 자기효능감, 마음챙김, 자기자비 수준의 유의한 차이가 있었고, 통제 집단은 차이가 없는 것으로 나타났다. 집단 간 분석에서 처치 집단이 통제 집단보다 금주 자기효능감, 마음챙김, 자기자비 수준이 통계적으로 유의하게 증가하였고, 음주 갈망은 유의하게 감소되었다. 이는 기존의 치료 프로그램의 한계점을 보완하는 효과적인 치료 프로그램으로서 기능할 수 있음을 시사한다.The purpose of this study was to develop a mindfulness-cognitive schema therapy program and evaluate the effectiveness of the program for the alocholics and for the purpose of reducing the alcohol craving and improving the abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness and self-compassion. In the pre and post treatment, the patients performed the Mindfulness Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Drinking Craving Scale, and the Abstaining Self-Efficacy Scale. The treatment group experienced total of 8 sessions of program. As a result of this study, first, there was a significant mean differences in alcohol craving, abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness and self-compassion between pre and post test in treatment group. Second, there were statistically significant increase in mindfulness, self-compassion, abstinence self-efficacy score in the treatment group compared to the control group and a significant decrease in the alcohol craving score. These results suggest the possibility of functioning as an effective treatment program that complements the limitations of existing treatment programs.

The indirect effect of negative emotionality via alcohol craving on abstinence self-efficacy among women in alcohol treatment

Women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often present to treatment with heightened negative emotionality, including negative affect, anxiety, stress, and depression. Negative emotionality might impact women’s alcohol abstinence self-efficacy (AASE), or confidence in their ability to remain sober, which is an important predictor of treatment outcomes. It is also plausible that other variables, such as alcohol craving, influence AASE. The present work examined the indirect effect of negative emotionality on AASE via alcohol craving as a mediator cross-sectionally among a sample of women enrolled in AUD treatment reporting co-occurring depressive symptoms (N = 73). Participants completed baseline measures of negative emotionality (e.g. anxiety and depression symptoms, stress, negative affect), alcohol craving, and AASE. All indices of negative emotionality were positively correlated with each other and alcohol craving (r’s ranging from 0.244 to 0.671) and all but depression were inversely associated with AASE (r’s ranging from -0.341 to -0.234; p <.05). In separate simple mediation models, we found that alcohol craving mediated the association of each of the four measures of negative emotionality with AASE. Further longitudinal and experimental work is necessary to determine if teaching skills to cope with alcohol craving in the context of co-occurring negative emotionality might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Hispanic/Latinx Ethnic Subgroup Differences in Sociodemographic, Sociocultural, and Smoking Characteristics in a Cessation Trial: An Exploratory Study.

Hispanic/Latinx smokers in the United States are often treated as a homogeneous group. However, population-based studies suggest that cigarette use differs among Hispanic/Latinx subgroups by sociodemographic or sociocultural characteristics. This secondary analysis aimed to advance the limited literature by examining differences in smoking-related variables. We used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial testing a self-help Spanish-language smoking cessation intervention. Puerto Rican (PR), Mexican, and Cuban, the three largest Hispanic/Latinx subgroups in the sample (N = 1028), were first compared on sociodemographic and sociocultural variables (acculturation and familism). Primary analyses assessed subgroup differences in cigarette use variables (eg, cigarettes per day [CPD], nicotine dependence [Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence], and daily smoking) and smoking-related cognitive constructs (motivation to quit, smoking outcome expectancies, and abstinence self-efficacy) controlling for sociodemographic and sociocultural variables. Additional analyses explored differences between men and women within subgroups. Mexicans exhibited the lowest levels of daily smoking (90% vs. 95% Cubans and 96% PR; p = .001), CPD (M = 13.5, SD = 9.5 vs. M = 20.1, SD = 9.9 Cubans and M = 16.7, SD = 10.1 PR; p = .016), and nicotine dependence (M = 4.2, SD = 2.3 vs. M = 6.0, SD = 2.1 Cubans and M = 5.7, SD = 2.2 PR; p < .001), with no differences between PRs and Cubans. Within-subgroup comparisons between men and women showed the most differences among PRs (eg, men were more nicotine dependent [M = 6.0, SD = 1.9] than women [M = 5.4, SD = 2.3; p = .041]) and Cubans (eg, men smoked more CPD [M = 22.2, SD = 12.2] than women [M = 19.3, SD = 12.0; p = .042]), and the fewest among Mexicans. Findings support heterogeneity within Hispanic/Latinx smokers and highlight the potential utility of examining sociodemographic, sociocultural, and smoking characteristics important for developing salient cessation interventions. Findings demonstrate that treatment-seeking Hispanic/Latinx smokers in the United States differ in sociodemographic, sociocultural, and smoking-related variables (cigarette use and smoking-related cognitive constructs) by subgroup (ie, PR, Mexican, and Cuban) and within subgroups by sex. These differences suggest that heterogeneity among subgroups should be considered when developing cessation interventions for Hispanics/Latinxs. Future research should examine how differences in sociodemographic and smoking-related variables impact intervention outcomes and explore the role of sociocultural factors (eg, acculturation and familism) as determinants of cessation.

Understanding the relationships between personal growth initiative, hope, and abstinence self‐efficacy

AbstractLiterature suggests personal growth initiative (PGI) and hope play critical roles in problematic substance use. Authors describe the association between PGI and abstinence self‐efficacy (ASE) and the mediating factor of hope. Implications for addictions counselors and school counselors are provided.

“I refused to drink but they still forced me”: A mixed-methods approach to understanding the pathways to reduce alcohol use among Vietnamese people with HIV

AimsThis study explores the effects of two evidence-based alcohol reduction counseling interventions on readiness to change, alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, social support, and alcohol abstinence stigma among people with HIV (PWH) who have hazardous alcohol use in Vietnam. MethodsPWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were screened for hazardous drinking and randomized to one of three study arms: combined intervention (CoI), brief intervention (BI), and standard of care (SOC). A quantitative survey was conducted at baseline (N = 440) and 3-month post-intervention (N = 405), while in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of BI and CoI participants at baseline (N = 14) and 3 months (N = 14). Data was collected from March 2016 to August 2017. A concurrent mixed-methods model was used to triangulate quantitative and qualitative data to cross-validate findings. ResultsAt 3 months, receiving the BI and CoI arms was associated with 2.64 and 3.50 points higher in mean readiness to change scores, respectively, compared to the SOC group (BI: β = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.17–4.12; CoI: β = 3.50, 95% CI 2.02–4.98). Mean alcohol abstinence self-efficacy scores were 4.03 and 3.93 points higher among the BI and CoI arm at 3 months, compared to SOC (BI: β = 4.03, 95% CI: 0.17–7.89; CoI: β = 3.93, 95% CI: 0.05–7.81). The impacts of the interventions on social support and alcohol abstinence stigma were not significant. Perceived challenges to refusing drinks at social events remained due to strong alcohol abstinence stigma and perceived negative support from family and friends who encouraged participants to drink posed additional barriers to reducing alcohol use. ConclusionsBoth the CoI and BI were effective in improving readiness to change and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy among PWH. Yet, participants still faced significant barriers to reducing their drinking due to social influences and pressure to drink. Interventions at different levels addressing social support and alcohol abstinence stigma are warranted.