Substance Abuse Recovery Research Articles

Drug abuse rehabilitation policies in Indonesia: a comparison with Vietnam, Australia and Portugal

This article wants to analyze the judge's verdict orientation of the rehabilitation case for addicts or drug abusers. Far from the construction of rehabilitation laws in Indonesia, there is a diffusion of norms between the health and the criminal approach. Legal research with a constitutional and case approach at the state court in Bali and Yogyakarta. A comparative approach of law with other countries. The study suggests that judges are more likely to drop sentences in prison sentences than in rehabilitation, even though the accused meets the criteria of narcotics law and a writ of avoidance of the Supreme Court. The complaint was merely a recommendation that judges were not required to comply with, as was the case in Portugal and Australia. The judge's paradigm of self-initiated drug abuse, like narcotics crimes, is similar in Vietnam. Whereas the philosophical orientation of the judges in deciding the issue of rehabilitation should be based on principles of humanity and justice as governed by the just and civilized precepts of humanity and the precepts of social justice for all peoples of Indonesia. The judge is required to consider the report on the results of the conviction of both criminal and criminal action to the perpetrator of criminal narcotics. Also, future prescriptions for self-initiated drug abuse recovery should be changed with a health approach, drawing a firm line of distinguishing from narcotics crimes. Process in court with a fast trial, including an arrangement for arrest, was held in a designated rehabilitation facility or hospital.

Moral narratives of sobriety: a qualitative study of a lived religion framework of Alcoholics Anonymous

This study examines how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be understood as a “lived religion” that seeks to legitimize and moralize certain experiences and beliefs through narratives that are affirmed by the substance abuse recovery community. Through a qualitative analysis of 20 in-depth interviews with both actively recovering and non-actively recovering participants of AA, we identify three distinct moral narratives described by participants related to the construction of spiritual beliefs, individual health, and social belonging that highlight how the structure of AA reifies stories of addiction recovery as morally charged. We contribute to sociology of religion and addiction studies by examining how social and spiritual systems (i.e. systems embodying our complex and multi-faceted social connections to other people and our beliefs and attitudes about powers greater than oneself) orient alcohol addiction recovery within the context of AA support groups. For sociological inquiry more broadly, we show how moral narratives have the power to shift individual understanding of social support, power and self-control, and belonging.

Substance Abuse Treatment, Critical Race Theory, and Counter-Storytelling, for the Black Emerging Adult Male.

Black-emerging adult males face many barriers to the effective engagement in substance abuse treatment including stigma, lack of access to resources, and engagement with the criminal justice system. This case study introduces a group therapy and counter-storytelling intervention to understand and effectively mitigate some of these barriers. Counter-storytelling, derived from critical race theory (CRT) framework, focuses on marginalized individuals sharing how various aspects of society impact them, which is often different from the majority narrative. Through this intervention, Black-emerging adult males discussed the challenges they face when engaging in treatment, coping skills for barriers they face, and overcoming stigma of substance abuse recovery. Using a group therapy and counter-storytelling intervention, clinicians can begin to suspend how they traditionally think about treatment for Black-emerging adult males and engage in more effective practices to support this population.

House Level Latent Classes as Predictors of Recovery and Evictions

ABSTRACT The current study explored whether substance abuse recovery houses could be categorized into meaningful classes, which might be associated with house evictions as well as changes in individual-level recovery capital. A total of 602 individuals from 42 recovery homes were followed for up to 6 data collection periods over 2 years. House level latent class analyses were based on house-level data. A 3-class model fit very well (entropy 0.94) and better than a 2-class model. Class profiles examined concurrent (averaged across waves 1 and 2) house and resident-level variables (e.g., gender, race, age, employment, education). Class was then used to prospectively predict outcomes of the hazard of eviction and improvement in a recovery index over waves 3–6. One latent class representing 45% of the recovery houses had the highest density of members willing to loan, able to pay their rent, active involvement in outside chapter activities–this group of houses had the best outcomes including the lowest eviction rate and highest mean recovery factor. The two other classes had higher eviction rates, with one having the lowest density of friendship, selectivity of residents, and ability to pay rent. The other of the higher eviction-rate classes surprisingly had the highest density of friendship and advice seeking, but the lowest density of willingness to loan. These findings suggest that there are meaningful differences in types of recovery homes, and that house characteristics appear to influence recovery changes and eviction outcomes.

Initial Validation of Attitudes Towards New Relationships in Early Substance Abuse Recovery Scale

Initial Validation of Attitudes Towards New Relationships in Early Substance Abuse Recovery Scale

Utilization of Nutrition in Substance Abuse Recovery Facilities in the Carolinas: A Pilot Study

Describe the need for nutrition care in the treatment of substance use disorder and identify current gaps in nutritional care among treatment facilities.

Part I: Dynamics of Recovery: A Meta-Synthesis Exploring the Nature of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery.

Recovery-oriented care has become a leading vision across countries. To develop services and communities in more recovery-oriented directions, enhanced understandings of recovery in terms of personal and social contexts are important prerequisites. The aim of this study is to explore the nature and characteristics of the experiences of recovery. The method used is a form of qualitative meta-synthesis that integrates the findings from multiple qualitative studies published by one research group. Twenty-eight empirical papers with a focus on recovery as personal and contextual experiences were included in this meta-synthesis. Five meta-themes were developed: (a) being normal, (b) respecting and accepting oneself, (c) being in control, (d) recovery as intentional, and (e) recovery as material and social. The themes describe how recovery encompasses dynamics between personal experiences and contextual dimensions. This meta-synthesis consolidated an understanding of recovery as dynamics of the self and others, and as dynamics of the self and material resources. This understanding of recovery suggests the need to work not only with the person, but also with families, networks, social systems, and local communities, thus developing mental health and substance abuse services in more collaborative, open-ended, and context-sensitive directions.

An exploratory study of Romanians’ attitudes toward community-based substance abuse recovery housing

This study reports results of a measure of a Romanian community’s attitudes toward addiction and the hypothetical creation of self-run substance abuse recovery homes called Oxford Houses in Iași, Romania. We list five factors needed to sustain an Oxford House: affordable housing, residents following OH principles, resident income, institutional support, and community support. Because individual Oxford Houses are located in ordinary residential neighborhoods, they rely in part on community support. Descriptive data analyses provided information on four groups based on participants’ status: (1) no contact with someone with alcohol misuse; (2) having a potentially alcohol addicted person(s) in their family; (3) definitely having alcohol addicted person(s) in their family; and (4) having an addicted alcohol in recovery person(s) in their family. Results indicated Romanian’s favorable attitude toward alcohol addiction as a treatable condition, benefits of being part of an Oxford House, Oxford House rules and principles, and willingness to organize or to participate in events for integrating Oxford House residents into the community. These findings suggest that Oxford House could potentially be accepted by neighborhood residents in Iași, Romania, and this research could inform future efforts to create Oxford Houses in Romania.

"It's like a Brotherhood": Thematic analysis of veterans' identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes.

This exploratory study aimed to understand how veterans' social identity influenced their experiences living in Oxford Houses (OH)-the largest network of substance use recovery homes in the United States. We conducted three focus groups, with 20 veterans who were current or former OH residents. Thematic analysis revealed several ways in which participants' veteran identity influenced their experiences living in OH, including: (1) thriving through OH organizational similarities with the military, (2) relationships with other OH residents, and (3) and growth and reintegration. The themes were interpreted using the Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change perspectives. Social identity processes were found to play an influential role in veterans' experiences in their recovery homes and reintegration into civilian life. Findings highlight the importance of veterans developing a community within a culturally congruent setting to facilitate their recovery from substance use disorders and adjustment to life post-military service.

Trauma-Informed Parenting Education Support Groups for Mothers in Substance Abuse Recovery

Purpose: A trauma-informed educational support group pilot addressed traumatic stress, substance use disorders (SUDs), and child-rearing for clients who were pregnant and/or parenting young children. Methods: Seeking Safety was adapted with parenting content and delivered at two intensive residential rehabilitation facilities. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the pilot. Forty-eight participants completed starting assessments (intention-to-treat) and 31 graduates completed postgroup surveys (per protocol). Focus group sessions were completed with 19 graduates. Results: Paired samples t tests of intention-to-treat data showed a statistically significant decrease in self-reported symptoms of stress and substance cravings and increases in positive behaviors and parenting self-efficacy. There were no statistically significant differences on lifestyle behaviors, parenting skill, and parenting confidence. Most participants found the intervention acceptable and felt supported to improve their parenting. Discussion: Trauma-informed parenting education support in inpatient rehabilitation settings may offer an important complement to existing SUD and parenting programming.

Utilization of an Innovative Psychoeducational Group for Veterans With Severe Mental Illness: A Program Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Initiative.

Cognitive impairments-episodes of mania or psychosis, paranoia, and substance use-are common effects of serious mental illness, which can lead to stigmatization, social isolation, and a decrease in interaction with health care providers. These consequences can obstruct a person with serious mental illness ability to comprehend diagnosed mental disorders and to fully participate in treatment. Consistent with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Recovery Model for Disease Management, nurse practitioner residents in a mental health nurse practitioner residency program developed an interactive psychoeducation series to improve veteran health self-efficacy and self-management. The overall purpose of this sequential quality improvement initiative was to develop and deliver a psychoeducational series, which is both veteran centric and recovery oriented. Series I of the project produced psychoeducational sessions based on collaborative interactions among veterans and members of the treatment team, with a focus on neurobiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based treatment recommendations. Through an innovative and interactive framework, Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were utilized to bring about foundational themes and inherent changes in the psychoeducation delivery. With veterans' feedback and collaboration, Series II of the project was developed within the continuous improvement evaluations from Series I. Treatment collaboration between veterans and providers was fostered as veterans experienced learning, symptom recognition, and empowerment. This project is unique in that it is the first known review of a quality improvement initiative to incorporate concurrent changes in psychoeducational session delivery, involving veterans and their providers to foster collaboration.

Participation in a Substance Misuse Intervention in Post-acute Care Is Associated With More Optimal Rehabilitation Outcomes.

Alcohol and substance misuse is prevalent among older adults, yet underdiagnosed and undertreated. More substance misuse intervention programs specifically designed for older adults and offered in various settings are needed. This project's objectives were to (a) provide a detailed description of a Geriatric Substance Abuse Recovery Program (GSARP) designed and implemented at post-acute rehabilitation units of a skilled nursing facility and (b) report findings of a study conducted to evaluate if GSARP participation among post-acute care patients with substance misuse issues can optimize rehabilitation outcomes (i.e., being discharged home vs. another setting). A pretest-posttest study design with data obtained from patients' electronic medical record upon facility admission, during post-acute stay, and after discharge (N = 271). Based on Andersen's model of health care utilization, we investigated which predisposing factors (e.g., ethnicity), enabling factors (e.g., cognition and social support), and need-related factors (e.g., activities of daily living functioning), as well as health behaviors (e.g., GSARP participation) predicted likelihood of being discharged home versus another discharge setting. Patients participating in the GSARP and patients who received social support from family members and friends during their post-acute stay were more likely to be discharged home. Patients with severe cognitive impairment were less likely to be discharged home. The GSARP eliminates some common barriers often encountered in the screening and delivery process of substance misuse interventions for older adults. Findings support the effectiveness of the GSARP in optimizing rehabilitation outcomes for older adults with substance misuse issues.

Listening to Voices in Appalachia Gathering Wisdom from the Field about Substance Abuse Recovery Ecosystems.

New qualitative data collected through six regional community-based listening sessions and community meetings are presented that describe elements of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Recovery Ecosystem Model. These data informed the Model, which was used in formulating the new ARC Recovery-to-Work initiative. Input was intentionally solicited from multiple sectors, including persons recovering from substance abuse disorder, treatment and recovery service providers, workforce development agencies, employers, and community advocacy groups.

Appalachian Regional Commission Recovery Ecosystem Background and Overview.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has long addressed issues of substance abuse through funded community-based interventions, research, and sponsored conferences. Recently, the opioid crisis created a new urgency for cross-sector collaboration among various partners and funders dealing with this issue. This commentary provides an overview of recent efforts by the ARC to convene stakeholders to focus on assisting individuals with substance abuse disorder to access recovery services while pursuing education and training necessary to reenter the workforce and gain employment. Two papers have been prepared to describe this year-long effort. One paper focuses on the participatory methods used to gather ideas and turn them into regional intervention programs. The second paper describes and analyzes the wealth of ideas collected through the process. Both are intended to inform policymakers, researchers, and local leaders in ways to strengthen the substance abuse recovery ecosystem in their own communities.

Responding to Appalachian Voices: Steps in Developing Substance-Use Recovery Ecosystems.

A description is presented of the four-step process used by the Appalachian Regional Commission to develop a new Recovery to Work initiative. The Commission identified, defined, and described issues facing individuals who complete substance abuse disorder treatment and who seek reentry into the workforce. Key elements were identified for resources and supports to develop and maintain community-based substance abuse recovery ecosystems. The steps included conceptualization, data collection, analysis, and review to formulate recommendations for program and policy development. The full process of development was accomplished in twelve months.

Attending Substance Abuse Groups and Identifying as Spiritual but not Religious

In recent years, the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” has grown. At the same time, many addiction recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous promote spiritual beliefs to help those suffering from alcohol use disorders. In this paper, we hypothesize and test to see whether individuals who have attended substance abuse groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are more likely to identify as spiritual but not religious (SBNR). Using longitudinal data from the Midlife Development in the United States study ( N = 1711), we find that those who have attended substance abuse groups are more likely to identify as SBNR. Further, frequency of attendance in these groups is positively and significantly associated with being SBNR when compared to being both religious and spiritual. Implications for understanding the connections among religion, spirituality, and substance abuse recovery programs are discussed.

Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse

This study reviews the voluminous empirical evidence on faith’s contribution to preventing people from falling victim to substance abuse and helping them recover from it. We find that 73% of addiction treatment programs in the USA include a spirituality-based element, as embodied in the 12-step programs and fellowships initially popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous, the vast majority of which emphasize reliance on God or a Higher Power to stay sober. We introduce and flesh out a typology of faith-based substance abuse treatment facilities, recovery programs, and support groups. This typology provides important background as we then move on to make an economic valuation of nearly 130,000 congregation-based substance abuse recovery support programs in the USA. We find that these faith-based volunteer support groups contribute up to $316.6 billion in savings to the US economy every year at no cost to tax payers. While negative experiences with religion (e.g., clergy sex abuse and other horrendous examples) have been a contributory factor to substance abuse among some victims, given that more than 84% of scientific studies show that faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery and a risk in less than 2% of the studies reviewed, we conclude that the value of faith-oriented approaches to substance abuse prevention and recovery is indisputable. And, by extension, we also conclude that the decline in religious affiliation in the USA is not only a concern for religious organizations but constitutes a national health concern.

The Nature and Effects of Messages That Women Receive From Probation and Parole Agents in Conversations About Employment

Using semistructured interviews with 388 women under supervision, this study integrates criminal justice and communication theories by investigating gender responsivity and type of support in messages women receive about employment from supervision agents. Informational support was the most frequent form of supportive communication clients received from their agents, and was the only type of supportive communication clients perceived negatively. Women recalled agents’ messages that varied in their sensitivity to the range of women offenders’ needs (child and family care demands, human capital attainment, mental health issues, and substance abuse recovery). Supportive messages that took into account a variety of problems commonly shared by women on probation and parole had positive effects, whereas supportive messages that were relevant to employment, but failed to consider other needs, had negative effects. Results of this work have implications regarding effective support offered by community supervision agents as they discuss employment.

Eating Disorder Risk Evaluation for Males in Substance Abuse Recovery

Eating Disorder Risk Evaluation for Males in Substance Abuse Recovery

Cultural and Social Predictors of Substance Abuse Recovery among American Indian and Non-American Indian Pregnant and Parenting Women

ABSTRACTSubstance abuse is especially undesirable among pregnant or parenting women (PPW). As such, there is a need to examine the factors impacting positive treatment outcomes, particularly among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) PPW, as they are seeking substance abuse treatment at rates considerably higher than the national average. This study aimed to identify the social and cultural mechanisms that support their recovery. Qualitative analyses were used to identify mechanisms used by AI and non-AI PPW in their recovery. Several differences between AI and non-AI PPW emerged. AI participants mentioned their families more often as the reason why they wanted to become or stay sober. In addition to familial support, AI participants relied on a variety of other sources for assistance in their recovery. Many of the women had difficulty defining specific aspects of their culture, especially in relation to their recovery. However, for AI PPW, many aspects of AI culture were identified as they described their recovery, suggesting the often subtle ways culture can impact everyday life. Our findings indicated that women utilized cultural supports in different ways; therefore, it is necessary to help them define their culture in ways that are meaningful in their recovery.