AMERSA, Author at AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words: Pilot Study of a Videogame Prototype for Cigarette and Marijuana Prevention in Adolescents

Jan 18, 2020 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Pilot Study of a Videogame Prototype for Cigarette and Marijuana Prevention in Adolescents

Lindsay R. Duncan, PhD; Kimberly D. Hieftje, PhD; Tyra M. Pendergrass, MEM; Benjamin G. Sawyer; & Lynn E. Fiellin, MD

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 3, 2018

“This study showed improvements in knowledge about the risks of smoking cigarettes and marijuana for adolescents who played the videogame prototype. There was also an encouraging trend in the expected direction for changes in self-efficacy and perceived norms related to smoking cigarettes and marijuana. Feedback from the players about their gameplay experience was very positive. Despite their preliminary nature, our findings suggest that a videogame based on key cognitive and motivational variables may be an effective and engaging means to deliver a cigarette and marijuana prevention intervention. Our data also suggest important ways in which the game could be enhanced for even more meaningful effects.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Homelessness predicts attrition but not alcohol abstinence in outpatients experiencing co-occurring alcohol dependence and serious mental illness

Jan 17, 2020 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Homelessness predicts attrition but not alcohol abstinence in outpatients experiencing co-occurring alcohol dependence and serious mental illness

Emily Leickly, BA; Jordan Skalisky, BA; Oladunni Oluwoye, PhD; Sterling M. McPherson, PhD; Debra Srebnik, PhD; John M. Roll, PhD; Richard K. Ries, MD; & Michael G. McDonell, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 3, 2018

“Individuals with serious mental illness receiving contingency management (CM) for alcohol dependence who were also experiencing homelessness had higher rates of CM attrition than those who were housed. However, homelessness was not associated with differences in EtG-assessed alcohol abstinence. Thus, CM could be a promising intervention for adults with co-occurring disorders provided homelessness-related participation barriers are addressed.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Mortality risk in a sample of emergency department patients who use cocaine with alcohol and/or cannabis

Jan 17, 2020 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Mortality risk in a sample of emergency department patients who use cocaine with alcohol and/or cannabis

Devin Gilmore, MA; Jennifer Zorland, PhD, CPH; Joanna Akin, MSPH; J. Aaron Johnson, PhD; James G. Emshoff, PhD; & Gabriel P. Kuperminc, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 3, 2018

“Few studies have examined the association between polydrug use and mortality, especially cocaine-related mortality. The present study helps advance understanding of this issue through examination of the mortality risk of substance users presenting to two urban emergency departments. Analysis revealed significantly elevated mortality risk for users of the cocaine-cannabis combination, suggesting this combination may present a greater risk to physical health than use of either drug alone. These results inform practice by helping clinicians more completely understand and explain the risks posed by polydrug cocaine/cannabis use.”

New Year’s Resolutions?

Jan 16, 2020 by AMERSA

It’s that time of year again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions! What are your hopes and goals for 2020? Frequently we see resolutions such as losing weight, drinking more water, to volunteer more, or possibly picking up a new hobby. Or maybe you have a resolution to read more substance abuse research, get published and share your research far and wide? Well maybe we can help!

We are always looking for great new manuscripts to publish in SAj. Submitting your manuscripts to us has never been easier. All you have to do is go to https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/wsub, set up an account, fill in your information, upload your manuscript, and then submit! We try to get answers, results, questions, etc. back to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions about submitting, contact us at managing.editor.saj@gmail.com and you will be connected with one of our managing editors.

Maybe your goal for 2020 is to read more? Well SAj is always a good place to start! We have over 40 volumes, with 4 issues each! That is over 160 issues to read! Start now over at https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wsub20/current.

We hope that your 2020 is a year to remember!

Substance Abuse journal Volume 39 | Issue 2

Jan 12, 2020 by AMERSA

It has been fun going back in time a little bit and revisiting SAj Vol. 39, Iss. 2. issue! 2018 only seems like yesterday, but it’s already 2020! If you haven’t read Vol. 39, Iss. 2, you always can here.

This was a issue with a special theme! This issue focused on “Implementation and Quality Improvement: Applying and Advancing Best Practices in Opioid Use Disorder and Addiction Treatment”. We know the importance of applying and advancing treatment in all forms and we are proud to highlight it.

The most viewed manuscript in this issue was:

The conundrum of opioid tapering in long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain: A commentary

Ajay Manhapra MD; Albert J. Arias MD; & Jane C. Ballantyne MD

With 575 views…and counting!