SAj Blog Archives - Page 74 of 88

The Authors’ Own Words: Evaluation of overdose prevention trainings in New York City: Knowledge and self-efficacy among participants 12 months after training

Sep 30, 2016 by AMERSA

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.

Evaluation of overdose prevention trainings in New York City: Knowledge and self-efficacy among participants 12 months after training
Lara Maldjian, Anne Siegler, and Hillary V. Kunins
Substance Abuse Vol. 37 , Iss. 3,2016

This is the first study in the United States to look systematically at knowledge and self-efficacy among opioid overdose prevention trainees twelve months after training. This study shows that knowledge of the two most important overdose response actions (giving naloxone and calling 911), as well as feelings of self-efficacy, are high among training recipients, but that greater efforts should be made by trainers to reinforce knowledge of all recommended overdose response actions. Our results also suggest that trainings conducted indoors are associated with greater levels of knowledge; while we acknowledge that indoor trainings are not always feasible and recognize the importance of street-based outreach, outdoor trainings should strive to be as comprehensive as indoor trainings. This study reaffirms that individuals who attend overdose prevention trainings at registered NYC opioid overdose prevention programs have the requisite knowledge and confidence to respond to overdose in their communities twelve months after being trained, and are key responders in reducing mortality due to overdose.

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Our newly released issue is now online —> July-September 2016.
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The Authors’ Own Words: BSAFER: A Web-based intervention for drug use and intimate partner violence demonstrates feasibility and acceptability among women in the emergency department

Sep 29, 2016 by AMERSA

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.

BSAFER: A Web-based intervention for drug use and intimate partner violence demonstrates feasibility and acceptability among women in the emergency department
Esther K. Choo, Caron Zlotnick, David R. Strong, Daniel D. Squires, Chantal Tapé, and Michael J. Mello
Substance Abuse Vol. 37 , Iss. 3,2016

This pilot study established the feasibility and acceptability of a novel Web-based brief intervention targeting women with substance use disorders and intimate partner violence (IPV) presenting to the emergency care setting.

The Authors’ Own Words: Perceptions of alcohol use by friends compared to peers: Associations with middle adolescents’ own use

Sep 23, 2016 by AMERSA

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.

Perceptions of alcohol use by friends compared to peers: Associations with middle adolescents’ own use
Jonathon J. Beckmeyer and Elizabeth H. Weybright
Substance Abuse Vol. 37 , Iss. 3,2016

Based on our results, we believe that social norming approaches to alcohol prevention may be more impactful by targeting beliefs about alcohol use among friends rather than focusing on the broader peer group. It may also be beneficial to use adolescents’ perceptions of alcohol use by friends to identify those who may be at greater risk current for future alcohol use. Finally, efforts to prevent or reduce adolescent drinking may also want to reduce opportunities for alcohol use with friends.

Left, Right, and Meeting in the Middle: Addressing Addiction is Something We Can Agree About

Sep 21, 2016 by AMERSA

Our upcoming issue 37.4 features the following editorial on the United States’ addiction crisis and the 2016 Presidential Election. Our hope is to spark conversation about utilizing all the evidence-based tools at our nation’s disposal to aid prevention and treatment.

Please read and distribute widely.

Left, Right, and Meeting in the Middle: Addressing Addiction is Something We Can Agree About
Arthi K. Narayanan, John D. Harding Jr, Shaddy K. Saba, James Conley, and Adam J. Gordon
Substance Abuse

Abstract: The United States faces an addiction health crisis. Presidential election cycles in the United States are cause for creation of political party platforms. These platforms provide general stances and specific policies on a variety of issues. We undertook a review of the addiction policies of the 2016 Republican and Democratic platforms. Despite differences in focus, we found more similarities than differences between the two. We call upon those in political power to use every evidence-based policy at their disposal to promote addiction treatment and prevention.

The Authors’ Own Words: Participants’ perception of a unique community of practice for substance abuse education in the Caribbean

Sep 9, 2016 by AMERSA

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.

Participants’ perception of a unique community of practice for substance abuse education in the Caribbean
Sandra D. Reid, Erica Downes, and Akwatu Khenti
Substance Abuse Vol. 37 , Iss. 3,2016

In the Caribbean, increased substance abuse and associated harms demand effective training for health and allied professionals. CARIAD is the first ever reported substance abuse training programme based on the principles of a community of practice. CARIAD also has a unique Caribbean cultural component, which gives participants an opportunity to provide cultural insights into local and regional expressions of substance abuse and its management, intentionally generating local knowledge that is important in the understanding and management of substance use disorders. Participants report effective learning and dissemination of knowledge; a positive impact on personal attitudes, collective commitment and motivation; and empowerment in professional practice. This process of learning can be recommended to countries where socio-culturally relevant research is not prioritized and evidence-driven interventions are not always available.