This is the first study to investigate how college students in the U.S. with problematic Internet... more This is the first study to investigate how college students in the U.S. with problematic Internet use perceive the role the Internet plays within their families of origin. The sample included 27 U.S. university students who self-identified as excessive Internet users. Participants reported spending more than 25 hours a week on the Internet on non-school or non-work-related activities and reported Internet-associated health and/or psychosocial problems. This study provides descriptive statistics from participants\u27 completion of two problematic Internet use measures (i.e., Young\u27s Diagnostic Questionnaire and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale) and reports findings from four focus groups. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) family connectedness, (2) family conflict/family disconnection, and (3) family Internet overuse. The findings of this study are a first step toward the design of effective interventions for problematic Internet use among U.S. college students and s...
BACKGROUND Previous research has documented that deviant peer affiliation (DP) and externalizing ... more BACKGROUND Previous research has documented that deviant peer affiliation (DP) and externalizing behavior problems (EXT) are highly related and often co-occur. However, the directionality of the association between DP and EXT remains debatable. In addition, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment types on co-development of DP and EXT overtime. Therefore, this study examined the role of child maltreatment in predicting the co-development of DP and EXT. METHODS DP and EXT were assessed at ages 12, 14, and 16. DP was measured using 13 items from the modified version of the Youth Risk Behavior and Monitoring the Future Survey. EXT was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist. Each type of child maltreatment (birth to age 12) was assessed using the CPS substantiated cases. RESULTS The results indicated that, on average, DP increased over time, whereas EXT decreased over time. In addition, the initial levels of EXT were associated with the slope of DP. Conditional parallel-process latent growth curve modeling identified that physically abused adolescents had higher initial levels of DP and showed a slower increase in DP, while those who had been emotionally abused were associated with a steeper decrease in EXT. CONCLUSION The findings offer several meaningful implications for practice. First, early assessment of and treatment for EXT may be helpful in preventing DP over time. In addition, practitioners could assess each type of maltreatment to tailor preventive interventions for early onset and ongoing development of DP and EXT.
Little is known about patients' addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms ... more Little is known about patients' addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms upon entering integrated treatment. This is the first study to compare baseline characteristics among cohorts of patients with co-occurring disorders entering a private integrated residential treatment program in 2013 and 2017; a period when severe and persistent mental illness diagnoses, mental health service use, and overdose deaths increased. Our sample includes 3400 patients entering private, integrated residential treatment during 2013 (n = 1535) and 2017 (n = 1865). Trained staff completed admission interviews of all participants that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), a semi-structured interview to evaluate the past 30-day functioning of the following domains: medical, employment, alcohol, drug, legal, family or social support systems, and psychiatric. We used a p-value of 0.05 to assess significance. With the exception of the drug composite score, the 2017 cohort scored higher than the 2013 cohort on all other composite scores. Compared to the 2013 cohort, the 2017 cohort reported more days using alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and engaging in polysubstance use. Conversely, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using other prescription opioids and sedatives than the 2013 cohort. After controlling for age, the 2017 cohort reported more days of marijuana use than the 2013 cohort. The 2017 cohort reported higher rates of the following symptoms: depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation. Findings underscore differences among integrated treatment patient cohorts for baseline addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2019
Abstract Illicit substance use, especially of inhalants, is a public health crisis during adolesc... more Abstract Illicit substance use, especially of inhalants, is a public health crisis during adolescence, particularly for maltreated youths. This study advances the literature by highlighting the prevalence of inhalant use among child welfare–involved adolescents. Using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) II data set, case-status factors, problem behaviors, deviant peers, delinquency, depression, and school peer engagement were inspected using logistic regression. Females, delinquency, deviant peers, problematic behaviors, and depression are positively related to inhalant use, whereas youth school peer engagement mitigates inhalant use. Attention to peer relationships and psychosocial risk factors is necessary for adolescents.
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and po... more The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and political leaders, but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n = 718) and 2017 (n = 695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines (6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017 cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).
The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit’s book, The Witch... more The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit’s book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology and the Sexual Abuse of Children. The chapter is divided into two sections called “Recent Developments” and “The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative.” We respond to the key assertions in each of those sections, providing discussion points of agreement and disagreement with Cheit, and note some areas Cheit does not cover, including important advances in the aftermath of the witch-hunt narrative (WHN). The article takes the position that there is cause for optimism with these advances in systems responses, child forensic interviewing research, and multidisciplinary team and training approaches; some of these advances are related to the WHN. The conclusion warns of the need to be vigilant about continuing Cheit’s work, we suggest this could take place in six key areas: (a) enhanced teacher training, (b) improved court responses to child sexual abuse (CSA...
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Internet addiction/problematic Internet use (IA/PIU) is increasi... more ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Internet addiction/problematic Internet use (IA/PIU) is increasingly prevalent worldwide (Moreno et al., 2011). Internet users meeting criteria for IA/PIU evidence significantly higher levels of major depression, social and somatic anxiety disorders, social isolation, peer and parental relationship dysfunction, school/work problems, and health problems such as sleep deprivation and obesity than their non-IA/PIU counterparts (Bernardi & Pallanti, 2009; Young, 1998). Only one type of IA/PIU (i.e., Internet Gaming Disorder) was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5, Section III); however, there has been a call for further research on other IA/PIU disorders (American Psychological Association, 2013). In response to this inquiry, this study was developed to explore the degree to which IA/PIU behaviors described by university students fit the DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria. Methods: Mixed methods were employed for this evaluation. Participant recruitment was conducted using purposive sampling. University students who self-identified as Internet addicts were invited to participate through a recruitment email. In total, 4 semi-structured focus groups were conducted, and 27 students (17 women, 10 men) participated. A semi-structured interview guide consisting of 24 subjective open-ended questions was used to facilitate focus groups. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and checked for accuracy. Transcripts were independently analyzed by three separate members of the research team using a content analysis approach. An objective measure (Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire) was used to assess the symptoms of IA/PIU. Results: Almost all participants (96%) reported staying on-line longer than originally intended, with 74% having experienced unsuccessful efforts to control or cut back Internet use. Participants reported substantial overlap between their own experiences with Internet use and DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria. Specifically, eight of 11 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders in DSM-5 were reported. These criteria included: a) salience (5-16 hours spent on the Internet for non-school/work-related activities per day), b) withdrawal, c) persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Internet use, d) staying on the Internet over a longer period than intended, e) craving, f) recurrent Internet use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work or school, g) social and recreational activities given up or reduced because of Internet use, and h) Internet use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by IA/PIU. The criteria of tolerance and recurrent Internet use in physically hazardous situations were not reflected in the qualitative data. The effects of IA/PIU on social activities and interpersonal relationships were mixed. Detailed information about findings will be presented including the results of Young’s Diagnostic Criteria, participant quotes for each criterion, and clinical significance. Conclusion and Implications: This is one of the first studies to compare DSM-5 substance use criteria to Internet use in the United States. Findings suggest that the symptoms of IA/PIU are similar to substance use disorders. Therefore, the DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria could serve as a foundation to develop diagnostic criteria for IA/PIU.
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and po... more The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and political leaders, but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n=718) and 2017 (n=695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines (6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017 cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).
Matthew was 11, John was two, and Lisa was a newborn when they were removed from their mother's c... more Matthew was 11, John was two, and Lisa was a newborn when they were removed from their mother's care because of her drug addiction and placed in the foster care system. 1 Instead of helping, the foster care system further traumatized the children. The children's first foster home was de-licensed after another child was severely physically abused in the home. The siblings were then separated, and John was beaten with a belt in his next foster placement. The newborn was placed in a home with a convicted rapist. Matthew began having behavior problems and engaging in gang activity. Although their mother loved her children, she needed help herself, and the addiction and parenting support programs available to her were ineffective.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore how peer influences during middle ... more BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore how peer influences during middle and late adolescence affect patterns of property offenses, violent offenses, and substance use as emerging adults (18-25 years old). Negative peer influences have been associated with increased illegal behaviors since the earliest studies of delinquency (Shaw & McKay, 1969; Short Jr., 1957). However, a limitation of the extant literature is that most studies regarding illegal behaviors have either focused on one type of behavior, such as violent or property-related offenses, or have created a scale that fails to capture the interrelationships of problematic behaviors. This gap in the literature hinders the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study’s research question is: Are peer influences during early and mid-adolescence correlated with different latent classes during emerging adulthood? METHODS: The sample included 8276 participants (18-25 years old) ...
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 10, 2016
This mixed methods study explores college students' readiness-to-change and receptivity to tr... more This mixed methods study explores college students' readiness-to-change and receptivity to treatment for problem Internet overuse behaviors. Focus groups were conducted with 27 college students who self-identified as Internet over-users, and had experienced biopsychosocial problems related to Internet overuse. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing their Internet use and sociodemographic forms. Focus groups explored readiness to change problem Internet overuse behaviors and receptivity to treatment. Similar to college students with other addictive behaviors, students with problem Internet overuse fall along a continuum vis-à-vis readiness-to-change their behaviors. Over half of the participants were receptive to treatment for their problem Internet overuse behaviors.
This is the first study to investigate how college students in the U.S. with problematic Internet... more This is the first study to investigate how college students in the U.S. with problematic Internet use perceive the role the Internet plays within their families of origin. The sample included 27 U.S. university students who self-identified as excessive Internet users. Participants reported spending more than 25 hours a week on the Internet on non-school or non-work-related activities and reported Internet-associated health and/or psychosocial problems. This study provides descriptive statistics from participants\u27 completion of two problematic Internet use measures (i.e., Young\u27s Diagnostic Questionnaire and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale) and reports findings from four focus groups. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) family connectedness, (2) family conflict/family disconnection, and (3) family Internet overuse. The findings of this study are a first step toward the design of effective interventions for problematic Internet use among U.S. college students and s...
BACKGROUND Previous research has documented that deviant peer affiliation (DP) and externalizing ... more BACKGROUND Previous research has documented that deviant peer affiliation (DP) and externalizing behavior problems (EXT) are highly related and often co-occur. However, the directionality of the association between DP and EXT remains debatable. In addition, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment types on co-development of DP and EXT overtime. Therefore, this study examined the role of child maltreatment in predicting the co-development of DP and EXT. METHODS DP and EXT were assessed at ages 12, 14, and 16. DP was measured using 13 items from the modified version of the Youth Risk Behavior and Monitoring the Future Survey. EXT was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist. Each type of child maltreatment (birth to age 12) was assessed using the CPS substantiated cases. RESULTS The results indicated that, on average, DP increased over time, whereas EXT decreased over time. In addition, the initial levels of EXT were associated with the slope of DP. Conditional parallel-process latent growth curve modeling identified that physically abused adolescents had higher initial levels of DP and showed a slower increase in DP, while those who had been emotionally abused were associated with a steeper decrease in EXT. CONCLUSION The findings offer several meaningful implications for practice. First, early assessment of and treatment for EXT may be helpful in preventing DP over time. In addition, practitioners could assess each type of maltreatment to tailor preventive interventions for early onset and ongoing development of DP and EXT.
Little is known about patients' addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms ... more Little is known about patients' addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms upon entering integrated treatment. This is the first study to compare baseline characteristics among cohorts of patients with co-occurring disorders entering a private integrated residential treatment program in 2013 and 2017; a period when severe and persistent mental illness diagnoses, mental health service use, and overdose deaths increased. Our sample includes 3400 patients entering private, integrated residential treatment during 2013 (n = 1535) and 2017 (n = 1865). Trained staff completed admission interviews of all participants that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), a semi-structured interview to evaluate the past 30-day functioning of the following domains: medical, employment, alcohol, drug, legal, family or social support systems, and psychiatric. We used a p-value of 0.05 to assess significance. With the exception of the drug composite score, the 2017 cohort scored higher than the 2013 cohort on all other composite scores. Compared to the 2013 cohort, the 2017 cohort reported more days using alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and engaging in polysubstance use. Conversely, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using other prescription opioids and sedatives than the 2013 cohort. After controlling for age, the 2017 cohort reported more days of marijuana use than the 2013 cohort. The 2017 cohort reported higher rates of the following symptoms: depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation. Findings underscore differences among integrated treatment patient cohorts for baseline addiction severity, substance use, or mental health symptoms.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2019
Abstract Illicit substance use, especially of inhalants, is a public health crisis during adolesc... more Abstract Illicit substance use, especially of inhalants, is a public health crisis during adolescence, particularly for maltreated youths. This study advances the literature by highlighting the prevalence of inhalant use among child welfare–involved adolescents. Using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) II data set, case-status factors, problem behaviors, deviant peers, delinquency, depression, and school peer engagement were inspected using logistic regression. Females, delinquency, deviant peers, problematic behaviors, and depression are positively related to inhalant use, whereas youth school peer engagement mitigates inhalant use. Attention to peer relationships and psychosocial risk factors is necessary for adolescents.
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and po... more The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and political leaders, but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n = 718) and 2017 (n = 695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines (6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017 cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).
The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit’s book, The Witch... more The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit’s book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology and the Sexual Abuse of Children. The chapter is divided into two sections called “Recent Developments” and “The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative.” We respond to the key assertions in each of those sections, providing discussion points of agreement and disagreement with Cheit, and note some areas Cheit does not cover, including important advances in the aftermath of the witch-hunt narrative (WHN). The article takes the position that there is cause for optimism with these advances in systems responses, child forensic interviewing research, and multidisciplinary team and training approaches; some of these advances are related to the WHN. The conclusion warns of the need to be vigilant about continuing Cheit’s work, we suggest this could take place in six key areas: (a) enhanced teacher training, (b) improved court responses to child sexual abuse (CSA...
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Internet addiction/problematic Internet use (IA/PIU) is increasi... more ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Internet addiction/problematic Internet use (IA/PIU) is increasingly prevalent worldwide (Moreno et al., 2011). Internet users meeting criteria for IA/PIU evidence significantly higher levels of major depression, social and somatic anxiety disorders, social isolation, peer and parental relationship dysfunction, school/work problems, and health problems such as sleep deprivation and obesity than their non-IA/PIU counterparts (Bernardi & Pallanti, 2009; Young, 1998). Only one type of IA/PIU (i.e., Internet Gaming Disorder) was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5, Section III); however, there has been a call for further research on other IA/PIU disorders (American Psychological Association, 2013). In response to this inquiry, this study was developed to explore the degree to which IA/PIU behaviors described by university students fit the DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria. Methods: Mixed methods were employed for this evaluation. Participant recruitment was conducted using purposive sampling. University students who self-identified as Internet addicts were invited to participate through a recruitment email. In total, 4 semi-structured focus groups were conducted, and 27 students (17 women, 10 men) participated. A semi-structured interview guide consisting of 24 subjective open-ended questions was used to facilitate focus groups. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and checked for accuracy. Transcripts were independently analyzed by three separate members of the research team using a content analysis approach. An objective measure (Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire) was used to assess the symptoms of IA/PIU. Results: Almost all participants (96%) reported staying on-line longer than originally intended, with 74% having experienced unsuccessful efforts to control or cut back Internet use. Participants reported substantial overlap between their own experiences with Internet use and DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria. Specifically, eight of 11 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders in DSM-5 were reported. These criteria included: a) salience (5-16 hours spent on the Internet for non-school/work-related activities per day), b) withdrawal, c) persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Internet use, d) staying on the Internet over a longer period than intended, e) craving, f) recurrent Internet use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work or school, g) social and recreational activities given up or reduced because of Internet use, and h) Internet use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by IA/PIU. The criteria of tolerance and recurrent Internet use in physically hazardous situations were not reflected in the qualitative data. The effects of IA/PIU on social activities and interpersonal relationships were mixed. Detailed information about findings will be presented including the results of Young’s Diagnostic Criteria, participant quotes for each criterion, and clinical significance. Conclusion and Implications: This is one of the first studies to compare DSM-5 substance use criteria to Internet use in the United States. Findings suggest that the symptoms of IA/PIU are similar to substance use disorders. Therefore, the DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria could serve as a foundation to develop diagnostic criteria for IA/PIU.
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and po... more The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has captured the attention of the media and political leaders, but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n=718) and 2017 (n=695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines (6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017 cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).
Matthew was 11, John was two, and Lisa was a newborn when they were removed from their mother's c... more Matthew was 11, John was two, and Lisa was a newborn when they were removed from their mother's care because of her drug addiction and placed in the foster care system. 1 Instead of helping, the foster care system further traumatized the children. The children's first foster home was de-licensed after another child was severely physically abused in the home. The siblings were then separated, and John was beaten with a belt in his next foster placement. The newborn was placed in a home with a convicted rapist. Matthew began having behavior problems and engaging in gang activity. Although their mother loved her children, she needed help herself, and the addiction and parenting support programs available to her were ineffective.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore how peer influences during middle ... more BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore how peer influences during middle and late adolescence affect patterns of property offenses, violent offenses, and substance use as emerging adults (18-25 years old). Negative peer influences have been associated with increased illegal behaviors since the earliest studies of delinquency (Shaw & McKay, 1969; Short Jr., 1957). However, a limitation of the extant literature is that most studies regarding illegal behaviors have either focused on one type of behavior, such as violent or property-related offenses, or have created a scale that fails to capture the interrelationships of problematic behaviors. This gap in the literature hinders the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study’s research question is: Are peer influences during early and mid-adolescence correlated with different latent classes during emerging adulthood? METHODS: The sample included 8276 participants (18-25 years old) ...
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 10, 2016
This mixed methods study explores college students' readiness-to-change and receptivity to tr... more This mixed methods study explores college students' readiness-to-change and receptivity to treatment for problem Internet overuse behaviors. Focus groups were conducted with 27 college students who self-identified as Internet over-users, and had experienced biopsychosocial problems related to Internet overuse. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing their Internet use and sociodemographic forms. Focus groups explored readiness to change problem Internet overuse behaviors and receptivity to treatment. Similar to college students with other addictive behaviors, students with problem Internet overuse fall along a continuum vis-à-vis readiness-to-change their behaviors. Over half of the participants were receptive to treatment for their problem Internet overuse behaviors.
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but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n=718) and 2017 (n=695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines
(6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017
cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort
reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort
reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and
suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).
but how much do we know about its implications for substance use disorder treatment providers? This study is the first to investigate the differing baseline characteristics among patients with co-occurring disorders who used opioids and entered residential treatment in 2013 and 2017. Our sample consisted of 1413 unique adults who reported using opioids upon admission to integrated residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during 2013 (n=718) and 2017 (n=695). Opioid use was defined as self-reported use of heroin or illicit use of prescription opioids, including methadone, during the month prior to admission into the treatment program. All study participants completed an admission interview that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The 2017 cohort demonstrated higher severity than the 2013 cohort on the employment, psychiatric, and alcohol and drug ASI composite scores. A comparison of days per month that the cohorts used various substances also reveals this trend, with the following comparisons listing the 2017 cohort data first, and the 2013 cohort data second: (1) alcohol (8.6 days vs. 7.0 days); (2) cocaine (4.1 days vs. 2.2 days); (3) amphetamines
(6.2 days vs. 3.6 days); and (4) polysubstance use in one day (16.6 days vs. 11.6 days). The 2017
cohort was also intoxicated from alcohol more days per month (7.2 days vs. 5.1 days). However, the 2017 cohort
reported fewer days using prescription opioids (9.9 days vs. 12.4 days). A higher proportion of the 2017 cohort
reported (1) depression (74% vs. 68%); (2) anxiety (88% vs. 84%); (3) hallucinations (14% vs 8%); and (4) and
suicidal ideation (22% vs. 17%).