Problem severity profiles of substance abusing women in European Therapeutic Communities: Influence of psychiatric problems (original) (raw)
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Trajectories of Drug Abuse and Addiction Development Among FSU Immigrant Drug Users in Israel
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 2016
This qualitative study explores the trajectories of drug abuse and addiction development among former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrant users. It is based on in-depth interviews with 19 Russianspeaking recovering addict counselors employed in Israeli addiction treatment centers. The interview analysis yielded two main trajectories: one of abuse deterioration and the other of abuse initiation in the context of coping with immigration. The core issue that characterizes both trajectories is the immigrant users' sense of loneliness. Participation in treatment appears as a path for regaining their sense of belonging. Implications for prevention and treatment based on the interviewees' reflections, as well as on extant literature, are discussed.
Long-term residential substance abuse treatment for women: lessons learned from Israel
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 2012
Background: Policymakers and treatment providers must consider the role of gender when designing effective treatment programs for female substance abusers. This study had two aims. First, to examine female substance abusers' perceptions regarding factors that contribute to their retention (and therefore positive treatment outcomes) in a women-only therapeutic community in Northern Israel. Second, to explore pretreatment internal and external factors including demographic, personal and environmental factors, factors associated with substance use and with the treatment process, and networks of support that contribute to retention and abstinence. Methods: The study was a conducted using a mixed methods approach. Semi-structured qualitative interviews examining perceptions towards treatment were conducted in five focus groups (n = 5 per group; total n = 25). Intake assessments and a battery of questionnaires examining pretreatment internal and external factors related to treatment retention and abstinence were collected from 42 women who were treated in the program during the 2 year study period. Twenty-three women who completed the 12 month program were compared to the 19 women who did not, using chi-square for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Nineteen of the 23 women who completed the questionnaires also completed a post-treatment follow-up questionnaire. Results: A content analysis of the interviews revealed five central themes: factors associated with treatment entry; impact of treatment in a women-only setting; significant aspects of treatment; difficulties with the setting; prospects for the future. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed that compared to non-completers, completers had fewer psychiatric symptoms, higher levels of introverted behavior in stressful situations, a better sense of coherence, and less ability to share emotions. No significant differences were found with regard to demographic and substance use factors. All 19 women who completed treatment and the follow-up questionnaire remained abstinent from illicit drugs for 18 months following the end of treatment. Conclusion: Results indicate that women see the women-only treatment setting as extremely significant. Also, there is a profile of psychiatric co-morbidity, extrapunitiveness, and fewer personal resources that predict a risk for attrition. Thus, women at risk for attrition may be identified early and treatment staff can utilize the results to assist clients in achieving their treatment goals. Results can inform policymakers in making decisions regarding the allocation of resources, by pointing to the importance of long-term women-only residential treatment in increasing positive treatment outcomes.
Research on Social Work Practice, 2006
Objective: This study is the first in a comprehensive examination of therapeutic components and outcome of interventions in a public, nonresidential service for drug addicts in Jerusalem (SHALEM). Method: Data were gathered from 153 clients (35 women, 128 men; 35 Arabs, 118 Jews; median age = 39) using clinical data mining. Results: Men who had been child victims of physical abuse (60%) showed less progress in treatment than men reporting no abuse. Arabs showed greater improvement in reducing violent acts. Only four therapeutic components were significant predictors of a client’s treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Processing of trauma history must become a major therapeutic component, and differential treatment plans for women and men and different ethnic groups should be developed.
Mapping & Enhancing Substance Use Treatment for Migrants and Ethnic Minorities
Final Report. Brussels : Belgian Science Policy Office 2020, 2020
Khat use among Iranian in Belgium 7.4.2 Reaching, supporting and guiding family members of substance users with a migration background 7.4.3 Antwerp substance use treatment for ethnic and cultural minorities 7.4.4 The coordination between treatment demand and offer 7.4.5 Substance use treatment after detention among ethnic minorities 7.4.6 Social network, discrimination and religion among Turkish and Eastern-European drug users 7.4.7 The influence of religion on female Muslim substance users 7.4.8 Interculturalising a residential SUT service 7.
Quality of life among former Soviet Union and Israeli origin methadone users
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 2015
A common treatment intervention for heroin addiction is methadone maintenance. In recent years a wider perspective has been adapted to understand and evaluate addiction through quality of life. This article examines quality of life conditions of 170 male former Soviet Union and Israeli origin drug users in methadone maintenance and provides an understanding of conditions linked to the World Health Organization Quality of Life project's best available techniques reference document. Having a partner or spouse and less chronic illness are positive factors affecting quality of life regardless of country of origin. Israeli born drug users reported better quality of life based on their psychological health and environment domain responses; no difference was found for the physical health and social relationship domains of the Israeli and former Soviet Union origin males. Because heroin addiction is a chronic and relapsing illness, one of the goals of methadone maintenance is to address patients' health status from a broad perspective. Based on clinical observations, the treatment of special populations may be enhanced if their particular needs are considered and met. Quality of life factors are relevant for assessing high risk groups, including those from different ethnic origins, in poor physical and psychological health, their treatment and personal adjustment, and their service personnel training needs.
Characteristics of Iranian Women Seeking Drug Treatment
Journal of Women's Health, 2011
Background: In the west, men are twice as likely as women to develop a drug problem, but female users have higher rates of morbidity than male users. Iran has the world highest per capita opiate consumption, but little is known about female drug users. In 2007, we established a free methadone clinic with ancillary services for female drug users in South Tehran. The aim was to explore the characteristics of female drug users seeking treatment for heroin dependence in Iran. Clients were interviewed about demographic characteristics, drug use and treatment history, and drug-related health problems. Urine and blood samples were collected and tested for morphine, HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods: Between August 2007 and October 2008, 78 women completed a baseline interview. The median age was 37 years, the main ethnic background was Persian (65%), and half of the clients were married. Opium and heroin and opium use was reported by 69% (n = 54) and 87% (n = 68) of clients, respectively. The mean duration of heroin use problems was 10.5 years, and only 20% of women reported ever having received drug treatment. HIV and HCV seroprevalence was 5% and 24%, respectively. Forty percent were sexually active when interviewed, and one third tested positive for an STI. Women had poor social functioning, high levels of depression, and poor general health. Results and Conclusions: Our clients were dependent users with a multitude of problems who had little or no contact with treatment agencies before this study. Many clients had made a transition from using opium to using heroin, and some had commenced injecting, placing them at risk for HIV and HCV infection. More women-only drug treatment services are needed to facilitate women's entry into drug treatment.
Russian criminal culture among drug-addicted former soviet union immigrants in Israel
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 2019
This article explores the cultural context of substance abuse among drug-addicted Former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrants in Israel. Using a qualitative approach, it focuses on immigrant users' affiliation with the Russian criminal culture. The data analysis elicited a number of themes, including the key components of this culture, its attitude toward drug consumption, and its role in the users' lives and rehabilitation. It is argued that drug-addicted immigrants suffer multiple marginalization. Their affiliation with the ethnic criminal subculture serves as a defense reaction that protects their identities and grants them a sense of mastery not afforded in the wider society.
The American Journal on Addictions, 2013
Background and Objectives: Research in the United States tends to indicate that immigrants from most sociogeographic regions have considerably lower substance use disorder (SUD) rates than native born individuals. We aimed to analyze the differences between immigrants and native born population regarding substance abuse and dependence. This objective was approached using data from the ARACAT cross-sectional multicenter study in primary care settings of two different Spanish regions: Aragon and Catalonia. Methods: 3006 patients (1503 immigrants randomly selected and 1503 native born paired by age and gender) were interviewed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results: Reported substance abuse and dependence was more prevalent in native born population than immigrants (Alcohol abuse 5.1% vs. 2.6% p<.0001, Alcohol dependence 3.3% vs. 2.6% n.s., other abuse 3.4% vs. .4% p<.0001, other dependence .5% vs. 4.0% p<.0001). Large differences were detected among ethnic origins. Sociodemographic characteristics such as female gender, older age, higher level of education or stable housing (among others), were found to be protective against different SUDs. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Immigrants have lower levels of alcohol and substance abuse, however, those that that do consume show higher levels of both comorbid mental disorders and problematic alcohol/substance use. It would appear to be the case that issues specific to immigrant cultures, such as extreme stigmatization of substance and alcohol use, may serve to promote social marginalization and inhibit treatment access.