The differential disinhibition effect of marijuana use on violent behavior: a comparison of this effect on a conventional, non-delinquent group versus a delinquent or deviant group

The following Kaplan/Damphouse hypothesis was tested and cross validated: The use of marijuana either predicts to or has a greater effect on increasing the degree of violent behavior for a group that is low on delinquent behavior, than it does for a group that scores high on these behaviors. For the conventional, non-delinquent sub-group, a higher degree of significant relationship between degree of marijuana use and degree of violent behavior was found, compared to the degree of this type of relationship than was found for either cocaine/crack use, amphetamine use, or tranquilizer/sedative use. For example, for the commission of the offense of Attempted Homicide/Reckless Endangerment: for the conventional, non-delinquent group there was a highly significant relationship to the degree of marijuana use; but there was a non-significant relationship between this type of offense and the degree of use of each of the other types of drugs. Thus, this special disinhibition effect was found only for marijuana, and not for other drugs, regardless of whether they were stimulant types of drugs, or were sedative drugs.

Tobacco use as a predictor of illicit drug use and drug-related problems in Colombian youth

PURPOSE

To examine the extent to which personality and peer factors mediate the relationship between early cigarette use and later illicit drug use, as well as associated drug use problems, in a population of Colombian adolescents.

METHODS

A longitudinal study (2-year interval), using face-to-face structured interviews was begun in 1996 using a community-based sample, randomly selected from census data in three cities in Colombia, South America. The participants were 2837 adolescents with a mean age of 15.0 (SD +/- 1.6) years at time 1 (T1). Males comprised 52% of the sample and 65% resided with two parents. Approximately 78% (N = 2226) completed the second structured interview 2 years later (T2). The main outcome measures were marijuana use, other illicit drug use, and associated drug use problems at T2. Three series of logistic regressions were conducted.

RESULTS

The odds of marijuana use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.64-2.01; confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.94), other illicit drug use (AOR = 1.77-2.49; CI: 1.03-4.19), and associated drug use problems (AOR = 2.25-3.47; CI: 1.45-5.26) at T2, was increased two- to three-fold among adolescents reporting cigarette use at T1, with control on the demographic, personality, and peer factors, as well as T1 drug use variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier adolescent cigarette smoking was directly associated with later marijuana use, other illicit drug use, and problems with drug use.

Programmes for the children of illicit drug-using parents: issues and dilemmas

Concern about the health and general well-being of children whose parents use illicit drugs has contributed to an increased interest in intervention programmes, but the number of such services is still limited. We review published papers about residential, home-visiting and non-residential programmes and use these and our experience in studying playgroup-based clinics to outline issues and dilemmas they face. These include balancing trust and acceptance with intervention when problems are identified, harmonizing accessibility and flexibility with the provision of child-focused activities and adult education, finding a location that is both suitable and affordable, appropriately supporting staff, collaborating with other services and securing adequate funding, including for ongoing evaluation and monitoring.

Patterns of substance use in early through late adolescence

This study examined patterns of substance use throughout adolescence. A cluster analytic approach was used to identify subgroups of adolescents on the basis of their levels of substance use from early through late adolescence (Grades 6 through 11). Six distinct clusters of substance users emerged-2 groups representing relatively stable patterns of substance use from early through late adolescence (ie., nonusers and alcohol experimenters), and 4 groups of users showing escalating patterns of substance use (i.e., low escalators, early starters, late starters, and high escalators). The study provides a comprehensive view of adolescent substance use by examining the progression of use from early to late adolescence, demonstrates the usefulness of studying patterns of use across multiple substances, and underscores the importance of building classification schemes based on repeated measurements of substance use to reflect changes over time. Implications of the findings for future research and for identifying high-risk subgroups of adolescents for purposes of intervention based on timing and pattern of escalation are discussed.

A history of induced abortion in relation to substance use during subsequent pregnancies carried to term

OBJECTIVE

Previous research has revealed a general association between induced abortion and substance use. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation when substance use is measured specifically during a subsequent pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

A nationally representative sample of women was surveyed about substance use during pregnancy shortly after giving birth. Women with a previous induced abortion, whose second pregnancy was delivered, were compared separately with women with one previous birth and with women with no previous births.

RESULTS

Compared with women who gave birth, women who had had an induced abortion were significantly more likely to use marijuana (odds ratio, 10.29; 95% CI, 3.47-30.56), various illicit drugs (odds ratio, 5.60; 95% CI, 2.39-13.10), and alcohol (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.31-3.76) during their next pregnancy. The results with only first-time mothers were very similar.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial mechanisms that may explain the findings are discussed. Screening for abortion history may help to identify pregnant women who are at risk for substance use more effectively.

Perceived and self-reported licit and illicit drug use among fishing industry workers on the mid-north coast of Western Australia

This paper describes the perceptions of boat owners and regional health workers about the use of alcohol and illicit substances within the West Australian mid-west coast fishing industry. It also reports on a survey conducted among fishing industry workers concerning their consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs while at sea and in port. Boat owners and health workers perceived that cannabis and alcohol were the most commonly used substances, a perception borne out by the results of the survey. While the levels of illicit drug use for this group were lower than those reported in the fishing industry in an eastern Australian state (Queensland), they were nevertheless considerably higher than those recorded for the general population aged up to 35 years in a National Drug Survey. Cannabis was indeed the most frequently used illicit drug and injecting drug use was minimal. Alcohol use was particularly high and binge drinking described frequently. The results are compared with other industry findings and discussed in terms of occupational health and safety. Recommendations are suggested for future prevention programmes.

Illicit i.v. drugs. A public health approach

This article explores, from a public health perspective, the harm done by Canadian drug laws, to both individuals and society. It challenges the perceived dichotomy of legalization and criminalization of intravenous drugs. The article then expands the discussion by exploring eight legal options for illicit drugs and examines how these options interact with the marginalization of users, the illicit drug black market, and levels of drug consumption. While the main focus of this article is intravenous drugs, it draws some lessons from cannabis research.

Healthy nightclubs and recreational substance use. From a harm minimisation to a healthy settings approach

Recent trends identify a global rise in the use of drugs such as ecstasy as part of nightlife behaviour. In order to protect young people's health, a variety of harm reduction interventions have been implemented, often focusing on the direct effects of substance use. However, the risk to health posed by substances is also related to the nightlife environmental in which they are used. A healthy settings approach to nightclubs allows environmental issues and substance use to be tackled together. Consequently, a wider range of individuals and organisations feel capable of participating in the risk reduction process. Some countries have already developed integrated approaches to nightlife health. However, growth in international travel associated with nightlife and the additional risks posed by nightclubbing in an unfamiliar country mean that both interventions and basic health and safety measures are now required on an international basis.

The longitudinal relationship between drug use and risky sexual behaviors among colombian adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To identify the longitudinal relationships between drug use and risky sexual behaviors and early pregnancy in Colombian adolescents.

DESIGN

Confidential survey of adolescents, consisting of structured individual interviews, at 2 time points, 2 years apart. A standard self-report questionnaire was adapted to ensure linguistic and cultural relevance.

SETTING

Community samples representing differing levels of risky sexual behavior and drug use. Cohorts were drawn from higher- and lower-risk geographic areas and from various self-reported ethnic groups.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents (N = 2226) randomly selected from 3 major Colombian cities: Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data were collected concerning adolescent drug use, sexual behaviors, and a history of pregnancy. The youths' drug use included measures of all illegal drugs.

RESULTS

By using regression analyses (controlling for demographic variables) a reciprocal longitudinal relationship between risky sexual behaviors and drug use was identified. Those adolescents who reported higher levels of drug use at time 1 also had more sexual partners, had higher frequencies of unprotected sex, and were more likely to have experienced early pregnancy at time 2. The reverse relationship was true as well. The level of violence experienced by the adolescent emerged as a moderator of some of these relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing adolescent drug use may also reduce levels of risky sexual behavior and early pregnancy and vice versa. Furthermore, the importance of addressing violence as a risk factor for both problem behaviors is emphasized.

Drugs and substances: views from a Latino community

The last three decades have seen an increase in the study of licit and illicit substance use and abuse. Very few studies, however, have been conducted to show the views of minority people on what substance abuse really is and how it affects their families and communities, although connections have often been made between crime and minority involvement in drug trafficking, use and abuse. This exploratory study presents an attempt to explore Latino or Hispanic people's perceptions and attitudes regarding the use and abuse of both licit and illicit substances, in a Texas City. Further, it is set up to examine individuals' views on drugs' definitions, their use in their community, and their effects on abusive and violent behavior in the family. The findings indicate that although individuals in this Hispanic community hold views on drugs similar to those in other communities, they nonetheless place most importance on the impact of the use of legal substances (alcohol and tobacco) on problem creation.

Old and new drug consumption habits in Hungary, Romania and Moldova

The authors present patterns of drug use during the political and social transition periods in Hungary, Romania and Moldova. During the 1990s, each country witnessed major changes in the proliferation of various deviant behaviour patterns. These changes remain rather difficult to interpret and often reveal conflicting tendencies. Available statistical data and research results vary from country to country. On the basis of the information available, we can conclude that the era following the political transitions is characterised by an increase in drug-related problems. Although the extent of illicit drug use is probably much smaller than the extent of many other social problems, the novel nature of the drug problem and its extreme growth in the 1990s make it more of a social issue in all three countries.

Illicit drug use and its health consequences in Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine: impact of transition

The objective of this paper was to analyze the impact of the transition period on illicit drug use and its health consequences in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Available data were compiled to illustrate the trends and policy responses since 1991, when the countries had become politically independent and implemented radical changes in their social systems, which is particularly prominent in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. The transition period was associated with a rapid and dramatic increase in the supply of drugs combined with an increased demand, which was influenced by a range of social, economic and psychological factors. There was a sharp increase in negative public health consequences too. Inadequate policy responses might have had serious implications for economic and human development in the countries with a total population of more than 200 million people. The role of research to support policy responses is also discussed.

New syringe acquisition and multi-person use of syringes among illegal drug users

OBJECTIVES

This study reports on characteristics associated with "new" syringes by IDUs in Houston, Texas, where acquisition to sterile syringes is largely limited to pharmacy purchase.

METHODS

Data were collected from street-recruited injection drug users in Houston, Texas. "New" syringe use was defined as always injecting with syringes that were obtained brand new from a pharmacy and that were always wrapped in plastic when they were purchased. Logistic regression was used to assess whether "new" syringe use affected the odds of injecting after other persons, and to assess individual characteristics associated with exclusive use of "new" syringes.

RESULTS

Exclusive "new" needle use significantly decreased the odds that a respondent would report injecting after someone other than a sex partner, while methamphetamine consumption significantly increased the odds. None of the African-American injectors in the sample reported "new" syringe use. Social desirability and heroin consumption increased the odds that a respondent would report "new" syringe use.

CONCLUSIONS

Results are consistent with previous studies showing that acquisition of new syringes reliably decreases multi-person use of syringes and may thus slow the spread of HIV.

[Drug addiction among service soldiers--causes of phenomenon development]

Drug addiction is considered to be the manifestation of social maladaptation. Recently, intensification of drug addiction among service soldiers has been observed. Of the investigated group of soldiers, 11.8% informed that they have been using drugs and 2.1% showed symptoms of addiction. Marihuana, hashish and amphetamine belong to the group of most commonly used drugs in the army. The main causes of drug taking, listed by the soldiers, include: stress associated with the service and noticeable pleasure. Soldiers taking drugs buy them from their civilian colleagues, from dealers in the area of the unit or the neighborhood. Thus, there is a need of undertaking serious steps towards limitation of rapid increase of drug addiction in the army.

To smoke or not to smoke: impact on disability, quality of life, and illicit drug use in baseline polydrug users

Does tobacco use in polydrug users relate to future daily functioning (SF-36) and disability? To answer this question, community-living polydrug users (n = 254) were interviewed at baseline, 1-year and 2-year follow-up. Measures included: smoking status and self-reported disability at each assessment, and SF-36 measures collected at the final assessment. Urine samples permitted validation of reported drug use status. Results revealed that baseline disability rates were high but fell nearly 50% over two years. Disabilities named were similar to those reported in the general population. Change in smoking status was associated with decreased disability and improvements in general health and vitality. Respondents reporting disability reported lower daily functioning (SF-36). Stable everyday smoking was strongly associated with increased probability of positive urine tests for illicit drug use. Illicit drug use did not affect SF-36 ratings. Findings suggest that tobacco use by polydrug users is related to disability rates, to illicit drug use and to variations in daily functioning.

A randomized trial of two methods for engaging treatment-refusing drug users through concerned significant others

In a randomized clinical trial, 90 concerned significant others (CSOs) of treatment-refusing illicit drug users were assigned to either (a) community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT), which teaches behavior change skills, (b) CRAFT with additional group aftercare sessions after the completion of the individual sessions; or (c) Al-Anon and Nar-Anon facilitation therapy (Al-Nar FT). All protocols received 12 hr of manual-guided individual treatment. Follow-up rates for the CSOs were consistently at least 96%. The CRAFT conditions were significantly more effective than Al-Nar FT in engaging initially unmotivated drug users into treatment. CRAFT alone engaged 58.6%, CRAFT + aftercare engaged 76.7%, and Al-Nar FT engaged 29.0%. No CSO engaged a treatment-refusing loved one once individual sessions had been completed.

Family history and other characteristics of heroin-dependent Jewish males in Israel: results of a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Various studies support the concept of an inherited vulnerability to drug dependency, while emphasizing the importance of social and environmental influences and their interactions.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the characteristics of heroin-dependent Jewish men in Israel with those of the general population, focusing on the nature of family history of substance abuse.

METHOD

This case-control study compares 64 heroin-dependent Jewish male residents of Jerusalem with a community sample of 131 randomly selected Jerusalem residents with no drug use disorder. Univariate and multivariate models were employed to appraise the independent associations between heroin dependence and exposure variables such as family history of substance misuse and exposure to legal psychoactive substances.

RESULTS

The case group is characterized by heavy tobacco and alcohol involvement. Nearly 70% of the cases report an alcohol and/or drug problem in at least one first-degree relative compared with 10% of controls (odds ratio 14.5, adjusted for sociodemographic and other potential confounders). Cases with a positive family history have, on average, higher alcohol consumption levels and higher heroin-use severity scores, as compared with cases with no such history.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial aggregation of drug and alcohol problems, along with smoking at a young age, is the strongest predictor of heroin dependence in this population. Better understanding of the components underlying this familial aggregation can lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

HIV-positive Midwesterner tells how he uses meth. Even after 2-year prison term, attraction is there

The stereotypic user of methamphetamine in the Midwest is a gay or bisexual man who is an educated professional and lover of the gay party/nightclub scene. Depending on when such a person is interviewed, he also may be HIV-positive. One gay man talks about why he uses the drug.

Syringe type and drug injector risk for HIV infection: a case study in Texas

Studies of accidental needlestick exposure to blood containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have shown that the volume of blood in an exposure is a strong predictor of subsequent infection. Illicit drug injectors, a group at elevated risk for HIV transmission, use syringes manufactured in two styles, one of which (the integral cannula type) retains substantially less blood after intravenous use than the other (the detachable needle type). In this report, we examine some of the factors associated with use of syringes with detachable needles among drug injectors in San Antonio, Texas using data from epidemiological surveys, ethnographic studies, and historical observations. We compare personal history of syringe type use with HIV serostatus in a sample of 501 active drug injectors interviewed and screened for HIV in 1997-1998. Ninety-nine percent of these respondents reported that they currently used only integral cannula syringes, but 13% had used a syringe with a detachable needle within the past 2 years, and 37% had used one in their lifetime. Only 9% had ever used one > or = 20 times in a year. Hispanic (Mexican American) respondents were significantly less likely than other ethnic groups to have ever used a detachable needle syringe. HIV seroprevalence was < 1% among heterosexual injectors who had never used a detachable needle syringe compared to 4% among those who had used one (p<0.05).