Age-based differences in treatment outcome among alcohol-dependent women

Predictors of treatment outcome for individuals with alcohol use disorder with a goal of controlled drinking

BACKGROUND

Research is lacking on predictors of outcome for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) with a goal of controlled drinking (CD). The aim of the study was to investigate one-year outcomes of an RCT, investigating Behavioral Self-Control Training (BSCT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and predictors of positive outcome for weekly alcohol consumption, CD and symptom reduction in AUD.

METHODS

This study is based on secondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial including 250 individuals with AUD (52% men) recruited from three specialized addiction clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Linear and logistic mixed regression models were used for outcomes at 52 weeks, and linear and logistic regression models for the predictor analyses.

RESULTS

BSCT was superior to MET for the change between baseline to 52 weeks for the outcome of CD, defined as low-risk drinking below ten standard drinks per week for both genders (p = 0.048). A total of 57% of individuals in BSCT attained a level of CD, as opposed to 43% in MET. Females were significantly better in attaining low-risk drinking levels compared to men. The predictor for obtaining CD and reducing weekly alcohol consumption, was a lower baseline alcohol consumption. Predictors of symptom reduction in AUD were lower baseline level of AUD, and a lower self-rated impaired control over alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

BSCT was superior to MET in obtaining CD levels, and women were superior to men for the same outcome. The study corroborated baseline consumption levels as an important predictor of outcome in CD treatments. The study contributes with important knowledge on key treatment targets, and knowledge to support and advice patients in planning for treatment with a goal of controlled drinking.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The original study was registered retrospectively at isrtcn.com (14539251).

Age group differences in substance use, social support, and physical and mental health concerns among people living with HIV two years after receiving primary care-based alcohol treatment

Objectives: People living with HIV (PWH) have seen reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and increase in near-normal life expectancy, yet unhealthy alcohol use poses substantial risks to older as well as younger adults. Further research regarding age-associated physical and mental health concerns among PWH who drink alcohol is needed to inform services, given the expanding age range of patients in care.Methods: We compared age group differences (18-34, 35-44, 45-54, ≥55 years old) in two-year patient-reported outcomes and HIV viral control among PWH enrolled in a primary care-based behavioral alcohol intervention trial; with 90% follow up from baseline.Results: Of 553 PWH, 50 (9%) were 18-34, 85 (15%) were 35-44, 197 (36%) were 45-54, and 221 (40%) were ≥55 years old. Most were men (97%) and White (64%). At two years, PWH ≥55 reported less substance use in the prior 30 days, fewer social contacts, and more pain; younger PWH had lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. In adjusted analyses, PWH ages 18-34 had higher odds of unhealthy alcohol use, tobacco, cannabis, or other substances compared to those ≥55; with higher odds of anxiety among PWH 35-44 compared with those ≥55; and physical quality of life was worse among those ≥55 compared with younger groups.Conclusions: While older PWH report less substance use than younger PWH and have better ART adherence post-treatment, they are more likely to experience limited social support and worse physical quality of life. Findings can inform interventions to address varying needs of PWH across the lifespan.

Characteristics of people who have received treatment for late-onset problem drinking and alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Aims: The current review investigated the psychosocial characteristics of late-onset problem drinkers, an under-researched area of alcohol harm that accounts for one-third of older problem drinkers. Method: Following the PRISMA model, the protocol and search strategy included a scoping search and main search of nine databases. A total of 1,595 papers were identified; after screening, 26 papers were considered eligible and were included in the review. The review used an investigative framework comprising three categories: standardising age of onset; gender differences; and psychosocial and mental health characteristics. The review also investigated how meaning and purpose in life, and treatment have been reported in relation to this cohort. Findings/Conclusions: The combined onset ages of the reviews’ 26 papers (mean age = 52.69 years) and the participants’ self-reported age at onset (mean age = 56.79 years), suggest that late-onset alcohol use disorder (AUD)/problem drinking is likely to emerge at the age of 55 years and older. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of co-morbid mental health disorders among elderly, late-onset drinkers. Retirement was reported as the most prevalent psychosocial risk factor for late-onset problematic drinking; other late-life events included bereavement, loneliness and social isolation, and boredom. In the context of gender, women are at greater risk of developing late-onset problem drinking than men. Furthermore, late-onset problem drinkers, particularly women, are more treatment compliant than their early-onset counterparts, highlighting the case for bespoke treatments/interventions for late-onset problem drinkers. Finally, the role that meaning and purpose in life plays in late-onset problem drinking has been under-reported and requires further investigation.

Heavy Drinking among Women Receiving Intensive Motivational Interviewing: 6-Month Outcomes

Compared to men, women with alcohol use disorders experience more severe consequences related to drinking. Intensive Motivational Interviewing (IMI) is a new 9-session version of Motivational Interviewing (MI) designed for women with alcohol use disorders. The current study reports outcomes from a randomized clinical trial of IMI compared to a single session of MI. Data were collected at baseline, 2-month, and 6-month follow-up. In addition to a standard "intent-to-treat" (ITT) analysis, we conducted disaggregated subgroup analyses of women who were heavy drinkers and a "per protocol" (PP) analysis of women in the IMI condition who attended 7-9 sessions (80% of the IMI sample). Women in both study conditions made large reductions in drinking between baseline and 2 months that were maintained at 6 months. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models using the full sample (N = 215) did not show time by condition differences, but heavy drinkers(n = 153) receiving IMI showed significantly larger reductions in drinking at 2- and 6-month follow-up than the comparison condition. Assessment of heavy drinkers using the PP sample showed larger between condition differences favoring IMI at both follow-up time points. Results support the efficacy of IMI in terms of reducing drinking, particularly among women who are heavy drinkers.

Sex and gender differences in substance use disorders

The gender gap in substance use disorders (SUDs), characterized by greater prevalence in men, is narrowing, highlighting the importance of understanding sex and gender differences in SUD etiology and maintenance. In this critical review, we provide an overview of sex/gender differences in the biology, epidemiology and treatment of SUDs. Biological sex differences are evident across an array of systems, including brain structure and function, endocrine function, and metabolic function. Gender (i.e., environmentally and socioculturally defined roles for men and women) also contributes to the initiation and course of substance use and SUDs. Adverse medical, psychiatric, and functional consequences associated with SUDs are often more severe in women. However, men and women do not substantively differ with respect to SUD treatment outcomes. Although several trends are beginning to emerge in the literature, findings on sex and gender differences in SUDs are complicated by the interacting contributions of biological and environmental factors. Future research is needed to further elucidate sex and gender differences, especially focusing on hormonal factors in SUD course and treatment outcomes; research translating findings between animal and human models; and gender differences in understudied populations, such as those with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and gender-specific populations, such as pregnant women.

Women and Alcohol Use Disorders: Factors That Lead to Harm

Women, alcohol, and alcohol use disorders are underresearched topics when compared with the plethora of literature exploring male alcohol consumption and its related harms. It is time to change the fact that women are underrepresented in research and programs targeting alcohol use disorders. Given the changing patterns of alcohol consumption by women, coupled with the fact that women experience a telescoping effect in alcohol-related harms, it is time that increasing attention be paid to the way gender influences the experience of alcohol-related harms, including the development of alcohol use disorders. Recovery-orientated systems are not possible without the voices of the consumers being heard. With this in mind, the purposes of this article are to explore factors that lead to alcohol-related harm in women and to highlight the gender-specific barriers to service engagement.

Applying technology to the treatment of cannabis use disorder: comparing telephone versus Internet delivery using data from two completed trials

Technology-based interventions such as those delivered by telephone or online may assist in removing significant barriers to treatment seeking for cannabis use disorder. Little research, however, has addressed differing technology-based treatments regarding their comparative effectiveness, and how user profiles may affect compliance and treatment satisfaction. This study addressed this issue by examining these factors in online (N=225) versus telephone (N=160) delivered interventions for cannabis use, using data obtained from two previously published randomized controlled trials conducted by the current authors. Several differences emerged including stronger treatment effects (medium to large effect sizes in the telephone study versus small effect sizes in the Web study) and lower dropout in the telephone intervention (38% vs. 46%). Additionally, around half of the telephone study participants sought concurrent treatment, compared with 2% of participants in the Web study. Demographics and predictors of treatment engagement, retention and satisfaction also varied between the studies. Findings indicate that both telephone and Web-based treatments can be effective in assisting cannabis users to quit or reduce their use; however, participant characteristics may have important implications for treatment preference and outcome, with those who elect telephone-based treatment experiencing stronger outcomes. Thus, participant preference may shape study populations, adherence, and outcome.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of middle-aged versus younger adults enrolled in a clinical trial of a web-delivered psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that substance abuse is becoming more prevalent in middle-aged adults. The objective of this secondary analysis was to add to the growing empirical literature on the unique features of middle-aged substance abuse populations.

METHODS

We descriptively compared baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of middle-aged (age 45-62 years, n = 111) and younger (age 18-44 years, n = 395) substance abusers entering a Web-based psychosocial treatment study as part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network.

RESULTS

A significantly greater percentage of middle-aged adults were nonwhite and had a marital status other than single/never married. There was a significant association between frequency of Internet use and the age group. Forty-six percent of middle-aged adults versus 21% of younger adults reported no Internet use in the prior 90 days. A significantly greater percentage of middle-aged adults used cocaine, and a significantly greater percentage of younger adults used marijuana and opioids. Clinically significant cognitive impairment (z < -1.0) was found for the average participant in both groups on logical association of familiar concepts.

CONCLUSIONS

This secondary analysis of a National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network study provides additional information on the unique features of middle-aged substance abusers. Increasing knowledge of similarities and differences between younger and middle-aged substance abusers can help with potential age-specific substance abuse treatment planning.

Demographic and clinical profile of substance abusing women seeking treatment at a de-addiction center in north India

BACKGROUND

In the recent decades increasing number of women have been seeking deaddiction services. Despite that the report data is very limited from India.

OBJECTIVES

The present research aimed to study the demographic and clinical profile of women seeking deaddiction treatment at a tertiary care center in North India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective structured chart review of 100 women substance abusers seeking treatment at a deaddiction center between September 1978 and December 2011.

RESULTS

A typical case was of 36.3 years age, married (65%), urban (61%), nuclear family (59%) based housewife (56%), with good to fair social support (69%). The commonest substance of abuse was tobacco (60%), followed by opioids (27%), alcohol (15%), and benzodiazepines (13%). The common reasons for initiation of substance use were to alleviate frustration or stress (49%) and curiosity (37%). Family history of drug dependence (43%), comorbidity (25%), and impairments in health (74%), family (57%), and social domains (56%) were common. Only a third of the sample paid one or more follow visit, and of those 58% were abstinent at the last follow-up. Significant predictors identified were being non-Hindu and higher educational years for abstinent status at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The common substances of abuse were tobacco, opioids, and alcohol and benzodiazepines; and family history of drug abuse and comorbidity were common. The follow-up and outcome were generally poor. This profile gives us some clues to address a hidden health problem of the community.