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Kleinman MB, Anvari MS, Seitz-Brown CJ, Bradley VD, Tralka H, Felton JW, Belcher AM, Greenblatt AD, Magidson JF. Psychosocial challenges affecting patient-defined medication for opioid use disorder treatment outcomes in a low-income, underserved population: Application of the social-ecological framework. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023; 149:209046. [PMID: 37061189 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful engagement with medication treatment for opioid use disorder is an important focus in reducing mortality associated with the opioid crisis. Mortality remains at unacceptably high levels, pointing to a need for improved understanding of factors that affect medication for opioid use disorder outcomes. This study aims to understand how barriers co-occur and interact to interfere with outcomes in methadone treatment for a low-income, underserved patient population with opioid use disorder. METHODS This study was conducted at a community-based drug treatment center that serves a predominately low-income, racially diverse population. Guided by the social-ecological framework, we analyzed semi-structured interviews and focus groups with patients and providers working in opioid use disorder care and recovery across Baltimore City (N = 32) to assess factors that influence methadone treatment outcomes, and how barriers co-occur and interact to worsen treatment outcomes. The study used patient-centered definitions to describe successful treatment outcomes. RESULTS Barriers described by both patients and providers fit into several broad levels: individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and stigma. Participants described co-occurrence of many barriers. Further, the study identified potential interactive effects, such that interrelated barriers were seen as fueling one another and having a deleterious effect on treatment outcomes. Specifically, interrelationships between barriers were described for 1) unstable housing with social influences and mental health factors; 2) transportation with poor physical health and other competing responsibilities; 3) treatment program policies and schedule with competing responsibilities; and 4) stigma with poor physical and mental health. CONCLUSIONS Understanding barriers to successful medication for opioid use disorder outcomes and considering their co-occurrence may help to identify and promote interventions to mitigate their impact. This work is intended to guide future research to adapt conceptual frameworks for understanding psychosocial and structural barriers affecting opioid use disorder treatment and ultimately intervention efforts to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Kleinman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Morgan S Anvari
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Valerie D Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Tralka
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Annabelle M Belcher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron D Greenblatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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2
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Kleinman MB, Anvari MS, Bradley VD, Felton JW, Belcher AM, Seitz-Brown CJ, Greenblatt AD, Dean D, Bennett M, Magidson JF. "Sometimes you have to take the person and show them how": adapting behavioral activation for peer recovery specialist-delivery to improve methadone treatment retention. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:15. [PMID: 36879304 PMCID: PMC9990281 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite efficacy of medication for opioid use disorder, low-income, ethno-racial minoritized populations often experience poor opioid use disorder treatment outcomes. Peer recovery specialists, individuals with lived experience of substance use and recovery, are well-positioned to engage hard-to-reach patients in treatment for opioid use disorder. Traditionally, peer recovery specialists have focused on bridging to care rather than delivering interventions. This study builds on research in other low-resource contexts that has explored peer delivery of evidence-based interventions, such as behavioral activation, to expand access to care. METHODS We sought feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of a peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation intervention supporting retention in methadone treatment by increasing positive reinforcement. We recruited patients and staff at a community-based methadone treatment center and peer recovery specialist working across Baltimore City, Maryland, USA. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups inquired about the feasibility and acceptability of behavioral activation, recommendations for adaptation, and acceptability of working with a peer alongside methadone treatment. RESULTS Participants (N = 32) shared that peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation could be feasible and acceptable with adaptations. They described common challenges associated with unstructured time, for which behavioral activation could be particularly relevant. Participants provided examples of how a peer-delivered intervention could fit well in the context of methadone treatment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and specific peer qualities. CONCLUSIONS Improving medication for opioid use disorder outcomes is a national priority that must be met with cost-effective, sustainable strategies to support individuals in treatment. Findings will guide adaptation of a peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation intervention to improve methadone treatment retention for underserved, ethno-racial minoritized individuals living with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Kleinman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| | - Morgan S Anvari
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Valerie D Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Julia W Felton
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Annabelle M Belcher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron D Greenblatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dwayne Dean
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Melanie Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Abidogun TM, Cole TO, Massey E, Kleinman M, Greenblatt AD, Seitz-Brown CJ, Magidson JF, Belcher AM. Patient experiences of COVID-19-induced changes to methadone treatment in a large community-based opioid treatment program in Baltimore. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023; 145:208946. [PMID: 36880915 PMCID: PMC9822549 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2022.208946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the March 2020 federal declaration of a COVID-19 public health emergency, in line with recommendations for social distancing and decreased congregation, federal agencies issued sweeping regulation changes to facilitate access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment. These changes allowed patients new to treatment to receive multiple days of take-home medications (THM) and to use remote technology for treatment encounters-allowances that previously had been reserved exclusively for "stable" patients who met minimum adherence and time-in-treatment criteria. The impact of these changes on low-income, minoritized patients (frequently the largest recipients of opioid treatment program [OTP]-based addiction care), however, is not well characterized. We aimed to explore the experiences of patients who were enrolled in treatment prior to COVID-19 OTP regulation changes, with the goal of understanding patients' perceptions of the impact of these changes on treatment. METHODS This study included semistructured, qualitative interviews with 28 patients. We used a purposeful sampling method to recruit individuals who were active in treatment just before COVID-19-related policy changes went into effect, and who were still in treatment several months later. To ensure a diverse array of perspectives, we interviewed individuals who either had or had not experienced challenges with methadone medication adherence from 3/24/21 to 6/8/21, approximately 12-15 months following the onset of COVID-19. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants were majority male (57 %), Black/African American (57 %), with a mean age of 50.1 (SD = 9.3). Fifty percent received THM prior to COVID-19, which increased to 93 % during the pandemic. COVID-19 program changes had mixed effects on treatment and recovery experiences. Themes identified convenience, safety, and employment as reasons for preferring THM. Challenges included difficulty with managing/storing medications, experiencing isolation, and concern about relapse. Furthermore, some participants reported that telebehavioral health encounters felt less personal. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers should consider patients' perspectives to foster a more patient-centered approach to methadone dosing that is safe, flexible, and accommodating to a diverse array of patients' needs. Additionally, technical support should be provided to OTPs to ensure interpersonal connections are maintained in the patient-provider relationship beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolulope M Abidogun
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Thomas O Cole
- Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Ebonie Massey
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Mary Kleinman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Aaron D Greenblatt
- Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Annabelle M Belcher
- Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States of America.
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4
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Magidson JF, Kleinman MB, Bradley V, Anvari MS, Abidogun TM, Belcher AM, Greenblatt AD, Dean D, Hines A, Seitz-Brown CJ, Wagner M, Bennett M, Felton JW. Peer recovery specialist-delivered, behavioral activation intervention to improve retention in methadone treatment: Results from an open-label, Type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot trial. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 108:103813. [PMID: 35932644 PMCID: PMC9590100 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the efficacy of methadone to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), retention is an urgent priority, particularly among low-income, minoritized populations. Peer recovery specialists are well-positioned to engage vulnerable patients, particularly when trained in an evidence-based intervention to promote retention. This hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot trial aimed to demonstrate the proof of concept of a peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation and problem solving-based approach (Peer Activate) to improve methadone retention. METHODS Implementation outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Feasibility and acceptability were defined by the percentage of participants who initiated the intervention (≥75%) and completed ≥75% of core sessions, respectively. Fidelity was assessed via independent rating of a randomly selected 20% of sessions. The primary effectiveness outcome was methadone retention at three-months post-intervention vs. a comparison cohort initiating methadone during the same time period. Secondary outcomes included methadone adherence, substance use frequency, and substance use-related problems. RESULTS Benchmarks for feasibility and acceptability were surpassed: 86.5% (32/37) initiated the intervention, and 81.3% of participants who initiated attended ≥75% of core sessions. The mean independent rater fidelity score was 87.9%, indicating high peer fidelity. For effectiveness outcomes, 88.6% of participants in Peer Activate were retained in methadone treatment at three-months post-intervention-28.9% higher than individuals initiating methadone treatment alone in the same time period [χ2(1) = 10.10, p = 0.001]. Among Peer Activate participants, urine-verified methadone adherence reached 97% at post-intervention, and there was a significant reduction in substance use frequency from 48% of past two-week days used at baseline to 31.9% at post-intervention [t(25) = 1.82, p = .041]. Among participants who completed the core Peer Activate sessions (n = 26), there was a significant reduction in substance use-related problems [t(21) = 1.84, p = 0.040]. CONCLUSION Given the rapid scale-up of peer recovery specialist programs nationwide and the urgent need to promote methadone retention, these results, although preliminary, have important potential clinical significance. The next steps are to conduct a Type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized trial with a larger sample size and longer-term follow-up to further establish the implementation and effectiveness of the Peer Activate approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Mary B Kleinman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Valerie Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Morgan S Anvari
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dwayne Dean
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Hines
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Michael Wagner
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Melanie Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julia W Felton
- Center for Health Policy & Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
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5
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Anvari MS, Belus JM, Kleinman MB, Seitz-Brown CJ, Felton JW, Dean D, Ciya N, Magidson JF. How to incorporate lived experience into evidence-based interventions: assessing fidelity for peer-delivered substance use interventions in local and global resource-limited settings. Transl Issues Psychol Sci 2022; 8:153-163. [PMID: 37900977 PMCID: PMC10611440 DOI: 10.1037/tps0000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Interventions led by peer recovery specialists (PRSs) have rapidly expanded in response to a global shortage of access to substance use treatment. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to incorporate PRSs' lived experience into the delivery of evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Moreover, few resources exist to assess fidelity that integrate both content fidelity, peer competence, and incorporation of lived experience (i.e., PRS role fidelity). This study aimed to: (1) describe a novel PRS fidelity monitoring approach to assess both content and PRS role fidelity; (2) compare independent rater and PRS-self-reported content fidelity; (3) examine associations between content and PRS role fidelity; and (4) assess whether the PRS role fidelity was associated with substance use at post-treatment. This study was conducted across two PRS-led behavioral intervention trials conducted in global resource-limited settings: Baltimore City, US, and Khayelitsha, South Africa. A significant difference was found between PRS- and independent rater content fidelity in both interventions, with PRSs reporting significantly higher content fidelity in both sites. PRS role and content fidelity were not significantly correlated, suggesting greater adherence to the PRS role is not associated with lower adherence to structured EBI content. PRS role fidelity was not significantly associated with substance use at post-treatment. This study provides an important step towards understanding how to assess PRS role fidelity in the context of EBIs for underserved individuals with SUD that also incorporates their lived experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - CJ Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Julia W. Felton
- Center for Health Policy & Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health Systems
| | - Dwayne Dean
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
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6
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Magidson JF, Belus JM, Seitz-Brown CJ, Tralka H, Safren SA, Daughters SB. Act Healthy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating a Behavioral Activation Intervention to Address Substance Use and Medication Adherence Among Low-Income, Black/African American Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:102-115. [PMID: 34173895 PMCID: PMC8808422 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for parsimonious behavioral interventions to support HIV and substance use treatment outcomes for low-income, Black/African American individuals living with HIV. This randomized clinical trial (N = 61) evaluated Act Healthy (AH), an integrated behavioral intervention to reduce substance use and improve medication adherence, compared to supportive counseling (SC) plus Life-Steps medication adherence counseling on substance use, craving, adherence-related outcomes, and depression over one year. Participants in AH had significantly steeper decreases in cravings compared to SC, but no significant differences in substance use. Across both groups, there was a significant increase in probability of being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (86% on ART at 12 months vs. 56% at baseline), and a significant decrease in medication nonadherence. Findings provide preliminary support for an intervention to reduce cravings and strategies to improve ART use in a hard-to-reach, vulnerable population at high risk for poor treatment outcomes and ongoing HIV transmission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration number: identifier: NCT01351454. Retrospectively registered on May 10, 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Belus
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Hannah Tralka
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stacey B Daughters
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, UNC Chapel-Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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7
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Anvari MS, Seitz-Brown CJ, Spencer J, Mulheron M, Abdelwahab S, Borba CPC, Magidson JF, Felton JW. "How can I hug someone now [over the phone]?": Impacts of COVID-19 on peer recovery specialists and clients in substance use treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108649. [PMID: 34716038 PMCID: PMC8548675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected underserved, low-income, ethnoracial minority communities, as well as those with substance use disorders (SUDs). The workforce of peer recovery specialists (PRSs), individuals with lived substance use and recovery experience, has rapidly expanded in response to a shortage of access to substance use treatment, particularly for those from underserved communities. As PRSs are likely serving individuals disproportionately affected by the pandemic, it is important to understand how COVID-19 has affected the PRS role and the individuals with SUD who they are supporting. Method This study aimed to examine: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on the PRS role and experience, (2) the impact of COVID-19 on clients in or seeking SUD treatment, (3) facilitators for clients engaging in treatment and adapting to new changes, and (4) sustainability of new treatment methods post-pandemic. Results Findings suggest that PRSs have had to adapt their role and responsibilities to meet changing client needs; however, PRS strengths, such as their shared experience and expertise navigating treatment barriers, make them uniquely suited to assist clients during the pandemic. The study identified various barriers and facilitators to clients seeking treatment or living with SUD, such as the loss of interpersonal connection. PRSs also identified some drawbacks to utilizing telehealth, but identified this as a potentially sustainable approach to delivering care after the pandemic. Conclusion Future research could explore how challenges to fulfilling the PRS role, as well as adaptations to overcome these challenges, have changed over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan S Anvari
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America.
| | - C J Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Jessie Spencer
- Division of Public Health, Michigan State University, United States of America
| | - Megan Mulheron
- Division of Public Health, Michigan State University, United States of America
| | - Sara Abdelwahab
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Christina P C Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
| | - Julia W Felton
- Division of Public Health, Michigan State University, United States of America
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8
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Magidson JF, Robustelli BL, Seitz-Brown CJ, Whisman MA. Activity enjoyment, not frequency, is associated with alcohol-related problems and heavy episodic drinking. Psychol Addict Behav 2016; 31:73-78. [PMID: 27631613 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur, and this comorbidity is associated with greater impairment and higher likelihood of relapse compared to either disorder alone. Identifying shared vulnerability across depression and AUD may aid in developing more parsimonious treatment approaches. Low levels of positive reinforcement for healthy behaviors have been implicated as a shared vulnerability across both depression and AUD. However, prior research in this area has largely been conducted among college students and has rarely examined depression and AUD symptoms together. This study aims to extend prior literature by examining the association between both the frequency and enjoyment of activities and AUD symptoms in a national sample of adults (n = 609) while also accounting for depressive symptoms. Study results indicated that low levels of enjoyment were associated with greater alcohol-related problems and frequency of heavy episodic drinking, above and beyond depressive symptoms. The frequency of potentially pleasurable activities was unrelated to alcohol-related problems or heavy episodic drinking. Findings extend prior literature by providing evidence for the association between enjoyment of activities and alcohol use, above and beyond depressive symptoms, among a national sample of adults. These results suggest that prioritizing enjoyment of activities, rather than frequency, may be important for behavioral intervention efforts to address heavy drinking and associated problems. Future longitudinal research using observational methods of behavior is needed to identify causal relationships between activity enjoyment and AUD symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark A Whisman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
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9
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Ali B, Seitz-Brown CJ, Daughters SB. The interacting effect of depressive symptoms, gender, and distress tolerance on substance use problems among residential treatment-seeking substance users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 148:21-6. [PMID: 25578252 PMCID: PMC4345141 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is associated with substance use problems; however, the specific individual characteristics influencing this association are not well identified. Empirical evidence and theory suggest that gender and distress tolerance-defined behaviorally as an individual's ability to persist in goal-directed behavior while experiencing negative affective states-are important underlying factors in this relationship. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to examine whether gender and distress tolerance moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and substance use problems. METHODS Participants included 189 substance users recruited from a residential substance abuse treatment center. The Short Inventory of Problems-Alcohol and Drugs scale was used to measure self-reported substance use problems. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess self-reported depressive symptoms. Gender was self-reported, and distress tolerance was behaviorally indexed by the Computerized Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task. RESULTS Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated a significant three-way interaction of depressive symptoms, gender, and distress tolerance on substance use problems, adjusting for relevant demographic variables, anxiety symptoms, impulsivity, as well as DSM-IV psychiatric disorders. Probing of this three-way interaction demonstrated a significant positive association between depressive symptoms and substance use problems among females with low distress tolerance. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that female treatment-seeking substance users with high levels of depressive symptoms exhibit greater substance use problems if they also evidence low distress tolerance. Study implications are discussed, including the development of prevention and intervention programs that target distress tolerance skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bina Ali
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - C. J. Seitz-Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Stacey B. Daughters
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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10
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Magidson JF, Listhaus A, Seitz-Brown CJ, Safren SA, Lejuez CW, Daughters SB. Can behavioral theory inform the understanding of depression and medication nonadherence among HIV-positive substance users? J Behav Med 2014; 38:337-47. [PMID: 25381605 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-014-9606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Medication adherence is highly predictive of health outcomes across chronic conditions, particularly HIV/AIDS. Depression is consistently associated with worse adherence, yet few studies have sought to understand how depression relates to adherence. This study tested three components of behavioral depression theory--goal-directed activation, positive reinforcement, and environmental punishment--as potential indirect effects in the relation between depressive symptoms and medication nonadherence among low-income, predominantly African American substance users (n = 83). Medication nonadherence was assessed as frequency of doses missed across common reasons for nonadherence. Non-parametric bootstrapping was used to evaluate the indirect effects. Of the three intermediary variables, there was only an indirect effect of environmental punishment; depressive symptoms were associated with greater nonadherence through greater environmental punishment. Goal-directed activation and positive reinforcement were unrelated to adherence. Findings suggest the importance of environmental punishment in the relation between depression and medication adherence and may inform future intervention efforts for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA,
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11
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Magidson JF, Seitz-Brown CJ, Safren SA, Daughters SB. Implementing Behavioral Activation and Life-Steps for Depression and HIV Medication Adherence in a Community Health Center. Cogn Behav Pract 2014; 21:386-403. [PMID: 25419102 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV/AIDS has substantially improved clinical outcomes among patients living with HIV/AIDS, but only in the presence of very consistent adherence. One of the most prevalent and impactful individual-level predictors of poor adherence is depressive symptoms, even at subthreshold levels. Evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions exist to address improvements in depressive symptoms and adherence in this population, yet these techniques have largely been designed and tested as individual treatments for delivery in mental health settings. This presents a significant challenge when transporting these techniques to medical settings where other formats for delivery may be more appropriate (i.e., groups, less frequent visits) and few hands-on resources exist to guide this process. As such, primary aims of this study were to adapt and implement evidence-based cognitive behavioral techniques for depression (behavioral activation; BA) and HIV medication adherence (Life-Steps) that have potential for dissemination in an outpatient community health center. The intervention incorporated feedback from health center staff and utilized a modular, group format that did not rely on sequential session attendance. Feasibility was examined over 8 weeks (n = 13). Preliminary effects on depression, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence were examined and exit interviews were conducted with a subset of participants (n = 4) to inform future modifications. Treatment descriptions and recommendations for effective clinical implementation based on patient and clinician feedback are provided along with case material of two individual patients and an example group session. Current efforts are an important next step for disseminating evidence-based techniques for depression and HIV medication adherence to community health center or AIDS service organization settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and University of Maryland, College Park
| | | | | | - Stacey B Daughters
- University of Maryland, College Park, and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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12
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Daughters SB, Gorka SM, Magidson JF, Macpherson L, Seitz-Brown CJ. The role of gender and race in the relation between adolescent distress tolerance and externalizing and internalizing psychopathology. J Adolesc 2013; 36:1053-65. [PMID: 24215952 PMCID: PMC4280012 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Distress tolerance (DT) is an established construct contributing to the onset and maintenance of psychopathology in adulthood; however, few studies have examined the role of DT in older adolescent psychopathology. Emerging data suggest that gender and race may influence this relation. Therefore, the current study examined the relation between gender, race, and DT on parent-reported internalizing and externalizing DSM-oriented symptoms among a community sample of 128, 14-18 year old adolescents. Results indicated a moderating effect of gender on affective problems, such that females with low DT, but not males, displayed significantly greater affective problems. Findings also indicated a significant moderating effect of race, such that Caucasians with low DT, but not African Americans, displayed significantly higher somatic, oppositional defiant, and conduct problems. These findings suggest that DT is an important clinical variable in older adolescence, particularly among Caucasians and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B Daughters
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA.
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13
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Magidson JF, Seitz-Brown CJ, Listhaus A, Lindberg B, Anderson KE, Daughters SB. Distress tolerance and use of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected individuals in substance abuse treatment. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2013; 27:518-23. [PMID: 23991690 PMCID: PMC3760053 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2013.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent clinical guidelines recommending early initiation and widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected individuals are not receiving ART-in particular low-income, minority substance users. Few studies have examined psychological, as opposed to structural, factors related to not receiving ART in this population. Perceived capacity to tolerate physical and psychological distress, known as distress tolerance (DT), may be a particularly relevant yet understudied factor. The current study tested the relationship between self-reported physical and psychological DT and ART receipt among predominantly low-income, minority HIV-infected substance users (n=77). Psychiatric disorders, biological indicators of health status, ART use, structural barriers to health care, and self-reported physical and psychological DT were assessed. 61% of participants were receiving ART. The only factors that distinguished individuals not on ART were greater avoidance of physical discomfort, higher psychological DT, and higher CD4 count. Both DT measures remained associated with ART use after controlling for CD4 count and were associated with almost a two-fold decrease in likelihood of ART receipt. Current findings suggest higher perceived capacity to tolerate psychological distress and greater avoidance of physical discomfort are important factors associated with lower ART use among substance users and may be important intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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