Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (antiHBs) were determined in 556 narcotic addicts entering a randomized prospective study of alcoholism in patients on methadone maintenance. Only 37% of patients were either negative for HBsAg or without detectable titers of antiHBs. No difference in reactivity existed between alcoholic as compared to nonalcoholic patients and the use of street heroin as compared to use of methadone upon entry to the study. At least a one year follow-up was obtained in 229 (41%) patients with 25 of 88 (28%) patients initially without titers to antiHBs developing detectable titers. No relationship existed between development of antiHBs titers and elevation of liver function tests or the subsequent use of parenteral heroin. These findings suggest that the development of titers to antiHBs in persons on methadone maintenance should not be used as an indication of parenteral drug use.

Alanine Transaminase↗

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An enhanced positive reinforcement model for the severely impaired cocaine abuser.

This article describes a cognitive-behavioral treatment approach that has been extensively modified to work with inner-city methadone-maintained cocaine users. Modifications were deemed essential to address the problems of engagement and retention in treatment that are typically encountered with this population. While this approach relies on such basic tenets of treatment as relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring, and psychoeducation, an understanding of the particular psychological vulnerabilities of this population has been incorporated into the model. The modified approach utilizes positive reinforcement extensively. This includes use of concrete reinforcers to facilitate initial engagement, and use of interpersonal reinforcers (therapist positive regard, attention, and respect) to increase program retention and sustain posttreatment change. Preliminary results indicate that 63% of patients can complete this intensive 6-month program, with considerable reductions in cocaine use and significant change in drug injection behavior.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Patients' perspective on the process of change in substance abuse treatment.

Understanding how methadone patients view treatment for their cocaine dependence and the process of recovery from cocaine addiction, is important in helping to design treatment strategies that will effectively motivate and engage these patients. There has been little development or testing of treatment approaches for cocaine-dependent, methadone-maintained patients and research on the effectiveness of outpatient cocaine treatment has excluded the perspectives of patients. This article presents the patient's view, using ethnographic interviews with 17 patients enrolled in a relapse prevention treatment program for cocaine dependence, that was set up in an inner-city methadone maintenance clinic. Findings suggest that despite initial ambivalence or resistance, patients became highly engaged by the positively reinforcing treatment intervention. In addition, patients found the highly structured nature of the program and the cognitive behavioral techniques critical in reducing their cocaine use. Finally, patients responded positively to the psychodynamic issues addressed within a cognitive behavioral format, and reported improvements in certain areas of psychological functioning.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Follow-up of inpatient cocaine withdrawal for cocaine-using methadone patients.

Significant proportions of opiate-dependent persons entering methadone treatment are also addicted to cocaine and continue to use cocaine during treatment. One standard response to cocaine use has been inpatient detoxification. This study examined the effectiveness of this procedure by comparing pre- and posttreatment urine toxicologies for methadone patients who had been hospitalized for cocaine withdrawal. The results showed a negligible effect on cocaine abstinence (less than 1 out of 10 patients abstinent 12 weeks after detox) and a modest reduction in the frequency of cocaine use (one-quarter decline in urine tests positive after 12 weeks). These findings raise serious doubts about the cost-effectiveness of inpatient cocaine detoxification. Better strategies need to be implemented to enhance the chances of remaining abstinent once detoxified.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment intensity and reduction in drug use for cocaine-dependent methadone patients: a dose-response relationship.

This study examined the impact of treatment intensity on cocaine use. Seventy-seven cocaine-using methadone patients were enrolled in a six-month, structured, manual-driven, cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Sessions consisted of five individual and/or group sessions per week. At intake subjects showed extensive polydrug abuse, psychiatric comorbidity, criminal histories, and HIV risk behaviors. Treatment intensity was measured by dividing number of sessions attended into quartiles. Paired comparisons, within treatment quartiles, were made between subjects' intake and six-month self-reports of cocaine use. Subjects in quartiles two through four showed significant reductions in frequency of cocaine use at follow-up, with subjects who received the most treatment showing the greatest reductions in cocaine use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that treatment sessions attended remained a strong predictor of reduction in cocaine use at follow-up, even after controlling for drug use at intake and background variables. The results indicate that there is a substantial treatment dose-response relationship.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Adolescent alcohol and substance use and abuse: a cause for concern or for complacency.

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Alcoholism↗