Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R K Brooner.
There was an excess of injuries during the full and new moons in hours of darkness, but either a deficit or no significant difference occurred during these phases in daylight hours. Implications for research were suggested, and conjecture regarding explanations for the apparent dark-light interaction with phase of moon were offered.
The decision of whether or not to prescribe minor tranquilizers becomes an apparent dilemma for mental health professionals working in jails. By dispensing anxiety-reducing drugs, they may help the inmate cope with existing hardship conditions, but they may also contribute to drug dependency. A survey of California county jail systems revealed a general distrust of minor tranquilizers as a therapeutic modality. The authors conducted a medication-linked group therapy program in one county jail to provide an alternative to the usual policies governing use of tranquilizers.
The present study introduced a novel behavioral approach for encouraging methadone-treated patients to bring drug-free significant other support into treatment. Seventy-five patients referred to high-intensity psychosocial treatment due to chronic drug use were given 3 weeks to identify a drug-free significant other. Patients noncompliant with this intervention were started on a methadone dose taper that was stopped when significant other support was identified. Patients and their significant others were required to attend a significant other group one time per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. Eighty-five percent of the patients brought a drug-free significant other into treatment. Significant others included family members, partners, and friends. Patients who identified significant other support complied with 77% of their scheduled sessions. The results demonstrated that most methadone patients have drug-free support people who are willing to participate in their treatment. These individuals can be utilized to help patients initiate the process of building new drug-free social support networks.