Substance use & misuse
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Substance use & misuse · Jan 2008
Comparative StudyA validation of self-reported substance use with biochemical testing among patients presenting to the emergency department seeking treatment for backache, headache, and toothache.
This study tests the validity of self-reported illicit substance use against biochemical testing among Emergency Department (ED) patients seeking treatment with narcotics for backache, headache, and toothache and to characterize patients who provide false reports. ⋯ Self-reported drug use is unreliable in this ED subpopulation. When this knowledge is critical for patient care, biochemical testing may be indicated.
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Substance use & misuse · Jan 2008
Are "physiological" and "psychological" addiction really different? well, no! ... um, er, yes?
The distinction often made between psychological and physiological addiction is a form of mind-body dualism. Therefore, it is a false distinction. However, this does not imply that behavioral and autonomic symptoms of addiction have the same brain substrates. In fact, they likely do not, although there is some overlap.
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The study, conducted in 2003-2005, was aimed at investigating the pattern of benzodiazepine (BZD) use and the attitudes and perceptions of doctors' prescribing practices by a hundred BZD-dependent patients in Singapore. Data on patients' demographic characteristics, psychiatric profiles, patterns of BZD use, and perceptions about doctors' prescribing practices were collected. A benzodiazepine dependence self-report questionnaire (Bendep-SRQ) was also administered. ⋯ Doctors need training on the assessment and management of BZD dependence. The study's limitations were noted. This project was supported by an institutional block grant received from the National Medical Research Council, Singapore.
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Substance use & misuse · Jan 2007
Aboriginal community alcohol harm reduction policy (ACAHRP) project: a vision for the future.
Four First Nation communities in Ontario, Canada, formulated alcohol management policies between 1992 and 1994. An alcohol management policy is a local control option to manage alcohol use in recreation and leisure areas. ⋯ Furthermore, having policy regulations in place did not have an adverse effect on facility rentals. Band administrators and facility staff in each community felt the policy had had a positive effect on events at which alcohol was sold or served.