Substance Misuse

Nature, level and type of networking for individuals with dual diagnosis: A European perspective

by Thomas Saïas

Substance misuse among offenders in a forensic intellectual disability service

by Verity Chester

Purpose – There have been few studies about the prevalence of substance abuse and links to offending behaviour among... more Purpose – There have been few studies about the prevalence of substance abuse and links to offending behaviour among those with intellectual disabilities. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach – This baseline audit describes: the prevalence of alcohol and substance misuse in patients within a forensic intellectual disability service; and the introduction of a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course. In total, 74 patients were included in the audit.

Findings – Roughly half of the patients audited had co-morbid harmful use or dependence with the problem being equally prevalent in men and women. Whilst alcohol and cannabis were the commonest drugs of abuse, cocaine, stimulants and opiates were abused by a small but significant number. Of those with harmful use or dependence, 35 per cent had used the drug in the immediate lead up to their index offence. A diagnosis of personality disorder and past history of convictions for violent offences was significantly more likely to be present in the group with harmful use or dependence. There were no differences on major mental illnesses or pervasive developmental disorders.

Practical implications – The high prevalence of substance abuse makes it an important risk factor that could determine treatment outcomes. Forensic intellectual disability units need replicable substance abuse targeted treatment programmes that can be formally audited and evaluated.

Originality/value – Findings are discussed in relation to service planning and treatment outcomes from forensic intellectual disability services.

Barriers to Recovery: Stigma and Discrimination

by Julian Buchanan

Presented at the 2011 New Zealand Drug Policy Symposium 'Through the Maze"

The presentation explores our understanding of, and reactions to problematic drug use. Populist punitive discourse... more The presentation explores our understanding of, and reactions to problematic drug use. Populist punitive discourse perceives physiological and psychological dependence upon drugs as key drivers that perpetuate ongoing ‘addiction’ that threatens society. instead I explore the links between the war on drugs, the social construction of 'drugs' and the social barriers faced by problem drug users.

It is featured on YouTube if you prefer to see and hear the paper:


http://youtu.be/scoqktXn52Q

Effective Counseling Skills: the practical wording of therapeutic statements and processes

by Daniel Keeran MSW

by Daniel Keeran, MSW, RMHC-S

Also used as a counselor training and examination manual, this book gives away the secrets of effective counselors and... more Also used as a counselor training and examination manual, this book gives away the secrets of effective counselors and therapists. The practical skills and concepts distilled in the present form, are the contributions of countless colleagues and clients who over the years have challenged the creative energies of the author. Effective Counseling Skills is designed to achieve the primary purpose of making counseling skills public knowledge in the belief that the health of society is improved when counseling is known to the most people. The style of the manual is conversational with numerous examples of the wording of therapeutic statements.

Major topic areas include an explanation of the client's personal history, suicide prevention, how to begin and deepen the counseling process, helping the client learn healthy ways of relating, moving the client from childhood to maturity, skills for healing grief, and working with couples facing issues of conflict, infidelity, addiction, and other common problems. Practical ways to build and manage a counseling practice are presented. A detailed index and table of contents make the volume easy to use as a guide for both the practitioner as well as people seeking help.

See this news release entitled "Mental Health News: Library Acquisitions Add Counseling Text To Collections" http://prlog.org/11741730

The title is also available through interlibrary loan in the US and Canada from major public and university libraries including : Howard University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Manitoba, Vancouver Public Library (Canada), Dallas Theological Seminary, Bogazici Univ Library – Istanbul (Turkey), San Diego Public Library, Dixie State College of Utah, University of Louisville, University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, University of Missouri--Columbia, University of Wisconsin-Madison General Library System, Columbia University Libraries, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Hunter College Wexler Library – New York, NY, Trinity International University, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.

View text at http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Counseling-Skills-therapeutic-statements/dp/1442177993

View article here http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Counseling-Skills---The-Practical-Wording-of-Therapeutic-Statements-and-Processes&id=4878216

Go here for a video presentation from the author http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aodrYDAo9xk

Substance use in a population-based clinic sample of people with first-episode psychosis

by James Kirkbride

DOES RESEARCH PROVIDE REAL ANSWERS?

by Alan MacKenzie

Completed as a requirement of a Master degree, CHC, Mansfield, Brisbane

Reviewing papers of three research projects whose goals
were to examine the effects of parental substance misuse... more Reviewing papers of three research projects whose goals
were to examine the effects of parental substance misuse on
child psychopathology.

Sex differences in neurocognitive functioning among abstinent recreational cocaine users

by Qazi Rahman

Correlates of substance use and psychopathology with academic performance and life functioning among college students

by Jonathan Freedlander

Presented at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Conference for the Dissemination of Research on Addictions, Infections Disease, and Public Health, Baltimore, MD.

Substance use, both licit and illicit, is strikingly common among college students. While a number of studies have... more Substance use, both licit and illicit, is strikingly common among college students. While a number of studies have investigated the effects that substance use has on functioning among college students, there is little consensus as to the nature of the correlations. The present study investigated the correlations among a detailed range of drug use behaviors, trait anxiety and depression, academic performance, and life functioning among college students. Trait anxiety and depression proved the most predictive of problems in life functioning and academic performance, followed by frequency of drug use variables, then age of first use variables. Life functioning measures were considerably more sensitive outcomes than measures of academic performance. The results of this study have important implications for designing behavioral intervention programs for college students.

Buchanan J & Corby B (2005) Drug Misuse and Safeguarding Children: A Multi agency Approach pp 163-179 in R Carnwell & J Buchanan ‘Effective Practice in Health & Social Care: A Partnership Approach’ Open University Press, Maidenhead

by Julian Buchanan

This chapter will: explore the social context in which ‘problem drug users’ and ‘inadequate parents’ are constructed;... more This chapter will: explore the social context in which ‘problem drug users’ and ‘inadequate parents’ are constructed; outline key issues and difficulties involved in working with problem drug users whose children are considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect; draw on research carried out with social workers, health visitors, drugs clinic workers and parents to examine the barriers of working together to assess children’s needs where parents misuse drugs; and  explore strategies for better partnership approaches.

Vocational rehab & social reintegration: The Needs of Problem Drug Users (2006)

by Julian Buchanan

National Drug Treatment Conference 2006 (Audio & PowerPoint Presentation)

Intervention strategies for tackling problem drug use tend to be dominated by a focus upon the physical (e.g. detox,... more Intervention strategies for tackling problem drug use tend to be dominated by a focus upon the physical (e.g. detox, drug testing, substitute prescribing) and psychological (motivational interviewing, the cycle of change) aspects of dependence. In contrast this paper will promote the social dimension of drug dependence. It will critically explore the structural, cultural and personal difficulties recovering problem drug user’s face when trying to engage with mainstream society. In particular it will outline the challenges posed by social exclusion and discrimination.

Evidence suggests that for many problem drug user’s social exclusion was a difficulty prior to the onset of a drug problem. A drug centred lifestyle has added further layers of exclusion and exacerbated the situation. These layers of exclusion make vocational rehabilitation, social integration and participation within the wider community extremely difficult. This paper will illustrate how attitudes, policies and practices serve to reinforce isolation and create a ‘wall of exclusion’ that effectively prevents problem drug users from engaging with mainstream society.

An alternative conceptual framework that incorporates the social context of problem drug use will be detailed and discussed. This model ‘Steps to Integration’ will be further explored as a template to consider the policy and practice implications of helping recovering problem drug users achieve social integration.

Buchanan J (2004) Missing Links: Problem Drug Use and Social Exclusion, Probation Journal Special Issue on Problem Drug Use, Vol 51 No.4 pp.387-397

by Julian Buchanan

In the late 1980s illicit drug use became a major social problem in the UK. Since then policy and practice has largely... more In the late 1980s illicit drug use became a major social problem in the UK. Since then policy and practice has largely been shaped by psychological and medical perspectives that emphasise the physiological and psychological nature of dependence. Concerned by the limited impact in reducing the number of problem drug users, in 2000 the Government shifted the emphasis away from voluntary treatment by the Health and Voluntary sector, towards coercive treatment, initially in the form of a Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTOs). The Drugs Interventions Programme (DIP), a £447m programme to ‘direct drug misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment’ (Home Office, 2004 p. 29) further illustrates and reinforces this shift. This article argues that this shift in approach is also likely to founder, as it continues to be dominated by a narrow focus on the individual and their drug dependence, and fails to adequately address the social context, nature and underlying causes of problem drug use.

ENABLING DEPENDENT DRUG USERS: A COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENT

by Julian Buchanan

Buchanan J (1991) ‘Enabling Dependent Drug Users - A Cognitive Behavioural Assessment.’ Practice Vol 5 No.1, 1991 BASW, London P34-46

if you like this paper there are more drugs articles by Julian Buchanan you can download for free from:
http://epubs.glyndwr.ac.uk/cgi/query.cgi?field_1=lname&value_1=Buchanan&field_2=fname&value_2=Julian&advanced=1

Any feedback or comments do email me: julian.buchanan@vuw.ac.nz

Based upon six years social work practice with dependent drug users in Merseyside, the author introduces the broad... more Based upon six years social work practice with dependent drug users in Merseyside, the author introduces the broad principles of a cognitive behavioural approach, and then integrates this theoretical understanding to a highly specific area of practice, - assessing dependent drug users. Assessment is discussed in detail and using examples the article provides a much needed model of good practice. The approach is based upon a risk reduction philosophy and is underpinned by cognitive behavioural principles. The article offers a comprehensive outline from which a practitioner could follow and conduct an assessment. Importantly, the process seeks to empower clients, redressing the balance by returning to them responsibility for their future, thus enabling them to set their own targets and plans without coercion from the worker.

This paper briefly outlines the emergence of cognitive behavioural therapy from within behaviourist theory and then, using examples, relates it to dependent behaviour. Based upon six years social work practice with dependent drug users, the paper provides a detailed framework of an established cognitive behavioural assessment which has been developed and refined through practice.

Rethinking Substance Misuse Policy & Practice in Wales (2010)

by Julian Buchanan

This is an 'Ideas Wales Discussion Paper' on Crime and Criminal Justice - one of a series of discussion papers that... more This is an 'Ideas Wales Discussion Paper' on Crime and Criminal Justice - one of a series of discussion papers that have been prepared and published on the Ideas Wales website http://www.ideaswales.org.uk/publications.htm which seeks to generate new ideas to help inform the policy challenges of the future. This paper explores Substance Misuse Policy: http://www.ideaswales.org.uk/documents/Ideas%20Wales%20%20-%20Substance%20Misuse.pdf

Inaugural Professorial Lecture: Questionnaire, Powerpoint, Lecture Notes (preview and download below)

by Julian Buchanan

Feel free to use, so long as you reference my work.
If you want a copy of the PowerPoint version email me.
If you have any feedback/comments I'm always interested!

julianbuchanan@gmail.com

Since the late 1970s illicit drug use has established itself as a major social problem. The response has largely been... more Since the late 1970s illicit drug use has established itself as a major social problem. The response has largely been dominated by tougher measures to coerce people to accept treatment and become drug free or ultimately face prison. But after decades of tough drug policies our prisons have become crowded silos for drug users and people with multiple personal difficulties. Relatively little progress seems to have been made in reducing the overall size of the drugs problem or the proportion of people taking illicit drugs.

This lecture will reflect upon the way in which a ‘war on drugs’ is played out as a ‘war on drug users’. While most strategies have concentrated upon the physical and psychological aspects of dependence, this paper will highlight the important but often overlooked structural and social context of problem drug use. It will be argued that the stigmatisation of illicit drug use has made it more difficult for problem drug users to recover. Alternative conceptual models that promote a more inclusive approach will be explored.

Understanding Problematic Drug Use: A Medical Matter or a Social Issue?

by Julian Buchanan

Buchanan, J. (2006) 'Understanding Problematic Drug Use: A Medical Matter or a Social Issue ?'. British Journal of Community Justice, 4, (2) 387–397

his paper questions the notion that problem drug use is essentially a physiological medical problem that requires... more his paper questions the notion that problem drug use is essentially a physiological medical problem that requires coercive treatment, from which success are measured by way of drug testing to determine the abstinence from the drug. The article argues that the causes and solutions to problem drug use are much more to do with socio-economic factors than physiological or psychological factors. In particular it explores the connections between the emergence and sudden rise in problematic drug use that occurred across the UK in the mid 1980s, with de-industrialisation and the decline of opportunities for unskilled non academic young people. Further the paper critically examines the notion of the ‘problem drug user’, in particular how those identified and labelled, are perceived and treated by wider society, and how this adversely impacts upon drug rehabilitation and social integration.

Understanding and engaging with problematic substance use

by Julian Buchanan

Later published as: Buchanan, J. (2008) Understanding and engaging with problematic substance use. Green, S., Lancaster, E., & Feasey, S. (Eds.), Addressing Offending Behaviour Context, practice and values (chapter 14). Devon: Willan.

This chapter will introduce the reader to the complex issue of substance use. The term substance use rather than drug... more This chapter will introduce the reader to the complex issue of substance use. The term substance use rather than drug use includes all legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, prescribed substances such as benzodiazepines and anti-depressants, solvents such as aerosols and glue, and the more commonly known illicit substances such as crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis. The knowledge and value base underpinning policy and practice in this area is not without with confusion, conflict and contradiction. These tensions will be highlighted throughout the chapter. In keeping with the focus of the book on addressing offending the primary focus of the chapter will be to examine substance use which is more commonly associated with legal consequences to the individual and or others. The chapter will explore the changing patterns of substance use over recent decades, types of substance use, the legal context, the nature of ‘addiction’, the links with crime, before finally exploring what can be done to help problem substance users

Drug and alcohol policy under New Labour: Pandering to populism?

by Julian Buchanan

New Labour achieved a landslide victory on a 'promise of change', but their drug law and policies offered little... more New Labour achieved a landslide victory on a 'promise of change', but their drug law and policies offered little change. Instead, they continued the failed 'war on drugs' adopted by the previous Conservative government by further enmeshing treatment within the criminal justice system and attacking civil liberties under the Drugs Act 2005. Not surprisingly this has resulted in a significant increase in the prison population.

Buchanan, J. (2011) Drug and alcohol policy under New Labour: Pandering to populism? in Arianna Silvestri (editor) Lessons for the Coalition? New Labour and criminal justice: an end of term report, Hadley Trust, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, London

download: www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/opus1830/end_of_term_report.pdf

Drug policy under New Labour 1997-2010: Prolonging the war on drugs

by Julian Buchanan

email me julianbuchanan@gmail.com if you'd like a free copy of this article

In 1997 New Labour came to power with a landslide victory. This period also marked a watershed for illicit drug use... more In 1997 New Labour came to power with a landslide victory. This period also marked a watershed for illicit drug use which had become so widespread across the UK that it was regarded as a mainstream adolescent experience. However, broadly speaking there were two groups of drug users: one group of young people who selectively used drugs on a recreational and largely non-problematic basis; while another group (usually unemployed and socially excluded), who used whatever drugs they could find in a chaotic and problematic manner. Drug taking had become a normalized activity and criminalization of these drugs seemed unenforceable, out of touch and inappropriate. Inheriting an unworkable 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act 1997 seemed an opportune time for the New Labour government to deliver on its ‘promise of change’ and introduce drug legislation fit for the new millennium. This article reflects upon some of the key policy and legal changes introduced by the New Labour government (1997—2010) to manage drug use and misuse.

Title The War on Drugs – A War on Drug Users

by Julian Buchanan

This article was ground breaking at the time in terms of linking problematic drug use to social exclusion and stigma, as well as highlighting how the War on drugs serves only to exacerbate the plight of drug users.

The article was later published:
Buchanan, J. & Young, L. (2000) ‘The War on Drugs – A War on Drug Users’. Drugs: Education, Prevention Policy, 7(4), 409-422

The authors argue that since the 1980s UK drug policy has largely been ill considered, reactive and counter-... more The authors argue that since the 1980s UK drug policy has largely been ill considered, reactive and counter- productive. Rather than reducing drug taking and drug related crime, such policies have exacerbated the problem and contributed towards an environment in which drug use and illegal drug activities are likely to flourish. One of the consequences of this 'war on drugs' is that it manifests itself as a 'war on drug users' with an emphasis not upon the development of appropriate rehabilitative models, but upon prevention, prohibition and punishment. Drawing on the authors' qualitative research on Merseyside, England involving 200 problem drug users, it will be argued that the war on drug users has subjected these people to a process of stigmatization, marginalization and social exclusion, and prevented many of them from recovery by hindering their re-integation into the wider social and economic community. Instead, growing numbers of problematic drug users remain locked into a cycle of chronic drug relapse.

Eugene Raikhel. "Institutional Encounters: Identification and Anonymity in Russian Addiction Treatment (and Ethnography)." In Being There: The Fieldwork Encounter and the Making of Truth, John Borneman and Abdellah Hammoudi eds. University of California Press, 2009.

by Eugene Raikhel