Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

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Volume 41, Number 3

September 2009

 

A Six-Month Prospective Evaluation of Personality Traits, Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Ayahuasca-Naïve Subjects Paulo Cesar Ribeiro Barbosa, M.Sc.; Irene Maurício Cazorla, Ph.D.; Joel Sales Giglio M.D., Ph.D. & Rick Strassman, M.D.

Subjective Effects of Salvia Divinorum: LSD- or Marijuana-like? Dawn N. Albertson, Ph.D. & Laura E. Grubbs, B.S.

Making Connections: New Orleans Evacuees’ Experiences in Obtaining Drugs Eloise Dunlap, Ph.D.; Bruce D. Johnson, Ph.D.; Joseph A. Kotarba, Ph.D. Jennifer Fackler, M.A.

Methamphetamine in Three Small Midwestern Cities: Evidence of a Moral Panic Robert R. Weidner, Ph.D.

Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse Beyond Individual Users Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, P.hD.; Steve Ryan, M.D.; Katherine Hansen, M.P.H.; Brad Hullsiek, B.A.; Victoria Muli, M.P.A. & A. Cate Malone, B.A.

Sense of Coherence as a Stable Predictor for Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Outcome Yali Abramsohn M.S.W.; Einat Peles, Ph.D.; David Potik; Shaul Schreiber, M.D. & Miriam Adelson, M.D.

Gender Differences in Crime, Drug Addiction, Abstinence, Personality Characteristics, and Negative EmotionsGila Chen, Ph.D.

Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning Across Substance Abuse Treatment Sandhya R. Rao, Ph.D.; Michael Czuchry, Ph.D. & Donald F. Dansereau, Ph.D.

Modified Therapeutic Communities and Adherence to Traditional Elements Meredith Huey Dye, Ph.D.; Lori J. Ducharme, Ph.D.; J. Aaron Johnson, Ph.D.; Hannah K. Knudsen, Ph.D. & Paul M. Roman, Ph.D.

Premature Discharge from Methadone Treatment: Patient Perspectives Heather Schacht Reisinger, Ph.D.; Robert P. Schwartz, M.D.; Shannon Gwin Mitchell, Ph.D.; James A. Peterson, Ed.D.; Sharon M. Kelly, Ph.D.; Kevin E. O’Grady, Ph.D.;      Erica A. Marrari, B.A.; Barry S. Brown, Ph.D. & Michael H. Agar, Ph.D.

 

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Investigating the Effects of San Francisco’s Treatment on Demand Initiative on a Publicly-Funded Substance Abuse Treatment System: A Time Series Analysis Clare Sears, Ph.D.; Thomas Davis, B.S.; Joseph Guydish, Ph.D. & Alice Gleghorn, Ph.D.

Availability of Websites Offering to Sell Psilocybin Spores and Psilocybin Jason P. Lott, M.D., M.S.H.P; Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. & Robert F. Forman, Ph.D.

COVER ART The Beginning of the Flowing World by Clay Vajgrt (www.clayvajgrt.net)

 

 ABSTRACTS

A Six-Month Prospective Evaluation of Personality Traits, Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Ayahuasca-Naïve Subjects Paulo Cesar Ribeiro Barbosa, M.Sc.; Irene Maurício Cazorla, Ph.D.; Joel Sales Giglio M.D., Ph.D. & Rick Strassman, M.D.

Abstract—The authors assessed 23 subjects immediately before and six months (27.5 weeks) after their first ayahuasca experience in an urban Brazilian religious setting, either Santo Daime (N = 15) or União do Vegetal (N = 8). Measures included scores on instruments assessing psychiatric symptoms, personality variables and quality of life. Independent variables were the frequency of ayahuasca use throughout the period and the length of ayahuasca wash-out after six months. Santo Daime subjects had a significant reduction of minor psychiatric symptoms, improvement of mental health, and a change in attitude towards more confidence and optimism. The União do Vegetal group had a significant decrease in physical pain, and attitude change towards more independence. Independence was positively correlated with the frequency of ayahuasca use and negatively correlated with the wash-out period. We discuss possible mechanisms by which these changes may occur and suggest areas for future research.

Keywords—ayahuasca, mental health, psychometric, religion

 

Subjective Effects of Salvia Divinorum: LSD- or Marijuana-like? Dawn N. Albertson, Ph.D. & Laura E. Grubbs, B.S.

Abstract—Salvia divinorum is a naturally occurring psychedelic considered to be one of the most potent hallucinogens found to date. The few behavioral studies conducted conclude that Salvia’s effects may be similar to traditional psychedelics, which is noteworthy because Salvia acts via a unique molecular mechanism as a kappa opioid receptor agonist. One hundred and ninety-three participants, including 34 Salvia users, were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires related to general drug use, personality characteristics, demographics and their experiences with Salvia. Salvia users were found to differ from nonusers on personality characteristics and reported consuming significantly more alcohol than nonusers. In addition, although Salvia users rated their hallucinogenic experiences as similar to those seen in previously published reports, the majority likened their experiences as most similar to marijuana instead of more traditional psychedelics. Low scores on the ARCI LSD subscale confirmed this finding and call into question the reigning theory of LSD-like subjective effects elicited by Salvia.

Keywords—personality measures, Salvia divinorum, subjective effects

 

Making Connections: New Orleans Evacuees’ Experiences in Obtaining Drugs Eloise Dunlap, Ph.D.; Bruce D. Johnson, Ph.D.; Joseph A. Kotarba, Ph.D. Jennifer Fackler, M.A.

Abstract—Between August 29 and September 7, 2005, almost all New Orleans residents were evacuated from the area in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. News reports indicate that almost 130,000 New Orleans Evacuees (NOEs) were evacuated to Houston, Texas, the largest recipient of the civilian population from New Orleans. Some of these NOEs were active participants in the illicit drug market in New Orleans prior to the hurricane. The period between the flooding and the nearly complete evacuation of New Orleans as well as their subsequent displacement to Houston and other locations provided unique opportunities to study what occurs when illicit drug markets are disrupted, since populations of illicit drug users and purchasers could no longer routinely obtain their drugs in predictable ways. Utilizing qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus groups, this article describes the ways NOEs (1) managed their drug acquisition and use following evacuation; (2) located new sources of drugs in Houston and elsewhere by tapping into shared drug culture; and (3) gained access to and learned the argot for drugs in the local drug market in new settings. This report contributes to the nascent literature on disrupted drug markets.

Keywords— illicit drug culture, illicit drug markets , illicit drug use, New Orleans evacuees

 

Methamphetamine in Three Small Midwestern Cities: Evidence of a Moral Panic Robert R. Weidner, Ph.D.

Abstract—This study examined the coverage of methamphetamine from 1997 to 2005 by three newspapers serving small Midwestern cities and contrasted their portrayals of methamphetamine problems with available data on the severity of the meth problem in each locality. Results of quantitative and qualitative content analyses show that—to varying degrees, across sites and over time—newspaper coverage of meth was disproportionate to the scale of the meth problem as indicated by site-specific treatment admissions data. To some extent, each of the three newspapers used drug-scare rhetoric (e.g., medical metaphors such as “plague”) to describe the prevalence and effects of meth. Results indicate that two of the three newspapers’ portrayals of meth were conducive to promoting a moral panic over the drug. Potential explanations for variations in coverage are discussed, and findings are considered in light of research on prior drug scares.

Keyword—drug scare, media, methamphetamine, moral panic

 

Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse Beyond Individual Users Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, P.hD.; Steve Ryan, M.D.; Katherine Hansen, M.P.H.; Brad Hullsiek, B.A.; Victoria Muli, M.P.A. & A. Cate Malone, B.A.

Abstract—Since 1997, the use of methamphetamine as a drug of abuse has been widespread in the United States. While several forms of amphetamine are useful in some areas of medicine, methamphetamine as an abused substance is associated with severe and multifaceted consequences. Problems associated with the abuse of amphetamine and its derivatives such as methamphetamine have been well documented. As the manufacture and use of methamphetamine across the United States has increased, the impact of methamphetamine abuse has been felt beyond individual users; families as well as communities can be seriously affected. An increase in child neglect and violence as well as a lack of resources for health care, social services, and law enforcement because of methamphetamine abuse have been reported by many communities. This study examines the historical spread of methamphetamine misuse in the United States and the resulting individual, social, and environmental consequences. A public health perspective on family, community, and social aspects is offered, and ideas for future research and policy changes are explored.

Keywords—effects, exposure, history, methamphetamine

 

Sense of Coherence as a Stable Predictor for Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Outcome Yali Abramsohn M.S.W.; Einat Peles, Ph.D.; David Potik; Shaul Schreiber, M.D. & Miriam Adelson, M.D.

Abstract—We studied stability of sense of coherence (SOC) over time and in relation to the outcomes of former heroin addicts in MMT. Between September of 2003 and April of 2006, all 90 newly admitted patients to a MMT clinic in Tel Aviv were studied and followed up for one year. A SOC (inner resources) questionnaire was done at baseline and after one year. Use of opiates, cocaine, benzodiazepines, cannabis and amphetamines in the 13 months after admission was recorded, and defined as positive if at least one urine test for any drug was positive. After one year, 77 (85.6%) stayed in treatment. SOC scores were similar at baseline and after one year, but were lower among 42 patients who still abused any drugs (118.8+ 27.4), compared with the 35 patients who did not (128.5+26.5, Repeated measures, Groups p = 0.003, Time effect p = 0.5, Time*Group p = 0.003). Cumulative retention revealed that 30 patients with SOC scores greater than 130 had longer retention (3.5 years, 95% CI 3.2-3.9) as compared with 60 patients with SOC scores of 130 or less (2.9 years, 95%CI 2.5-3.3). SOC is a stable parameter that can serve as a predictor for success in MMT, both as retention in treatment and drug abstinence.

Keywords—methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), outcome, predictor, sense of coherence, stability

 

Gender Differences in Crime, Drug Addiction, Abstinence, Personality Characteristics, and Negative EmotionsGila Chen, Ph.D.

Abstract—The current study examined gender differences in personal and psychological characteristics among drug-abstinent Israeli inmates. The study focuses primarily on three personal variables: sense of coherence (SOC), anxiety, and hostility. Additional factors that were examined are demographic variables, which include background, crime, and drug addiction. The sample included 119 inmates (65 males and 54 females) who abstained from drugs use for two different time intervalsup to one year, and more than one yearand did not receive treatment. Overall, males and females shared similar backgrounds except for a higher rate of sexual abuse among female inmates. No gender differences were found in recidivism. These findings show that drug-addicted female inmates injected drugs to a greater extent than males. They also indicated that male inmates remained abstinent for longer periods than female inmates. Additionally, length of abstinence was related to higher SOC, lower trait anxiety, and less hostility among male inmates compared to female inmates. Among female inmates, length of abstinence was related to lower SOC, higher trait anxiety, and no change in hostility. These findings may indicate the need to require separate gender-oriented therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:  crime; drug addiction; duration of abstinence; gender differences; inmates

 

Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning Across Substance Abuse Treatment Sandhya R. Rao, Ph.D.; Michael Czuchry, Ph.D. & Donald F. Dansereau, Ph.D.

Abstract—The present study investigated gender differences in psychosocial functioning among clients mandated to substance abuse treatment. In the current study, 210 probationers’ self reports of depression, anxiety, self esteem, decision-making, life beliefs, role modeling, cooperation, and AIDS risky behavior were gathered. Ratings were collected at intake as well as midway and toward the end of the residential phase of treatment. A series of growth curve models were used to examine changes in psychosocial functioning across these time periods. Improvements were recorded in several areas of psychosocial functioning over the course of treatment (including anxiety, depression, self esteem, decision-making, role modeling, and life beliefs). Importantly, significant gender by time interactions indicated that females showed greater rates of change than their male counterparts in such areas as self esteem, decision-making, and role modeling. The importance of psychosocial change and the implications of these gender differences are discussed.

Keywords —gender differences, mandated drug treatment, psychosocial functioning, therapeutic communities

 

Modified Therapeutic Communities and Adherence to Traditional Elements Meredith Huey Dye, Ph.D.; Lori J. Ducharme, Ph.D.; J. Aaron Johnson, Ph.D.; Hannah K. Knudsen, Ph.D. & Paul M. Roman, Ph.D.

Abstract—Traditional therapeutic communities (TCs) are characterized by confrontational group therapy, treatment phases, a tenure-based resident hierarchy, and long-term residential care. Many TCs have modified the structure and intensity of the traditional model, tailored services for specific client populations, and hired more professionally trained staff. This study examines the extent to which modified TCs are able to retain the underlying core technology of the TC. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 380 self-identified TCs, six traditional TC elements are identified. Results from a structural equation model indicate that offering services for specific populations and professionalization of staff has limited impact on the six TC elements. Modifications to structure and intensity of TC programming evidenced the strongest effect. Specifically, outpatient-only TCs showed significantly lower adherence to five of the six elements. Short-term residential programs showed a similar negative trend. Findings suggest selected modifications are possible without significantly impacting the TC model’s core technology.

Keyword—substance abuse treatment, therapeutic community

 

Premature Discharge from Methadone Treatment: Patient Perspectives Heather Schacht Reisinger, Ph.D.; Robert P. Schwartz, M.D.; Shannon Gwin Mitchell, Ph.D.; James A. Peterson, Ed.D.; Sharon M. Kelly, Ph.D.; Kevin E. O’Grady, Ph.D.; Erica A. Marrari, B.A.; Barry S. Brown, Ph.D. & Michael H. Agar, Ph.D.

Abstract—Longer retention in drug abuse treatment is associated with better patient outcomes, and research indicates the first 12 months of methadone treatment are critical to patient success. Nevertheless, large-scale multisite longitudinal studies over the past three decades indicate that the majority of patients drop out during the first year of methadone treatment. Through an examination of 42 qualitative interviews with patients prematurely discharged from six methadone treatment programs in Baltimore, this study highlights factors patients describe as contributing to their reasons for being discharged within the first 12 months of the treatment. The two most consistent themes are program-related factors and incarceration. The former factors are richly described through patients’ words and underscore the ways in which patients’ perceptions of control exerted by the program and by the medication and misunderstandings of program structure can lead to premature discharge. Patients’ reasons for discharge were compared to counselors’ reasons as indicated in discharge summary forms. An analysis of the patterns of agreement and disagreement are presented. Patient-centered program and policy implications are discussed.

Keywords— discharge, ethnography, methadone treatment

 

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Investigating the Effects of San Francisco’s Treatment on Demand Initiative on a Publicly-Funded Substance Abuse Treatment System: A Time Series Analysis Clare Sears, Ph.D.; Thomas Davis, B.S.; Joseph Guydish, Ph.D. & Alice Gleghorn, Ph.D.

Abstract—This study investigated effects of San Francisco’s Treatment on Demand Initiative, which was designed to increase substance abuse treatment capacity, on the host treatment system. Secondary data on substance abuse treatment admissions, from 1995 through 2000, were obtained from the Department of Public Health, Community Substance Abuse Services, San Francisco, California. Data on 73,988 admissions were retained and grouped by week of admission. Time series analysis was used to assess the effects of time and treatment on demand (independent variables) on weekly number of admissions, sociodemographic characteristics and types of treatment received (dependent variables). As a function of treatment on demand, the number of weekly new admissions significantly increased. Standard outpatient treatment and comprehensive care admissions constituted greater proportions of admissions after treatment on demand. Persons with a primary heroin, cocaine or alcohol problem constituted greater proportions of admissions, and first-time treatment clients constituted a smaller proportion of admissions. Findings suggest that a capacity expansion initiative can increase system wide admissions and redistribute admissions among modalities towards more comprehensive care treatments.

Keywords—substance abuse treatment, time series analysis, treatment on demand

 

Availability of Websites Offering to Sell Psilocybin Spores and Psilocybin Jason P. Lott, M.D., M.S.H.P; Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. & Robert F. Forman, Ph.D.

AbstractThis study assesses the availability of websites offering to sell psilocybin spores and psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen contained in Psilocybe mushrooms. Over a 25-month period beginning in March 2003, eight searches were conducted in Google using the term “psilocybin spores.” In each search the first 100 nonsponsored links obtained were scored by two independent raters according to standardized criteria to determine whether they offered to sell psilocybin or psilocybin spores. No attempts were made to procure the products offered for sale in order to ascertain whether the marketed psilocybin was in fact “genuine” or “counterfeit.” Of the 800 links examined, 58% led to websites offering to sellpsilocybin spores. Additionally, evidence that whole Psilocybe mushrooms are offered for sale online was obtained. Psilocybin and psilocybin spores were found to be widely available for sale over the Internet. Online purchase of psilocybin may facilitate illicit use of this potent psychoactive substance. Additional studies are needed to assess whether websites offering to sell psilocybin and psilocybin spores actually deliver their products as advertised.

Keywords—epidemiology, Google, hallucinogens, Internet, psilocybin, website

 

 

 

September 2009

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