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Biomedical subjects

J L Sorensen

Publications and source records attributed to J L Sorensen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Withdrawal from methadone maintenance. Impact of a tapering network support program.

This study assessed the impact of providing tapering and aftercare assistance to individuals addicted to heroin maintained on methadone. Participants were clients in six outpatient methadone maintenance clinics who expressed a motivation to withdraw from methadone and who met criteria predictive of success. Fifty-eight clients in three clinics had an enriched program available, whereas 56 clients in three matched comparison clinics received written materials only. No significant differences were found in the proportion of study participants who reached 0 mg or who reduced their dose during study participation. Discussion focuses on ways to improve the quality of methadone treatment in preparation for eventual withdrawal.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Family functioning as a predictor of progress in substance abuse treatment.

This study tested the hypothesis that the level of family functioning is related to changes in the patient's progress while in treatment. We studied the relation of family functioning, as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales' (FACES II) dimensions of cohesion and adaptability, to 7 dimensions of the severity of patient drug use, as measured by the Addiction Severity index (ASI). The results indicated that family functioning, the cohesion dimension in particular, predicts severity of patient's dysfunction resulting from drug use and family and psychological problems. In particular, 28% of the variability in the ASI Drug Problems, 52% of the variability in the ASI Family Problems, and 29% of the variability in the ASI Psychological Problems were accounted for by the FACES II cohesion score. Although the study has several limitations, it supports the relevance of family factors in the treatment of drug-addicted patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Families are helped by drug treatment.

Twenty-six pairs of heroin addicts applying for methadone maintenance treatment and their family members were interviewed before being admitted to a drug treatment program and 3 months after entry into treatment to determine whether treatment resulted in changes in family or individual functioning. Results revealed a considerable lessening of family and patient problems in the first months of drug treatment. Family members and patients reported significantly fewer family crises and family difficulties with the patient. Both family members and patients reported improvement on several mood indicators and significant lessening of the patient's family/social problems and drug problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1991

Preventing HIV transmission in drug treatment programs: what works?

The AIDS epidemic has dramatically affected drug treatment programs, creating both an epidemiological crisis and a psychological one. A paramount question for treatment program staff is how to prevent patients from acquiring or spreading HIV. The health belief model has been useful in generating prevention approaches, including programs that raise the threat of infection, provide alternative behaviors, and build social support. Some of these programs have been effective in changing attitudes and reducing the behaviors that put drug users at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV. Future research will develop collaborative studies, disseminate techniques to drug treatment programs, and develop more powerful interventions for patients who continue with risky behaviors.

Attitude↗
PubMed1991

Evaluating needle exchange: do distributed needles come back?

We employed capture-recapture methods as a strategy for evaluating needle exchange. Needles distributed by the exchange at two time periods were marked with color coded bands indicating the date and site of distribution. Half of the marked needles (2,068/4,239) returned within two weeks of distribution, and 61 percent (2,593/4,239) returned during the study period. The rate of return for stationary exchange sites (63 percent) was greater than that for roving/mobile sites (51 percent; chi 2 = 28.6, p less than .001). Of all needles returned, 87 percent (2,248/2,593) returned to the site of original distribution.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Changes in needle sharing behavior among intravenous drug users: San Francisco, 1986-88.

We analyzed data for San Francisco intravenous drug users entering treatment, April 1986-September 1988 (N = 7,660). The proportion of cases reporting any needle sharing in the month preceding treatment decreased from 50 percent in 1986 to 28 percent in 1988. Similar decreases were reported by two longitudinal cohorts (needle sharing by the same individuals) admitted in 1986 and 1987 (n = 303), and in 1986 and 1988 (n = 205). In a multiple logistic regression model four variables predicted needle sharing: earlier time of admission, cocaine use, younger age, and being White rather than Black.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Methadone maintenance program for AIDS-affected opiate addicts.

To slow the spread of AIDS, it may be important for substance abuse treatment programs to give priority admission to patients who are HIV-infected and infectious. A new program is described that provides methadone maintenance treatment to opiate addicts who are "AIDS affected"--heroin addicts diagnosed with AIDS, AIDS-related complex (ARC), or other significant symptoms of HIV infection. The program aims to protect the health of patients and to protect the general public by slowing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article describes the program's history and goals, its referral and patient admission process, methods of assessment and treatment planning, medical care, counseling procedures, tolerance for misbehavior, philosophy toward eventual detoxification, and procedures that maintain confidentiality.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1988

Tapering from methadone maintenance: attitudes of clients and staff.

To investigate the barriers to tapering from methadone and to generate ideas for clinical services, 60 clients on methadone maintenance and 30 staff members in five methadone maintenance clinics were interviewed. The interview format combined quantitative and qualitative response options and assessed subjects' experience with tapering from methadone, ideas about barriers to tapering, suggestions about services that would aid them in getting off methadone, and aftercare services that would help them to remain drug-free. Both staff and patients noted significant barriers to methadone detoxification, estimating the likelihood of completing a successful taper at 10% and 14%, respectively. Patients reported psychological symptoms of withdrawal discomfort, but they emphasized physical problems of withdrawal much more than did staff. Both groups noted the need for counseling, role models of detoxified former addicts, and a wide array of available services.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Bridges and barriers to recovery: clinical observations from an opiate recovery project.

Clinical issues are described in opiate addicts attempting to taper off methadone maintenance, and techniques are suggested to help this patient population. The observations were generated in an experimental "Tapering Network" project, in which opiate addicts on methadone maintenance had the opportunity to receive individual and group counseling, relapse prevention training, self-help groups, and other services. Vignettes illustrate clinical problems with intimacy and social isolation, identity as a former addict, and a "post methadone syndrome" characterized by vulnerability, dramatic swings in mood, and disordered thinking for a period of up to six months after detoxification. To counteract these barriers to recovery, a program model is suggested that uses curricula available in the emerging literature on treatment of substance abuse. These techniques can provide bridges to recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Approval need in self-reports of addicts and family members.

Ample evidence documents the tendency of research subjects to attribute to themselves socially desirable traits and to deny having socially undesirable qualities. This tendency is particularly marked among subjects who are defensive, lacking in self-esteem, or sensitive to status differences. Drug addicts often have all of these characteristics. This paper examines the extent to which need for social approval is reflected in methadone patients' and family members' self-reports of personal and family functioning. Results demonstrate the importance of taking the approval motive into account when conducting research with this population. Addicts tend to deny negative things about themselves and their families, while family members tend to exaggerate their own and their families' positive qualities. Implications for drug treatment programs and researchers are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Methadone applicant dropouts: impact of requiring involvement of friends or family in treatment.

This paper examines attrition among applicants to a methadone maintenance program before and after it began to require that applicants have a relative or close friend willing to act as a treatment sponsor. Few applicants were unable to locate sponsors. The dropout rate was greater for Blacks than for Hispanics and Anglo Whites both before and after the sponsor requirement was introduced. However, young addicts, addicts with recent drug histories, and singles were somewhat less likely to enter treatment after the requirement was introduced. Implications for drug treatment clinicians and administrators are discussed.

Adult↗