Papers by Health and Addictions Journal
Although network usage is a generalized and beneficial phenomenon in a lot of ways, there are an ... more Although network usage is a generalized and beneficial phenomenon in a lot of ways, there are an increasing number of studies which warn off the psychological and behavioral consequences associated with problematic internet use. Despite the amount of literature existent about this topic there has been few attempts in order to identify related variables and to develop explicative models. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between Problematic Internet Use and different variables (sociodemographic, the role of the parents, usage habits, academic performance and consequences of inappropriate internet use). To do this, we selected a sample which involved a total of 1709 Compulsory Secondary School students from de province of A Coruña whose ages ranged between 11 and 17 years. Results not only show that a 26.6% of the sample has a Problematic Internet Use, but being female and having parents which don´t use Internet may constitute risk factors. It has also been found that Problematic Internet Use is related with a lower academic performance and a greater presence of physical and psychosocial symptoms, presumably consequence of the inadequate Internet use.
Current studies assessing sexual assertiveness in drug users are sparse, despite the fact that it... more Current studies assessing sexual assertiveness in drug users are sparse, despite the fact that it would be logical to expect low sexual assertiveness in such patients. Present study had the objective to compare sexual assertiveness between consumers of alcohol, cocaine, cocaine+alcohol, heroin, cannabis, and speedball and a control group. This was assessed in a sample of 556 male drug users from 8 Spanish provinces and 356 non-user males. Results showed significantly lower Initiation assertiveness in the 35-49 year-old age group (particularly in the case of alcohol, heroin, cannabis, and speedball) and worse Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy prevention assertiveness in drug users (in the case of alcohol, cocaine, cocaine+alcohol, cannabis, and speedball). Effect sizes ranged from low to moderate. The implications of these results are discussed.
Background: adolescence is a period associated with the onset and progression of alcohol consumpt... more Background: adolescence is a period associated with the onset and progression of alcohol consumption. At this stage are also frequent impulsive behaviors and risky decision-making (DM). Aim: To evaluate pattern of alcohol consumption (PAC) in male and female adolescents, their different levels of impulsivity and how these variables affect decision-making. Methodology: Using a latent class analysis several PAC of 230 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years were determined. Design: A prospective ex post facto crossover design with Positive Urgency (Low / High), PCA (Moderate / Binge) and Sex (Female / Male) as factors was used. DM was assessed in 78 participants who joined the study groups. Results: binge male consumers, compared with moderate, performed better, but their performance declined at the end of the test. Within the group of participants with low positive urgency, those with a binge PAC, made more advantageous DM. Conclusions: PAC and impulsivity trait appear to influence DM in adolescents.
The concept of vulnerability has been approached from diverse disciplines, by adjunsting its cont... more The concept of vulnerability has been approached from diverse disciplines, by adjunsting its content and development differentially to each one to cover their respective objectives. Nevertheless the primary vulnerability pattern remains supported in the principle of threat. From the context of health and addictions is of paramount importance to develop the construct of vulnerability to cope with its impact on health problems and behaviors of both chemical and non chemical consumption. Theoretically a set of variables take part in the construction of the psychosocial vulnerability: risk, coping, resilency, stress, bond and emotional intelligence, which modulate their configuration and make the vulnerability a risk factor or a protection factor depending on how act those variables in the final stage. From this development we can work in the construction of measurement instruments to quantify objectively the amount of psychosocial vulnerability among people in order to be capable of creating preventive programs. The conceptual approach of psychosocial vulnerability can be a useful tool against disease processes and substance consumption, as well as prevention of others non chemical addictions.
While the Internet has become a channel that promotes access to information and communication, it... more While the Internet has become a channel that promotes access to information and communication, its misuse and overuse can cause various personal and social problems.
This work compares if there is an abusive Internet use among young people with and without disabilities. It also analyzes if the type of disability may influence the excessive Internet use.
230 young people participated (102 nondisabled and 128 disabled, 77 with motor disability and 51 with sensory disability). They answered the Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con Internet (CERI)[Experiences Related to the Internet questionnaire (ERIQ)], designed to measure Internet addiction. It spread through the network for 16 weeks.
Analyses indicated that participants with disabilities, mainly the ones with motor disability showed an increased use and dependence on technology.
Although this suggests the importance for young people with disabilities of the Internet use, it also indicates that disability, especially motor disability may be a vulnerability factor for an abusive use.
The use of psychoactive substances on school population is a real problem that is increasing. The... more The use of psychoactive substances on school population is a real problem that is increasing. These substances include not only illicit drugs but also alcohol and tobacco. Objective: to determine the impact of intervention YOMI-LIFE program for the prevention of psychoactive substances in childhood. Methodology: an instrument was applied whose structure is based on the following key points: Self-schemas, life habits and life skills as mediating factors in the use of psychoactive substances children, girls, parents and teachers of 42 educational institutions in Medellín. Results: an increase in body recognition was observed among children. Similarly, identification of health threats and higher autonomy in decision-making also showed increased values. Teachers recognize the importance of accompanying students in building their identity as well as a changing on topics such as life habits, values, self-esteem and preventing consumption. Furthermore, concern and preventive capacity against negative factors that may affect their children is evident among parents. Discussion and conclusions: Experimenting with common addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco and marijuana takes place during school age, thus granting schools a lead role in preventing consumption with the advantage of being able to reach families of students.
Due to the consequences that causes each individual, family and society, alcohol consumption is a... more Due to the consequences that causes each individual, family and society, alcohol consumption is a public health growing problem. Furthermore, alcohol is the psychoactive substance most used by public at large. The aim of the study was to describe the kind of alcohol consumption in adolescents from the state of Guerrero. A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken in 292 adolescents from the mentioned state. In the study was identified that 72.1% of adolescents have used alcohol at some time in their lives and 46.9% have used it over the past year. Alcohol consumption began the age of 14. Related to kind of alcohol use a harmful consumption was predominated down in 38% of the adolescents; followed by sensible drinking of alcohol (37.2%) and 24.8% have a harmful use of alcohol. The results shows that alcohol consumption in adolescents represents a priority health problem, which the design and implementation of preventive programs is necessary to carry out to this group of society.
This study aimed to compare differences between women and men, who completed a residential treatm... more This study aimed to compare differences between women and men, who completed a residential treatment program for drug abuse, in terms of social insertion. This comparison was especially focused on gender differences in perceptions on main obstacles identified by substance abusers during rehabilitation process. A non-experimental, comparative, cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 161 patients of both sexes, attended in nine inpatient units, was integrated. It was applied a Likert Scale. According to the findings, during the reintegration phase, women reported more depressive symptoms and anxiety than men, they perceived themselves to suffer greater loss of social and cognitive skills, and also expressed a major concern of being stigmatized and manifested lower self-esteem than men. These findings confirms the need to develop reintegration programs based on a gender perspective in the treatment of drug abusers.
For the present study an analysis of alcoholism was carried out from a qualitative approach assum... more For the present study an analysis of alcoholism was carried out from a qualitative approach assuming that this methodology provides a deeper look into the family experience with an alcoholic member. The children’s perspective of living with an alcoholic father was taken as a central point of the study, given that the literature has pointed out that they are the most affected. According to the purpose of the research, the life stories of four young college students with an alcoholic father were used as an instrument for the analysis, obtaining a main category that serves to simplify the experience: “Children’s development within the family and changes in their vision of it”. According to the interpretations, it was confirmed that an addiction causes more physical, psychological and emotional damage to the family than to the addict. It was also concluded that this problem causes instability in the family environment perceived as hostile which leads the children to change the meaning they give to family which changes their position within it. At first, the children assume responsibilities that don’t belong to them and then they end up disassociating from the family due to the weakening of the parent-child relationship.
Suicide is an issue related to alcohol use and other substances. This study analyzed the relation... more Suicide is an issue related to alcohol use and other substances. This study analyzed the relationship between suicidal risk, coping behaviors and self-efficacy among alcoholics. A total of 75 patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder participated in this study. Substance use history, previous treatments and possible psychiatric history were assessed. Moreover, different questionnaires were used to assess variables related to alcohol risk situations, coping behavior, self-efficacy and suicide risk probability. The results showed statistically significant differences in the variables of capacity to identify risk situations and self-efficacy. These results could be useful to improve relapse prevention programs to reduce the alcohol use relapses, and also to reduce the risk of suicide attempts.
Even though several decades developing the prevention in the field of addictions, nowadays we sti... more Even though several decades developing the prevention in the field of addictions, nowadays we still configuring its conceptual framework. In this work we pretend to take a step forwards on that configuration trying to specify in a theoretical way the adherence process in the preventive field. Starting from the theoretical case in the relation of the adherence with different basic psychological processes, the structure of the preventive adherence is shown through both different models and psychosocial theories wich have confirmed somehow its influence over adherence behaviour. Gathering the advances produced in several contexts where adherence processes are included, its development is proposed from the Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model. Finally several aspects related to the theoretical approach and its practicals implications are discussed.
Substance abuse disorders are some of the psychological disorders with a higher dropout and relap... more Substance abuse disorders are some of the psychological disorders with a higher dropout and relapse rates; this makes it necessary to constantly update the advances taking place within the mainstream treatment model for these disorders, cognitive behaviour therapy.
In the present work we reviewed the evidence regarding empirical studies of treatment in the field of addictions (case reports and controlled trials) for one of the third generation behaviour therapies with more promising outcomes: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
This paper presents the research on drug addiction training of students in Spanish universities t... more This paper presents the research on drug addiction training of students in Spanish universities that taught the Degree in Social Education. It was conducted in 36 universities (29 public and 7 private). As degree teach to, through the subjects taken on the degree programme, those that would carry out this social profession, that have within its responsibilities the educative action with different collectives that are in a social disadvantage position.
We conducted a descriptive document research to know the presence of subjects about drug dependency, in the degree programme of that degree, or topics and contents included in other subjects. It was performed a deep analysis of the degree programme throughout the teaching guides for all courses, in order to identity the presence of drug related topics, that were specific subjects (7), as well as those that include it as a chapter within a subject (2). It is undertaken only in nine Universities and in nine subjects, among them, six subjects are "optativas" (free configuration/choice) and three "obligatorias" (must be taken). The data have allowed us to verify the presence of disciplines/subjects dedicated to training in drug addiction in the degree programmes.
HIV/AIDS transmission among drug users is associated with education, sex practices and substance ... more HIV/AIDS transmission among drug users is associated with education, sex practices and substance use. This study examined 159 drugs users’ knowledge, beliefs and sex behavior related to HIV/AIDS risk in Costa Rica. Results showed considerable use of marihuana, alcohol, crack and cocaine and a very low lifetime incidence of other drugs. All substance use patterns were higher than national averages. Respondents showed a high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. However, there did not seem to be a relationship between knowledge and practice. Unprotected sex was common and having an HIV/AIDS test was not a regular practice. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS is not a determinant factor for condom use among this group. It is concluded that having the proper knowledge about transmission and prevention does not guarantee safe sex practices. Further research and public health evidence based practices for HIV/AIDS prevention should target drug user population.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major road safety problem. Added to this there is a p... more Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major road safety problem. Added to this there is a progressive homogenization of the new patterns of youth intensive use of alcohol (binge drinking). This implies the need to adapt the content of prevention programs implemented with this population.
This paper reviews the determinants involved in this risky behavior, depending on the pattern of consumption (CIA/noCIA) and the driving experience (Learner/Experienced) among college students (n = 340).
The results reflect a general lack of knowledge on issues related to both traffic regulations as to aspects of the substance.
Drivers with higher intakes also show a lower perception of risk to this behavior.
These results provide updated information that allows adjust the interventions in the field of road safety needs of this population.
The present study aims to analyze the levels of alcohol and snuff teen ruling possible relationsh... more The present study aims to analyze the levels of alcohol and snuff teen ruling possible relationships with family and academic parameters These three hypotheses were advanced: boys and girls who regularly consume alcohol and snuff have a worse academic performance; frequent consumption of both elements has a negative impact on the family and academic environments; and the lower the academic level of the parents, the more likely the use of both substances.
The participation of a total of 2,134 adolescents allowed the record and evaluation of Snuff consumption variables (FTND), Drinking (AUDIT), Family Function Scale (APGAR), Academic Level Students and Parents.
No association between the youngsters ‘consumption or intake of snuff and alcohol and their parents’ academic performance and educational level can be made.
The main conclusion that can be drawn is that adolescents with severe family disorders present values of the high dependence on patent snuff being the medium and heavy drinking and having high rates of repetition.
Traditionally a large proportion of the preventive programs focused in drugs and other addictions... more Traditionally a large proportion of the preventive programs focused in drugs and other addictions among adolescents and young people have drawn on the information as a core strategy to discourage the consumption, using arguments based in the consequences of the deterioration being substance consumers, as well as in the abuse of other non chemical addictive behaviors. The classical approach is based on the rational decision process among young people to do the consumption or not, therefore if they were properly informed about the risks they would choose the no consumption. Is essential to address the importance of three topics around the information issue: degree and quality information among young people, degree and quality information among parents and information source search about drugs and its credibility degree. The models of transmission and information content used by the commercial advertising may be more appropriate and effective than the ‘fear resort’ within health behaviors and addictions in general. The trend of health message promoters continue to be the communication of risk and negative consequences, following the fear resort way. We propose that would be more effective using positive messages enforcing a healthy lifestyle.
We estimated the prevalence of episodes of alcohol-induced amnesia without loss of consciousness ... more We estimated the prevalence of episodes of alcohol-induced amnesia without loss of consciousness –blackouts-, and identified predictors in university students in Argentina and Spain. We used a self-administered structured and anonymous questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic variables, life-time, annual and monthly prevalence of blackouts, alcohol drinking habits, alcohol use disorders, and use of other substances. The adequacy of the predictors was estimated through logistic regressions.
Participants were 472 Argentinean (18 to 52 years, 81% female) and 320 Spanish students (18 to 54 years, 83% female), the annual prevalence of episodes of anterograde amnesia was 28 % (IC 95% [24-32) and 47 % (IC 95% [41-53]) respectively. Despite differences in other predictors between students from both countries, in both the probability seemed to be greater among those who binge drink (p>.01, OR=2.02 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=5.27 Spanish) or have an alcohol use disorder (p>.01, OR=3.36 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=6.28 Spanish). Probability of having a monthly blackout increased with life-time prevalence (p>.01, OR=20.71 Argentineans, p>.01, OR=23.33 Spanish).
Further research and strategies are needed to reduce drinking and this and other alcohol-related consequences in similar populations.
Groundwork: New substances and new forms of consumption emerge in the drug market. Internet plays... more Groundwork: New substances and new forms of consumption emerge in the drug market. Internet plays an essential role in the easy and anonymous distribution of these drugs as well as in the consumption culture. Many of these substances escape the law because they are novel or originally intended for other uses. Aims: To obtain a comprehensive and current approach of the emerging drugs which are now most important, either for their popularity or for their potential danger for health. Methodology: Review of scientific literature regarding some of the most popular and health-threatening emerging drugs, as well as blogs and web pages not scientifically indexed. Results: Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most rising drugs and represent a legal alternative to cannabis. Some substances of vegetal origin (kratom, Jimson weed, belladonna) are consumed by their psychotropic effect. Mephedrone is the drug that arouses more deaths. Bromo-DragonFLY has also been associated with fatal outcomes. Conclusions: Addressing these issues is a priority, not only as case reports in the medical literature are increasing, but also because short and long-term risks of these substances are unknown.
The tobacco is an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases. Hospitalizati... more The tobacco is an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases. Hospitalization of these patients gives us an excellent opportunity to help them to quit smoking. However, few studies have evaluated what type of intervention is most effective for this population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review treatments for smoking cessation that have been applied to patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease in the last decade, in order to determine their effectiveness and establish what would be most appropriate. To achieve this, we searched the Cochrane Tobacco registration Addiction Group and the databases Medline, PsycInfo, PubMed, and CSIC. As a consequence, 16 studies fulfilling inclusion criteria were found, although treatments components and intensity differ greatly from one study to another. It was concluded that while brief advice increases cessation compared with no intervention, the most effective interventions are those of greater intensity that last for at least three months after hospital discharge.
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Papers by Health and Addictions Journal
This work compares if there is an abusive Internet use among young people with and without disabilities. It also analyzes if the type of disability may influence the excessive Internet use.
230 young people participated (102 nondisabled and 128 disabled, 77 with motor disability and 51 with sensory disability). They answered the Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con Internet (CERI)[Experiences Related to the Internet questionnaire (ERIQ)], designed to measure Internet addiction. It spread through the network for 16 weeks.
Analyses indicated that participants with disabilities, mainly the ones with motor disability showed an increased use and dependence on technology.
Although this suggests the importance for young people with disabilities of the Internet use, it also indicates that disability, especially motor disability may be a vulnerability factor for an abusive use.
In the present work we reviewed the evidence regarding empirical studies of treatment in the field of addictions (case reports and controlled trials) for one of the third generation behaviour therapies with more promising outcomes: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
We conducted a descriptive document research to know the presence of subjects about drug dependency, in the degree programme of that degree, or topics and contents included in other subjects. It was performed a deep analysis of the degree programme throughout the teaching guides for all courses, in order to identity the presence of drug related topics, that were specific subjects (7), as well as those that include it as a chapter within a subject (2). It is undertaken only in nine Universities and in nine subjects, among them, six subjects are "optativas" (free configuration/choice) and three "obligatorias" (must be taken). The data have allowed us to verify the presence of disciplines/subjects dedicated to training in drug addiction in the degree programmes.
This paper reviews the determinants involved in this risky behavior, depending on the pattern of consumption (CIA/noCIA) and the driving experience (Learner/Experienced) among college students (n = 340).
The results reflect a general lack of knowledge on issues related to both traffic regulations as to aspects of the substance.
Drivers with higher intakes also show a lower perception of risk to this behavior.
These results provide updated information that allows adjust the interventions in the field of road safety needs of this population.
The participation of a total of 2,134 adolescents allowed the record and evaluation of Snuff consumption variables (FTND), Drinking (AUDIT), Family Function Scale (APGAR), Academic Level Students and Parents.
No association between the youngsters ‘consumption or intake of snuff and alcohol and their parents’ academic performance and educational level can be made.
The main conclusion that can be drawn is that adolescents with severe family disorders present values of the high dependence on patent snuff being the medium and heavy drinking and having high rates of repetition.
Participants were 472 Argentinean (18 to 52 years, 81% female) and 320 Spanish students (18 to 54 years, 83% female), the annual prevalence of episodes of anterograde amnesia was 28 % (IC 95% [24-32) and 47 % (IC 95% [41-53]) respectively. Despite differences in other predictors between students from both countries, in both the probability seemed to be greater among those who binge drink (p>.01, OR=2.02 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=5.27 Spanish) or have an alcohol use disorder (p>.01, OR=3.36 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=6.28 Spanish). Probability of having a monthly blackout increased with life-time prevalence (p>.01, OR=20.71 Argentineans, p>.01, OR=23.33 Spanish).
Further research and strategies are needed to reduce drinking and this and other alcohol-related consequences in similar populations.
This work compares if there is an abusive Internet use among young people with and without disabilities. It also analyzes if the type of disability may influence the excessive Internet use.
230 young people participated (102 nondisabled and 128 disabled, 77 with motor disability and 51 with sensory disability). They answered the Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con Internet (CERI)[Experiences Related to the Internet questionnaire (ERIQ)], designed to measure Internet addiction. It spread through the network for 16 weeks.
Analyses indicated that participants with disabilities, mainly the ones with motor disability showed an increased use and dependence on technology.
Although this suggests the importance for young people with disabilities of the Internet use, it also indicates that disability, especially motor disability may be a vulnerability factor for an abusive use.
In the present work we reviewed the evidence regarding empirical studies of treatment in the field of addictions (case reports and controlled trials) for one of the third generation behaviour therapies with more promising outcomes: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
We conducted a descriptive document research to know the presence of subjects about drug dependency, in the degree programme of that degree, or topics and contents included in other subjects. It was performed a deep analysis of the degree programme throughout the teaching guides for all courses, in order to identity the presence of drug related topics, that were specific subjects (7), as well as those that include it as a chapter within a subject (2). It is undertaken only in nine Universities and in nine subjects, among them, six subjects are "optativas" (free configuration/choice) and three "obligatorias" (must be taken). The data have allowed us to verify the presence of disciplines/subjects dedicated to training in drug addiction in the degree programmes.
This paper reviews the determinants involved in this risky behavior, depending on the pattern of consumption (CIA/noCIA) and the driving experience (Learner/Experienced) among college students (n = 340).
The results reflect a general lack of knowledge on issues related to both traffic regulations as to aspects of the substance.
Drivers with higher intakes also show a lower perception of risk to this behavior.
These results provide updated information that allows adjust the interventions in the field of road safety needs of this population.
The participation of a total of 2,134 adolescents allowed the record and evaluation of Snuff consumption variables (FTND), Drinking (AUDIT), Family Function Scale (APGAR), Academic Level Students and Parents.
No association between the youngsters ‘consumption or intake of snuff and alcohol and their parents’ academic performance and educational level can be made.
The main conclusion that can be drawn is that adolescents with severe family disorders present values of the high dependence on patent snuff being the medium and heavy drinking and having high rates of repetition.
Participants were 472 Argentinean (18 to 52 years, 81% female) and 320 Spanish students (18 to 54 years, 83% female), the annual prevalence of episodes of anterograde amnesia was 28 % (IC 95% [24-32) and 47 % (IC 95% [41-53]) respectively. Despite differences in other predictors between students from both countries, in both the probability seemed to be greater among those who binge drink (p>.01, OR=2.02 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=5.27 Spanish) or have an alcohol use disorder (p>.01, OR=3.36 Argentinean, p>.01, OR=6.28 Spanish). Probability of having a monthly blackout increased with life-time prevalence (p>.01, OR=20.71 Argentineans, p>.01, OR=23.33 Spanish).
Further research and strategies are needed to reduce drinking and this and other alcohol-related consequences in similar populations.