John M. Majer, Ted J. Bobak and Leonard A. Jason
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between psychiatric severity and stress among persons utilizing medication assisted treatment (MAT), and there is a need…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between psychiatric severity and stress among persons utilizing medication assisted treatment (MAT), and there is a need to identify resources that promote resilience against these risk factors. Although recovery homes might complement pharmacological interventions for persons using MAT, a lack of homophily (e.g. similar experiences) among residents could produce stress and increase psychiatric severity. The purpose of this paper is to examine stress and psychiatric severity in relation to recovery outcomes, and whether homophily moderated these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among recovery home residents who were recruited from the USA, including those using (n = 40) and not using (n = 132) MAT. Participants’ levels of psychiatric severity, stress, abstinence self-efficacy and quality of life were assessed in addition to whether residents using MAT were living with at least one other resident who used MAT. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether homophily among residents using MAT would moderate the mediating effects of stress on the relationships between psychiatric severity and recovery outcomes (abstinence-self efficacy, quality of life).
Findings
Mediating effects were observed but they were significant only through homophily. Although stress increased the negative effects of psychiatric severity among residents using MAT, significantly lesser effects were observed among those living with residents using MAT.
Practical implications
Although psychiatric (problem) severity and stress threaten recovery for persons with substance use disorders, little is known how they impact recovery among those living in community-based settings such as recovery homes. In addition, there is a need to identify community resources that would complement MAT protocols, as patients who use MAT face unique stressors related to their sense of shared interests and experiences (i.e. homophily) when developing social bonds with others in recovery.
Social implications
This study suggests the social networks within recovery homes reduce the effects of psychiatric severity and stress, and that these effects are lessened for residents who use MAT when they live with others who also use MAT.
Originality/value
Little is known about recovery home residents who use MAT and have high psychiatric severity. Findings suggest homophily among persons using MAT living in recovery homes who have high psychiatric severity can promote resilience.
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Daisy Gomez, Leonard A. Jason, Richard Contreras, Julia DiGangi and Joseph R. Ferrari
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of length of stay in an Oxford House (a sober living environment) with the number of days attended school/vocational training…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of length of stay in an Oxford House (a sober living environment) with the number of days attended school/vocational training and days worked in the past 90 days with 292 women and 604 men.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents quantitative data.
Findings
Results indicated that number of days residing in these recovery homes was related to number of days attending school/vocational training and days worked.
Originality/value
The present study suggested that in addition to staying abstinent from alcohol and drugs, Oxford House residents may improve gain useful life skills through vocational education, training, and employment. This is an area of further exploration for the substance abuse recovery community.
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John M Majer, Hannah M Chapman and Leonard A Jason
– The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of two types of community-based, residential treatment programs among justice involved persons with dual diagnoses.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of two types of community-based, residential treatment programs among justice involved persons with dual diagnoses.
Design/methodology/approach
A randomized clinical trial examined treatment conditions among justice involved persons with substance use disorders who reported high baseline levels of psychiatric severity indicative of diagnosable psychiatric comorbidity. Participants (n=39) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions upon discharge from inpatient treatment for substance use disorders: a professionally staffed, integrated residential treatment setting (therapeutic community), a self-run residential setting (Oxford House), or a treatment-specific aftercare referral (usual care). Levels of psychiatric severity, a global estimate of current psychopathological problem severity, were measured at two years as the outcome.
Findings
Participants randomly assigned to residential conditions reported significant reductions in psychiatric severity whereas those assigned to the usual care condition reported significant increases. There were no significant differences in psychiatric severity levels between residential conditions.
Research limitations/implications
Findings suggest that cost-effective, self-run residential settings such as Oxford Houses provide benefits comparable to professionally run residential integrated treatments for justice involved persons who have dual diagnoses.
Social implications
Results support the utilization of low-cost, community-based treatments for a highly marginalized population.
Originality/value
Little is known about residential treatments that reduce psychiatric severity for this population. Results extend the body of knowledge regarding the effects of community-based, residential integrated treatment and the Oxford House model.
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Ironically, one of the biggest legal hazards under misuse of drugs legislation is one of the least well‐known. Offences such as unlawful production and supply of drugs are…
Abstract
Ironically, one of the biggest legal hazards under misuse of drugs legislation is one of the least well‐known. Offences such as unlawful production and supply of drugs are well‐established in the public domain, but the occurrence of these crimes, among others, can constitute a separate offence when committed in premises. The specific offence in question is section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which is designed to compel persons who are the occupiers of premises, or otherwise concerned in their management, to self‐police such places against certain drug activities. This article will examine the main provisions of section 8 and then argue that it is in need of reform in order to bring it more effectively into the 21st century.
Lisa Perrone and Margaret H. Vickers
Few studies have addressed the experiences of a graduate’s transition from university to the world of work. Understanding how graduates react and respond to this journey will…
Abstract
Few studies have addressed the experiences of a graduate’s transition from university to the world of work. Understanding how graduates react and respond to this journey will provide universities with the ability to prepare and equip students for the road ahead. The purpose of this particular Australian case study was to extend understanding of the experience of making the transition from university to work, and to identify questions for further study. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed for clusters of common themes. Four themes emerged from the case study: “an uncertain feeling”, “inflated expectations”, “the work experience paradox” and “a low time”. It is hoped that understanding this graduate’s experiences will assist higher education institutions, recruiting companies and students to better understand and prepare for this significant life passage.
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Purpose – Exploring children's perspectives on participation in social research provides sociologists with new insight into how to include children's voices and perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose – Exploring children's perspectives on participation in social research provides sociologists with new insight into how to include children's voices and perspectives effectively in sociological studies of childhood.
Design/methodology/approach – Child-centered interviews were conducted with 20 children between the ages of 5 and 12 as part of a larger research project.
Findings – Findings from interviews, artwork, and researcher field notes suggest that the children interviewed enjoyed the experience of participating in child-centered social research, maintained serious attitudes toward their inclusion in social research and wish to be active participants in future research involving kids.
Practical implications – Suggestions are offered for future research studies of this population and recommendations are made to encourage American sociologists to consider the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in research endeavors.