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Swiss heroin-addicted females: career and social adjustment

Article Abstract:

The effects of gender difference in drug patterns of heroin addicts was investigated in 248 Swiss-German heroin addicted patients. Emphasis was made on the female heroin addicts and the factors that lead to their drug abuse. The results in time revealed that women begin abusing drugs at a younger age, however, no patterns relating to sensation-seeking curiosity were seen. Women attribute drug abuse to external problems while men refer to special situations. The results also focussed on women addict's social networks and social background and suicidal ideation. Treatment should consider the social relations of substance abusers to effect a cure.

Women, Substance abuse

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Prevalence of psychopathology in drug-addicted Dutch

Article Abstract:

A study in The Netherlands bore out the hypothesis that psychiatric co-morbidity is common among heroin-addicts who apply for methadone treatment. The study, involving 203 addicts who underwent the Dutch variant of the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule III-a, found that 50% had a psychopathological disorder as defined by the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,' third edition; 70% had at least one disorder and/or antisocial personality disorder. Other disorders found to be common were major depression, phobic disorders, alcoholism and dysthymic disorder.

Psychology, Pathological, Psychopathology, Dutch, Dutch (European people)

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Adapting the chronic disease model in the treatment of dually diagnosed patients

Article Abstract:

Malvern Institute in Malvern, PA, implemented a dual diagnosis model for treating psychiatric illnesses in addicts that incorporates the chronic disease model. Psychiatric hospitals could use this dual diagnosis model to overcome the staff disorganization that is the chief failure of the widely used interdisciplinary model. The dual diagnosis model keeps hospital staff focused on treatment while encouraging them to regard abstinence as indispensable to treating the primary disease, addiction. Moreover, the model stresses the responsibility of addicts for their own recovery.

Care and treatment, Models, Chronic diseases, Drug abuse treatment, Drug abuse, Psychiatric hospital care, Psychiatric hospitals

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