Disorders - Stimulant Use
Griffin, K. W., Botvin, G. J., Scheier, L. M., Williams, C.
Most universal drug abuse prevention efforts target early adolescents with the goal
of delaying or preventing the onset of substance use. The present study examined long-term follow-up data from a large-scale randomized trial of a
school-based prevention program that used cognitive-behavioral skills-training techniques to enhance social and personal competence skills and drug
refusal skills. The preventive intervention was implemented in junior high schools, and pretest data were collected from students in the classroom.
Approximately 13 years later, follow-up data were collected by mail from 2042 young adults. Rates of overall lifetime illicit drug use, as well as
lifetime marijuana use, marijuana intoxication, and lifetime non-medical pill use, were lower among students who received the prevention program
(Life Skills Training) during junior high school compared to control group participants. These findings support the hypothesis that comprehensive,
universal school-based prevention programs can produce long-term effects on illicit drug use behavior. Copyright © The Author(s) 2023.
Journal of Public Health
Research, 12(1) :
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Substance Use Disorders (any), Cannabis Use, Opioid Use, Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Skills training, Other Psychological Interventions
Chinkijkarn, T., Kanato, M.
Drug camps have been used to treat substance use in Thailand since the 2000s. However, some researchers have argued that drug camp's
effectiveness was insufficient to help the attendants to be abstinent. This study explored the drug camp's effects by comparing a drug camp model,
developed based on 12-Step, cognitive-behavioral theory, and group psychotherapy theory with one that currently has been used in drug camps in
Thailand. One drug camp in Nakhon Ratchasima was selected as an area of study. Drug attendants who lived in Khong district were assigned into a 12-
Step group, which used the new model (n = 35). Meanwhile, other attendants who lived in other districts in Nakhon Ratchasima were assigned into a
treatment-as-usual group (n = 57). Methamphetamine use behavior was assessed before and after the camp. There was a significant difference between
the 12-Step and treatment-as-usual group on the level of the attendants' average methamphetamine use after controlling average methamphetamine use
before drug camp [F (1,84) = 91.76, p < 0.001]. Comparing the estimated marginal means showed that average methamphetamine use 1 year after drug camp
of the 12-Step group (mean = 0.74, SD = 1.79) was lower than the treatment-as-usual group (mean = 11.25, SD = 14.06). One year after camp, Cox
proportional hazards regression indicated that the chances of the attendants in the 12-Step group returning to methamphetamine use were reduced by
88% (adjusted hazard = 0.120, 95% CI 0.061-0.023) after controlling for confounding variables, including age, marital status, education, and
occupation. Copyright © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 51(1) : 57-
65
- Year: 2021
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Other service delivery and improvement
interventions
Alizadehgoradel, J., Imani, S., Nejati, V., Vanderhasselt, M. A., Molaei, B., Salehinejad, M. A., Ahmadi, S., Taherifard, M.
Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
and mindfulness practices have been proposed as a potential approach to improve executive functions (EFs) and reduce craving in persons with
substance use disorders. Based on the neural mechanisms of action of each of these interventions, the combination of both non-pharmacological
interventions might have additive effects. In the current study, the effects of tDCS combined with mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment
(MBSAT) to improve EFs and reduce craving were investigated in early abstinent methamphetamine abuse. Method(s): Eighty (youths aged between 18 and
21) early-abstinent methamphetamine users were randomly assigned to the research groups (tDCS group [n = 20], mindfulness group [n = 20], combined
mindfulness-tDCS group [n = 20], and sham group [n = 20]). Active tDCS (1.5 mA,20 min, 12 sessions) or sham tDCS was appliedover the left
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the MBSAT protocol was used over twelve 50-min sessions. Result(s): Both in the post-test phase (immediately after
the intervention) and follow-up phase (one month after the intervention), performance in most EFs tasks significantly improved in the combination
group which received real tDCS +MBSAT, as compared to baseline values and sham stimulation group. Similarly, a significant reduction in craving was
observed after intervention inall treatment groups, but not the sham stimulation group. Interestingly, the increase in EFs and the reduction in
craving post versus pre tDCS + MBSAT intervention were correlated. Conclusion(s): Findings from the current study provide initial support for the
clinical effectiveness of combination tDCS +MBSAT, possibly influencing cognitive/affective processes. Copyright © 2021, Korean College of
Neuropsychopharmacology
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 19(4) : 653-
668
- Year: 2021
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Biological Interventions
(any), Other biological interventions, Psychological Interventions
(any), Mindfulness based
therapy
Geisner, I. M., Rhew, I. C., Fossos-Wong,
N., Dashtestani, K. S., Kilmer, J. R., Lee, C. M., Arria, A. M., Cimini, M. D., Larimer, M. E.
Objectives: In addition to binge drinking
and marijuana use, the prevalence of prescription stimulant medication (PSM) misuse is increasing among college students. A possible cause is the
misperceived prevalence and acceptability of PSM misuse and incorrect assumptions of the academic benefits they offer. We will present personalized
normative feedback messages for use in an intervention and their impact on normative perceptions of PSM, alcohol, and marijuana use. The relationship
between reductions in perceived norms and substance use is examined. Method(s): Students who misused PSM at least once in the past year were
recruited at 9 campuses across the country to participate in web-based assessment and were randomized to the Personalized Feedback Intervention (PFI;
N = 167) or control (N = 173). PFI participants received 5 components of feedback spaced 1 week apart. All students completed baseline and 6-month
follow-up assessments measuring their own PSM misuse and drinking and marijuana use, as well as perceptions of PSM misuse and drinking and marijuana
use among students at their university. Result(s): Poisson regression revealed a 26% reduction in perceived PSM norms in intervention compared with
control, adjusted for baseline norms (p < 0.001). For alcohol use, participants of PFI reported a significant reduction in normative perception of
alcohol quantity (p < 0.007). For marijuana use, participants of PFI showed a significant reduction in the perception of the percentage of students
who used marijuana in the past year (p < 0.001). Norms were significantly related to studentsaTM own use. Among those who misused PSM, those who did
not change or increased their PSM normative misperception used PSM more frequently than those who decreased PSM norms [rate ratio (RR) = 1.63, p <
0.001]. For those that reported drinking over a typical week, there was a 29% increase in drinks per week for those whose perceived drinking norms
increased or remained the same compared with those whose norms decreased (RR = 1.29; p < 0.001). The results for marijuana approached but did not
reach significance. Conclusion(s): Extending normative perception research for alcohol and marijuana, interventions designed to correct norms of PSM
misuse may prove effective in reducing misperceptions and subsequent use. COLST, STIM, SUD Copyright © 2018
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, 57 (10 Supplement) : S226
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Personalised feedback, normative feedback
Geisner, I. M., Rhew, I. C., Fossos-Wong, N., Dashtestani, K. S., Kilmer, J. R., Lee, C. M., Arria, A. M., Cimini, M. D., Larimer, M. E.
Objectives: In addition to binge drinking
and marijuana use, the prevalence of prescription stimulant medication (PSM) misuse is increasing among college students. A possible cause is the
misperceived prevalence and acceptability of PSM misuse and incorrect assumptions of the academic benefits they offer. We will present personalized
normative feedback messages for use in an intervention and their impact on normative perceptions of PSM, alcohol, and marijuana use. The relationship
between reductions in perceived norms and substance use is examined. Method(s): Students who misused PSM at least once in the past year were
recruited at 9 campuses across the country to participate in web-based assessment and were randomized to the Personalized Feedback Intervention (PFI;
N = 167) or control (N = 173). PFI participants received 5 components of feedback spaced 1 week apart. All students completed baseline and 6-month
follow-up assessments measuring their own PSM misuse and drinking and marijuana use, as well as perceptions of PSM misuse and drinking and marijuana
use among students at their university. Result(s): Poisson regression revealed a 26% reduction in perceived PSM norms in intervention compared with
control, adjusted for baseline norms (p < 0.001). For alcohol use, participants of PFI reported a significant reduction in normative perception of
alcohol quantity (p < 0.007). For marijuana use, participants of PFI showed a significant reduction in the perception of the percentage of students
who used marijuana in the past year (p < 0.001). Norms were significantly related to studentsaTM own use. Among those who misused PSM, those who did
not change or increased their PSM normative misperception used PSM more frequently than those who decreased PSM norms [rate ratio (RR) = 1.63, p <
0.001]. For those that reported drinking over a typical week, there was a 29% increase in drinks per week for those whose perceived drinking norms
increased or remained the same compared with those whose norms decreased (RR = 1.29; p < 0.001). The results for marijuana approached but did not
reach significance. Conclusion(s): Extending normative perception research for alcohol and marijuana, interventions designed to correct norms of PSM
misuse may prove effective in reducing misperceptions and subsequent use. COLST, STIM, SUD Copyright © 2018
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, 57 (10 Supplement) : S226
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Personalised feedback, normative feedback
Champion, K E., Newton, Nicola C., Stapinski, L A., Teesson, M
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an online school-based prevention program for ecstasy (MDMA) and new psychoactive substances
(NPS). Design: Cluster randomized controlled trial with two groups (intervention and control). Setting Eleven secondary schools in Australia.
Participants: A total of 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years). Intervention: The internet-based Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module
uses cartoon storylines to convey information about harmful drug use. It was delivered once weekly, during a 4-week period, during health education
classes. Control schools received health education as usual. Measurement: Primary outcomes were self-reported intentions to use ecstasy and NPS at 12
months. Secondary outcomes were ecstasy and NPS knowledge and life-time use of ecstasy and NPS. Surveys were administered at baseline, post-
intervention and 6 and 12 month post-baseline. Findings: At 12 months, the proportion of students likely to use NPS was significantly greater in the
control group (1.8%) than the intervention group [0.5%; odds ratio (OR) = 10.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-78.91]. However, students'
intentions to use ecstasy did not differ significantly between groups (control = 2.1%, intervention = 1.6%; OR = 5.91, 95% CI = 1.01-34.73). There
was a significant group difference in the change from baseline to post-test for NPS knowledge (beta = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.21, Cohen's d =
0.77), with controls [mean = 2.78, standard deviation (SD = 1.48] scoring lower than intervention students (mean = 3.85, SD = 1.49). There was also
evidence of a significant group difference in ecstasy knowledge at post-test (control: mean = 9.57, SD = 3.31; intervention: mean = 11.57, SD = 3.61;
beta = -0.54, 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.12, P = 0.01, d = 0.73). Conclusions: The Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module, a universal online
school-based prevention program, appeared to reduce students' intentions to use new psychoactive substances and increased knowledge about ecstasy
and new psychoactive substances in the short term. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Addiction, 111(8) : 1396-1405
- Year: 2016
- Problem: Substance Use Disorders (any), Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Tait, R. J., McKetin, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Carron-Arthur, B., Bennett, A., Bennett, K., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K. M.
Background: The use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) places a large burden on health services.;
Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided Web-based intervention (\"breakingtheice\") for ATS users over 6 months via a
free-to-access site.; Methods: We conducted a randomized trial comparing a waitlist control with a fully automated intervention containing 3 modules
derived from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivation enhancement. The main outcome was self-reported ATS use in the past 3 months assessed at 3-
and 6-month follow-ups using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Secondary outcomes were help-seeking intentions
(general help-seeking questionnaire), actual help seeking (actual help-seeking questionnaire), psychological distress (Kessler 10), polydrug use
(ASSIST), quality of life (European Health Interview Survey), days out of role, and readiness to change. Follow-up data were evaluated using an
intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis with a group by time interaction.; Results: We randomized 160 people (intervention: n=81; control: n=79). At 6
months, 38 of 81 (47%) intervention and 41 of 79 (52%) control participants provided data. ATS scores significantly declined for both groups, but the
interaction effect was not significant. There were significant ITT time by group interactions for actual help seeking (rate ratio [RR] 2.16; d=0.45)
and help-seeking intentions (RR 1.17; d=0.32), with help seeking increasing for the intervention group and declining for the control group. There
were also significant interactions for days completely (RR 0.50) and partially (RR 0.74) out of role favoring the intervention group. However, 37%
(30/81) of the intervention group did not complete even 1 module.; Conclusions: This self-guided Web-based intervention encouraged help seeking
associated with ATS use and reduced days out of role, but it did not reduce ATS use. Thus, this program provides a means of engaging with some
sections of a difficult-to-reach group to encourage treatment, but a substantial minority remained disengaged.; Trial Registration: Australian and
New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12611000947909; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=343307 (Archived by
WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6Y0PGGp8q).;
Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(4) : e105-
e105
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Vogl, L.
E., Champion, K. E., Teesson, M.
BACKGROUND: Psychostimulants and cannabis are two of the three most commonly used illicit drugs by young Australians. As such, it is important to
deliver prevention for these substances to prevent their misuse and to reduce associated harms. The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility
and effectiveness of the universal computer-based Climate Schools: Psychostimulant and Cannabis Module.\rMETHODS: A cluster randomised controlled
trial was conducted with 1734 Year 10 students (mean age = 15.44 years; SD = 0.41) from 21 secondary schools in Australia. Schools were randomised to
receive either the six lesson computer-based Climate Schools program or their usual health classes, including drug education, over the year.
\rRESULTS: The Climate Schools program was shown to increase knowledge of cannabis and psychostimulants and decrease pro-drug attitudes. In the
short-term the program was effective in subduing the uptake and plateauing the frequency of ecstasy use, however there were no changes in
meth/amphetamine use. In addition, females who received the program used cannabis significantly less frequently than students who received drug
education as usual. Finally, the Climate Schools program was related to decreasing students' intentions to use meth/amphetamine and ecstasy in the
future, however these effects did not last over time.\rCONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for the use of a harm-minimisation approach and
computer technology as an innovative platform for the delivery of prevention education for illicit drugs in schools. The current study indicated that
teachers and students enjoyed the program and that it is feasible to extend the successful Climate Schools model to the prevention of other drugs,
namely cannabis and psychostimulants.\rTRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000492752.
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention &
Policy, 9 : 24
- Year: 2014
- Problem: Cannabis Use, Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Psychoeducation, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Ghasemi, A., Rahimi-Foroshani, A., Kheibar, N., Latifi, M., Khanjani, N., Eshagh-Afkari, M., Taghdisi, M. H., Ghasemi, F., Shojaeizadeh,
D., Dastoorpour, M.
Background: Nowadays there are more concerns about drug
treatment of methamphetamine abusers whereas quality of life (QOL) related supportive psychotherapy is less credited. Objectives: This study aimed to
evaluate the effects of family-centered empowerment model on social support and QOL of methamphetamine users and their families. Patients and
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial; individuals were randomly allocated to three groups: a group for educating methamphetamine users
in recovery (95 subjects), a group for educating a family member of methamphetamine users in recovery (95 subjects) and a control group (95
subjects). Data collecting instruments were standard questionnaires of social support and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Data were analyzed
using ?2-test, t-test, paired t-test, Pearson's correlation and ANOVA. Results: Mean scores of QOL and social support dimensions changed
significantly in two intervention groups (P < 0.0001), but didn't change in the control group (P > 0.05). Also, there was a positive significant
relation (P < 0.05) between total social support and all dimensions of QOL for all study groups. Conclusions: Family-centered empowerment model,
easily adapted to methamphetamine users and their families, leads to improved social supports and QOL. © 2014, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal;
Published by Kowsar Corp.
Iranian Red Crescent Medical
Journal, 16(3) :
- Year: 2014
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions
Norberg, M.
M., Hides, L., Olivier, J., Khawar, L., McKetin, R., Copeland, J.
Studies examining the ability of motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
to augment education provision among ecstasy users have produced mixed results and none have examined whether treatment fidelity was related to
ecstasy use outcomes. The primary objectives of this multi-site, parallel, two-group randomized controlled trial were to determine if a single-
session of MET could instill greater commitment to change and reduce ecstasy use and related problems more so than an education-only intervention and
whether MET sessions delivered with higher treatment fidelity are associated with better outcomes. The secondary objective was to assess
participants' satisfaction with their assigned interventions. Participants (N=174; Mage=23.62) at two Australian universities were allocated
randomly to receive a 15-minute educational session on ecstasy use (n=85) or a 50-minute session of MET that included an educational component
(n=89). Primary outcomes were assessed at baseline, and then at 4-, 16-, and 24-weeks postbaseline, while the secondary outcome measure was assessed
4-weeks postbaseline by researchers blind to treatment allocation. Overall, the treatment fidelity was acceptable to good in the MET condition. There
were no statistical differences at follow-up between the groups on the primary outcomes of ecstasy use, ecstasy-related problems, and commitment to
change. Both intervention groups reported a 50% reduction in their ecstasy use and a 20% reduction in the severity of their ecstasy-related problems
at the 24-week follow up. Commitment to change slightly improved for both groups (9%-17%). Despite the lack of between-group statistical differences
on primary outcomes, participants who received a single session of MET were slightly more satisfied with their intervention than those who received
education only. MI fidelity was not associated with ecstasy use outcomes. Given these findings, future research should focus on examining mechanisms
of change. Such work may suggest new methods for enhancing outcomes. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12611000136909.;
Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Behavior Therapy, 45(6) : 745-
759
- Year: 2014
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Psychoeducation
Looby, A., De-
Young, K. P., Earleywine, M.
Background: College students continue to report nonmedical prescription stimulant use to enhance alertness
and concentration. Despite increasing prevalence of this behavior, techniques for preventing or treating it are lacking. An intervention that focuses
on challenging positive consequence-oriented beliefs about prescription stimulants may be efficacious in preventing use. Methods: The current study
examined the efficacy of a randomized controlled expectancy challenge intervention to prevent nonmedical prescription stimulant use among 96 at-risk,
stimulant-naïve college students (i.e., low grade point average, Greek involvement, binge drinking, cannabis use). Forty-seven participants completed
a brief expectancy challenge intervention aimed at modifying positive expectancies for prescription stimulants, to consequently deter initiation of
use. The remaining participants received no intervention. Results: The expectancy challenge successfully modified expectancies related to
prescription stimulant effects. Nevertheless, this intervention group and a control group showed comparable rates of nonmedical prescription use at
6-month follow-up. However, negative expectancies were significant predictors of reduced odds of future use. Conclusions: A challenge session appears
to modify stimulant-related expectancies, which are related to nonmedical prescription stimulant use. Nevertheless, a more potent challenge or
booster sessions might be essential for longer-term changes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)
Drug & Alcohol Dependence, 132(1-2) : 362-
368
- Year: 2013
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions
Heinzerling, Keith G., Gadzhyan, Janette, vanOudheusden, Henry, Rodriguez, Felipe, McCracken, James, Shoptaw,
Steven
Purpose: To perform a pilot clinical trial of bupropion for methamphetamine abuse/dependence among adolescents.; Methods:
Nineteen adolescents with methamphetamine abuse (n = 2) or dependence (n = 17) were randomly assigned to bupropion SR 150 mg twice daily or placebo
for 8 weeks with outpatient substance abuse counseling.; Results: Bupropion was well-tolerated except for one female in the bupropion group who was
hospitalized for suicidal ideation during a methamphetamine relapse. Adolescents receiving bupropion and females provided significantly fewer
methamphetamine-free urine tests compared to participants receiving placebo (p = .043) and males (p = .005) respectively.; Conclusions: Results do
not support the feasibility of additional trials of bupropion for adolescent methamphetamine abuse/dependence. Future studies should investigate the
influence of gender on adolescent methamphetamine abuse and treatment outcomes.; Copyright © 2013 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Journal of Adolescent Health, 52(4) : 502-
505
- Year: 2013
- Problem: Stimulant Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Biological Interventions
(any), Medications used to treat substance abuse