Stop It Now! A Pilot Study Into the Limits and Benefits of a Free Helpline Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Stop It Now! aims to prevent child sexual abuse using a free anonymous helpline. It provides information, advice, and guidance to anyone concerned about child sexual abuse. It targets people who have sexually abused children or who are worried that they might do so. This article presents findings from a pilot study on the operation and outcomes of the helplines in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The findings underline the strength of the public health approach to prevention efforts. More specifically, benefits reported by helpline users are shown to correspond with the aims of the helplines. A number of factors were reported by users that helped them modify their own or others’ actions to minimize risk of abuse. However, a challenge that remains is ensuring that helplines are accessible to those most in need. Recommendations are included to further expand the effect of Stop It Now! in reducing CSA.     

Analyzing mental health evaluation: moral and ethical dimensions

Now that evaluators have been sensitized to the importance of moral and ethical issues in their work, it is time to move beyond generalities and examine the moral and ethical implications of specific evaluation models in specific settings. This paper proposes a framework that can be used to examine moral and ethical dimensions of evaluation and illustrates it by analyzing a selected model of mental health evaluation. Such a systematic identification of moral issues can improve evaluation practice both proactively, by shaping the training of evaluators, and retrospectively, by contributing to meta-evaluation.     

Attribution Theory as a guide for post-crisis communication research

The field of crisis communication is poised to take the next in its evolution. Now is the time to move beyond the limits of the case study methods that shape the field's development and shift to empirical methods. As the field matures, crisis managers need recommendations that are based on scientifically tested evidence rather than speculation. The argument for scientifically tested evidence for action is based on the evidence-based in management and medicine. This article discusses the role Attribution Theory has played and can continue to play in building scientifically tested evidence for crisis managers as well as providing an integrative mechanism for the diverse crisis research that spans a variety of disciplines.     

Data entry workers perceptions and satisfaction response to the "stop and stretch" software program

Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) is a collection of chronic musculoskeletal disorders caused by frequent, sustained, and repetitive movements, most notably by computer usage at the workplace. A computer based break reminder program (Stop and Stretch) has been developed and installed to prevent CTDs caused by prolonged computer usage at the workplace. We investigated users' opinions to the Stop and Stretch program at their work place. 19 computer users were recruited as the subjects of the study. We conducted a survey after all the subjects used the Stop and Stretch program for one month. Among the nineteen subjects, 52.5% or 10 noticed a difference of symptoms after using the program; 63.3% or 12 thought the program had positive effect on their productivity; 100% or all 19 thought the program was easy to follow; 100% or all 19 thought it was helpful; 94.7% or18 were satisfied with the program; and the same value would recommend the program to others. When grouped into those who had prior experience with using stretch and exercise as part of their work routine15 subjects had no prior experience; and 14 participants within that group were satisfied or very satisfied with the program; 93.3% or 14 would recommend it to co-workers; and over half of those 15 thought the program is easy to use. The study provided insight to the response to using "stretch break software" and provided indicators of satisfaction with the Stop and Stretch program and that the program had sufficient usability and acceptance within a workplace setting which might be applied in other work settings similar to these.     

对我国当前宏观经济形势的思考

2012年以来,我国经济增长面临较大下行压力。正确认识和把握当前经济形势,需要将经济发展的新变化放到中长期经济发展趋势中分析。近年来的经济形势变化以及宏观政策方向的短周期调整反映了政策在增长、结构和物价3个重要调控目标之间的困难选择。从更深层次看,这实质上表明我国经济发展已经度过了规模快速扩张的阶段,必须摆脱传统路径依赖,走新型工业化道路。现在,经济转型的长期性问题正以周期波动的短期性现象表现出来,即短期内宏观经济总供求矛盾的变化和相应的宏观政策调控方向的变换,实际上反映的是我国经济发展阶段和发展方式正在和必须发生重大变化。     

Caring Adults: A Brief Report Assessing Adults’ Needs in Feeling More Comfortable Having Sexual Health Conversations with Youth in South Texas

Abstract

Objectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded project in South Texas, this study sought to understand adults’ needs with regard to engaging in sexual health conversations with youth and young adults.

Methods: A total of 223 participants were surveyed to assess comfort engaging in sexual health conversations. Data were analyzed using thematic coding. Stigma surrounding sexual health conversations underlined all themes.

Results: Differences by gender and sexual orientation in the data were noted. Stigma around sexual health topics reduced participants’ comfort.

Conclusions: To this end, interventions must go beyond psychosocial and educational programs and address societal factors that contribute to the stigma.     

Table of Contents

Stigma and its Associated Financial Problems in Spotlight for 2006 Congress Almost Finished with 2005, with Level Funding for Block Grant ADAW Reader Top Challenge is Funding, but There's Plenty of Excitement About 2006 Marijuana Down, Painkillers/Sedatives Up for High Schoolers Briefly Noted Resources Coming up     

Stigma and family relationships of middle-aged gay men in recovery

The primary objective of this study was to explore how middle-aged gay men in recovery cope with stigma and family relationships. For gay men, perceptions of acceptance of their sexual orientation and degree of social connectedness can play a role in their recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Yet gay men may have a more difficult time accessing certain family-level health resources because their families of origin may stigmatize, reject, or silence them on account of their sexual orientation. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore how participants in recovery constructed and coped with their experiences of stigma, family relationships, and alcohol and substance use. Participants (30 gay men ages 50 to 64) completed a questionnaire and interview. We used constructivist grounded theory method and minority stress theory as a theoretical framework to interpret the data. We identified the following themes: Internalization of Stigma, Changes in Coping Strategies, and Ongoing Stigma. Future research should explore how to incorporate familial support into gay men's recovery, address ongoing internalized stigma, and develop a social response to stigma, rather than leaving it to individuals to confront on their own.     

Table of Contents

Getting Ready for 2014: Integrate With Medicine and Get a Mix of Payers Faces & Voices Seeks to Strengthen Recovery Community's Role in Election When is it Time to Stop Medication‐Assisted Opioid Treatment? NIH Proposes Rules to Avoid Big Pharma Bias Anchorage Moves to Non‐Sober Housing to Fight Homeless‐Alcoholism Problems Buffalo Audit Finds Lack of Financial Controls in Treatment Program Briefly Noted Names in the News Coming up     

Book Review

Abstract

Flandermeyer KL: A Step-by-Step Program to Stop Pimples, Blackheads, Acne. Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 1979     

Table of Contents

SECAD Conference Attendees Urged to Transform Thinking About Treatment Illinois Treatment Providers Facing Late Payments and Rate Cuts Prometa Studies Out of Pilot Stage; Placebo Effect in the Spotlight FDA Investigates Behavior and Mood Changes in Chantix Patients Will Addressing Parity and Stigma Matter? Federal Report Finds Most Methadone Deaths Related to Diversion from Pain Programs Briefly Noted State Watch Coming up     

Table of Contents

CMS May Stop Maine Medicaid from Limiting Methadone Treatment Rimrock CEO Seeks to Draw from Experience in Primary Care The Letter IC&RC and NAADAC Support ATTC Workforce Recommendations CRC Celebrates Recovery Month with Expansion in Pennsylvania Rat Study Finds Intermittent Drinking Leads to Heavier Use Names in the News Coming up     

Table of Contents

Two N.J. Programs Join Forces to Capitalize on Economies of Scale, Synergy Wis. Providers Lament State Culture They Say Doesn't Back Treatment HARMD Agenda Worsens Methadone Stigma Issues Vermont Addiction Counselors Under Pressure to Have MH Licenses Police Pay Students for Drug Tips in Controversial Move White House Proposes Level Funding for SAPT Block Grant Briefly Noted State News Business Coming up     

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RWJF to Stop Funding Addiction Treatment and Prevention: Current Grants to Finish ADHD Medication Misuse Raises Questions for Treatment Providers Conduct Disorder and ADHD Grant Project Will Seek to Link Addiction, DD Services Maryland Makes Slow Progress in Stressing Treatment Over Jail New Grants for Community‐Based Programs Treating Adolescents and Families Briefly Noted Grants and Funding Coming Up     

Table of Contents

New Jersey Drug Court Expansion: A Question of Timing and Scale Experience in Justice Leads TC to Work with Other Populations GAO Report Finds Plans Still Exclude Treatments for SUDs New York Moves to Eliminate ‘Stop‐and‐Frisk’ Marijuana Arrests Rx Database Law Signed in Tennessee Briefly Noted State News Names in the News Coming up     

Negotiating Stigma: Lessons From the Life Stories of Gay Men

Gay men, like lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons, must negotiate their sexual orientation due to the socially constructed negative view of homosexuality in our culture. Stigma is experienced in various ways according to the meaning that the individual applies to it. This study gleans lessons from the life stories of 15 gay men who recognized the stigma of homosexuality and devised strategies to cope with it. An important finding was that mentors, acting as “cultural brokers,” played a significant role in helping to cope with stigma. The intent of this study is to add to the literature regarding mechanisms that social workers can employ to help gay men cope with stigmatization.     

“Am I Really a Bad Parent?”: Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse (AtPA) Identity and the Stigma Management Communication (SMC) Model

Applying qualitative data from grounded theory research on adolescent-to-parent abuse (AtPA), we demonstrate the utility of Meisenbach’s (2010) Stigma Management Communication model. Originally developed for nonfamily contexts, this model provides an applied framework for studying stigma identity as an interactionist construct in families. Our theoretical explication and analysis of AtPA incorporates stigma, identity, and communication strategies to showcase the utility of this model for future family-focused research.     

Table of Contents

SAMHSA Buprenorphine Meeting: Another Step Toward Lifting the Cap Fraud Probe of Sober Homes Highlights Drug‐Test Scams Bill Proposed to Provide Local Incentives to Treat Addiction N.J. Bill Would Allow Outpatient Commitment for Addiction California Certification: CAADAC + CAARR = CCAPP NASADAD Issues Public Policy Statement Endorsing Naloxone ASAM Revises Public Policy Statement on Naloxone Methadone Patient on the Pain of Stigma Coming up     

The Mark of Madness

Abstract

Stigma is a major barrier to recovery for individuals with mental illnesses. It interferes with community living and attainment of resources and goals and damages self-esteem and self-efficacy. Given that social workers provide much of the mental health care to individuals with mental illnesses, and that actions to reduce stigma support the social justice mission of social work, addressing stigma should be a focus of social work interventions. The goals of this paper are to explore stigma theory in general and for individuals with serious mental illnesses, discuss the implications of this stigma analysis for social work, and make recommendations for action in both practice and research.