Abstracts of theses: July, 1952 Smith college School for social work

Abstract

This article examines models of addiction and heroin treatment outcomes as well as the history of xenophobia, racial scapegoating, and misinformation in the promotion of narcotics prohibition in the United States. The moral model of addiction holds that punishment of the addict will be effective deterrence, yet punishment has not prevented heroin use, and narcotics control costs continue to spiral. The medical model of addiction, the dominant philosophical underpinning for current treatment methods, is shown to lack scientific corrobora‐tion and therefore to be inappropriate as a basis for policy on heroin use and inadequate to govern options in heroin addiction treatment. The discouraging outcomes of all modes of heroin addiction treatment indicate that treatment will not end the demand for the drug. Gradual legalization of heroin, while instituting formal and informal social structures geared to controlled use, is recommended.     

Nicotine Addiction: Implications for Public Health Policy

Although the morbidity and mortality caused by cigarette smoking occur in adulthood, the initiation of tobacco use and the development of nicotine addiction typically occur during adolescence. The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of nicotine addiction, focusing on the development of addiction in youth, and to explore implications for public health policy. An understanding of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological factors that determine the course of nicotine addiction is critical in developing rational policies regarding tobacco products. The Food and Drug Administration's rule to regulate cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products is discussed. The fact that smokers typically make the transition from casual use to nicotine addiction during adolescence argues for developing and implementing effective prevention efforts and smoking cessation treatment programs that are youth-oriented.     

The issue of consent in research that administers drugs of addiction to addicted persons

In addiction, impaired control over drug use raises questions about the capacity of addicted persons to consent to participate in research studies in which they are given their drug of addiction. We review the case for doing such research, and the arguments that addiction does, and does not, prevent addicted persons from consenting to such research. We argue for a more nuanced view that acknowledges that while in some situations addiction impairs decision-making capacity, it does not eliminate such capacity. We conclude with some suggestions for recruiting addicted subjects and designing experiments in ways to obtain free and informed consent.     

The Issue of Consent in Research that Administers Drugs of Addiction to Addicted Persons

In addiction, impaired control over drug use raises questions about the capacity of addicted persons to consent to participate in research studies in which they are given their drug of addiction. We review the case for doing such research, and the arguments that addiction does, and does not, prevent addicted persons from consenting to such research. We argue for a more nuanced view that acknowledges that while in some situations addiction impairs decision-making capacity, it does not eliminate such capacity. We conclude with some suggestions for recruiting addicted subjects and designing experiments in ways to obtain free and informed consent.     

Perceptions of Benzodiazepine Dependence Among Women Age 65 and Older

A phenomenological study explored whether older women who are chronic benzodiazepine users identified themselves as dependent, how dependence was perceived, and how meanings and understandings shaped experiences of benzodiazepine use. Self-reported benzodiazepine dependence was associated with being unable to reduce use or a desire to discontinue use and reliance on benzodiazepines to remain comfortable and able to handle daily life. Themes included: (a) benzodiazepine dependence is similar to dependence to diabetes or blood pressure medications; (b) dependence is distinctive from addiction/abuse; (c) addiction/abuse is perceived as worse than dependence; and (d) concerns of addiction/abuse result in low-dose benzodiazepine use.     

网络传播中的伦理问题及其出路

社会发展与互联网络的依存度不断提高,网络传播对社会经济、政治、文化和生活带来的影响日渐深刻;在推动社会进步的同时,社会伦理也面临网络传播的挑战,黑客和病毒、知识产权、有害信息及网络成瘾等问题不容忽视;探索网络传播中伦理问题的出路,是网络业科学发展进而服务于社会进步的迫切问题。扭曲的网络观的矫正、宽容和干预的互补、技术与人文的融合、适用与脱敏的调节,是整饬网络伦理的合理路径。     

Mental preparation during pregnancy in women with substance addiction: a qualitative interview‐study

The interplay between pregnancy and addiction is usually studied quantitatively, and the focus is often on the adverse effects of intrauterine substance exposure. This study explores the perspective of the mothers‐to‐be by examining the subjective experience of pregnancy in substance‐addicted women. Fourteen women in family treatment for substance use disorder participated in eight focus groups. The data were analysed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings show that recognition of pregnancy was distorted and delayed, and strong feelings of ambivalence and guilt persisted throughout pregnancy, along with hope for change. Addiction and an intense preoccupation with external expectations are seen as a threat to intrauterine attachment and mental preparation for the caregiving role. Interventions must take into account the specific ways in which addiction influences the psychological processes of pregnancy; specifically, providing adequate social support and security should be considered.     

THE IMPACT OF ILLICIT DRUG USE ON NON‐USING SIBLINGS IN THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY

This study explored the issues facing young Vietnamese who have a sibling with an illicit drug addiction and the coping strategies that they and their families employ. This paper concentrated on the results from interviews/focus groups of Vietnamese parents and young people. There were some areas of commonality between the responses of the parent and youth cohorts. Issues of shame, guilt, grief and lack of support were raised by both groups. The reactions of parents and siblings change over time, as the negative impact of the user's behaviour intensified and family systems become strained. There were significant differences in the responses of the two cohorts in relation to parental behaviour. The youth cohort generally was critical of parental behaviour towards both children who are using illicit drugs and their non‐using siblings.     

An Exploration of Cohesion and Recovery Outcomes in Addiction Treatment Groups

This article explores the relationship between group cohesion and recovery outcome variables in inpatient addiction treatment groups. We surveyed 104 people in group therapy using measures of cohesion, self-efficacy, social support, and coping. Length of stay in treatment has a relationship with cohesion. Significant higher order interactions were found with group cohesion (length of stay by type of addiction and length of stay by type of referral). The interaction of gender by addiction on measures of social support and self-efficacy were also significant. The latent construct of collective efficacy was confirmed using factor analysis, and we discuss collective efficacy and implications for group work with addictions.     

2012年江西省福利彩票彩民购彩行为特征调查报告

为了解江西省福彩彩民购彩行为特征及彩民群体成瘾倾向,本文采用横断面研究方法,使用自编福彩彩民购彩行为调查表和购彩成瘾自评问卷,在江西全省11个设区市400个福利彩票投注站随机收集4396名购彩者的资料,分析彩民一般人口统计学资料、彩民购彩行为特征、彩民对彩票机构的态度以及彩民成瘾倾向特点。结果显示,中年、已婚、受教育程度低和月收入低的男性更易购彩成瘾。购彩频率、购彩金额和每天花费时间均是购彩成瘾的重要表现,购彩成瘾倾向与彩龄无关。因此,江西省目前福利彩票行业发展健康,但彩票购买者中约2%有病态赌博倾向,需要引起高度重视。     

Characteristics of Women Seeking Services at a Transitional Housing Facility for Women Leaving Street-Based Sex Work: Implications for Social Service Providers

ABSTRACT

Women who decide to leave street-based sex work often struggle with addiction, trauma-related mental health consequences, and exclusion from employment and housing. To offer recommendations for social service providers, this article draws upon primary data from interviews and surveys with 87 residents at a transitional housing facility for women leave sex work to elucidate: 1) a demographic profile of the women, 2) life history patterns and circumstances that encourage women to leave street-based sex work and 3) recommendations for service providers. Results indicate the need for service providers to assist women with basic needs, strengthen referral networks, and extend trauma-informed services.     

城市青少年网瘾的社区矫治方法的实践与探讨——以D市S社区为例

上网成瘾严重阻碍了青少年身心健康的发展,如何进行青少年网瘾矫治是本文所要探讨的主要问题。社区作为青少年活动的一个重要场所,它在青少年网瘾矫治过程中发挥的作用是不言而喻的。基于在D市S社区所进行的实务工作,尝试结合运用社会工作方法,笔者在本文中对青少年网瘾社区矫治方法的简单尝试做了描述,并初步探讨和验证了该方法的实用性和操作性。     

‘My daughter is a drug addict’: grandparents caring for the children of addicted parents

This article reports on one aspect of a large multi-method survey of grandparents raising grandchildren, carried out in 2016. The research report [Gordon L. (2016). The empty nest is refilled: the joys and tribulations of grandparents raising grandchildren in New Zealand. Auckland: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust (NZ)] notes that the most commonly cited reason for children coming into care was parental drug addiction. This article reports on the circumstances and well-being of families where parental drug addiction was cited as a reason for the children living with grandparents. Common causes of grandparents struggling to care for their grandchildren were personal health issues, housing, financial problems and dealing with traumatised or unwell children. Contact with parents was often random, with non-contact caused by parental death, imprisonment, parents moving away or re-forming families, children not wanting to see the parent or parents not turning up for scheduled visits. As noted in another article [Gordon L. (2017). Experiences of grandparents raising grandchildren in getting income support from Work and Income offices in New Zealand. Kotuitui. 12(2):134–145], many of the families had difficulty getting income support from Work and Income. Many of the children suffer from a range of emotional and behavioural problems, leading to concerns about their future. The conclusion considers the policy and service implications of these findings, in the context of the growing ‘epidemic’ of methamphetamines and other drug use in Aotearoa.     

Addiction to mobile text messaging applications is nothing to “lol” about

The recent use of mobile text messaging applications, such as Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and WhatsApp, has increased greatly throughout the world. Unfortunately, this advanced technology is not without problems. In this study, the researcher argues that BBM and WhatsApp may generate noticeable improvements in consumer's lives but may simultaneously cause serious social and personal problems, including addiction to these applications. Amazingly, this topic has received little if any attention from consumer behaviorists, who need to understand the psychological factors that affect BBM and WhatsApp consumers. Hence, the current research examines two personality traits—extraversion and social anxiety—that influence consumer attitudes toward these applications. The results of a survey from 552 BBM and WhatsApp consumers in Kuwait indicate that the interaction effect of extraversion and social anxiety is significantly related to consumer attitudes toward BBM and WhatsApp. Furthermore, addiction to these applications plays a mediating role in the examined effect.     

Suggestions for the Creation and Implementation of Tobacco Policy

When making policy suggestions regarding tobacco use, it is important to consider why tobacco use has proved such a difficult behavior to eradicate. The articles in this issue have identified a number of variables that we would be well served to consider when creating tobacco policy. First, tobacco use has been difficult to eradicate because of the addictive nature of nicotine. Even though many smokers wish to quit, the addictive nature of the product makes this difficult. A second variable that compounds this problem is that tobacco addiction typically begins in adolescence. The decision-making process used by adolescents that may lead to tobacco use may be particularly difficult to alter, thus making smoking initiation a difficult process in which to intervene. Finally, it is important to consider the political power of the tobacco industry and to identify promising methods of overcoming this power when creating policy. These might include innovative legal strategies and searching for compromises that can reduce tobacco use while protecting important tobacco constituencies.     

THE GROPE FOR GROUP

There has been an apparent increase in the use of social work groups for clinical purposes. This trend has neglected the more traditional and important use of groups for community change goals. Even when working with clinical groups, community goals can be impacted. This article suggests a specific methodology for integrating group treatment goals with community action. It suggests that group workers view their role as instigators in broadening community support and action around clinical group work issues; that agencies need to make time to do this; that how group workers connect group work to community action needs to be empirically demonstrated with each service act.     

A phenomenological case study on immigrant workers' gambling addiction in Korea

This study explores the experiences that have led some of Korea's immigrant workers into gambling addiction and examines possible social welfare services that could support treatment. Immigrant workers' gambling experience as aliens in Korea was analyzed through the methodology of a phenomenological case study. The participants, who voluntarily consented to the study, were five immigrant workers addicted to gambling. Data were collected through one‐on‐one, in‐depth interviews over 6 months, starting in July 2018. The essential themes that emerged in the interviews were “changing strategies for survival,” “forgetting oneself without any sense of responsibility or shame,” “gambling as routine daily life,” “obsession with making a fortune in one go,” and “no home to return to.” Based on its results, this study makes suggestions for the prevention of gambling addiction in immigrant workers. Further, future research needs to be broadened to analyze nationwide cases of immigrant workers with more diverse demographic backgrounds.     

Substance misuse stories among Pacific peoples in New Zealand

This paper examines the oral stories of Pacific people attending addiction treatment services in Auckland, New Zealand who were participating in a larger study exploring the validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. (ASSIST). A Talanoa approach was used by interviewers to help gain an understanding of the factors associated with participants’ substance misuse. Interviewers made notes of the stories they heard. Fifty participants were interviewed and expressed concerns related to how their substance use was influenced by their peers (66%, n?=?33), the environment they were living in (60%, n?=?30), and their family (50%, n?=?25). Sixteen participants provided detailed narratives of their lived experiences that permitted further in-depth analysis. Thematic analysis of these narratives revealed five interrelated themes; introduction to drugs and alcohol, family dynamics access to drugs, attempts at giving up, and motivation to stop. The use of a Talanoa approach, whilst administering a screening tool, such as the ASSIST, allows for a more in-depth exploration of an individual’s substance use. The information gathered would allow those working with Pacific people who misuse alcohol and/or drugs to develop culturally appropriate interventions.     

Unexpected Caregiving in Later Life: Illuminating the Narratives of Resilience of Grandmothers and Relative Caregivers through Photovoice Methodology

ABSTRACT

This research study implements photovoice methodology with unexpected caregivers to illuminate the lived experiences of female grandparents and relative caregivers who are raising young children in the later stages of their life. As they enter older adulthood, grandmothers are increasingly finding themselves taking care of their children’s children for various reasons, including, but not limited to, their adult child’s incarceration, mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, or child abuse or neglect. Informed by various feminist theoretical lenses, we use photovoice methodology to highlight the narratives of resilience and explore the ways in which grandmothers re-conceptualize their roles and identity as an unexpected caregiver and the sources of strength and resilience that inform the ways in which they navigate the various circumstances in their lives.     

以“疵”为美 以“癖”为美——《陶庵梦忆》奇人小议

张岱在《陶庵梦忆》里,围绕＂真气＂和＂深情＂,刻画了一批以＂疵＂为美、以＂癖＂为美的奇人。张岱对＂疵＂、＂癖＂的欣赏,既反映出他对魏晋风度的仰慕,对明代中后期张扬个性思潮的追随,也体现了他的名士情怀和遗民心态。