abstract: Specific cultural variables have been found to protect against the onset of alcohol, tobacco and drug use among Latino adolescents. It has been suggested that targeting similar cultural components during the treatment of drug dependence and abuse for Latino adults may also enhance the effectiveness of the intervention, although few studies have explored this hypothesis. The current study attempted to remedy this disparity by exploring the potentially protective influence of two cultural variables, ethnic pride and family traditionalism, on self-efficacy to avoid drug use following residential substance abuse treatment among 99 Hispanic and 85 non-Hispanic White males. Results of the study indicate that higher levels of ethnic pride predict greater confidence to remain abstinent from drugs following substance abuse treatment, and that this relationship is stronger among Hispanic participants than non-Hispanic White participants. Family traditionalism was not a significant predictor of drug avoidance self-efficacy for either group, suggesting that some specific cultural variables may be better targets for substance abuse treatment than others. Study limitations and future directions for research and clinical practice are discussed. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.A. Psychology 2011

There is a vast amount of information that the bones can offer and this can be on a macroscopic level, a microscopic level, or both. Understanding the changes in bone morphology can provide an understanding the broader picture of an individual’s life. The natural progression of changes in bone follows the natural progression of life. On the macroscopic level, morphological changes occur to skeletal elements such as the pubic symphysis and the sternal rib ends. These characteristics are used when determining the age of an individual. On the microscopic level, histological methods have been developed to determine the age of an individual based on changes in the microstructure of an element. While age at death estimations are based on a known sequence of change over time, time is not the only variable that effects bone morphology. Different pathologies and trauma can also alter skeletal elements. Just as disease processes and trauma act of signaling pathways in the body that cause changes in bone to occur, drug use also acts on the brain and can affect the same signaling pathways that are involved in bone regulation. It is hypothesized here that chronic cocaine use will have a detectable effect on bone morphology. The study sample used consisted of rats, some exposed to cocaine and others not. The experimental groups consisted of eleven Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. The rat’s self-administered cocaine at a 0.3 mg/kg dosage and the concentration of the IV solution was 1.6 mg/ml of cocaine. The control group includes five female Sprague Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the Boston University Animal Science Center in Boston, Massachusetts. These rats were exposed to a training protocol but were not given any drugs prior. All samples went through a dissection and maceration process to obtain the femora and humeri. Mass, volume, and length measurements were taken for each element to be used for later analysis. One femur was chosen at random from each rodent to be used for histological analysis. Femora were embedded in a 2-part epoxy resin and then cut in half using a diamond band saw. A Buehler IsoMet Low Speed Saw was used to obtain thinner sections and a Buehler MetaServ 250 grinder was used to achieve a thickness of 100-120 μm. India ink was used for staining and all stained sections were put onto slides, covered with Permount and a cover slip, and labeled. Upon microscopic examination, it was determined that the outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness would be measured and compared between the experimental and control groups. Photographs were taken of each cross-section at 1x and 4x magnification through the NIS-element software. The ImageJ image-processing program was used for analysis. The thickness of the outer circumferential lamellar bone and the thickness of the total cross-section was taken at four random locations of each 4x magnification photograph. The ratio of the thicknesses and the outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness alone were compared. When comparing density values calculated from the original mass and volume measurements, a significant difference was found between the control and experimental groups. Samples that had been exposed to cocaine had lower density values than those not exposed to any drugs. The control group mean density equaled 1.492 g/mL and the experimental group mean density equaled 1.082 g/mL. A significant difference was found between the ratio of the thicknesses and between the outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness alone. The experimental group had ratio values significantly higher than the control group. The control groups mean ratio equaled 0.2686 while the experimental groups mean ratio equaled 0.4427. This indicates that in the control group, the outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness, on average, covered about 25% of the total cross-section, and the experimental groups outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness, on average, covered almost 50% of the total cross-section. These results were similar when comparing the outer circumferential lamellar bone thickness alone. The control groups thickness was significantly lower than the experimental groups thickness. The control group’s thickness measurements had a mean of 189.7674 μm and he experimental group’s thickness measurements had a mean of 343.2753 μm. These results are just the preliminary data that shows that chronic cocaine use does have an effect on bone morphology on a microscopic level. Only on histological characteristic was analyzed but there are many more traits that can be analyzed.

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Cur. (Psychiatric Nursing) / Globally, the use of substances which seem to be harmful in all life dimensions appear to be an alarming problem. Recent studies indicate that the use and abuse of these substances is more prevalent among adolescents than any other age group. This is so because there are enormous changes to the physical, psychological and social dimensions at this stage. The use of these substances is a daily occurrence and reality for many people. However, for some individuals, the use of drugs can become overwhelming and be the focus of their lives and their existence. Among all abused substances, alcohol remains the dominant substance of abuse across sites. In South Africa too, adolescents abuse substances than other age groups. Substance abuse is commonly observed among adolescents who dropped out of school before completion of matric, those who completed matric but failed to go for tertiary education due to financial constraints, and those who are already in tertiary institutions thus making it difficult for them to complete their careers. Adding up on alcohol as commonly used substances are marijuana and hallucinogens. Some contributing factors of adolescent substance abuse have been identified as family environment factors, conflicting parental monitoring, peer group influence, psychiatric conditions and attention. To explore this problem of adolescents, the researcher conducted a study on the life stories of adolescents who abuse substances. The objectives of the study were to:- -Explore and describe the life stories of adolescents who abuse substances. -Describe the guidelines for advanced psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of adolescents who abuse substances. This study was undertaken within the framework of Caplan's model of health promotion and prevention of illness based on the resources of community mental health care (Kaplan & Sadock 2003:1376). A qualitative, explorative and descriptive research design was used to answer the research questions. In depth, semi-structured phenomenological interviews were conducted with adolescents who met the sample criteria. Steps were taken throughout the research to ensure trustworthiness. Data analysis was done according to (Cresswell 1994:155) Tech's model. The results of this study indicate that adolescents abuse substances in certain behaviours which lead to substance abuse, face challenges in the physical, social and psychological dimensions. However, positive feelings of determination and courage to quit the substance abuse behaviour are also expressed. Conclusions were drawn and recommendation made concerning psychiatric nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.

M.A. (Psychology) / Psychotic Disorders, adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (aADHD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Although the different groups were compared the primary aim was to learn more about the cognitive functioning of aADHD. Although there is greater emphasis on aADHD as it may be included in the new diagnostic systems, a clear clinical picture still eludes us. Participants were recruited from different sources, by means of purposive sampling. As a general rule all potential participants with a history of a head injury or any other neurological disorders were excluded. Due to the fact that participants had to comply with strict including criteria, certain screening tests were used. The group were screened by the research team by means of clinical interviews as well as the ASRS and the MCMI. In order to control for the type of substances as well as their history of substance abuse the Mini Plus Questionnaire was used. Furthermore the psychosis group only consisted of individuals with positive Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders. The research instrument that was used was the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), of which a number of subtests of the CANTAB were used to assess the cognitive ability of the groups. The included subtests were the Motor Control Task, the Rapid Visual Information Processing, the Spatial Working Memory and finally the Stop Signal Test.The CANTAB revealed similar impairments the aADHD, SUD and psychotic groups, specifically relating to impairments in attention, memory and impulsivity, however the main difference that has been displayed in this research is the degree of impairment in cognitive functioning, the psychotic group functioned the poorest compared to the ADHD group, showing that the psychotic group may have a greater level of dysfunction in executive functioning, attention and memory. In conclusion the results indicated that the aADHD group had a lower level of cognitive functioning when compared to both the non-clinical and SUD groups, but higher than the psychotic group.

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / Substance abuse has been identified internationally and in South Africa as an escalating problem that has harmful effects on the substance user and on society. The cost of treating substance-related disorders places a strain on the allocation of financial resources to treat the problem. When relapse occurs in substance users who have already undergone rehabilitation, it increases the costs of treatment. Waiting lists at treatment centres are also negatively affected for first-time admissions when relapsed substance users are re-admitted. The study aimed to identify relapse indicators by post-discharge follow-up of adult substance users in a registered, non-profit, state-subsidised treatment facility in Cape Town. Marlatt’s Dynamic model of relapse was used to explore the individual and socio-cultural factors which were potentially associated with relapse. A quantitative research design using archival data and purposive sampling was used to identify possible relapse indicators. The participants were ex-patients who had undergone an inpatient treatment programme and who had been followed up post discharge. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Higher Degrees Committee. Written permission was granted by the treatment centre who is the original data owner.The majority of participants were male. More than half of the sample reported polysubstance use and, for more than half of them, the age of onset of substance use was between 11 and 15 years. Severe depression was present for more than a third of the participants, whilst the majority of the sample was assessed as being substance dependent. A large proportion of patients had family members who also used substances. The majority of the sample was unemployed and more than half had received previous substance abuse treatment. Significant associations were not established between the identified variables within the groups of factors. Additional studies are required to explore the factors contributing to relapse in this patient population.

This study investigated the problem of lack of a standardized curriculum in chemical dependency curricula to train the Certified Addiction Professional Counselor. The Columbia Assessment Services(CAS) was employed by the National Certification Reciprocity Consortium (NCRC) to complete a study for the field of addiction counseling. The study completed was a role delineation analysis and has since been translated into a book called the Study Guide for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors (1992). This study guide was used to develop a course module using the Systems Approach to Training (SAT) format. This study addresses the basic research question, is an instructional training module using the Systems Approach to Training (SAT) method a consistent and standard delivery system for instruction? To answer the basic research question, three related or subsidiary questions must be answered. 1. As the content of the course module on assessment is already designed in a traditional approach, can the course also be designed using an SAT method? 2. Will the SAT format be a consistent and standard method of delivery of the knowledge to be learned as determined by a panel of experts? 3. Will the SAT format be a consistent and standard method of delivery for the skills to be performed, as determined by a panel of experts? This study ascertains through subject matter experts surveyed in the field, that the course module designed in the SAT format is a consistent and standard method of delivery for the training program utilizing a chemical dependency course module.

Afrikaans: Substansafhanklikheid is 'n universele verskynsel wat nie diskrimineer tussen ouderdom, geslag, status en beroep nie. Substansafhanklikheid ontsien geen beroepsgroep nie en ook nie die mediese beroep, met spesifieke verwysing na geneeshere nie. In Suid-Afrika is daar nog geen navorsing oor die substansafhanklike geneesheer gedoen nie. Internasionale navorsing oor substansafhanklikheid onder geneeshere is egter beskikbaar. 'n Behoefte aan beter begrip en kennis van die substansafhanklike geneesheer is 'n onderwerp wat aandag behoort te geniet met die oog op meer effektiewe dienslewering aan die teikengroep. Uit die literatuur blyk duidelik dat die substansafhanklike geneesheer unieke problematiek ervaar wat verband hou met sy beroep. Die doelstelling van hierdie navorsing was om die profiel van die substansafhanklike geneesheer saam te stel met die oog op die formulering van behandelings- en voorkomingsriglyne vanuit 'n maatskaplikewerkperspektief. In hierdie ondersoek is nie 'n hipotese geformuleer nie aangesien 'n verkennende ondersoek van 'n relatief onbekende terrein onderneem is. 'n Navorsingsvraag is wel gestel wat rigtinggewend vir die navorsing was. Hierdie ondersoek bestaan uit 'n Iiteratuurstudie en 'n empiriese ondersoek. Die doelwitte vir die ondersoek was om deur middel van 'n literatuurstudie inligting in te samel oor substansafhanklikheid as verskynsel by geneeshere, die profiel, psigososiale implikasies en belewenis van die substansafhanklike geneesheer en ook behandelings- en voorkomingsriglyne. 'n Verder doelwit was om deur middel van empiriese navorsing die profiel van die substansafhanklike geneesheer saam te stel, asook die psigososiale implikasies van substansafhanklikheid by die substansafhanklike geneesheer te ondersoek. Aan die hand van die ingesamelde data is aanbevelings vir behandeling en voorkoming geformuleer. Die literatuurstudie sluit in die etiologie en ontwikkeling van substansafhanklikheid, die omvang en wetgewing betreffende substansafhanklikheid en die substansafhanklike geneesheer. Ten slotte word die dinamika van die substansafhanklike geneesheer, behandelingsfasiliteite, behandelingsbenaderings en die behandelingsproses vir die substansafhanklike geneesheer bespreek. Die Iiteratuurstudie het as raamwerk gedien waarbinne die empiriese ondersoek gedoen is. In die empiriese ondersoek is 'n gekombineerde kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe benadering gevolg, naamlik die dominante-minder-dominanteontwerp van Creswell. In die ondersoek is van toegepaste navorsing gebruik gemaak, wat fokus op die verkryging van nuwe kennis en spreek onmiddellike problematiek aan wat in die praktyk ondervind word. In die ondersoek is daar verder van die verkennende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerp gebruik gemaak. Die navorsingsprosedure wat ten opsigte van die kwantitatiewe benadering gevolg is, is die opnameprosedure wat die administrering van vraelyste as data insamelingsmetode behels het. Die navorsingsprosedure ten opsigte van die kwalitatiewe benadering was die voer van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met behulp van 'n semi-gestruktureerde onderhoudskedule. Die vertrouenswaardigheid van die kwalitatiewe deel van die navorsing is aan die hand van Guba se model geevalueer. Daar is by beide benaderings in die ondersoek gebruik gemaak van doelgerigte steekproefneming. Die kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe bevindinge van die ondersoek was aanvullend tot mekaar en het wedersyds bevindinge bevestig. Vanuit die bevindinge wat verkry is, is die navorsingsdoelstelling en navorsingsvraag beantwoord en is sekere aanbevelings vir voorkoming- en behandeling van substansafhanklikheid by die substansafhanklike geneesheer geformuleer. Verdere navorsing ten opsigte die ontwikkeling van 'n behandelingsprogram spesifiek vir geneeshere word aanbeveel. English: Substance dependency is a common phenomenon. Substance dependency does not discriminate against age, sex, status or occupation. Substance dependency occurs regardless the occupation of a person, not even the medical profession and the medical doctor are excluded from substance dependency. Research in South Africa about the substance dependant doctor is unknown and unavailable. International research does exist about this specific subject. It is important to gain knowledge and understanding about the phenomenon of the substance dependant doctor to formulate specific guidelines for treatment and preventative services. The substance dependant doctor experiences unique problems regarding their specific occupation. The purpose of this research is the composition of the profile of the substance dependant doctor from a social work perspective. Specific recommendations could be drawn from the conclusions and be implemented in the treatment of and prevention of substance dependency among doctors. The nature of this research was to explore an unknown phenomenon, therefore no hypothesis was formulated. A research question was formulated which gave specific direction to the research. This research comprises two divisions, namely a literature study and an empirical research. The research goals included a literature study to gain information about the phenomenon of substance dependency among doctors, a profile, psychosocial implications, experiences of substance dependant doctors and treatment and preventative guidelines. The empirical research comprised the composition of the profile of the substance dependant doctor, and explored the psychosocial implications of substance dependency among doctors. Based on the profile of the substance dependant doctor that was compiled from the processed data, recommendations were made for the treatment and prevention of substance dependency among doctors. The literature study included the aetiology and development of substance dependency, the extent of and regulations regarding substance dependency and substance dependency among doctors. In conclusion the literature study includes the dynamics of the substance dependant doctor, treatment facility's, treatment perspectives and the treatment process of the substance dependant doctor. The empirical research was conducted within a framework of a literature study. The empirical research included a combination of a quantitative and qualitative approach, namely the dominant-less-dominant model of Creswell. The type of research that was used in this study is applied research, which aimed to utilise new knowledge and to address problems in everyday practice. The explorative and descriptive research designs were used. The procedures that were used regarding the quantitative approach of the research, was the survey procedure. Data gathering with reference to the quantitative approach was conducted by using questionnaires that were administered by the researcher. The procedures that were used regarding the qualitative approach were semi-structured face-to-face-interviews with the aid of a semi-structured interview schedule. The trustworthiness of the qualitative research was assessed according the model of Guba. Purposive sampling was used in both approaches. The quantitative and qualitative data were complementary and mutually confirmed the findings of the data. Based on the findings of the processed data the research goals and research question were answered. Recommendations were made for the treatment and prevention of substance dependence among doctors. Further research on development of a treatment program specifically for doctors is recommended. / Thesis (DPhil (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

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