Latest Prevention Research

Does 'motivational interviewing' prevent substance abuse?

in

We have previously discussed the success of motivational interviewing and this recent meta analysis concluded that the technique is the leading evidence-based approach for young people not in treatment, even if delivered briefly and by non-specialist staff. The authors do raise some qualifications, however, and Mike Ashton in 'Findings' raises others. For example, some results were not statistically significant and Mike raises doubts as to whether the motivational nature of the interventions was always the key active ingredient. The overall approach remains valuable, however, particularly using the skill of reflective listening, "to 'play back' to the client an elaborated version of their own comments".

Links:

The Strengthening Families Program 10–14

in

The Strengthening Families Program 10–14 is a long running and well known substance abuse prevention programme developed at Iowa University, USA. It is designed for parents/carers and their children from ages 10 to 14 years. The 7 sessions aim to build skills for children and provide tools for parents. The programme has been used internationally and evaluated in different settings.

3rd edition of Project TND materials available

in

Project TND is a long established interactive classroom-based substance abuse prevention programme based on research at the University of Southern California. The project focuses on factors predicting substance abuse, violence-related behaviours and other problem behaviours among young people. The programme covers motivational factors such as attitudes and expectations, skills such as self-control, and decision making leading to health-promoting behaviours. Evaluation of the programme is also available.

Link:

Mephedrone ban extended to entire EU

in

Europe has responded to rising concern over the use of the synthetic drug mephedrone by subjecting it to ‘control measures and criminal penalties’ throughout the EU. The EMCDDA Scientific Committee concluded that, while there is limited scientific evidence on its overall health and social risks, and that further studies are needed, mephedrone can cause acute health problems and potentially lead to dependency.

Link:

Personal communication beats scary pictures in prevention strategies

in

This study reinforces the particular strength of effective personal communication in prevention strategies. Two groups of regular smokers participated in a year long cessation programme, but only half were screened then shown pictures of plaque build up in their cartoid artery. The difference in quit rates was 24/9% and 22.1%, so using the worrying pictures made no significant difference.

Link:

What will motivate this year's Olympic athletes to avoid drugs?

in

London 2012 is set to host one of the most rigorous drug testing regimes ever seen. Sadly, the inevitable discovery of substance use is likely to send mixed messages to young sport enthusiasts. Meanwhile, a UK study investigated athletes’ attitudes, beliefs and willingness to participate in performance enhancement in sport. Athletes were most willing to use a banned substance if performance dipped, funding was under threat, injury occurred before a major competition and if they believed other athletes were getting away with substance use. Coaches were also found to be highly influential. The study highlights the need for carefully targeted prevention programmes rather than over-reliance on drug testing.

Links:

Web-based intervention trialled with Swedish adolescents

in

It is estimated that approximately 20% of all Swedish children grow up with parents having alcohol problems. Web-ICAIP (Individual Coping and Alcohol Intervention Program) has shown promising results with older subjects and is now being assessed when used with adolescents. The programme aims to strengthen coping behaviour, improve mental health and reduce risky alcohol consumption. This open access BMC paper describes the programme and the randomized controlled trial.

Link:

Power of the US alcohol industry highlighted

in

This item from Addiction suggests that the alcohol industry dominates the US National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA). Analysis of figures for 2010 show that 72% of attendees and 65% of panellists were industry based. Sarah Mart, author of the paper, claims to have been the only attendee and panelist representing public health policy.

Link:

Magic mushroom ingredient could help treat depression

in

Two small studies help explain how the active ingredient from 'magic mushrooms' affects the brain. Contrary to expectations, Professor Nutt and colleagues found that psilocybin reduces activity in areas of the brain also targeted by anti-depressants. It also enhanced personal memories and so might be useful in psychotherapy. The results might contribute to new treatments for depression.

Link:

Australian report reviews alcohol policy worldwide

in

This 80 page Australian report concludes that success in reducing alcohol consumption and related harms is likely to lie in the integration of multiple policies, rather than reliance on individual, uncoordinated approaches. The report reviews four key strategies employed around the world. These include tax increases on all or selected alcoholic beverages, minimum pricing and bans on discounts/promotions. The report also covers responses from the alcohol industry, how public opinion influences policy and whether policy changes might lead to consumption of other substances.

Link: