ISSUE 7 of the DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS magazine first published in 2002 is now available free of
charge as downloadable PDFs (Adobe Acrobat files). Access by clicking this link:
http://findings.org.uk/issuesResults.php5?issueChoice=issue+7
or the BROWSE MAGAZINE link on the home page.
A few days ago you were introduced to the feature articles. This and subsequent messages will
introduce you to the NUGGETS, each of which analyses an important new 'what works' evaluation.
Remember to check the EXTENDED TEXTS to see what the published Nugget was based on and for much more
free information than we could fit on the page.
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LITTLE BENEFIT FROM MATCHING GENDER OR RACE OF CLIENT AND THERAPIST
Following negative findings for group therapy, a study of cocaine counselling found that even in
one-to-one therapy, matching clients and therapists by gender or race did not improve retention or
outcomes. Extended text show this is not an isolated finding but also that research to date has been
limited.
Choose STILL LITTLE EVIDENCE FOR MATCHING... from the issue 7 listing or go direct to:
http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_7_4.pdf
DON'T ARGUE ABOUT METHADONE DOSE - LET STABILISED PATIENTS CHOOSE
That seems to be the implication of a US study which found that stabilised methadone patients
allowed to set their own doses did not escalate excessively and 'on-top' drug use was reduced.
Extended text itemises all similar studies to date and argues that flexibility is the key - it
matters less whether that lies in the hands of the doctor or the patient.
Choose NO HARM AND SOME BENEFIT... from the issue 7 listing or go direct to:
http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_7_5.pdf
THE DRUGS REALLY DO HELP ALCOHOL DEPENDENT PATIENTS
Despite patchy results in individual studies, two meta-analyses which combined findings from the
most rigorous trials have confirmed that acamprosate and naltrexone help prevent relapse after
detoxification from alcohol. Individual studies not covered in these analyses are detailed in the
extended text.
Choose CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT ACAMPROSATE... from the issue 7 listing or go direct to:
http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_7_2.pdf
TRY TELLING YOUNGSTERS THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW MUCH THEIR MATES DRINK
Simple idea and it can work - youngsters think their age-mates drink more than they really do and
try to match up. Solution - correct the misperceptions and there is less pressure to drink. A
sophisticated US analysis found school lessons based on this strategy did indeed retard growth in
drinking. Extended text reveals limitation in the strategy - in some social circles one's closest
friends really do drink excessively.
Choose GROWTH IN YOUTH DRINKING CURBED... from the issue 7 listing or go direct to:
http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_7_9.pdf
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Further information from [log in to unmask] or by replying to this e-mail. FINDINGS is managed
by DrugScope, Alcohol Concern and the National Addiction Centre, the two leading UK drug and alcohol
information charities and the UK's leading clinical/research centre. The project is supported by the
J. Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust (http://www.jpgettytrust.org.uk) and the Pilgrim Trust
(http://www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk).
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