This service updates you with developments at the DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS web site
http://findings.org.uk.
ISSUE 10 of the DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS magazine first published in 2004 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+10
or the BROWSE MAGAZINE link on the home page.
Earlier 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 for much more information.
***LINKS EXTENDED TO LATEST DOCUMENTS***
From the start you have been able to click on the LINKS to see related FINDINGS documents. But
because these were based on the published Nuggets, they could only refer *back* to earlier content.
Now in each Nugget we have added a *Latest FINDINGS* button to bring you right up to date with our
latest work on similar topics.
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NO 'THRESHOLD' - JUST THE LONGER THE STAY, THE BETTER THE TREATMENT OUTCOME
Being motivated enough to cut drug use before treatment entry leads to better outcomes, but even
after taking this in to account, this huge US study found outcomes improved the longer patients
stayed in non-prescribing programmes. There was no 'threshold' at 12 weeks or any other time - up to
a point, the longer the better. "You touched the soul of my work" said the lead researcher.
Choose RETENTION IS NOT JUST ABOUT MOTIVATION from the issue 10 listing or go direct to:
http://findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_10_1.pdf
WORKING WITH COUPLES HELPS PATIENTS, PARTNERS AND CHILDREN
You can work just with the patient and that in itself will help the family (click Latest FINDINGS
button for more), but in suitable families, patients, partners and children gain most from
systematically involving partners in the treatment. The latest in what experts have called an
"impressive" series of studies found that this general conclusion extended to naltrexone treatment
of opiate dependence.
Choose WORKING WITH COUPLES... from the issue 10 listing or go direct to:
http://findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_10_2.pdf
WHEN DOCTORS ALLOWED TO VARY DOSES, BUPRENORPHINE RIVALS METHADONE
A large scale Australian study which approximated recommended clinical procedures found
buprenorphine roughly equivalent to methadone as a maintenance treatment for opiate dependence and
also roughly as cost-effective. This was one of the most influential studies underpinning recent UK
guidance - click Latest FINDINGS button in the PDF for our analysis.
Choose CLINICALLY RELEVANT COMPARISON... from the issue 10 listing or go direct to:
http://findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_10_3.pdf
CRACK IN LONDON: FOLLOW-ON SUPPORT LINKED TO SUSTAINING THE BREAK
Short term residential crisis intervention for unemployed crack users led to marked reductions in
substance use and crime, but practically none of the former residents avoided relapse without the
aid of follow-on support, especially residential rehabilitation and attending mutual aid groups.
Choose CRACK: MAKING AND SUSTAINING THE BREAK from the issue 10 listing or go direct to:
http://findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_10_4.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 Effectiveness Bank 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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