BACKGROUND: The dropout rate from the treatment of patients with substance use disorders (SUD) negatively affects overall treatment outcomes. Little is known about the specific role of various psychiatric and psychosocial factors in the individual patients. Limited data is available in regards to mindset and addiction treatment, giving the opportunity of testing such interventions in the future.

AIM: To identify the key psychological, psychosocial, and other treatment related factors in the patients from the inpatient substance use treatment with addiction who have dropped out of the program...

Background: Physical health problems are common in people receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT). A study was conducted on these health issues in OAT patients in the Czech Republic and Norway from 2010 to 2019, with a focus on gender differences.

Methods: In this study, it was a population-based cohort study that linked multiple health records to investigate physical diseases (using ICD-10 codes) in patients receiving OAT in the Czech Republic (4,280 patients) and Norway (11,389 patients) from 2010 to 2019. A gender-stratified analysis was performed.

Results: The study found that both male...

BACKGROUND: Implementing quality measurement is still a challenge in the field of drug treatment and harm reduction. In this case study, we investigate which strategies can be used to enhance the implementation of a policy in which quality indicators are made public.

METHODS: Building on an evidence-based methodology, this case study shows how an organisation in Flanders – the Flemish Institute for Quality of Care – develops quality indicators along with its strategies to implement the measurement of the indicators.

RESULTS: The study shows three types of quality indicators in the field of...

INTRODUCTION: In the favourable political climate of the mid-2010s, the standards for Assessment & Selection of Prevention programmes Issued from the Review of EDPQS (ASPIRE) were developed to support project planning in drug prevention.

METHODS: This case study is a narrative from the main coordinator responsible for drafting this quality assurance material.

RESULTS: The framework that led to the creation of the ASPIRE standards is described. The production process is then explained and, thereby, the 12 ASPIRE standards resulting from it are presented. These quality standards and their...

BACKGROUND: L'implementazione degli standard di qualità da parte di Coolmine comporta un periodo di gestione del cambiamento, pianificazione strategica e sviluppo di politiche nazionali.

METODI: Un caso di studio narrativo incentrato sulla politica nazionale e sulla pianificazione strategica interna.

CONCLUSIONI: Dal 2000, Coolmine ha intrapreso un percorso di gestione del cambiamento che ha mantenuto l'organizzazione all'avanguardia nel trattamento della droga e dell'alcol in Irlanda e a livello internazionale, pur mantenendo la fedeltà alla comunità terapeutica. La strategia per l...

INTRODUCTION: The Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC) is the main coordinating body for all matters related to licit and illicit substances as well as pathological gambling in Cyprus and it is responsible, inter alia, for the licensing, evaluation, funding (where possible), coordination, and reinforcement of all programmes, actions, and activities related to substances and gambling. Licensing and funding are based on the fulfilment of certain criteria and a certain level of quality.

METHODS: The process that led to the establishment of a quality standards system for licensing and...

L'attuazione di standard di qualità nel trattamento dei disturbi da uso di sostanze in Lituania non è ben documentata in letteratura. Obiettivi: Descrivere il processo di sviluppo degli standard di qualità dalle iniziative di base alla loro integrazione nell'assistenza sanitaria ordinaria sotto la guida del Ministero della Salute.

METODI: Revisione narrativa dei documenti recuperati, inclusi gli atti giuridici correlati, seguita da una successiva analisi del contenuto.

RISULTATI: L'implementazione si è articolata in tre fasi caratterizzate da attività specifiche, dai principali stakeholder e...

BACKGROUND: The abuse of psychoactive prescription drugs has become increasingly common in the Czech Republic. These drugs include sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics (benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics), and opioids. Patients with an addiction to these prescription drugs exhibit symptoms associated with long-term use, particularly psychological and somatic problems, sleep disturbances, impaired cognitive functioning, and irritability. There is a need for a flexible response to their needs.

AIMS: The aim of the research is to describe selected psychological symptoms and the quality of life of...

This article provides reflection on the potential application of Bion’s model of basic assumption groups in patients undergoing midterm inpatient addiction treatment. The clinical implications are discussed in terms of the usability of Bion’s model and its possible benefits for patients in regimen addiction treatment, as well as the pitfalls associated with its application in this treatment modality. Despite the highly theoretical nature of this model, clinical experience to date confirms that analysis of the underlying assumptions and associated protomental patterns can provide valuable...

This live training on Motivational Interviewing takes place weekly on Thursdays from 10am till 11am SAST on the following dates: 9, 16, 23 & 30 March 2023.

Motivational Interviewing is a best-evidence approach for tackling harmful substance use and general motivation-related change, including that treatment non-adherence. It is an approach that does not seek to replace other therapeutic approaches, but that seeks instead to support and strengthen them.

We strongly recommend that you complete this Online Tour of Motivational Interviewing before attending this training: https:/...