As we begin the New Year, 2021, we are hopeful that the worst of 2020 is behind us and that the best of last year will move forward with us in 2021. We are optimistic that we are moving toward a more diverse and inclusive world, by expanding our perspectives, insights, and tolerance. At the Journal of Addictions Nursing, we are committed to highlighting the work of our colleagues worldwide and are hoping to bring a number of Special Issues to you in the upcoming months including an issue on the social determinants of health and another on the expanding use of technology across the substance use continuum.
The first article in the current issue is "Here Come the Junkies: The Lived Experience of Opioid Dependence by Rural Australians" by Cynthia Opie and colleagues. Opioid replacement therapy offers a harm minimization approach and is the main stay treatment option for opioid dependence in Australia. Living rurally may complicate recovery, and this study aimed to explore the lived experience of people receiving opioid replacement therapy in rural Australia and describe the impediments to recovery.
Next, Kaitlin Bountress and her colleagues in "Latent Profiles of Alcohol Consumption among College Students Exposed to Trauma" aimed in their longitudinal study to identify profiles of alcohol consumption and associations with demographic and trauma-related constructs. Results suggested that drinking motives and trauma-related factors are important correlates of latent alcohol profiles.
Eun Jin Lee and coauthors present "SBIRT/MI School-Based Therapy Pilot Study." They comment that substance abuse and comorbid psychological disorders are significant problems among adolescents and that school-based interventions may be a promising approach for reaching at-risk youth. Their pilot study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an SBIRT/MI intervention on depressive, anxiety, and substance use symptoms in middle school participants and found that depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased after the intervention. By using an integrated team-building approach for planning this pilot study, they were able to successfully implement the program within schools.
Drs. Chang and Raynor examine "Factors Associated with Relapse in Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder Receiving Suboxone in Rural Areas." Although an office-based treatment of Suboxone combined with counseling is a viable option for individuals with OUD, the relapse rate among these individuals remains high. This study aimed to examine factors associated with relapse in individuals with OUD receiving Suboxone. Length of time in a Suboxone program, scores in sudden and long delay relapse, and the type of treatment program were statistically associated with relapse. This study provides insight regarding factors contributing to relapse that could be incorporated into clinical practice to help prevent relapse.
Dr. Campbell and colleagues examine an international nursing collaboration to establish the Philippine Quit Line for tobacco use. Although there are quit lines in all 50 U.S. states and territories, there was no access to this smoking cessation program in the Philippines before the initiation of the international collaboration described in this article. In 2012, a Filipino-American nurse with extensive quit line expertise initiated a collaboration between the U.S. and Philippine smoking cessation experts to plan the creation of a quit line at the Lung Center of the Philippines. This model can provide a blueprint for an international collaboration on health projects that are rooted in real collaborative and sustainable partnerships.
Next, Drs. Tortosa-Martinez and Gimenez-Meseguer analyze the relationships between physical condition, mental health, and quality of life in patients with drug dependence to determine whether physical condition could predict levels of mental health and quality of life.
A correlation analysis and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. They conclude that physical condition can predict the levels of mental health and quality of life of patients with drug dependence.
In the next article, Dr. Farinelli and colleagues examine whether or not there is a link between excessive alcohol drinking and an increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease, including alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Their goal is to enhance understanding about the role alcohol plays on cardiac health using the ECG. This systematic review provides evidence of patterns of clinically significant changes to ECG variables as a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. This review supports the development of personalized symptom monitoring to deliver tailored feedback that illuminate risk factors as a potentially transformative approach in the management of AUD.
Dr. Cominiskey and colleagues aim to assess the needs of clients to develop an evidence-based addiction nursing model. To objectively assess the needs of clients, a cross-sectional survey was implemented in Dublin, Ireland. To develop the addiction model, a mapping of relevant features of potential nursing models was conducted by nurses working in addiction services. The key finding from the client assessment was a lack of psychological adjustment, and findings from the mapping of models highlighted the benefits of the BRENDA, FRAMES, and Tidal models. Results informed the development of the Healthy Addiction Treatment Recovery Model. The model refocused services on clients' objective needs and eradicated entrenched practices.
Dr. Hui-Wen Huang and colleagues examined factors associated with smoking behaviors among late adolescents in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The results indicate that 10.8% of the participants were current smokers. Univariate analysis indicates that current smoking status was significantly associated with smoking social confidence, smoking social connection, friend's smoking, and smoking policy in schools.
Dr. Jalali and coauthors elaborate on the psychological needs of the parents with adolescents who use drugs. The participants were parents with an adolescent with a drug use disorder. Interviews were recorded and analyzed and also revealed three themes including receiving support, need for self-confidence, and need for welfare. Given the many problems these parents face, they need a variety of social, educational, emotional, interpersonal, and financial supports.
Finally, we have Suzanne Kinkle's Peer Assistance Column with an article by Dr. Mozingo on "Substance Abuse Disorder in Nursing: Evaluation and Recommendation for Regulatory Monitoring Program Performance Measures and Enhancement," Susanne Fogger's Clinical Review Column on "Adolescent Girls and Alcohol Use: Increasing Concern during the COVID-19 Pandemic," and the Perspectives Column with Dr. Kameg's article on "Medical Marijuana: Professional Liability Issues for Mental Health Providers."
We all know the necessity of using technologies (Zoom, Webex) this past year, and to build upon that, it seems the time is perfect for continuing our efforts to connect with people all over the world. As always, the Journal of Addictions Nursing will continue to strive to bring you the latest information on international issues in addictions nursing in the upcoming New Year. Meanwhile, continue to stay safe and stay healthy!