Gender Differences in Perceived Unmet Treatment Needs Among Persons With and Without Co-occurring Disorders.

This study examined gender differences in perceived unmet treatment needs among persons with and without co-occurring substance use disorders and serious mental health conditions. Data were drawn from the 2008-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (unweighted N = 37,187) to test the hypothesis that the relationships between diagnosis and perceived unmet treatment needs differ as a function of gender. Compared to individuals with a substance use disorder or severe mental illness, those with co-occurring disorders were more likely to report perceived unmet needs for substance abuse and mental health treatment. Gender significantly moderated the relationship between diagnosis and unmet needs, suggesting that men with co-occurring disorders might be more adversely affected. Findings highlight the need for better understanding of gender-diagnosis differences with respect to unmet needs for substance abuse and mental health care.

Hispanic Subgroups, Acculturation, and Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes.

This study explored Hispanic subgroup differences in substance use treatment outcomes, and the relationship of acculturation characteristics to these outcomes. Data were from a multisite randomized clinical trial of motivational enhancement therapy versus treatment as usual in a sample of Spanish-speaking substance abusers. Participants were Cuban American (n=34), Mexican American (n=209), Puerto Rican (n=78), and other Hispanic American (n=54). Results suggested that Cuban Americans and individuals with more connection to Hispanic culture had lower treatment retention. Hispanics born in the U.S and those who spoke English at home had a lower percentage of days abstinent during weeks 5-16, although Puerto Ricans born in the U.S. and Cuban Americans living more years in the U.S. had a higher percentage of days abstinent in weeks 1-4 and 5-16, respectively. Results may inform future hypothesis-driven studies in larger Hispanic treatment seeking samples of the relationship between acculturation and treatment outcome.

Explaining the frequency of alcohol consumption in a conflict zone: Jews and Palestinians in Israel.

Experiencing stress and exposure to terrorism may have an adverse effect on health risk behaviors. Few studies have examined alcohol use among adults living in Israel under chronic, stressful terrorism-related conditions. In this study, we examined the relationships of demographics, past stressful events, and terrorism exposure to the frequency of alcohol use and the mediating roles of depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We used three waves of data from a 2007-2008 nationally representative sample of Jewish and Palestinian adults in Israel. We assessed past stressful events, in addition to direct and indirect exposures to terrorism. Results indicated that past stressful events and exposure to terrorism were not directly associated with alcohol use, but were indirectly associated and mediated by depressive and PTSD symptomology. Mental health symptoms were differentially associated with alcohol use. More frequent drinking was mediated by higher levels of depression, including for women and Palestinians; however, PTSD symptom severity was related to less frequent drinking. Mental health may play a prominent role in the frequency of alcohol use among adults exposed to terrorism in Israel. Alcohol use, as a coping mechanism, may differ by demographic characteristics (gender and ethnicity) and psychological symptomology for adults living in a conflict zone in Israel.