Browsing by Subject "substance abuse"
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Item An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas(2005-05-21) Garza, Monica J.; Doug A. Mains; T.J. Fairchild; Kristine LykensGarza, Monica J., An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas. Master of Public Health (Management and Policy), May 2005, 109 pp., 42 Figures, 62 bibliography titles. The purpose of this study was to examine substance abuse services for the female population in Texas to ascertain whether a relationship existed between treatment settings, the severity of specified populations, and reported attitudes/perceptions of care. The study assessed sixty-four variables using an IRB-approved four-page survey instrument completed by 239 women receiving substance abuse treatment at outpatient and residential treatment settings. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, correlations, and descriptive findings. The study found that the outpatient population of women surveyed a greater level of treatment satisfaction. Both study hypotheses were rejected. These evaluations will help Texas policy analysts, acknowledge a greater need for substance abuse trend studies.Item Lal, Harbans, Ph.D.(1994-02-08) Lal, Harbans; Hailey, BlakeDr. Lal, Professor and Chairman of Pharmacology, began his career with TCOM in 1980. He shares his early goals as faculty, his research, and his outlook on the school's future. Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 8, 1994Item The Opioid Epidemic: A Review of the Contributing Factors, Negative Consequences, and Best Practices(Cureus, Inc., 2023-08-11) Judd, Dallin; King, Connor R.; Galke, CurtisThe opioid epidemic is a significant public health crisis that has caused extensive harm and devastation in the United States. This literature review aimed to identify the contributing factors and negative consequences of the epidemic, as well as best practices for healthcare providers in managing the epidemic. Overprescribing opiates and opioids, lack of education and opportunity, and being unmarried or divorced were some of the identified contributing factors to dependence on opioids. The epidemic's negative consequences are substantial, leading to increased access to opioids for vulnerable populations, which consequently cause accidental death among men and the degradation of rural community health services. As part of the literature review, we also analyzed the best practices for healthcare providers, including implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). However, we found that while PDMPs resulted in a decrease in opioid overprescription and an increase in provider confidence when prescribing medication, the evidence for their effectiveness in improving rural community health services or reducing opioid overdoses and opioid-related deaths was inconclusive. Our review highlights that the greatest challenge to overcome is a lack of legal mandates and proper education for healthcare providers on best practices for addressing the epidemic. To regulate and control opioids effectively, tracking and standardizing prescription models by federal agencies and medical institutions is necessary but not enough. Legal action is vital for the successful containment of the opioid crisis.