7^th International Conference on Addictive Disorders and Alcoholism July 03-04, 2017 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Biography:

Sandi James is a Psychologist registered in Australia and currently working at University Malaysia Sabah within the Community and Family Medicine Department.  Sandi has a particular interest in alcohol and addiction treatment, particularly in harm reduction approaches and community level programs and interventions. She is involved in numerous research and community development projects in Sabah and is on the committee of the newly established Association for the Prevention of Alcohol Misuse (APAM). Sandi is also embarking on research in 2017 to investigate the prevalence and treatment gap for mental health disorders in the polyclinic setting in Kota Kinabalu.

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Alcohol related harm is considered significant in many areas in Sabah. This project aimed to provide community members with information and approaches to addressing this problem in their own area. This paper shows a unique approach to health promotion and community engagement in rural communities. Method: This project used action research methodology. A workshop for alcohol misuse was held in a rural village. At the start of the workshop four groups were formed and focus group discussions were held using the diamond dialogue technique. Responses were analysed for themes, using grounded theory methods (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). The position on the diamond shape was analysed by overlaying an 11 point grid, with 10 corresponding to the highest level of happiness and 0 corresponding to the lowest level of happiness. Results/ findings: The diamond dialogue was originally created as a research tool to measure the effectiveness of community level interventions on wellbeing (Scopaz, Eckermann, & Clarke, 2012). This tool was initially used as a way of evaluating our alcohol intervention. While being used in this way it was noted that the tool itself provided an avenue for change. It has not previously been used specifically as an intervention in itself. The respondents appeared to understand the exercise well. Five main themes were found: Family and relationships, Security, Health, Expanding horizons, Religion. Alcohol was a topic that pervaded all of these themes, with positive and negative effects. Results suggest that using the diamond dialogue created a collective motivation to change. Exploring community ambivalence towards alcohol, acceptance of both the positive and negative effects and validation of the community’s views provided a platform for engagement. This lead to “change talk” and ownership of possible solutions. Conclusion/ Significance: This research suggests the diamond dialogue tool is useful both as an explorative tool and a stand-alone community level intervention tool. Further research is underway to further explore this conclusion and develop the tool for wider use in communities.

Biography:

Trifu Simona is a MD psychiatrist, as. Professor - Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest; Lecturer at Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest; Doctoral Degree in Psychology; Doctoral Degree in Medicine; Full member International Psychoanalytical Association; Master Degree in Public Health management. She published 10 author books and she is the author of many articles presented in several international scientific worldwide conferences.

Abstract:

Research subject choice reasoning: The present case brings into discussion the alcohol pathology, occurred over a paranoid type personality structure, in which jealousy dimension is major.

Objectives: The patient reaches the guard room of psychiatry hospital for death threats addressed to his own children, including ritualic scenes for anticipation scenes, all these being carried out on the changed background of consciousness (the development of a crepuscular state with the preservation of motor automatisms and relative post-critical amnesia).

Hypothesis: Patient’s speech suggests in après coupe a crepuscular state with the narrowing of consciousness field and preservation of motor automatisms, potentiated by the increased alcohol consumption at the respective moment. The same idea is supported by the partial post-critical amnesia and by patient’s inability to order chronologically the events of that period. At the same time, at the assessment moment, he dissimulates the seriousness of acts and has confabulatory explicative constructions.

Materials and methods: EEG, MRI, psychological assessment (psychometric examination - clinical scales: Hamilton anxiety scales and Hamilton depression scale), projective examination - Lusher color test and Szondi test - destiny analysis), clinical interview, observation, psychiatric treatment.

Results: The patient is slightly inner-tensioned, with attitude of embarrassment and willing to get out of this situation, confused by the acts committed and by their consequences, trying to have a “picture” attitude, offering expected answers and potentially valid counter-arguments for each sequence of behavioral acts. He offers tangential information related to the acts committed.

Conclusions: A difficult recalling is acknowledged, entangling the chronology of events committed, thing suggesting the possibility of a crepuscular state, potentiated by the alcohol consumption at the critical moment of the action, when he threatened his children with death.

Biography:

Laura is a young Colombian neuroscientist who attended medical school at a prestigious Colombian university, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and further on continued her studies as a Neuroscientist at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, USA. Laura is starting her career as a cognitive Neuroscience researcher, pursuing her passion by investigating on her area of interest; Sociopathy and Psychopathy. Currently she works as at a research laboratory, Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos (LINICPH), which is part of the Social Science Faculty at a respected university, Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she forms part of the Social Neuroscience research group. She is an active member of COLNE organization (Colombian school of Neuroscience). Additionally, she is developing a study on The relationship between Mirror Neurons and Sociopathy and the underlying cerebral changes by analysis of FMRI with Dr. Heath King from Yale University.

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder known as part of the Highly Functional Autism (HFA) spectrum, affecting approximately 0.5% of the population. Because of their functional nature and average or higher than average intelligence combined with their lack of social skills, these individuals report high levels of physiological stress in everyday activities and regular interactions that intervene negatively not only on their mental health but exacerbating their limitations. Coping mechanisms of their underlying condition and its extensive implications have been a preoccupying issue to the scholars due to their obsessive traits and repetitive behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse in individuals in the Highly Functional Autism spectrum, specially individuals with an Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis. A secondary objective was to compare the risk of substance abuse in Asperger’s individuals with control subjects with no diagnosis within the Autism Spectrum, taking into consideration individual personality traits. Orientation: In an extensive metaanalysis of recent literature, 15+ articles concerning substance abuse and/or Asperger’s Syndrome where reviewed and analyzed in addition to work field done at the Psychiatric Ward of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá Colombia. Findings: This study showed that; adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome have a higher risk of substance abuse compared to the normal population due to the preexisting traits of their autistic condition. Their lack of social skills, motor clumsiness, anticipated nervousness, anxiety, among others, cause these individuals to be more susceptible to not only search for external aid to cope with their mental difficulties, but they are more likely to develop addictive disorders due to their obsessive and compulsive traits. Conclusion & Significance: Asperger’s individuals seek an external social aid in the mental disinhibition that substance consumption generates, in order to compensate their lack of social skills. Due to their higher obsessive traits and repetitive behavior, Asperger’s individuals are prone to develop an addictive disorder when substance consumption. This has a high negative implication on their underlying condition, exacerbating their mental, psychological and social limitations.

Biography:

Dr. Seyed Amir Jazaeri was born in Iran. He finished M.A. and B.A. degree in Iran, Ph.D. in Psychology in India and Postdoc in Malaysia. He has his expertise in addiction treatment and psychotherapy with alcohol and drug addiction. He finished an acupuncture training course in The Faculty of Homeopathy Medicine, Department of Chinese Acupuncture under supervision of Professor. Dr. Nick Omar at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and started to use Psychological acupuncture on addiction and psychotherapy with addicts in University of Malaya Center of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) and Dr. Nick Omar clinic in Kuala Lumpur. This approach is responsive to psychological disorders and addiction treatment and has a different way of focusing on psychotherapy.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Psychological acupuncture and Cognitive behavioral therapy on depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders associated with addiction among patients in Malaysia and Iran. This article examines the efficacy of Psychological acupuncture and related techniques for the treatment of drug dependence in experimental settings and clinical practice will be reviewed, and the possible psychological mechanisms underlying this effect will be discussed.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This study conducted in Malaysia and Iran. Twenty and seven patients included to this study (n=27).  Malaysian patients were assigned to study in Dr. Nick Omar Acupuncture clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (n=13). Iranian patients were assigned to study in Malak Abad Psychological Services office in Mashhad, Iran (n=14). They were grouping in one controlled group and two experimental groups. The controlled group received only medication treatment. Psychological acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy were conducted on two experimental groups for three sessions weekly which lasted for two months (eight weeks). The primary outcomes anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory; BAI) and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI) were measured at baseline and at follow-ups 5 weeks and 3 months after the baseline assessment. Secondary outcomes were drug use and addiction service utilization. Complete datasets regarding BAI/ISI were obtained from 37/34 subjects in the NADA group, 28/28 in the LP group and 36/35 controls. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques (Chi-square, Analysis of Variance, Kruskal Wallis, Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests)

Findings: Psychological Acupuncture along with Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) relieves withdrawal symptoms, prevents the craving for drugs and increases the rate of participation of patients in long-term treatment programs. The best results have been obtained by treating patients in an open-group setting, using acupuncture points in the external ear with needles without electrical stimulation. The same points are used at each visit, regardless of the type of drug to which the person is addicted. This method is also used for the treatment of persons suffering from stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and sleep disorders. 

Psychological acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) reduced alcohol craving compared with all controls (SMD = -1.24, 95% CI = -1.96 to -0.51); and acupuncture reduced alcohol withdrawal symptoms compared with all controls (SMD = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.83 to -0.17). In secondary analyses: acupuncture reduced craving compared with sham acupuncture (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI = -1.79 to -0.21); acupuncture reduced craving compared with controls in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in Western countries (SMD = -1.15, 95% CI = -2.12 to -0.18); and acupuncture reduced craving compared with controls in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with only male participants (SMD = -1.68, 95% CI = -2.62 to -0.75).

Conclusion & Significance: This study showed that acupuncture was potentially effective in reducing alcohol craving and withdrawal symptoms and could be considered as an additional treatment choice and/or referral option within national healthcare systems. Acupuncture therapy could effectively and safely improve the sleep quality of outpatients receiving MMT. The substantial attrition at follow-up is a main limitation of the study.

Biography:

I come from a society where mental illnesses are still shrouded in taboos. Patients are stigmatized and neglected. During my psychiatry clerkship I was disheartened to see patients coming to the psychiatry after years of suffering at the hands of the disease but also these faith healers. This prevailing attitude increased my interest in the field of psychiatry. I found myself drawn to acquire a greater understanding of mental illnesses, in context to the cultural backgrounds of the effected individuals. For seven years I have worked in a tertiary care hospital. During these years I have also realized that I have many attributes that make me better suited to this field. I have a gift for communication and people from all walks of life feel comfortable sharing their feelings with me. I am a patient listener and possess a calm demeanor. It is my inherent yearning for this specialty that I consider to be my greatest asset.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The emphasis on Major depressive disorder has left a gap in the research, concerning the relationship between magnitude of depression severity and neurocognitive functions. The current study addresses this issue and looks at the frequency of neurocognitive deficits in depressed elderly patients. Orientation:  It is a Cross sectional descriptive study done at Institute of psychiatry availing inpatient and outpatient facility at Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan. Duration of Study was six months from29th September 2014 to 29th March 2015. 292 patients aged ≥60 years were screened for depression using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).  Neurocognitive impairment was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Severity of depression was assessed by Beck Depressive inventory (BDI). Data was analyzed with statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS version 18). Results showed that severity of depression is associated with the neurocognitive deficits in elderly. Findings:  In a sample of (n=292) 32.19% had mild depression, out of these 48.9% had mild cognitive impairment, 20.1% had moderate and 2.1% had severe impairment. 36.9% had moderate depression out of which 34.2% had mild cognitive impairment, 41.6% had moderate and 7% had severe cognitive impairment. 16.4%had severe depression out of which 14.5%had mild neurocognitive impairment, 52%had moderate and 37.5%had severe neurocognitive impairment. Conclusions and significance: Higher BDI score was associated with a lower baseline MMSE. Depression causes significant neurocognitive impairment in elderly. This has to be differentiated from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) seen in Dementia. Caution must be taken while prescribing the class of anti-depressants as tricyclic antidepressants can further cause neurocognitive impairment.

Biography:

Tripti has been a life science researcher with interests in varied fields, including Instrumentation, Bioinformatics and Molecular biology. With her exposure varying from Plant molecular biology to Genetics, she has been specializing in Human Genetics from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India. With special focus on Alcohol/Opioid addictions, she has been exploring this complex disorder in strengthening the associations among genes. Addiction being a complex disorder has its roots originating both from environment as well as genes. While the environment may vary from child abuse to peer pressure in adolescence, its development and thereafter progression is likely to develop due to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes. Tripti will be sharing her experience and glimpse in providing better insights on the genetics of Alcohol dependence.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Alcohol Dependence (AD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with detrimental health outcomes. Substantial evidence suggests both genetic and environmental factors to be involved in its etiology. While environmental factors are known to play significant roles in developing addiction, genetics makes some individuals more susceptible. This study reports on the screening to identify polymorphisms in genes of the dopamine and GABA pathways in AD patients. Methodology & Orientation: The study group comprised 100 each of male AD patients, recruited from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, AIIMS and individuals who did not consume alcohol (controls). The AD subjects (diagnosis on DSM IVR) and controls were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire and WHO ASSIST and 5 ml peripheral blood drawn for genetic analysis after informed consent. Genomic DNA isolated was screened for DRD1 rs686, DRD2 rs6275, ANKK1 rs877138 of the Dopamine pathway and GABRA6 rs13172914 and GABRG2 rs211014 of the GABA pathway by PCR-RFLP. Association with clinical parameters such as age, age at first use, alcohol intake (g/day), ASSIST score, and LFT (SGOT, SGPT) was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Findings: Genotype frequencies in the DRD1 rs686 revealed the genotype TT to be significantly higher in patients (78.9%) in comparison to the controls (59.4%) (p=0.004). The other two polymorphisms DRD2 rs6275 (cases 16.3%; controls 18.9%; p=0.63) and ANKK1 rs877138 (cases 20%; controls 18%; p=0.40) did not show association with AD. GABA pathway polymorphisms GABRA6 rs13172914 (cases 17%; controls 16%; p=0.39) and GABRG2 rs211014 showed similar frequency (8%) in both groups (p=0.91). Correlation with clinical parameters showed the WHO ASSIST score to be significantly associated with DRD2 rs6275 (p=0.007) and GABRA6 rs13172914 (p=0.05). Conclusion & Significance: The present findings are suggestive of the role of TT genotype of DRD1 rs686 in conferring susceptibility to alcohol dependence in the Indian male patients.

Biography:

Farhana is a registered counselor with the Malaysia Board of Counselor. She earned her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Kent State University, Ohio, United State of America. Addiction counseling has always been a field that close to her heart. In addition to her experience working with indviduals with substance abuse issues in the States and in Malaysia, her passion is to advocate for the clients to receive appropriate care and treatment in any possible way. Her interest toward social construction and constructivism started when she was in doctoral program; investigating the outcomes of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy towards dual-diagnosis clients. She believes that drug addiction can be benefited from social-construction thinking, where the are other alternatives “story” in the life of drug addicts.     

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Traditional addiciton counseling became accustomed with the assessment of clients’ past life, where they may have failed, and the focus of counseling interventions tend to be surrounded on investigating “why” the clients have continued to ‘relapse’ back to a drug-involved lifestyle. The repeated conversation on causes of problems and failures about the clients can often be self-fulfilling. When a counselor reviews a client’s history, a mind-set develops about the client. If the mind-set is about client being resistant, reluctant, and defensive, the client action will be regarded in that fashion regardless of their behavior. This mind-set can be a form of sabotaging the client treatment even before it has begun. Post-modernism counseling moves away from this paradigm. With that being said, a post-modernist counselor posits that drug addicts’ being reluctant and defensive are something constructed in the session using language between the counselor and the client. That means,  solution is also can be constructed in the session. Viewing clients from solution-oriented could benefit clients with addictive disorder. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of post-modern ideas in addiction counseling in treating clients with addictive disorder at a residential setting in Malaysia.  Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: A case study is presented to illustrate the use of post-modern ideas in addressing hope and solutions in a drug addict client. The guidelines of post-modernism counseling is adhered to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).  Findings: this study indicated a significant reduction in dysfunctioning behavior and improvement in psychological well-being. Conclusion and Significance. The positive outcomes from this study calls for support to further investigate the use of post-modern ideas in addiciton counseling. The underlying theoretical rationale of SFBT, such as being a brief therapy and a focus on strength, can be part of an effective and cost-efficient strategy to treat clients with addicitve disorder.

Biography:

Mohd Haazik developed interest in Tobacco Control and Management for working with Ministry of Health about three years ago. His first task were doing an anti-smoking campaign in the national level.  From there, he continued to do campaigns and promotions for anti-smoking by doing several exhibitions and giving talk to students, public and smokers. He also administrated Ministry of Health’s Quitline for Smoking where smokers can call the infoline to get information or help in quitting smoking. He also were one of the influencer in 2015 – 2020 National Strategic Plan for Tobacco Control. Due to this, he continued his second Msc by doing thesis The Readiness of Quit Smoking Status and Psychosocial Profile of Smokers Registered in Quit Smoking Services in the Hospitals around Klang Valley Malaysia

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: A total of (70%) which is equivalent to three million smokers in Malaysia has an intention of quit smoking. However, there are only less than one percent of smokers enrolled in the Quit Smoking Service in the hospital each year. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the status of the characteristics of the socio-demographic, the relationship between psychosocial factors with constructs of readiness to quit and to investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors with readiness to quit smoking. Findings: The majority of respondents involved in this study were men (95.7%) and mostly aged between 30 and 50 years (56%). A total of (27%) of respondents had a high willingness to quit smoking. The study found that there was a significant negative relationship between family social support with Pre-Contemplation constructs (p= 0.050, r= -0179). There was also a significant negative relationship between nicotine addiction with Contemplation constructs (p= 0.050, r= -0.180). Apart from that, the study also showed that there is a significant negative relationship between social support colleagues with Action constructs (p= 0.050, r= -0.183). The study also shows that there is a significant positive relationship between anxiety with the Maintainence constructs (p= 0.004, r= 0.265), there is also a significant negative relationship between social support and social support partners with Maintainence construct with each recorded value (p= 0.027, r= -0.206) and (p= 0.001, r= -0.305). Finally the conducted study also shows that there is a significant negative relationship between social support colleagues with willingness to quit smoking (p= 0.016, r= -0.224). Conclusion & Significance: In conclusion, in addition to provide basic information on psychosocial profile, the study also gives a clear picture of the influence of psychosocial factors on the level of behaviour change and readiness to quit smoking. Thus, the responsible party must ensure that each operator of quit smoking services has high helping skills in controlling the smokers, especially on the assessment aspects of smoker’s readiness to quit smoking and psychosocial profile.

Biography:

Adinda currently worked at KAPETA Foundation as one of the board member. She holds an ICAP II (International Certified Addiction Professionals level II) and Recovery Coach credential from ICCE Colombo Plan, now also set her interest and goal in Prevention. Adinda is pursuing her degree in Public Relation during the weekend and are involved part time as an in-depth interviewer for HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN 074) at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. She is one of Indonesia’s national trainer for Universal Treatment Curriculum and are one of the developer of Family Empowerment for Substance Abuse Prevention module for Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. Her passion for Substance Abuse come from personal experience and is determine to continue broadening her knowledge and skills in Substance use treatment and prevention to help others in need.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Indonesia now has 5.9 million drug users yet society still has low knowledge in substance abuse and how to prevent it. Survey on knowledge of the dangers of drugs is still relatively low with a range 4-53%, for the things that can prevent a person from drug use range between 17-58% in common household. Most that still uses or wanted to try has a misperception about the effect like increase of stamina, even now the New Psychoactive Substance are sold online. Interest in this matter haven’t emerge as expected and the media often misrepresents reports of drug use which leads to misperception. Mass communication holds substantial promise as a tool for reaching and persuading people to adopt new and healthier lifestyles and social media use growth in Indonesia has reach 27 million by 2016.  Orientation: Systematic review including 12 studies in total, 10 internet and computer based prevention programs concerning tobacco, alcohol and cannabis in a school setting. Findings: In total, the level of substance use in the intervention group was found to be lower than in the control group for six of the seven analyzed programs at the end of the intervention or at the time of follow up. Shown reduction in tobacco use, reduction in alcohol use in four studies, lower binge drinking in two studies. In one studies shows significantly lower frequency of consumption. All programs shown effectiveness between four and 12 sessions and five of six effective programs were based on the social influence model and social cognitive theory.  Conclusion & Significance: The research shown significant change through frequent information and educational exposure. As it is also becoming a trend to use social media, those exposures will be more effective among school children and youth to reach behavior or social change.

Biography:

Abstract:

Substance misuse and process addiction disorders are of growing global relevance. Behaviour al health facilities are treating an increasing number of primary addictions patients with co-morbid psychiatric presentations. 

Understanding and developing treatment models, which empower the patient to simultaneously address the co-occurring and often complex diagnosis, is a challenge for practitioners specialising in addictive disorders. We look at the benefits of treating addiction, adverse childhood experiences and stabilising any underlying conditions in the current treatment episode.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Michelle S. Fondin is the author of Help! I Think My Loved One Is an Alcoholic: A Survival Guide for Lovers, Family, & Friends (2016), The Wheel of Healing with Ayurveda: An Easy Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle (New World Library, 2015), and upcoming books 7 Days to Chakra Healing and Enlightened Medicine. Michelle is a writer for Deepak Chopra’s website, Chopra Lifestyle and is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, meditation, and yoga teacher.

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Long-term sobriety from alcohol addiction is a difficult goal to obtain. According to the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, only 14.6 percent of people with alcohol abuse and dependence ever receive treatment. Of those 14.6 percent only a small percentage make it beyond the 90-day mark of total abstinence. If long-term sobriety is evasive to most, what makes some people successful? Researchers have studied people in recovery for 150 years and lack conclusive evidence on what makes a person get and stay sober. While statistics show that a majority of attendees in 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), have a dropout rate of 95% in the first year of sobriety, success is achieved for the other 5%. Alcoholics Anonymous, a spiritually-based program, with over two million members, has several draws for a longitudinal study on long- term sobriety; the longevity of the program itself, the global access to everyone regardless of income level, and members in long-term sobriety.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: I attended over one hundred hours of AA meetings and interviewed those who had between two and 36 years of sobriety. I interviewed a control group of ten recovering alcoholics with at least two years of continual sobriety. The criteria for the intensive interviews were three-fold. The alcoholics in the control group had to have alcohol as their primary drug of choice. They had to be attending at least one 12-step meeting per week and they had to have had continual, uninterrupted sobriety for at least two years. In addition, those selected needed to be alcoholics (alcohol dependent) and not simply heavy drinkers. And they had to be in active recovery rather than being “dry drunks”.

Findings: The info graphic above shows the findings of alcoholics in continual long-term sobriety for more than two years. The formula for long-term recovery, according to the control group, is largely dependent on several actions leading to a spiritual path and way of living. While each of these factors contributed to sustained sobriety not everyone participated in every single category, all the time, with the exception of one category. One hundred percent of the control group stated that their long-term sobriety was a direct result of their relationship with a Higher Power.

Conclusions & Significance: Not a single person in the control group was pre-selected based on any question regarding religious or spiritual beliefs. The criteria for selection was uniquely based on abstinence, attendance in a 12-step group, and alcohol as the primary drug of choice. The interviews were geared toward determining the factors for sustained sobriety. Living a spiritual life including belief in a Higher Power, prayer, meditation, and service to others as well as connection to a spiritually-based group appear to be a significant formula for long-term sobriety.

Biography:

Former Director (Treatment, Rehabilitation & Research), National Dangerous Drugs Control Board of Sri Lanka. Initiated pioneering projects in drug abuse prevention/information, research, treatment and rehabilitation. Main interests are in the fields of treatment methods and intervention research.

Abstract:

The heroin dependency develop with the perceptions persuade by the drug user through past experiences. The drug users, peers, people in the community and even some service providers develop associations with heroin. Most of the associations connect with primary human motives as well as secondary and social motives of the human beings. The drug users internalize the associations in to their unconscious minds and project perceptions towards drug use. The perceptions create high level of desire to consume a particular drug and develop psychological dependency. There is no absolute truth in those perceptions but the drug dependents believe that there is a real relationship between the drug and the associate factor.

The working sample of 120 selected from the heroin dependents were admitted for the residential at the Galle treatment and rehabilitation centre. The control group of 20 clients has been selected from another treatment and rehabilitation centre situated in Kandy. The very first day after the admissions, the desire levels of the heroin dependents have been measured using appropriate indicators. During the period of the residential treatment programme, the counselors extensively used individual and group counseling sessions as well as group discussions to change the perceptions, illogical thinking patterns and myths of the heroin users. The past experience re-examine technique was vastly used to re- examine the past experiences of the heroin use of the clients. For the control group we did not do any therapeutic interventions to influence their perceptions, illogical thinking patterns and beliefs of myths. After completion of the treatment programme, using the same set of indicators the desire levels of the both groups were measured. After analyzing the data I found that the desire levels of the working group had been reduced immensely and the clients who belong to the control group has not projected much reduction in their desire levels.

Regular monthly follow-up programmes were conducted for both groups for one year and at the end of the year I found that those who have reduced the desire levels were living longer periods without consuming heroin and those who have not reduced the desire levels relapsed within few months. The clients who belong to the control group were unable to reduce their desire levels, relapsed immediately after releasing from the treatment centre.

Finally I found strong evidence to prove the hypothesis, that there is a positive relationship between desire levels and heroin dependency. The replications of similar programmes are widely open for further research.

Key words:  Desire levels, dependency, Perceptions, association

Biography:

Dr. Seyed Amir Jazaeri was born in Iran. He finished M.A. and B.A. degree in Iran, Ph.D. in Psychology in India and Postdoc in Malaysia. He has his expertise in addiction treatment and psychotherapy with alcohol and drug addiction. He finished an acupuncture training course in The Faculty of Homeopathy Medicine, Department of Chinese Acupuncture under supervision of Professor. Dr. Nick Omar at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and started to use Psychological acupuncture on addiction and psychotherapy with addicts in University of Malaya Center of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) and Dr. Nick Omar clinic in Kuala Lumpur. This approach is responsive to psychological disorders and addiction treatment and has a different way of focusing on psychotherapy.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major health issue; huge scientific evidence supports the efficacy of psychological acupuncture in the treatment of opiate/alcohol dependence. Psychological Acupuncture therapy (PAT) has been used to treat substance abuse (drug, alcohol) for many years. From Psychological point of view, Psycho-acupuncture (PAT) can be used as an adjunct treatment for alcohol/drug addiction and psychological disorders associated with addiction. This study conducted in Malaysia and Iran to examine the effectiveness of psychological acupuncture on alcohol and drug addiction (heroin/opiate). 

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Psychological acupuncture for heroin/opiate addicts and alcohol abusers on methadone maintenance by measuring the daily consumption of methadone, variations in the 36-item Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, and heroin craving.

This study was conducted in Malaysia and Iran. In Malaysia the first part of study was conducted in The Faculty of Homeopathy Malaysia, Department of Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Kuala Lumpur, under supervision and guidance of Prof. Dr. Nick Omar with 12 heroin addicts and alcohol abusers (n=12) from Malaysia. Second part of this study was conducted in Iran, Mashhad with 13 heroin/opiate addiction and alcohol dependency in Malak Abad Psychological Services (a private research office) (n=13). Psychological acupuncture applied/conducted by Prof. Dr. Nick Omar and the author of this paper (Dr. Seyed Amir Jazaeri) followed the instructions and guidance of Prof. Dr. Nick Omar to conduct/apply psychological acupuncture on patients in the study in Malaysia and Iran.

Participants in the one controlled group (which did not received Psychological acupuncture therapy) and  two intervention groups (which received Psychological acupuncture therapy and Cognitive behavioral therapy) rated their degree of craving for substance on a scale of 1-10 and anxiety levels on a scale of 1-4 (total score 20-80) before and after each intervention session. Mixed effects regression models were used for analysis.

Patients received three sessions of Psychological acupuncture therapy weekly for 8 weeks (two months). For patients who were under MMT (methadone maintenance therapy) from week 2 onwards, the daily dose of methadone was reduced by a significantly greater amount with Psychological acupuncture compared with patients in controlled group which received no Psychological acupuncture treatment. Psychological acupuncture therapy (PAT) was also associated with a greater improvement in sleep latency at follow-up. All adverse events were mild in severity. Acupuncture appears to be a useful adjunct to methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in heroin addiction.

Findings: This study showed that psychological acupuncture therapy (PAT0 and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were potentially effective in reducing alcohol craving and withdrawal symptoms and could be considered as an additional treatment choice and/or referral option within national healthcare systems in Malaysia and Iran.

Conclusion & Significance: Substance addiction is a complex problem and effective treatment remains a challenge. My study findings add to the scientific evidence of implementation and effectiveness of Psycho acupuncture to treat drug/alcohol addiction.

Findings demonstrate the value of attending Psychological acupuncture therapy in intervention sessions, as well as the other psychological therapies techniques.

Biography:

Molobe Ikenna is a Public Health Consultant and Researcher. He has spent major part of his career in public health intervention activities having worked with both local and international organizations. He has wide ranging experience in the development of social intervention programs on drugs and substance abuse for young people. Ikenna is a senior proof-reader of the International Journal of Health and Education, Lead Guest Editor of Special Issue on Addiction and Substance Abuse of Science Journal of Public Health (SJPH), and reviews research papers for other international journal publications. He is also a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Scientific Research and Studies. Molobe Ikenna has been invited as a speaker at a number of conferences on drugs and substance abuse, and has published in peer reviewed journals and other appropriate arenas. He is the author of Hunters, a story of teenage drug abuse. He is a Co-founder/Trustee of Unified Initiative for a Drug-Free Nigeria, and a member of World Federation against Drugs (WFAD). He received his Masters degree in Public Health from the Department of Community Health, University of Lagos; and his Bachelors degree in Microbiology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. He also holds a National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.

Abstract:

Sexual dependence and abuse of drugs including the abuse of sexual stimulants and abortion drugs has been observed among the urban teens. This finding was observed through personal encounters and follow-up investigations while working with teenagers in selected communities of Lagos State. Many youngsters are engaging in risky sexual activities while abusing both prescribed drugs and psychotropic substances to enhance their sexual performance. Most of these sexual activities have resulted to high risk of teenage pregnancy abortion with misuse and abuse of drugs and substances to prevent pregnancy or induce the abortion. In most cases, the male partner responsible contributes or influences the use of these drugs and substances for the prevention of pregnancy or induced abortion. It was also found that these teen surf on the internet to discover abortion pills and have been able to obtain these pills from the pharmacy shops without doctor’s prescription. The most abortion pills that have been found used by these teens are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Some of the affected teens that have committed an unsafe abortion are experiencing post abortion syndrome while passing through physical and emotional trauma thereby resort to drugs and substance abuse, and some had educational setback or have dropped out from the school. It was found that teens use drugs such as Viagra, Marijuana and local herbal substances mostly to stimulate or boost their sexual performance. They purchase these drugs through street drug hawkers. Tramadol is widely abused by these teens to delay ejaculation and prolong intercourse. This Tramadol is mostly abused without knowledge of the effect and health implications of the use. It was also observed that teens have developed a strong network of sex engagements on social media using most especially Facebook account to connect to others and negotiate for physical visits or arrangement for sexual intercourse. In this process they also discuss or exchange information on various drugs and substances they can use to stimulate their sexual urge. This study was carried out in Lagos Urban community which revealed the risk sexual behavioral activities engaged by youngsters.

Keyword: Sexual Behavior, Teens, Drugs and Substance Abuse, Abortion, Lagos

Biography:

Prof. Hulse is based at the School of Psychiatry QE11 Medical Centre University of Western Australia. His research career has been directed at developing evidence based information which will enhance clinical practice, and has in the last several years had a particular focus on assessing the safety and efficacy of sustained release naltrexone as a management tool for substance dependence. He has arguably published more than anyone else globally on sustained release naltrexone for the management of heroin dependence, much of this on the Australian naltrexone implant.

Abstract:

Oral naltrexone has been used effectively to manage problem opiate¹, and alcohol ² use but patient noncompliance limits its utility^1,2. Over the past decade an increasing body of research has suggested that the use of sustained release depot naltrexone preparations can overcome this issue and deliver improved clinical outcomes. These preparations commonly involve the use of naltrexone polymer/co-polymer base formulations administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly and depending on the formulation and mode of administration can deliver levels of blood naltrexone for between 30 to 180 days ^3,4.  At the same time, research findings from pharmacogenetics  has also converged to identify variables including genetic markers and drug use history differences that play a major role in mediating the response to treatment by naltrexone⁵. The establishment of clinical procedures to maximise use of oral and sustained release formulations, and characterization of clinical markers to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from naltrexone will ultimately provide significant benefit to both patients and clinicians by optimizing treatment outcome.

Biography:

My primary research interests have focused on the neural substrates of stress, that is, the neural circuitry underlying stress responses, role of immune systems in stress response, and developing novel antidepressants using applications of herbal medicines. It is the goal of my research in particular, to elucidate both the effects and the mechanisms of action of the herbal medicine, using animal models of stress-related diseases such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue or insomnia which can be tested clinically

Abstract:

The immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) form a bi-directional communication network through cytokines which act as signaling molecules of the immune system as well as producing neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and behavioral changes in response to a variety of stress stimuli. It has been known that activation of the central innate immune system or exposure to stress can disrupt balance of anti-/ proinflammatory cytokines. However the mechanism by which these cytokines regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is still unclear. To understand the role of cytokines on stress-induced neuroinflammation, we investigated the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the modulation of depressive-like behaviors, the hormonal and neurotransmitter systems in rats. Single exposure of stress resulted in an increase of corticotrophin-releasing factor expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, adrenocorticotropin hormone and the final hormone of HPA-axis, corticosterone levels in the serum. Peripheral and central productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL 6 were significantly increased during stress, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4 was reduced after stress stimulation.

Based on these animal models, we have screened and evaluated anti-stress and anti-depressant effect of several herbal formula such as soyo-san, a traditional medicinal formula, a mixture of 9 crude drugs including Paeoliae Radix Alba, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Phizoma, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Poria, Liriopis Tuber, Bupleuri Radix, Menthae Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zingiberi Rhizoma Recens which have been clinically used for treating mild depressive disorders. Soyo-san inhibited stress-induced inflammatory responses, IL-1β production in the brain as well as effectively reduced behavioral and patho-physiological depression-like responses. 

These data suggest that stress may potentate inflammation through interaction of cytokines with activation of the HPA axis and stress-related disorders may be influenced by imbalance of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the immunerestorative compounds such as soyo-san may be useful as powerful therapeutic candidate for treatment of stress-related diseases such as depression.

Biography:

I am Renu Singh PhD student in Department Of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences having knowledge in molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion and various other techniques. Besides that I have experience of microbiology and culture techniques. 

Abstract:

Alcohol dependence (AD) a neuropsychiatric disorder involves complex interaction of genes and the environment leading to a negative impact on personal, social and economic status of life. Genes of the monoamine (dopamine and serotonin) pathways regulate the release of various neurotransmitters in the brain and studies report on an association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes with AD. The purpose of the study was to identify presence of SNPs in the monoamine   pathway genes in AD subjects. Methodology: A total of 110 alcohol dependent males from the Department of Psychiatry (based on DSM-IVR criteria) and 100 healthy males from the general population (controls) formed the study group. Subjects were interviewed using the semi-structured questionnaire and WHO ASSIST and 5 ml peripheral blood was drawn after taking informed consent. Six SNPs of dopamine pathway DRD4 120bp duplication, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DRD2 Taq1α, COMT V158M, COMT-287A>G, DRD4 -521C/T and two of pathway HT1B G861C and HTR3B Tyr129Ser were analyzed by PCR/RFLP. Genotype frequencies were assessed using chi-square test and association with clinical parameters by SPSS v20.0. Findings: Of all the studied SNPs – COMT Val158Met and HTR3B Tyr129Ser showed significant association with AD (p=0.03). Other SNPs studied DRD4 120bp duplication (p=0.17), DRD3 Ser9gly (p=0.185), DRD2 Taq1a (p=0.27), COMT-287 A>G (p=0.12), DRD4 -521C/T (p=0.48) did not show any association. Correlation of clinical features of the AD subjects showed an association of HTR1B G861C with quantity of alcohol consumed per day (p=0.05) and COMT -287A/G with liver function (SGPT p=0.04).  Conclusion and Significance: The present study is indicative of the role of COMT Val158Met and HTR3B Tyr129Ser with AD and suggests that SNPs of the monoamine pathway genes may influence alcohol related behavior in dependent individuals.

Biography:

 Ranjan Gupta is pursuing his PhD under Dr. Arundhati Sharma, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS  on the  “Epigenetic changes of Dopaminergic pathway genes and association of GRIN2A gene polymorphism with Alcohol Dependence”. During this period, he has mastered the Molecular biology techniques of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Methylation specific PCR, Real Time PCR, Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing along with data analysis and interpretation through various bioinformatics tools. He is working in the field of addictive disorders and specifically investigating variations in genes and methylation status in the promoter regions of genes in the specific neurotransmitters in alcohol and opioid dependence.

Abstract:

Heroin dependence (HD) is a complex disorder leading to disruptions in particular circuits of the brain, influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Heroin interacts with the different brain neurotransmitters affecting the normal functions including learning, memory, cognition etc. The presence of polymorphisms in the glutamate pathway has been reported to increase the risk of addiction.  Aim: To identify an association of GRIN2A gene polymorphisms of glutamate pathway with HD and correlate with clinical parameters. Method: The study was in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institute ethics committee.  A total of 103 HD patients were recruited as per DSM-IVR criteria from the NDDTC, AIIMS. 100 healthy volunteers from the general population formed the control group. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples was processed for PCR followed by restriction digestion to screen for presence of polymorphisms i.e. rs11866328, rs1071502, rs1375067, rs1530669, rs12325652, rs16966381, rs1104068, rs16966448, rs9927871 and rs1366076 of GRIN2A gene of glutamate pathway. Genotype frequency and the difference between patient and control were assessed by chi-square test of significance and the results were correlated with duration, age at onset of heroin use, the quantity of heroin consumed and WHO ASSIST score. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS V21.0. Result: Mean age at first use, duration of heroin intake and ASSIST score were 25.49±0.78, 8.52±0.84 and 29.82±0.60 years respectively. None of the SNPs showed any significant difference in genotype and allele frequency between the patients and controls. GRIN2A polymorphisms rs1530669 and rs1071502 showed significant association with the heroin intake (g/day) (p<0.05). A positive association with WHO ASSIST was observed with rs11866328 and rs12325652 (p<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study which reports on the association of GRIN2A receptor polymorphisms with heroin dependence among the Indian population.

Biography:

Walter H White graduated from the California Institute of Technology. He is the co-founder of Gray Matter. He co-founded the Center of Enhanced Treatments with Jesse Pinkman. His area of research deals with the effect of drug use of employees on the efficiency of the businesses. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The drug use presents many problems for the users. Majority of the drug users are employed during or at least in the initial stages of their addiction. The drug use among employees presents many problems for the business owners including lower efficiency and job performance, trust between employee and employers, and decreasing chance of promotion. Many employers seek to eliminate or replace the employers that have drug use. This is done to ensure higher job performance. However, the employers have spent money and time to train these employees and eliminating them may not be in the best interest of the companies. The Sinaloa Foundation which is active in pharmaceutical industry, have very strict rules on drug use among its employees. Any employee with drug use problem will face termination. However, it might be beneficial for the employers to invest in rehabilitation of such employees. In this paper, we present the results of using aquatic treatment on the employees with substance dependency in recurrent drug use and job performance. The case study was carried out with instruction of Center of Enhanced Treatments (CET) using 35 participants of Sinaloa Foundation. The treatment included aquatic inhalation relatedly, i.e. 5 times, for a short period of time, i.e. up to 10 min, depending on the substance dependency of the participants. The number of days that the participants stayed drug free and their job performance was recorded after two weeks from the treatment. The results are presented in Figure 1. The results suggest that the longer the treatment is the participants will stay away from drug use. However, this relationship plateaus after 3 minutes. On the other hand, the job performance of the participants peaks with treatments around 2 minutes. Effectively, the job performance of the participants with longer than 4-minute treatment is negligible.  These preliminary results seem to suggest that the optimum the duration for the treatment is around 2-3 minutes.  In the future work, we will study the overall effects of the treatment of the heath being of the participants and the financial gain of the company from implementing treatment approach instead of elimination approach.

Biography:

Prof. Hulse is based at the School of Psychiatry QE11 Medical Centre University of Western Australia. His research career has been directed at developing evidence based information which will enhance clinical practice, and has in the last several years had a particular focus on assessing the safety and efficacy of sustained release naltrexone as a management tool for substance dependence. He has arguably published more than anyone else globally on sustained release naltrexone for the management of heroin dependence, much of this on the Australian naltrexone implant.

Abstract:

Oral naltrexone effectively antagonizes heroin¹, but patient noncompliance limits its utility². The use of sustained-release naltrexone preparations that commonly involve the use of naltrexone polymer/co-polymer base formulations administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly may overcome this limitation^{3, 4}.  Study data indicate that these formulations are both relatively safe, and effective in reducing craving and blocking the effects of any heroin used, and depending on the formulation and mode of administration can deliver clinically effective levels of blood naltrexone for between 30 to 180 days⁵. This period can then be used, with the assistance of psycho-social services, as a window of opportunity to move patients away from heroin use and back towards mainstream integration. Therefore, sustained-release naltrexone implants appear to provide a new treatment option for patients with heroin dependence, particularly for those seeking an alternative to opioid agonist maintenance.

Biography:

Jesse R Pinkman graduated from the California Institute of Technology. He is the co-founder of Gray Matter. He co-founded the Center of Enhanced Treatments with Walter White. His area of research deals with the effect of drug use of employees on the efficiency of the businesses.

Abstract:

Accurately modeling and discharge play a pivotal role in predicting the peak savings of demand response buildings. Considerable studies have been conducted on the transient thermal behavior of building envelopes, much of which has focused on the thermal mass effects of building envelopes and floors. However, it is unclear how to precisely describe the cooling storage effects of irregular internal mass such as furniture. Energy Plus and other simulation tools have internal mass models, but these models require ambiguous inputs such as internal mass surface area, thickness, volume and thermal properties. These inputs are impossible to obtain due to the irregular shapes and random spatial distributions of internal mass. In this paper, the novel “Effective Area” method is proposed that improves the theory of the conventional “Equivalent Slab” method. The new method establishes a relationship between the actual furniture and the equivalent furniture through a converted coefficient in the dynamic heat transfer equations. Experiments are conducted to test and verify the accuracy of the new method and to calculate common parameters, such as the converted coefficient and the distribution density of the irregular internal mass in some typical office setups.