PUBH 4090 - Selected Topics in Public Health: Seminar in Addiction & Recovery

This course is an intensive evaluation of all the issues involved in both addiction and recovery, with a special focus on community health through service-learning. Students are expected to be present at every class session

The Message or The Messenger: The Effects of Political Attitudes and Source on Perceptions of Media Bias

As the televised news media market becomes increasingly diversified, the evidence available suggests that news media audiences are more fragmented than ever, audiences trust the media less and less, and that news consumers tend to seek outlets that they believe share their political attitudes and worldview (Knobloch-Westerwick & Meng, 2009, Tsfati & Capella 2003, Niven 2002, Stalder, 2009, Pew Center, 2009). Researchers Vallone, Ross, and Lepper (1985) were some of the first to describe empirically an observation they call the “hostile media phenomenon.” This phenomenon draws from social judgment theory and assumes that “individuals evaluate the legitimacy of an object from a personally determined latitude of acceptance” (Vallone, Ross and Lepper, 1985). Since the classic study, several researchers have tested further implications of the hostile media phenomenon. Among those researchers, a number of them have found that Republicans and political conservatives usually hold stronger hostile media perceptions than Democrats or the politically liberal (Eveland & Shah, 2003; Lee 2005; Mutz & Martin, 2001; Stalder, 2009; Morris, 2007). This paper reviews the current literature on media trust, media bias, and the hostile media phenomenon, and presents a new method for studying the effects of these phenomena. The study explores the effects political attitudes have on source selection and perceptions of media bias, and poses the research question: What holds more weight when evaluating news messages: the message (content) or the messenger (source)

Social Justice, Diversity & Inclusion Keynote: Are We There Yet? Gender Equity in Recovery Settings

Gender equity in recovery settings is the first topic we will tackle. Women represent just over 57% of the undergraduate college population in 2015 and are projected to climb to  58.8% of the total college population by 2024. While not as underrepresented as people of color in collegiate recovery programs (CRPs), women do make up a smaller share of CRP participants at 42.8%. While women are just as likely as men to become develop SUDs, they have lower rates of substance use and SUDs overall, and experience unique obstacles to treatment. Women of color may face additional obstacles and are at greater risk of being subjected to violence. We invite men, women, and transfolk alike to join our feminist recovery panel as we delve into issues of equity and inclusion. While some have deemed feminism, "the other "F" word, we will talk about how feminism benefits everyone. We bring an intersectional lens - realizing that no one shows up or experiences life through one aspect of identity. Our panelists will share from research, personal experience, and program data in order to describe how current societal structures inhibit the opportunities for women to get sober and work a program of recovery and the negative impact on men, collegiate recovery programs, higher education, and society as a whole. Considering an individual, group, and institutional framework for feminism, we hope to inspire attendees to challenge themselves to bring a feminist lens to their work to better create equity and access within collegiate recovery

Collegiate Addiction Recovery: Using Photovoice as a Mechanism for Change

This presentation was given during the Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting

A Qualitative Study of Co-Occurring Alcohol Abuse and Overweight Obesity

Purpose: Cutting edge research has suggested a strong relationship between alcoholism and obesity. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. Methods: A total of 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals who self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity and service providers. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes and demonstrative quotes. Results: Participants did not readily recognize a relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. However, participants did discuss weight gain associated with the treatment and recovery process. Most participants discussed the high prevalence of sweetened foods and processed foods in half-way houses, which are used to address carbohydrate cravings associated with withdrawal. Some participants discussed overweight/obesity prior to alcohol abuse, while others discussed weight gain associated with treatment and recovery. Service providers discussed the lack of services available for those struggling with co-occurring alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. A treatment focus on overweight/obesity is avoided to prevent an unhealthy obsession with physical activity and diet from developing. Conclusions: The relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity is not readily recognized by those struggling with the dual conditions or their treatment providers. Environmental conditions that encourage the development of overweight/obesity among those who struggle with alcohol abuse, however, are readily apparent. Changes to the environment in long-term treatment and recovery facilities that include the incorporation of healthy foods and reduced reliance on “sweets” are recommended

Co-Morbid Alcohol Use Disorders and Overweight/Obesity: A Qualitative Study

Background: Addiction is commonplace in the US with over 17 million adults in the US qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (NIAAA, 2004). Alcohol abuse leads to many negative health outcomes including injury and trauma, liver disease, malnutrition, and cancer (Ahmed, 1995; Kolarzyk, Olas, Janik, Adamska-Skula, & Pach, 1999). Cutting edge research has suggested a strong relationship between alcoholism and obesity (Grucza, Krueger, Racette, Norberg, Hipp, &Bierut, 2010). Little to nothing is known about interventions that could address the dual chronic conditions of alcoholism and obesity, especially in rural environments (Brower, 2006; Grucza et al., 2010; O’Brien, 2003). Methods: The purpose of this study was to conduct formative, qualitative research with individuals who self-reported co-morbid alcohol use disorder and overweight or obese and key informants (i.e., service providers) to inform the development of a community based intervention to address co-morbid alcoholism and overweight/obesity among young adults. This study represents the first step in the adaptation process that will be used to develop and test an intervention designed to help young adults struggling with alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. A total of 6 key informant’s interviews and 10 individual interviews were conducted with individuals with co-morbid alcohol use disorder and overweight/obesity. Results: Results from this study have increased understanding of the relationship between alcoholism and obesity among a unique, at risk population. Furthermore, it helped to identify potential components that could be used to augment the CDSMP program to address alcohol use disorders and overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Evidence-based interventions are need to address co-morbid alcohol use disorders and overweight/obesity. This study represents the first step in meeting the needs of this unique, at risk population

What We Know About Students in Recovery: Meta-Synthesis of Collegiate Recovery

As a relatively new field of practice, collegiate recovery programs (CRP), have used a practice-informed approach as a means of establishing best practices and pedagogy. While research on collegiate recovery programs and populations of students in recovery is growing, much of the qualitative studies have yet to be synthesized into a useful organizing matrix. This study utilizes meta-synthesis design to explore the leading qualitative research on student experiences in collegiate recovery. From this synthesis, researchers identified six metaphors from ten included studies from 2000–2017. The six metaphors of social connectivity, recovery supports, drop-in recovery centers, internalized feelings, coping mechanisms, and conflict of recovery/student status, support much of the preexisting practices and provide a critical framework for future program design, service delivery, and research

Examining the Rural Influence on Non Medical Prescription Drug Use (NMPDU) in a University Population: Pilot Phase 1

The prevalence of prescription drug misuse and abuse has increased dramatically, particularly in young adults age 18-25. Recent research now indicates that young adults living in rural communities are more likely than their urban counterparts to abuse prescription drugs. The purpose of this 2-phase, exploratory study is twofold: 1) to examine the prevalence rates and correlates of nonmedical prescription drug (NMPDU) use among college students on a rural southeastern college campus, and 2) to examine how environmental factors, specifically coming from a rural environment (vs. urban) and living in a rural college environment affect students’ current collegiate NMPDU. This study used mixed-methods study design with focus groups (Phase 1) to inform a campus-wide survey (Phase 2). For Phase 1, 40 students (32 from the general student population; 8 from the Center for Addiction Recovery) were recruited to participate in 5 focus groups of 8 students each. Focus groups were recorded and these audio files were transcribed into text files which were loaded into Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software, for analysis. Classical three-pass coding was performed. Open-ended coding during the first pass-through to locate themes and assign initial codes, the second pass, combined themes to form cluster of concepts from open coding, The final coding was used to determine the types of comparisons, and select relevant themes to guide Phase 2. Higher prevalence of NMPDU in the rural environment is discussed as well as perceptions of NMPDU gleaned from these focus groups

Interdisciplinary Expansions: Applying Recovery-Informed Theory to Interdisciplinary Areas of Recovery Science Research

© 2020 Taylor & Francis. To understand how persons with substance use disorders (SUDs) achieve and maintain wellness, it is necessary to expand recovery science research. The experiences of individuals in recovery are rarely reflected in SUD research which, at times, discounts subjective experiences of recovery. Recovery-informed theory (RIT) offers new lines of inquiry into various aspects of recovery, which may lead to innovative approaches to how SUDs are understood within clinical, professional, and community contexts. This paper reviews three preliminary areas to apply RIT: recovery measurement, identity processes, and systems engagement. Such advancement can impact the collective understanding of how individuals recover from SUD