@article { author = {Naqavi, Mohammad Reza and Refaiee, Raheleh and Baneshi, Mohammad Reza and Nakhaee, Nouzar}, title = {Analysis of Gap in Service Quality in Drug Addiction Treatment Centers of ‎Kerman, Iran, Using SERVQUAL Model}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {85-92}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Treatment of drug addicts is one of the main strategies of drug control in Iran. Client satisfaction strongly influences the success of any treatment program. This study aimed to explore the difference between customer expectations and perceptions in drug addiction treatment centers of Kerman, Iran, using SERVQUAL model. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design 260 clients referring to drug addiction treatment centers of Kerman, Iran, were enrolled in 2012. From among 84 clinics, 20 centers were selected randomly. Based on the number of clients registered in each center, a random sample proportional to the size was selected and 290 subjects were invited for interviews. A well validated 22-item questionnaire, which measured the 5 dimensions of service quality (reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness), was completed by participants. Each item measured 2 aspects of service quality; expectations and perceptions. Findings: Mean ± SD (Standard deviation) age of the subjects was 37.7 ± 9.4. Most of them were male (87.7%). Less than half of them had an educational level lower than diploma. The total score of clients` expectations was higher than their perceptions (P < 0.001). Considering the 5 dimensions of the SERVQUAL model, only 1 dimension (i.e., assurance) showed no difference between perceptions and expectations of the participants (P = 0.134). Conclusion: There was a gap between the clients’ expectations and what they actually perceived in the clinics. Thus, more attention should be devoted to the clients` views regarding service quality in addiction treatment clinics.}, keywords = {Service Quality,Patient Satisfaction,substance dependency,treatment}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84632.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84632_4e5d27195f00e6235e9fd2787ce62003.pdf} } @article { author = {Radfar ‎, Seyed Ramin and Rawson ‎, Richard A.}, title = {Current research on methamphetamine: Epidemiology, medical and ‎psychiatric effects, treatment, and harm reduction efforts}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {146-154}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Methamphetamine (MA) which is known as “shisheh” in Iran is a drug that widely is used in many parts of the world and it is near to a decade that is available for the most drug users and has a considerable prevalence of use. Due to high abuse prevalence and very new challenging phenomenon, it is very important that researchers and treatment providers become more familiar with different aspects of MA. Discussion: It has multiple neurobiological impacts on the nervous system, some of which are transitory and some longer lasting. MA activates the reward system of the brain and produces effects that are highly reinforcing, which can lead to abuse and dependence. Routes of administration that produce rapid onset of the drug’s effects (i.e., smoking and injection) are likely to lead to more rapid addiction and more medical and psychiatric effects. No effective pharmacotherapies have been developed for the treatment of MA dependence; although, this is an area of very active research. Several behavioral treatments have been shown to reduce MA use, but better treatments are needed. Conclusion: Harm reduction strategies for non-treatment seeking MA users are needed to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus and other medical risks. The research agenda for MA is substantial, with development of effective pharmacotherapies as one of the most important priorities. Appropriate and effective response for prevention, treatment and harm reduction services due to increasing problems regarding MA in Iran and some other countries in the region.}, keywords = {Methamphetamine,Epidemiology,side-effects,treatment,Harm reduction,Iran}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84628.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84628_816141937ef5dd7d687ea18b951dd117.pdf} } @article { author = {Kumar ‎, Neeraj and Khan ‎, Madiha Khan ‎ and Singh ‎, Namrata and Singh ‎, Setpal}, title = {Impact of Smoking on Speed and Coordination of Upper Limb Movement}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {155-158}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of smoking on speed and coordination of upper-limb movement. Methods: A total of 62 healthy, young individuals were randomly selected for participation in this study. Out of total subjects, 31 were smokers with a mean age 20.84 years and 31 were non-smokers with a mean age 19.97 years and placed in group A and group B, respectively. Plate taping test was administered to all the subjects to determine their speed and coordination of upper limb. Findings: Student’s t-test was applied between both groups to see the difference in their plate taping test’s time; its t-value was 5.03. Conclusion: Statistical significant difference was seen between both the groups in the result of plate taping test, which suggests that smoking can affect the speed and coordination of upper limb in a negative way and cause its deterioration. Therefore, immediate quitting from smoking is of high value and requirements to have a good speed and coordination of upper-limb movements.}, keywords = {smoking,Speed,Coordination,Plate tapping test}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84629.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84629_b3b5419af0135d3c9d7cbee0f803232d.pdf} } @article { author = {Eslami-Shahrbabaki, Mahin and Barfeh, Babak and Nasirian, Mansoureh}, title = {Persistent Psychosis after Abuse of High Dose of Zolpidem}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {159-162}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine medication which selectively affects GABAA receptors and treats insomnia. There are numerous reports of psychosis following the consumption of zolpidem all of which recovered after stopping the medication. Case Report: A 27 year old male law student, who was treated with 10 mg zolpidem due to insomnia, increased the dosage to 500 mg during 3 months. Not only was his insomnia remained untreated, but also he gradually became isolated, suspicious, and aggressive, and dropped out of university. He was then hospitalized in a psychiatric ward for 2 months, and was treated with antipsychotics and gradual discontinuation of zolpidem. With no improvement in psychosis and sleep improvement he was discharged. After two weeks he was hospitalized again and went under electroconvulsive therapy and antipsychotic therapy, and was discharged with relative improvement. Now, after three years, he is diagnosed with schizophrenia and with modest improvements he is under care and treatment. Conclusion: Zolpidem is a fairly useful medication for treating sleep problems, especially improving beginning of sleep. However, physicians ‎and clinicians should consider the conditions, predispositions, and personal and family history of types of psychosis, alcohol and drug abuse in the comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for patients with insomnia.}, keywords = {Zolpidem,Permanent and temporary psychosis,insomnia}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84630.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84630_59584f6aeb3f34421b48907997f5d945.pdf} } @article { author = {Kothari, Sonal}, title = {Smoking Addiction among Dental Students of Central India}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {163-164}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {--}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84631.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84631_ce1cfd1a19c2b4aec18c36375e3bb94f.pdf} } @article { author = {Babadi-Akashe, Zahra and Zamani, Bibi Eshrat and Abedini ‎, Yasamin and Akbari, Hojaetolah and Hedayati, Nasim}, title = {The Relationship between Mental Health and Addiction to Mobile Phones ‎among University Students of Shahrekord, Iran}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {93-99}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: The risk of cell phone addiction is a social and psychological problem which has been proposed by ‎psychologists, psychiatrists, and educational supervisors. The present study aimed to investigate the ‎behavior of mobile phone addicts and mental health of university students of Shahrekord, Iran‎. Methods: This study was an applied research survey for the purposes of this study. The study population ‎consisted of all the students of Payame Noor University, Islamic Azad University, and University of ‎Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of 296 students who were randomly selected from ‎the target population. To collect data, two types of questionnaires were used, the Symptom Checklist-‎‎90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire, and the 32-point scale questionnaire of behavior associated with ‎mobile phone use (Hooper and Zhou, 2007). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, ‎statistical analysis, frequency distribution, mean, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and LSD (Least ‎significance difference)‎. Findings: The results showed that university students of Shahrekord, based on the six categories of mobile ‎addiction behaviors, were mostly placed in habitual behaviors (21.49%), addiction (21.49%), and ‎intentional (21.49%) categories. By reviewing mental health indicators, it was found that students ‎were affected with depressive disorder (17.30%), obsessive compulsive disorder (14.20%), and ‎interpersonal sensitivity (13.80%). The results showed that there was a significant inverse relationship ‎between mental health and habitual behaviors (r = -0.417), dependence (r = -0.317), addiction (r = -‎‎0.330), and incontinence (r = -0.309) in using mobile phone (P < 0.001)‎. Conclusion: Survey results showed that with increased and improved mental health, the student’s rate of cell ‎phone addiction reduced.}, keywords = {mental health,Cell phone,Addiction,Behavior,university}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84633.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84633_0652ae018c64cd349c4833b2bdea031d.pdf} } @article { author = {Solhi, Hassan and Sadeghi-Sedeh, Bahman and Emami, Pardis and Jamalian, Mohammad and Kazemifar, Amir Mohammad}, title = {Does Ingestion of Tincture of Opium Notably Raise Blood Alcohol Concentration?‎}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {100-104}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Tincture of opium (TOP) is currently used for maintenance therapy in treatment of opioids addiction. It contains ethanol. The present study was conducted to assess the increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in its users; a process which may interfere with breath-alcohol test performed by law enforcement or traffic police. Methods: A total of 143 individuals were selected randomly from drug users who had been referred to an addiction treatment clinic. They were asked to undergo breath-alcohol test 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after taking their daily dosage of TOP. The resulting figures were statistically analyzed by t-test and chi-square test using SPSS for Windows. Findings: The calculated blood ethanol concentration rose to 26.33 ± 14.34, 29.15 ± 6.70, and 33.03 ± 8.46 in persons taking 20, 25, and 30 ml TOP respectively, 5 min after their drug ingestion. The figures turned into zero after 15 min. Conclusion: Users of TOP should be reassured about its alcoholic content. Its alcoholic content cannot produce equilibrium disturbance or notable BAC. However, it is recommended that users of TOP are observed in addiction treatment centers for 15 min after taking their drug to reach a higher degree of certainty about any effect of alcoholic content of TOP.}, keywords = {Addiction,treatment,Tincture of opium,Ethanol}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84622.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84622_fde64101542bba6f9b27039eaadaaef7.pdf} } @article { author = {Ghaffari-Nejad, Alireza and Ziaadini, Hassan and Saffari-Zadeha, Samaneh and Kheradmand, Ali and Pouya, Fatemeh}, title = {A Study of the Phenomenology of Psychosis Induced by Methamphetamine: ‎A Preliminary Research}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {105-111}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Psychotic disorder due to industrial drug, such as methamphetamine addiction, is one of the important causes for referral to psychiatric hospital. Psychotic symptoms in these patients are varied. A group of researchers believe that methamphetamine-induced psychosis is completely similar to schizophrenia. Others believe that at least some cases of permanent psychotic clinical manifestation due to methamphetamine abuse are different from schizophrenia. In the present study, the existence of differences between psychotic symptoms caused by methamphetamine addiction and schizophrenia is investigated. Methods: This study was a qualitative study. Patients with psychosis due to methamphetamine addiction were selected from among patients who were hospitalized in hospitals of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. All patients were interviewed using unstructured interview based on self- reporting. Interviews were recorded and reviewed later. Findings: Based on clinical observations, some of the patients with psychotic disorder due to methamphetamine showed rare symptoms that had been mostly reported in psychosis due to organic disorders and some of them showed symptoms that had not been reported before. Conclusion: This study showed that in a group of patients with methamphetamine-induced psychosis, clinical manifestation is different from schizophrenia.}, keywords = {Psychosis,Methamphetamine,Schizophrenia,Kerman (Iran)}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84623.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84623_ffb97d292fc4099374d04691f5b81e9f.pdf} } @article { author = {Hosseinifard, Seyed Mehdi and Ahmadian, Alireza and Smaeelifar, Neda}, title = {The Synergistic (MARATHON) Effect of Combined Methamphetamine with ‎Sexual Stimulant Drugs on Increasing the Likelihood of High-Risk Sexual Behaviors}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {112-118}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Chronic drug abuse and sexual dysfunction specifically erectile dysfunction may lead drug abusers to seek over-the-counter or non-prescription medications, out of which Sildenafil citrate, sold as the trade name of Viagra® can be considered as a prime and important treatment. Therefore, the research purpose was to draw a comparison and review the role of methamphetamine abuse and sildenafil use in increasing the likelihood of high-risk sexual behaviors (both concomitant and non-concomitant use). Methods: Hence, a total of 40 patients diagnosed with methamphetamine abuse were recruited through the administration of structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition), through purposive sampling and subsequent to being qualified in accordance with the selection criteria by psychologists and general practitioners. All the 40 drug abusers (20 methamphetamine abusers with concomitant use of Aphrodisiac drugs (sexual stimulant pills) and 20 methamphetamine abusers) described their sexual risk behaviors subsequent to the drug use. Findings: Supported the between-group difference that is to say that, the group with concomitant methamphetamine abuse differed significantly in all the items when compared with the control group. However, this group scored lower on the item of sexual intercourse with drug addicted prostitutes using condom and both groups demonstrated high pick on this item. Conclusion: Overall, the concomitant methamphetamine chronic abuse with sexual stimulant drugs generates Aphrodisiac drugs impulses and is found to be related to higher frequencies of sexual risk behaviors and sexual intercourse with addicted prostitutes.}, keywords = {Methamphetamine,Aphrodisiac drugs,High-risk sexual behaviors}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84624.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84624_d852ea00d56ca4065db6cceee9132aac.pdf} } @article { author = {Forood, Afsaneh and Malekpour-Afshar, Reza and Mahdavi, Amin}, title = {Serum Level of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 in Addicted Patients ‎with Coronary Artery Disease}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {119-126}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a glycoprotein with inhibitory effects on the formation of plasmin from plasminogen by plasminogen activator. Thus, it prevents clot lysis in vessel walls. Several evidences prove the relationship between coronary artery disease and response to fibrinolytic therapy in patients with myocardial infarction with PAI-1 level. Opium addiction is one of the most important factors in causing myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events. This is due to it causing imbalance between coagulation and anticoagulation factors in the blood. This study was designed and implemented to determine the levels of PAI-I in opium-addicted patients with coronary artery disease in comparison with non addicts. Methods: In this case-control study, 160 patients with coronary heart disease, which was confirmed by angiography results, were enrolled. All of the patients had a medical history, their creatine levels and lipid profile were evaluated, morphine urine test was performed, and after that a blood sample was taken to determine the levels of PAI-1. Thus, the 80 patients who had a positive morphine urine test result formed the case group, and the control group was constituted of the 80 patients with negative morphine test results. The two groups were matched. Findings: Average level of PAI-1 in the control group was 2.4±2.6 and in the case group was 8.8 ± 9.1 and it was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The frequency of two vessel disease was higher in opium addicted patients than non-addicted patients and this was statistically significant (P = 0.030). However, the frequency of single vessel and three vessel disease was the same in the two groups. The two groups had no differences in age, lipid profile, and creatinine level. Moreover, females are at a higher risk of high PAI-1 levels. Conclusion: PAI-1 levels in opium addicted patients with coronary heart disease are higher than other patients. In these patients, the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction is higher than normal.}, keywords = {opium addiction,Coronary heart disease,Plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-1)‎}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84625.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84625_31f29d959b23810683c0103a68d1c4d0.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdar Esfahani, Morteza and Sayehmiri ‏, Fatemeh}, title = {One Decade “Narcotic Addicted Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis” in St. ‎Alzahra Hospital of Isfahan, Iran}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {127-137}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Behavior and substance addiction is one of the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study investigating the relationship between the different clinical manifestations pattern of DVT with the way, the amount and duration of narcotic drugs in patients admitted to St. Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, during 10 years. Methods: In a cross-sectional study we studied all of the patients with DVT in St. Alzahra Hospital since 2003-2013 were studied. Findings: A total of 238 (59.1%) of the patients were male and 165 (40.9%) female. The mean age of men and women were 18.80 ± 48 and 19.60 ± 3.48 years old. The mean length of staying in the hospital was 5.40 ± 7.20 days. Addiction among patients with DVT was 19.1%. 28.2% of men suffered from DVT and 6% of the women were drug addicts (P < 0.001). Among the 77 patients taking the drug, 53.2% were heroin, 35.1%opium, and 11.7% used other injectable drugs. The results showed that 19 patients (28.6%) were taking the drug once daily, 27.3% twice a day, 6.5% three times a day, 15.6% once a week, and 26% taking the drug twice a week. From 403 patients, 2.2% had a problem in the upper limb, 44.4% in the left hand, and 55.6 in the right hand. The results showed that none of the 77 studied patients had involvement of upper limbs, but all of them in the lower limb. About 11.2% of studied patients were addicted to injective drugs. Also, 6% were addicted to non-injectable drugs and 2% to both injectable and non-injectable drugs. Conclusion: DVT has many risk factors and addiction and intravenously (IV)‎ drug abuse one of the most important for this illness and this problem mast be noticed by health worker and physicians.}, keywords = {deep vein thrombosis,Prevalence,IV drug abuser,Addiction}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84626.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84626_2fd8d7a7be8646bde6cb8d6d6a753ca6.pdf} } @article { author = {Afarinesh, Mohammad Reza and Haghpanah ‎, Tahereh and Divsalar ‎, Kouros and Dehyadegary ‎, Elham and Shaikh-Aleslami ‎, Azar and Mahmoodi ‎, Majid}, title = {Changes in Serum Biochemical Factors Associated with Opium Addiction ‎after Addiction Desertion}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {6}, number = {3-4}, pages = {138-145}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {}, abstract = {Introduction: The long time use of opium has some effects on serums biochemical factors, the determination of this variation is a new approach in understanding off addiction and relive of drug abuser health. Hence in this study, these indicators in person who were withdrawing of opium have been studied. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study bloods biochemical factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, and fibrinogen in three groups serum were studied: (1) Who had been permanent opium users more than 2 years (case). (2) Dependent person who has taken one month addiction withdrawal course (control). (3) A healthy group that had been demographically similar to the other groups. Results: According to these study findings, FBS serum level in the case group is lower than control group. Serum level of Na, creatinine, and blood triglyceride (TG) in case study are higher than group control. Concentration of potassium, Ca, UA, BUN, cholesterol, total serum protein, fibrinogen, and thrombin time in case study and group control showed no significant difference. Also, in withdrawing case serum level of Na, Ca, UA, BUN, creatinine, and TG significantly increase and thrombin time decrease. Conclusion: According to this study not only the longtime use of opium but also opium with drawerin opium dependent people can change their serum biochemical factors. So recognition, treatment, and prevention of this change could be a new step in improving of health and condition of patients.}, keywords = {Opium,Withdraw,dependency,Biochemical factors}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84627.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84627_d711aea86e6331a5806bb275e3088459.pdf} }