Methamphetamine Users and Gender Differences in their Acceptance of Long-Term Substance ... PDF
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 Methamphetamine Users and Gender Differences in their Acceptance of Long-Term Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Kevin Garen Stepanyan Walden University Follow this and additional works at:https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of thePsychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Kevin Stepanyan has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Joseph Grillo, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Michael Plasay, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Victoria Latifses, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Methamphetamine Users and Gender Differences in their Acceptance of Long-Term Substance Abuse Treatment Programs by Kevin G. Stepanyan B.A., California State University, Los Angeles, 2005 M.S., California State University, Los Angeles, 2007 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2016 Abstract Methamphetamine abuse is a problem of public health importance among men and women in the United States. The two genders are affected even though the majority treatment programs are tailored for male alcohol addicts. The gender differences are prevalent in the acceptance of long-term substance abuse treatment programs. The study focuses on gender differences in methamphetamine abuse and whether both male and female addicts benefit from treatment. Respondent’s suitability, participant’s abuse condition, treatment, and progress questionnaires and interviews are used to collect data from 50 male and 50 female methamphetamine users at the Impact Residential Program in Montreal, Canada. Together, the four quantitative questionnaires yield common factors leading to methamphetamine abuse as weight loss and emotional stress for females, and increased physical activity for males. Descriptive statistics of median and quartiles are used to help describe outcomes of the treatment program. Stigma is identified as a common barrier to seeking treatment for both genders. Furthermore, parenting and childcare are not identified as barriers for females seeking treatment contrary to previous research findings but pregnancy is a key motivator to seeking treatment. The median and quartile descriptions reveal that both male and female methamphetamine abusers benefit equally from treatment programs. The findings of this study add knowledge on gender- specific efforts against methamphetamine abuse. Public health officers may use identified factors leading to methamphetamine use to foster preventive measures while officers working in treatment programs may use identified motivators and barriers to treatment to enhance program effectiveness. Methamphetamine Users and Gender Differences in their Acceptance of Long-Term Substance Abuse Treatment Programs by Kevin G. Stepanyan B.A., California State University, Los Angeles, 2005 M.S., California State University, Los Angeles, 2007 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2016 Dedication This work is dedicated to all persons working in substance abuse treatment programs in the United States and its territories for their great work in saving generations. Acknowledgments Completion of this thesis was made possible by invaluable support, guidance and encouragement from a number of people. Firstly, I am especially grateful to my research advisor and Chair, Professor Dr. Joseph Grillo, secondary committee member, Dr. Michael Plasay, and URR, Dr. Victoria Latifses for their availability and constructive input in developing this thesis. Secondly, I am grateful to my family for providing laughter even in difficult times. Finally, I thank everyone who contributed in data collection and analysis for my thesis. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background Information ................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6 Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................7 Study Objectives ............................................................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................9 Research Assumptions .................................................................................................10 Study Limitations .........................................................................................................11 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................11 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................13 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................14 Synopsis .......................................................................................................................14 Effects of Methamphetamine Use ................................................................................15 Characteristics of People Who Use Methamphetamine...............................................18 Gender Differences in Reasons for Abuse and Addiction ...........................................18 Treatment Response Based on Gender ........................................................................20 i Factors Affecting Different Genders in Responding to Long-Term Treatment Programs ..........................................................................................................23 Diverse Treatment Needs Meant for the Different Genders in Long-Term Substance/ Drug Abuse Treatment Programs ..................................................25 Relapse During and After Treatment ...........................................................................29 Treatment Outcomes ....................................................................................................30 Methamphetamine-Related Morbidity .........................................................................32 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................33 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................34 Introduction ..................................................................................................................34 Research Philosophy ....................................................................................................34 Research Design...........................................................................................................36 Research Strategies ......................................................................................................39 Research Variables and Instrument .............................................................................42 Instrumentation and Materials .....................................................................................45 Questionnaire A: Respondent’s suitability assessment guide. .............................. 46 Questionnaire B: Participant’s abuse condition assessment. ................................ 46 Questionnaire C: Treatment. ................................................................................. 48 Questionnaire D: Progress. ................................................................................... 48 Questionnaire E: Summative evaluation. .............................................................. 49 Setting and Sample Size Determination ......................................................................49 Inclusion Criteria .........................................................................................................50 ii Data Collection ............................................................................................................51 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................52 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................54 Introduction ..................................................................................................................54 Phase 1 .........................................................................................................................54 Phase 2 .........................................................................................................................55 Demographics ....................................................................................................... 55 Reasons for Using Methamphetamine .................................................................. 59 Source of knowledge on methamphetamine ......................................................... 65 Daily Consumption ............................................................................................... 67 Effects of Methamphetamine ................................................................................ 68 Effect of Methamphetamine use on Social and Psychosocial Functioning .......... 72 Phase 3: Treatment .......................................................................................................73 Motivators to seek treatment ................................................................................. 74 Barriers to Seeking Treatment .............................................................................. 76 Preferred Treatment Modality............................................................................... 77 Perceived Effectiveness of Current Treatment Method ........................................ 80 Current Health ....................................................................................................... 81 Preference to Continue with Treatment ................................................................ 82 Satisfaction with Treatment and Support Services Thereto .................................. 84 Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ............................................86 Discussion ....................................................................................................................86 iii
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