Managing anger, boosting activity helps substance abusers stick with...( ave the treatment program earliest. ...),Health

Extreme emotional expressions were more common among women than men. However, the investigators note, this appeared to be the result not of gender, but of the greater severity of depression and drug use problems among the women. Also, women sought support from others -- an "approach" strategy -- more often than men did.

A more surprising finding, the investigators report, is their observation that seeking alternative rewards was linked to a longer and potentially more productive stay in treatment. This result, according to Kohn, suggests that this avoidance tactic may actually be productive among chemical users.

This interpretation, she adds, is supported by previous findings that chemical users are less likely than the general population to engage in leisure and social activities that are not related to alcohol or drug use.

"This study provides evidence for identifying and decreasing the use of emotional discharge early on in treatment, possibly through the use of intervention strategies such as anger management," the investigators conclude.

At the same time, they note, the results underscore "the importance of clinicians assisting clients in identifying and engaging in new, sober activities," starting early in treatment.

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Contact: Laura Marshall
Laura.H.Marshall@kp.org
510-271-5826
Center for the Advancement of Health
14-Aug-2002