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Copyright of Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The men-specific addiction treatment concept of casa fidelio in Niederbuchsiten, Switzerland, was established in 1993 and offers 25 therapy places for adult men. The goal is to provide men with an environment in which they can confront their masculinity without being influenced by women. The concept was developed to protect male clients from the challenges of mixed-gender facilities and to create a therapeutically supportive environment. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Aim: It was investigated, whether a lapse during an abstinence-oriented inpatient treatment of alcohol addiction is correlated to abstinence and employment one year after treatment. Afterwards, it was tested, how this correlation is influenced by further predictors of long-term abstinence. Furthermore, it was investigated which patient characteristics correlate with lapses during treatment. Methods: In a sample of 1.262 patients with a main diagnosis of alcohol dependence correlations between data collected at admission, during treatment and at one-year follow-up of inpatient treatment of addiction were analyzed by logistic regression. Modified Completers-only and Intention-to-treat analysis were conducted according to the DGSS1 and DGSS4 follow-up standards of the German Society of Addiction. Results: Both types of analysis showed a significant correlation between lapse during treatment and relapse during the follow-up period, even when adding further variables to the regression model. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between lapse during treatment and unemployment one year after treatment. Lapse during treatment occurred the more, the younger patients were and the more detoxification treatments they had. Conclusions: Patients with alcohol dependence who consumed alcohol already during inpatient treatment of alcohol addiction are, despite staying in treatment, more likely to experience relapse during a one-year follow-up period. In contrast the long-term status of employment appears to relate to other factors then to lapses during treatment. The results indicate that further research on alcohol consumption during inpatient treatment of alcohol addiction is needed. More detailed knowledge could contribute to enabling these patients to successfully cope with their substance-related disorder in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kratom/ketum is a psychoactive herbal preparation that has been used for a long time as a remedy and performance-enhancing substance in Southeast Asia. The advancement of globalization is making kratom increasingly more available in the western world, where it is becoming increasingly more used. Objective: The current research on kratom and its ingredients is presented. Material and methods: An overview of the use and effects of kratom is exemplary given on the basis of reports. The instrumentalization of the drug and its consequences up to the development of addiction are discussed. Results: Consumption is accompanied by several instrumentalizeable effects so that kratom is used as a therapeutic substance in the self-management of pain, anxiety and depression as well as other substance addictions. Another benefit comes from the performance-enhancing effects on physical work and in a social context. Consumption is usually well controlled, rarely escalates and has few and mostly mild aversive side effects. The danger arises from consumption particularly when there is an escalation of the dose and from mixed consumption with other psychoactive substances. The main alkaloid mitragynine and the more potent 7‑hydroxy-mitragynine are considered mainly responsible for the effect. Both have a complex pharmacology that involves partial µ‑opioid receptor agonism. Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical and neurochemical studies have shown that kratom only has a limited addictive drug profile, which might suggest a medical use as a remedy or substitute in addiction treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Germany 1.5–2.75 million children live in families affected by substance use disorders. Substance abuse can impact on family interactions in many ways. If a dependent parental drug use continues over a longer period of time, this can have pronounced psychological and social consequences for the (co)affected children. Nevertheless, family-focused treatment approaches are not yet widely used in the context of addiction treatment. Aim: This review article aims to provide an overview of the prevalence of parenthood among dependent drug users in Germany, the impact of dependent drug use on families and family-focused treatment approaches. Methods and results: Recording parenthood is particularly difficult in the case of dependent drug users as they often do not openly discuss it with their therapists because of the fear of consequences from youth welfare services. In order to change this, a structured recording of parenthood by the treatment providers is required. This is the prerequisite for being able to offer family-focused treatment to those affected. In Germany, three evidence-based therapy programs are available for this purpose: SHIFT, SHIFT Plus and MAMADAM. Additionally, a number of programs developed in the Anglo-American region can also be used. In contrast, the evidence for web-based programs is much weaker. Discussion: In order to establish family-focused treatment approaches for drug-using parents across the board, long-term, secure funding is required. The necessary framework conditions must be created at a political level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Forensic addiction treatment in accordance with § 64 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) is carried out in the context of the legal order under given time and organizational conditions. How a contemporary forensic treatment practice for addicted offenders can nevertheless take place is described using the concept of two locations of a Bavarian clinic treating approximately 420 patients. Methods: The article first summarizes the framework conditions resulting from the penal code and state-specific enforcement law. The focus is on the presentation of the continuously developed and optimized treatment concept of the medbo clinics (Parsberg, Regensburg). In addition to clinical experience, scientific findings on the importance of substitution, aftercare and a more goal-oriented and patient-centered approach influenced the development of the concept. Discussion: Working in a correctional facility is caught between the two core missions of resocialization and protection of the general public. It is not only the comparatively long periods of detention that enable in-depth work on delinquency and disorder genesis and intensify the resocialization phases with extended real-life trials. Outpatient aftercare is now an integral part of forensic addiction therapy. However, limitations are also identified, such as the particular challenges posed by the nature of crime, the legal framework and the dual role of staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic addiction treatment in Germany is undergoing a dynamic process of change. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of orders for placement according to § 64 of the Criminal Code (StGB), which has led to overcrowding and a lack of therapeutic care in forensic clinics. In October 2023, § 64 StGB was reformed to reduce the number of placements. The general addiction support system is now being held more accountable for addressing the forensic aspects of addiction disorders. This special issue sheds light on various aspects of forensic addiction treatment and presents ways to deal with the changes. [Extracted from the article]

The professional society DG-Sucht has been led by a "dual leadership" since September 2023, consisting of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Eva Hoch and Prof. Dr. med. Falk Kiefer. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Eva Hoch is the first woman to assume the presidency of DG-Sucht and advocates for destigmatizing addiction disorders. Prof. Dr. med. Falk Kiefer has focused on modernizing and rejuvenating the professional society during his first term as president. DG-Sucht has gained new members in the past year and offers special membership offers for young professionals. The 16th German Addiction Congress will take place from September 23rd to 25th, 2024 in Cologne and will address various guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of addiction disorders. DG-Sucht has redesigned its website and has a presence on Facebook. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Praxis der Rechtspsychologie is the property of Hogrefe Verlag GmbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie is the property of Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Aims: Given the lack of empirical evidence on substance use among refugees at different stages of life, one aim is to compare alcohol and drug use in the home country, during the flight, and in the host country. In addition, it is examined which risk factors are associated with an increased prevalence of substance use. Method: 1 116 adult refugees were interviewed in 52 community centres in four federal states using a standardized questionnaire in six languages. Results: The respondents had a low lifetime prevalence of alcohol and drug use (28.8 % alcohol, 7.4 % drugs), which varied greatly depending on the refugee's country of origin. During the flight the prevalence was very low and when being in Germany there was a similar level of alcohol use as in the country of origin and an increased use of cannabis and cocaine. Refugees who use drugs are a particularly stressed group due to flight experiences and uncertain asylum status. The German addiction treatment system was almost unknown to substance using refugees. Conclusions: It is recommended that the addiction treatment services provide outreach work in community accommodations for refugees in order to inform about the addiction treatment system in Germany and to explain counselling offers to substance using refugees. It is advisable to provide information about consumption risks, especially in relation to alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document contains various literature sources on the topic of addiction, including books on cannabis consumption, psychedelic therapy, trauma and attachment in children, as well as the treatment of addiction and affective disorders. It also covers specific programs for reducing alcohol problems and loneliness in men and women, as well as alcohol treatment. The literature also includes topics such as drug policy, practice, and law, as well as substance use in older adults. [Extracted from the article]

Karl Mann was the first professor of addiction research in Germany at the University of Heidelberg. He was also the medical director of the Clinic for Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim. Mann is a renowned specialist in psychiatry and neurology and has extensively studied neuroimaging and the treatment of addiction disorders. He has received numerous awards and is actively involved in various organizations and committees. Mann emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing addiction disorders and calls for a stronger emphasis on prevention and government control measures to reduce the availability of addictive substances. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Aims: The "MeinSalus-App" was developed to integrate a smartphone-based intervention into inpatient addiction treatment in a rehabilitation centre. We investigated (1) the acceptance (intention to use) of the app among patients and among therapeutic staff, (2) predictors of acceptance based on an extended version the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and (3) patients' usage behaviour. Methods: 193 out of 282 inpatients (68,4 %) and 18 out of 34 therapists (52,9 %) completed questionnaires covering acceptance of the app and its separate functions (operationalized as behavioural intention to use), UTAUT and mHealth related variables as well as usage behaviour. Results: Mean behavioural intention to use the app (range 1–5) was 4.65 (SD = 0.83) regarding patients and 4.07 (SD = 0.62) regarding therapists. Age, mobile internet use, expected benefit and reservations about the app proved to be significant predictors of acceptance. In terms of usage behaviour, a differentiated picture emerged for the different functions. Conclusions: Results reveal high acceptance of the app in the inpatient sample as well as for participating therapists which indicates an acceptable basis for implementing the app in inpatient addiction treatment. Further studies should investigate effects of using the app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie is the property of Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article describes the increasing digitization in medicine, particularly in psychiatry and psychotherapy. Due to the limitations of the pandemic, interest in digital applications in addiction prevention and therapy has increased. Various innovative developments are presented, including a study on the use of virtual reality in the treatment of tobacco addiction, a smartphone-based app intervention to reduce drug consumption in adolescents, and an online therapy platform for individuals with problematic gaming behavior. However, the authors emphasize that digital offerings should not replace analog offerings, but rather serve as a supplement. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in Germany and Europe. With a conservatively estimated annual sales value of around 11.6 billion €, it accounts for the largest single share (39 %) of the illicit consumer market. THC levels, especially of cannabis resin, have risen sharply in recent years, while prices have increased only moderately. 12-month consumption prevalence of adolescents, as well as adults, has increased in recent years. Boys and men use Cannabis more often than girls and women. About 600,000 adults in Germany have cannabis use disorders. This number has remained rather stable in recent years. With a steep increase over the past twenty years, Cannabis treatments by now account for the largest share of all addiction treatments for illegal substances documented in the Statistical Report on Substance Abuse Treatment in Germany. Nevertheless, with just over 30,000 treatment episodes per year, far fewer people are treated than have a cannabis use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Monatsschrift fuer Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Monatsschrift fuer Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Germany every second offence occasioning bodily harm and every fourth sexual offence occur under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Untreated substance use disorders are a risk factor for further offences. The §64 of the German Penal Code (StGB) regulates the commitment of offenders to a Forensic addiction treatment unit as a result of an addiction to excessive consummation of intoxicating substances. The previous regulation has come under criticism because too many patients are committed, the sentence is often given to the wrong persons, the treatment is often terminated without success and the sentence consumes to many resources. From a psychiatric perspective the reform of commitment to a Forensic addiction treatment unit (§64 StGB) must fulfil the principles of medical ethics, in particular the respect for the autonomy of the patient, the principle of distributional justice and the code of medical professional ethics. The commitment according to §64 must be restricted to the treatment of people with a clinically relevant substance use disorder. From a psychiatric perspective, decisive for the prospect of success are the willingness to be treated and self-determination for admission to the clinic. In order to release the treatment from the extrinsic influences of the enforcement law, on admission to treatment a sufficient amount of the sentence should have already been served that the commitment only serves the purpose of the treatment and resocialization, so that the risk of further substance-related offences is reduced. The legal term "Entziehungsanstalt" should be replaced by "Forensic Clinic for Dependancy Diseases". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From September 18th to 20th, 2023, the Addiction Congress took place in Berlin. The congress was held under the motto "Diversity in research, prevention, and therapy of addiction disorders" and was organized by the congress president PD Dr. Eva Hoch. There was a diverse scientific program with keynotes on topics such as cannabis legalization in Germany, the consumption of refugees, and the influence of drugs on people and the planet. There were also symposia and poster sessions. The junior group was also active and organized a pre-conference workshop on the topic of "Harm Reduction & Addiction Treatment". Research results on various topics were presented, and a poster prize was awarded. In addition, a person was elected as a junior representative to the board. The congress offered diverse opportunities for exchange and networking for young professionals. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The number of those judicially detained in a rehabilitation facility according to sect. 64 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) has been increasing for years. Courts are regularly advised by forensic-psychiatric experts, for whom the examination of the requirements for admission to such facilities is now also part of their daily business. At the same time, the large number and complexity of these requirements represent a particular challenge, as there are no guidelines available for carrying out these assessments. Aim: This article draws together legal and practical perspectives and offers recommendations for forensic-psychiatric experts on how to proceed when carrying out such assessments to ensure the court has all the necessary information to decide about admission to a rehabilitation facility. Methods: Narrative overview of empirical literature, legislation and jurisdiction. Results: Identifying a ‚sufficiently substantial' prospect of treatment success poses a particular challenge for experts, especially as there is need for a qualified negative risk prognosis, which is to be related to committing crimes in the context of a tendency for excessive substance use. However, statements made on this basis need to take into account factors such as antisocial behaviour and /or previous contacts with the criminal justice system, motivational aspects as well as the analysis of personal and social resources. Conclusions: Psychiatric experts have a substantial influence on the judicial decisionmaking process according to sect. 64 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). Taking into account the recommendations offered in this paper could support experts in carrying out comprehensive assessments for the court and prevent misunderstandings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Public Health Forum is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the year 2024, various conferences and meetings on addiction and addiction treatment will take place. The events include the 26th Substitution Forum of the Austrian Society for Medication-Assisted Treatment of Addiction (ÖGABS) in Mondsee, Austria, the 28th Addiction Therapy Days in Hamburg, the 35th Addiction Congress of the FVS+ in Münster, the 24th Interdisciplinary Congress on Addiction Medicine in Munich, the 9th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions (ICBA2024) in Gibraltar, the German Addiction Congress 2024 in Cologne, the Lisbon Addictions 2024 in Lisbon, the 63rd DHS Specialist Conference on Addiction 2024 in Essen, and the DGPPN Congress 2024 in Berlin. Further information on each event can be found on the respective websites. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses substance use among refugees and the associated risk factors for the development of addiction disorders. These risk factors include trauma, experiences of violence during the flight, social isolation, discrimination, and an insecure immigration status. Neurobiological changes in the brain also play a role. Although access barriers to addiction treatment systems are high, the occurrence of addiction disorders among refugees varies depending on the situation. A blanket attribution of increased substance use can contribute to stigmatization. A study shows that the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs among refugees in communal accommodations is generally low but varies depending on the country of origin. There is potential for optimizing the addiction treatment system, particularly in terms of multilingualism and the hiring of employees with a migration background. A research consortium is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance-related disorders among refugees and aims for improved diagnostics and innovative interventions. A national resource center is intended to improve the care for refugees with substance use. [Extracted from the article]

From September 7th to 9th, 2022, the 14th Addiction Congress took place in Munich. The congress president, Prof. Dr. Ludwig Kraus, organized a scientific program with various topics, including health services research, treatment approaches for addiction, and insights on cannabis. There were symposia, plenary lectures, and a poster session. The junior research group was also active and organized a pre-conference workshop as well as a symposium where young researchers presented their findings. There was also the opportunity to award a poster prize. The congress provided an opportunity for exchange and networking for young professionals in the field of addiction research and addiction therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The article contains a list of upcoming conferences and symposiums in the field of addiction research and treatment. The events include the 43rd fdr+sucht+kongress in Berlin, the 47th Annual Symposium of the Kettil Bruun Society in Warsaw, the 26th Addiction Therapy Days in Hamburg, the CPDD 2022 Meeting in Minneapolis, the 33rd Addiction Congress of the Fachverband Sucht+ in Münster, the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions in Nottingham, the 22nd Interdisciplinary Congress on Addiction Medicine in Munich, the 13th European Conference on Gambling Studies and Policies in Oslo, the German Addiction Congress 2022 in Munich, the 61st DHS Specialist Conference on Addiction in Essen, the Lisbon Addictions Conference 2022 in Lisbon, and the DGPPN Congress 2022 in Berlin. The articles contain information about the venues, contact details, and websites of the organizers. [Extracted from the article]