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Adi Jaffe, BA, Dennis G. Fisher, PhD, William C. Pedersen, PhD, Grace L. Reynolds, DPA(c), Catherine M. Branson, BA, and Alexander S. Edwards. Center for Behavioral Research & Services, California State University, Long Beach, 1090 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813, 562-495-2330, adijaffe@hotmail.com
Objective: To investigate the relationship between rumination and illicit drug use on anger, hostility, and aggression. Methods: A sample of 107 drug users was recruited in Los Angeles County, CA. The Risk Behavior Assessment, Aggression Questionnaire, and Dissipation Rumination Scale were used to collect data. Results: Scores on the Anger subscale of the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) were higher for users of speedball (a mix of Heroin and Cocaine) (M = 2.67, SD = .76) than for non-users (M = 2.29, SD = .80), t (100) = 2.27, p < .05. Scores on the Hostility subscale of the AQ were also higher for speedball users (M = 2.88, SD = 1.10) than for non-users (M = 2.41, SD = .99), t (100) = 2.17, p < .05. Significant interactions were found between amphetamine use and trait rumination on the physical aggression (F (1, 97) = 4.50, p < .05), verbal aggression (F (1, 97) = 5.76, p < .05), anger (F (1, 97) = 4.02, p = .05), and hostility (F (1, 97) = 10.95, p < .01) subscales of the AQ. Amphetamine use augmented anger, hostility and aggression among high trait ruminators. Conclusions: Users who inject speedball as well as certain amphetamine users were found to have higher trait aggression. Users of these drugs who present for drug abuse treatment should be assessed for the need for anger management intervention in their treatment plan.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.