Date of Paper

5-2015

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Lisa Kiesel, Ph.D., LICSW

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

This study explored the possible association of handedness and substance use disorders. A quantitative study was conducted by administrating a Handedness and Substance Use survey to participants assigned to dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups in a Midwestern city in the United States. From the 96 survey responses aging from 18-62 years old, 6.3% (n=6) identified as male, 90.6% (n=87) identified as female, and 3.1% (n=3) identified as transgender. 9.4% (n=9) identified as left handed, and 90.6% (n=87) identified as right handed. Significant association was found between handedness and participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 27% of all respondents have attended a form of alcohol or drug treatment, 55.5% who report being left handed and 24.1% who are right handed. Significant association was also found between handedness and someone else recommending an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 36.5% of all respondents have had someone else recommend an alcohol or drug treatment, 66.7% who report being left handed and 33.3% who are right handed. The findings also found heightened responses from self-identified left-handed participants in having felt the need to cut down on their substance use and familial substance abuse concerns compared to right-handed respondents. This study concludes by addressing the possible implementations and recommendations stemming from discovering a possible new risk factor for substance use disorders.

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