Natasha S Mendoza
Biographic Data
| ID | 219545 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Natasha S Mendoza |
| GIVEN NAMES | Natasha S |
| FAMILY NAME | Mendoza |
| SIGNATURE | MENDOZA N S |
| AFFILIATIONS | Arizona State University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3261-3923 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 32 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 16 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 32 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
First responder attitudes and practices related to people who use drugs: Exploring the impact of resource sharing
Background First responders are critical to preventing recurrent opioid overdoses and improving overdose response. However, their attitudes and behaviors toward people who use drugs (PWUD) remain underexplored, limiting opportunities for effective intervention. This study examined first responders’ perceptions, focusing on their attitudes, crisis response behaviors, and resource-sharing practices.Methods This research is part of a larger, mixed-m…
Drug Overdose Deaths in Mexican-Heritage Arizonans: An Examination of Mortality Rates, Demographics, Drugs Involved, and Place of Death
OBJECTIVE: This study examined drug overdose deaths in Mexican-heritage Arizonans, with the goal of informing tailored overdose prevention programs for this community. METHODS: We analyzed death certificate data (from the Arizona Department of Health Services) for drug overdose deaths among Arizona residents from 2018-2022. We compared deaths in US-born and foreign-born Mexican-heritage Arizonans and, as a frame of reference, Non-Hispanic (NH) Wh…
Exploring medication for opioid use disorder and recovery housing in the United States
Recovery homes, regulation, & medication for opioid use disorder: Preliminary look in a Southwestern state
Improving Hiring, Retention, and Promotion of Bipoc Faculty
Social workers are responsible for dismantling systems of oppression, promoting equity and inclusion, and creating and implementing just systems. Yet the structural inequities that disadvantage historically marginalized populations, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) populations, continue to be embedded into the very thread of social work practice, education, and research. Using critical race theory, we discuss how race and …
Babywearing Reduces Urges to Use Substances in the Postpartum Period Among Mothers With OUDs
Objectives While pregnancy presents a strong motivation to seek and comply with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment, the risk for relapse during the postpartum period is high. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of babywearing while admitted to the NICU on urges to use substances within 9 months of childbirth.Methods Mothers with a history of OUD (N = 47, Mage = 28.91, SD = 5.14; 48.9% White, 19.1% Latinx) and their newborn…
Legal Limitations Associated with Microdosing Buprenorphine
Background: Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. continue to increase, largely due to the prevalence of fentanyl, a very powerful opioid, in the illicit drug supply. Buprenorphine treatment is effective for treating opioid use disorder, but it can be challenging for clinicians to introduce buprenorphine treatment to people who use fentanyl due to risks of precipitated withdrawal. Induction could be facilitated through a buprenorphine microdosing ap…
I just feel better about myself”: Feasibility of a fitness-focused & women-centered complement to treatment
Exercise may be a useful complement to treatment programs aimed at reducing the negative neural and functional consequences of alcohol and drug use. While some empirical studies have examined the impact of physical activity (PA) as a complement to treatment, they are limited in sample size or they fail to consider the unique physiological status of women. In preparation for a developmental study, we took steps to examine the feasibility of a fitn…
Between the Noise and Silence: An Autoethnography Challenging Schools of Social Work to Evolve for Trans Students
Social work programs have been largely silent in the face of legislative at- tacks on transgender/nonbinary (TGNB or “trans”) communities across the U.S., which signals to TGNB students that they may not be supported in their respective programs. Consequently, TGNB students, staff, and faculty shoulder the burden to advocate for change within social work academic institutions and to speak out about violence perpetrated against TGNB communities. U…
First responder perceptions of the system of care and people who use drugs: Spanning boundaries
Addressing the beliefs of first responders about people who use drugs and the system of care with which they interact must be part and parcel to addressing the opioid crisis. Using a boundary spanning framework, we examine how first responders perceive community behavioral health. With qualitative methods, we asked: What are first responders' lived experiences on the frontlines of the opioid crisis? In sum, it is important to consider that there …
The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology: Emery, N. & Acuff, S. (2022). The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology. American Psychological Associati…
The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology." Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 22(3), pp. 245–246
It’s Also Pushed People to a New Level of Desperation: ” Covid-19 Impacts on Experiences of Persons Who Use Illicit Opioids
The purpose of this qualitative study is to characterize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug use experiences among persons who use illicit opioids (PWUO) in Arizona. Between 12/2020 and 05/2021, interviews were conducted via Zoom with 22 PWUO from across Arizona. Participants were recruited through Craigslist and social media ads, referrals by a local harm reduction organization, and other participants. The interviews were transcribed an…
Polyvictimization and Substance Use Among Sexual Minority Cisgender Women
Background: Violent victimization and substance use are higher among sexual minority cisgender women (SMCW) than heterosexual cisgender women. Unknown, however, is how polyvictimization—experiencing multiple types of violent victimization—affects substance use among SMCW. Purpose/Objectives: This study explores the relationship between polyvictimization and substance use among a small sample of SMCW. Methods: An exploratory secondary data analysi…
Attuning and Queering SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework
To prevent substance use disorder (SUD) and its consequences, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration developed the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The SPF is a structured planning model that evaluates community behavioral health needs and facilitates prevention planning to address substance use concerns. Despite the SPF’s stated foundation in cultural competency, the framework lacks appropriate guidelines to address s…
Supporting Independent Living Through Interdisciplinary Service Learning: The Community Collaborative Model
Service learning within independent living facilities may be a highly effective means to address the service gaps that challenge older adults and people who are disabled. We present a new approach to service learning by leveraging opportunities for community-university partnerships. The Community Collaborative Model (CCM) represents synergy between organized independent living and higher education at Arizona State University and led by the School…
Relationship commitment and alcohol use consequences among sexual minority women
Sexual minority women [SMW] are a considerable population, yet they are often overlooked in behavioral health research focused on problematic alcohol use. With a foundation in Relational-Cultural Theory, we examined the association between relationship commitment and alcohol-related consequences among SMW. Participants were recruited to take part in a study about behavioral health and relationship functioning. Analyses included multiple regressio…
Underage Drinking Diversion: Characterizing Severity With Latent Class Analysis
Substance misuse among young adults is associated with serious safety and risk factors that can lead to harmful consequences. Little is known about the heterogeneity among emerging adults (EAs) entering substance-abuse-focused diversion programs and the impact of characteristics on clinical decision making. In consideration of the developmental period of emerging adulthood, this study used latent class analysis and path modeling to determine part…
Mi’jita, What for?” Exploring Bicultural Identity of Latina/Chicana Faculty and Implications for Supporting Latinx Students in Social Work
Latinx faculty have an opportunity to influence a growing population of incoming Latinx students. As Chicana/Latina social work faculty, we seek to raise consciousness about our biculturalism and demonstrate how it could play a role in educating students. To that end, we highlight issues related to language. The meaning of language is complex, manifesting personally and politically. It is unclear how the relationship between identity and language…
Predictive Validity of Single-Item Motivational Measures for Emerging Adults in Substance-Use Disorder Treatment
Objective: Few studies have examined which measures of motivation for change predict abstinence and early remission outcomes (AER) for emerging adults with substance-use disorders, and recent research suggests that single-item measures may perform as well as longer readiness-to-change scales. This study extends findings to emerging adults (ages 18–25) treated in outpatient settings by investigating the predictive validity of a single-item motivat…
Alcohol Use and Latent Profiles of Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread social problem that is associated with alcohol misuse. Victim-survivors (n = 1,045) were interviewed after police-involved IPV incidents. Latent profile analysis resulted in 2 classes of IPV perpetrators. The severe IPV class was characterized by more frequent and severe physical violence, stalking and harassment, risk of future homicide, and increased psychological consequences of IPV for the victi…
Heterosexism, racism, and mental illness discrimination: Experiences of people with mental health conditions and their families
Experiencing discrimination related to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or having a mental health condition is associated with negative outcomes. Research comparing types of discrimination or considering intersectionalities is lacking. This study reports findings from interviews with people with mental illnesses (PWMI) or family members of PWMI; all study participants also are of color and/or lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Findings include the fol…
We have to help each other heal: The path to recovery and becoming a professional peer support
Over the past decade, the peer support role in the treatment of substance use disorders has become increasingly formalized. With the growing popularity of peer support interventions, it is imperative to understand the unique role of peer support specialists (PSSs). The current study is focused on women's roles as PSSs. Understanding women's paths toward their peer support work through their experiences is essential for the continued formalization…
Comparing Two Types of Social Support: Changes in Alcohol Use Among Drug Court Enrollees
This study explored the influence of 2 different types of social support on alcohol use in the context of drug court. Data from a drug court enrollee pilot study were analyzed using a series of simultaneous regression analyses. Results demonstrated that having a greater number of unconditional support providers was associated with a decrease in alcohol use from prearrest to postarrest. Having a greater number of directive support providers was as…
The Physical Self-Perceptions of Rural Lesbians and Heterosexual Women
Lesbians are underrepresented in women's health research. Research exploring lesbians in rural environments is virtually nonexistent. The current study adds to the knowledge base of lesbian health and explores the perceptions of body image, fitness, and health for both lesbians and heterosexual women in rural communities. Findings from exploratory analyses indicated that both groups of women are significantly overweight. However, lesbians exercis…
Women Reentering the Community: Understanding Addiction and Trauma-Related Characteristics of Recidivism
Women represent 26% of those arrested for serious crimes; many have posttraumatic stress and co-occurring substance use disorders, which may influence recidivism. This study examined 57 women residing in a community re-entry program after exiting prison. Participants completed the Trauma Symptom Inventory and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory. A discriminant function analysis accounted for 34% of between-group variability and provided a …
Women Reentering the Community: Understanding Addiction and Trauma-Related Characteristics of Recidivism
Women represent 26% of those arrested for serious crimes; many have posttraumatic stress and co-occurring substance use disorders, which may influence recidivism. This study examined 57 women residing in a community re-entry program after exiting prison. Participants completed the Trauma Symptom Inventory and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory. A discriminant function analysis accounted for 34% of between-group variability and provided a …
Heterosexism, racism, and mental illness discrimination: Experiences of people with mental health conditions and their families
Experiencing discrimination related to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or having a mental health condition is associated with negative outcomes. Research comparing types of discrimination or considering intersectionalities is lacking. This study reports findings from interviews with people with mental illnesses (PWMI) or family members of PWMI; all study participants also are of color and/or lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Findings include the fol…
We have to help each other heal: The path to recovery and becoming a professional peer support
Over the past decade, the peer support role in the treatment of substance use disorders has become increasingly formalized. With the growing popularity of peer support interventions, it is imperative to understand the unique role of peer support specialists (PSSs). The current study is focused on women's roles as PSSs. Understanding women's paths toward their peer support work through their experiences is essential for the continued formalization…
Using Gis to Describe Risk and Neighborhood‐level Factors Associated With Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes
Neighborhood‐level geographic factors may put individuals at risk of developing substance abuse problems. The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the spatial distribution of risk in Buffalo, New York. The study serves as an example of how neighborhood geographical markers can be used to determine areas with elevated risk that may lead providers to better target and address substance use disorder prevalence in communities. Results show…
Symptoms of Depression and Successful Drug Court Completion
Mi’jita, What for?” Exploring Bicultural Identity of Latina/Chicana Faculty and Implications for Supporting Latinx Students in Social Work
Latinx faculty have an opportunity to influence a growing population of incoming Latinx students. As Chicana/Latina social work faculty, we seek to raise consciousness about our biculturalism and demonstrate how it could play a role in educating students. To that end, we highlight issues related to language. The meaning of language is complex, manifesting personally and politically. It is unclear how the relationship between identity and language…
Social Work and Postdoctoral Experience
Journal Article Social Work and Postdoctoral Experience Get access Natasha S. Mendoza, Natasha S. Mendoza e-mail: [email protected] Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Stella M. Resko, Stella M. Resko Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Susan M. De Luca, Susan M. De Luca Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Amy N. Mendenhall, Amy N. Mendenha…
Push(ing) Limits: Using Fiction in the Classroom for Human Behavior and the Social Environment
The use of fiction and autobiography in social science course work has been shown to enhance students' learning experience. Using the novel PUSH, by Sapphire, we designed a curriculum supplement for the social work course, human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) that encourages students to integrate course content in an innovative way and enables them to apply the material to life-like situations. The HBSE supplement allows students to e…
Early Attrition From Treatment Among Women With Cooccurring Substance Use Disorders and PTSD
Participant retention is one of the more challenging issues in the treatment of substance use disorders. Using data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network's Women and Trauma Study (recruitment in 2004–2005), we examine prominent factors associated with early attrition among women with cooccurring substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (N = 340). Early treatment attrition is associated with a history o…
Push(ing) Limits: Using Fiction in the Classroom for Human Behavior and the Social Environment
The use of fiction and autobiography in social science course work has been shown to enhance students' learning experience. Using the novel PUSH, by Sapphire, we designed a curriculum supplement for the social work course, human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) that encourages students to integrate course content in an innovative way and enables them to apply the material to life-like situations. The HBSE supplement allows students to e…
Family Structure, Substance Use, and Child Protective Services Involvement: Exploring Child Outcomes and Services
Using data from the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being (N = 5,501), this study explored caregiver substance use, family structure, and child well-being. Findings demonstrated that children of single mothers who use substances had higher externalized behavior problems than children of mothers with secondary caregivers in the home and who did not use substances. Children demonstrated more positive behavior and social skills in famil…
Social Work and Postdoctoral Experience
Journal Article Social Work and Postdoctoral Experience Get access Natasha S. Mendoza, Natasha S. Mendoza e-mail: [email protected] Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Stella M. Resko, Stella M. Resko Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Susan M. De Luca, Susan M. De Luca Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Amy N. Mendenhall, Amy N. Mendenha…
Using Gis to Describe Risk and Neighborhood‐level Factors Associated With Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes
Neighborhood‐level geographic factors may put individuals at risk of developing substance abuse problems. The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the spatial distribution of risk in Buffalo, New York. The study serves as an example of how neighborhood geographical markers can be used to determine areas with elevated risk that may lead providers to better target and address substance use disorder prevalence in communities. Results show…
Symptoms of Depression and Successful Drug Court Completion
Social Services and Child Well-Being Among CPS-Involved Families
Once children and families become involved with the child welfare system, they are usually referred to a myriad of social services (e.g., concrete services, behavioral, mental, or physical health services). To examine a broad array of social services and child well-being over time, this study utilized secondary analysis of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being via structural equation modeling with complex sampling techniques. Res…
Comparing Two Types of Social Support: Changes in Alcohol Use Among Drug Court Enrollees
This study explored the influence of 2 different types of social support on alcohol use in the context of drug court. Data from a drug court enrollee pilot study were analyzed using a series of simultaneous regression analyses. Results demonstrated that having a greater number of unconditional support providers was associated with a decrease in alcohol use from prearrest to postarrest. Having a greater number of directive support providers was as…
The Physical Self-Perceptions of Rural Lesbians and Heterosexual Women
Lesbians are underrepresented in women's health research. Research exploring lesbians in rural environments is virtually nonexistent. The current study adds to the knowledge base of lesbian health and explores the perceptions of body image, fitness, and health for both lesbians and heterosexual women in rural communities. Findings from exploratory analyses indicated that both groups of women are significantly overweight. However, lesbians exercis…
Women Reentering the Community: Understanding Addiction and Trauma-Related Characteristics of Recidivism
Women represent 26% of those arrested for serious crimes; many have posttraumatic stress and co-occurring substance use disorders, which may influence recidivism. This study examined 57 women residing in a community re-entry program after exiting prison. Participants completed the Trauma Symptom Inventory and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory. A discriminant function analysis accounted for 34% of between-group variability and provided a …
Alcohol Use and Latent Profiles of Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread social problem that is associated with alcohol misuse. Victim-survivors (n = 1,045) were interviewed after police-involved IPV incidents. Latent profile analysis resulted in 2 classes of IPV perpetrators. The severe IPV class was characterized by more frequent and severe physical violence, stalking and harassment, risk of future homicide, and increased psychological consequences of IPV for the victi…
Heterosexism, racism, and mental illness discrimination: Experiences of people with mental health conditions and their families
Experiencing discrimination related to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or having a mental health condition is associated with negative outcomes. Research comparing types of discrimination or considering intersectionalities is lacking. This study reports findings from interviews with people with mental illnesses (PWMI) or family members of PWMI; all study participants also are of color and/or lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Findings include the fol…
We have to help each other heal: The path to recovery and becoming a professional peer support
Over the past decade, the peer support role in the treatment of substance use disorders has become increasingly formalized. With the growing popularity of peer support interventions, it is imperative to understand the unique role of peer support specialists (PSSs). The current study is focused on women's roles as PSSs. Understanding women's paths toward their peer support work through their experiences is essential for the continued formalization…
Predictive Validity of Single-Item Motivational Measures for Emerging Adults in Substance-Use Disorder Treatment
Objective: Few studies have examined which measures of motivation for change predict abstinence and early remission outcomes (AER) for emerging adults with substance-use disorders, and recent research suggests that single-item measures may perform as well as longer readiness-to-change scales. This study extends findings to emerging adults (ages 18–25) treated in outpatient settings by investigating the predictive validity of a single-item motivat…
Underage Drinking Diversion: Characterizing Severity With Latent Class Analysis
Substance misuse among young adults is associated with serious safety and risk factors that can lead to harmful consequences. Little is known about the heterogeneity among emerging adults (EAs) entering substance-abuse-focused diversion programs and the impact of characteristics on clinical decision making. In consideration of the developmental period of emerging adulthood, this study used latent class analysis and path modeling to determine part…
Mi’jita, What for?” Exploring Bicultural Identity of Latina/Chicana Faculty and Implications for Supporting Latinx Students in Social Work
Latinx faculty have an opportunity to influence a growing population of incoming Latinx students. As Chicana/Latina social work faculty, we seek to raise consciousness about our biculturalism and demonstrate how it could play a role in educating students. To that end, we highlight issues related to language. The meaning of language is complex, manifesting personally and politically. It is unclear how the relationship between identity and language…
Relationship commitment and alcohol use consequences among sexual minority women
Sexual minority women [SMW] are a considerable population, yet they are often overlooked in behavioral health research focused on problematic alcohol use. With a foundation in Relational-Cultural Theory, we examined the association between relationship commitment and alcohol-related consequences among SMW. Participants were recruited to take part in a study about behavioral health and relationship functioning. Analyses included multiple regressio…
Polyvictimization and Substance Use Among Sexual Minority Cisgender Women
Background: Violent victimization and substance use are higher among sexual minority cisgender women (SMCW) than heterosexual cisgender women. Unknown, however, is how polyvictimization—experiencing multiple types of violent victimization—affects substance use among SMCW. Purpose/Objectives: This study explores the relationship between polyvictimization and substance use among a small sample of SMCW. Methods: An exploratory secondary data analysi…
Attuning and Queering SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework
To prevent substance use disorder (SUD) and its consequences, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration developed the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The SPF is a structured planning model that evaluates community behavioral health needs and facilitates prevention planning to address substance use concerns. Despite the SPF’s stated foundation in cultural competency, the framework lacks appropriate guidelines to address s…
Supporting Independent Living Through Interdisciplinary Service Learning: The Community Collaborative Model
Service learning within independent living facilities may be a highly effective means to address the service gaps that challenge older adults and people who are disabled. We present a new approach to service learning by leveraging opportunities for community-university partnerships. The Community Collaborative Model (CCM) represents synergy between organized independent living and higher education at Arizona State University and led by the School…
The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology: Emery, N. & Acuff, S. (2022). The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology. American Psychological Associati…
The Addiction Psychologist Podcast. Society of Addiction Psychology." Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 22(3), pp. 245–246
It’s Also Pushed People to a New Level of Desperation: ” Covid-19 Impacts on Experiences of Persons Who Use Illicit Opioids
The purpose of this qualitative study is to characterize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug use experiences among persons who use illicit opioids (PWUO) in Arizona. Between 12/2020 and 05/2021, interviews were conducted via Zoom with 22 PWUO from across Arizona. Participants were recruited through Craigslist and social media ads, referrals by a local harm reduction organization, and other participants. The interviews were transcribed an…
Legal Limitations Associated with Microdosing Buprenorphine
Background: Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. continue to increase, largely due to the prevalence of fentanyl, a very powerful opioid, in the illicit drug supply. Buprenorphine treatment is effective for treating opioid use disorder, but it can be challenging for clinicians to introduce buprenorphine treatment to people who use fentanyl due to risks of precipitated withdrawal. Induction could be facilitated through a buprenorphine microdosing ap…
I just feel better about myself”: Feasibility of a fitness-focused & women-centered complement to treatment
Exercise may be a useful complement to treatment programs aimed at reducing the negative neural and functional consequences of alcohol and drug use. While some empirical studies have examined the impact of physical activity (PA) as a complement to treatment, they are limited in sample size or they fail to consider the unique physiological status of women. In preparation for a developmental study, we took steps to examine the feasibility of a fitn…
Between the Noise and Silence: An Autoethnography Challenging Schools of Social Work to Evolve for Trans Students
Social work programs have been largely silent in the face of legislative at- tacks on transgender/nonbinary (TGNB or “trans”) communities across the U.S., which signals to TGNB students that they may not be supported in their respective programs. Consequently, TGNB students, staff, and faculty shoulder the burden to advocate for change within social work academic institutions and to speak out about violence perpetrated against TGNB communities. U…
Psychology (27 works) · Medicine (22 works) · Psychiatry (20 works) · Sociology (13 works) · Clinical Psychology (11 works) · Clinical Psychology (11 works) · Social Psychology (10 works) · Political science (9 works) · Social Psychology (9 works) · Social Work (9 works)