Measuring Recovery Capital and Determining Its Relationship to Outcome in an Alcohol Dependent Sample
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Volume 34, Issue 5 September 2008 , pages 603 - 610


The current study was conducted to determine whether items culled from multiple measures and identified by a consensus panel as indicators of recovery capital would cohere as a unified, meaningful measure predictive of outcome.

Three-hundred twenty-three alcohol dependent individuals receiving inpatient care completed multiple psychosocial instruments at treatment intake and three-month post-admission follow-up.

Exploratory factor analysis supported the multi-dimensional nature of the recovery capital construct. Modest relationships with proximal and distal outcomes were observed.

Further work aimed at designing a psychometrically sound measure that specifically assesses the assets that someone brings with them into substance abuse treatment is needed.


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Relationship Between the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid Axis and Alcohol Craving in Alcohol-Dependent Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 25 Sep 2008

A relationship between some hypothalamic–pituitary–related hormones and craving for alcohol has been suggested, leading to hypothesize a role of some hormones in the neurobiology of alcohol dependence. Investigating this association in alcohol-dependent (AD) patients was the aim of this preliminary and exploratory study.

At baseline, a significant inverse correlation was found between TSH and PACS (r = −0.46; p = 0.022) and OCDS scores (r = −0.53; p = 0.007). A significant direct correlation was found between free T3 and OCDS score (r = 0.44; p = 0.026). In the 16 abstinent patients, craving scores were significantly decreased at 12 weeks (p < class="i">r = 0.60; p = 0.013).

A relationship between alcohol craving and free T3 and TSH was demonstrated in AD patients, suggesting the potential involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in the neurobiology of alcohol craving.

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Alterations in Ethyl Alcohol Pharmacokinetics During Oral Consumption of Malt Liquor Beverages in African Americans
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 25 Sep 2008

Malt liquor (ML) beverages have become increasingly popular among urban minority groups, due partly to their inexpensive price and targeted advertising. We hypothesized that nonfermented by-products contained in ML beverages will alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of its ethanol content. In addition, we determined the effect of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genotypes on the PK following consumption of ML beverages.

Results show a slower mean rate of absorption, K_a, (0.12 vs. 0.15 min⁻¹, p = 0.03) and a longer time to reach maximum concentration, T_max, (28 vs. 23 minute, p < class="i">p = 0.02). There was no difference in the subjective PD effects between the 2 beverages.

Results show that exposure to ethanol following the consumption of ML beverages is different compared to that following nonmalt beverages in African-Americans. These differences may be related to nonfermented by-products present in commercially available ML products. These PK differences do not appear to result in significant perceived alcohol PD changes, nor are they related to ADH genotype.

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Nondaily Smoking and Alcohol Use, Hazardous Drinking, and Alcohol Diagnoses Among Young Adults: Findings From the NESARC

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 25 Sep 2008

Nondaily smoking and heavy alcohol use are prevalent behaviors among young adults, with nondaily smoking occurring primarily in the context of alcohol use. Although the relationship between drinking and daily smoking has been well characterized in young adults, few epidemiological investigations have investigated the association between nondaily smoking and drinking behavior.

We examined Wave 1 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; Grant et al., 2003b; n = 43,093). Young adults (aged 18 to 25 years; n = 5,838) were stratified on current smoking behavior (daily, nondaily, and nonsmokers in the past 12 months) and differences in weekly quantity of alcohol use, frequency of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking behavior, rates of NIAAA-defined hazardous drinking, and rates of DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses were investigated. College student status was examined.

Twenty-five percent were current smokers and 7% were smoking on a nondaily basis. Seventy-one percent were current drinkers, 39% reported binge drinking at least once a month, 41% met criteria for hazardous drinking, and 18% had alcohol use disorders. Across all measures of alcohol use, there was a significant effect of smoking status, with daily smokers having greater alcohol use patterns, compared with nondaily smokers, with nonsmokers consuming the least. Nondaily smokers were more likely to report any binge drinking in the past 12 months. However, daily smokers were more likely to report daily binge drinking. With regard to hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders, nondaily smoking conferred the greatest risk, followed by daily smoking with nonsmoking as the reference group. Multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of being a hazardous drinker were 16 times greater (95% CI 9.46–26.48) in a nondaily smoker compared with a nonsmoker, whereas the odds for a daily smoker were increased by 7-fold (95% CI 5.54–9.36). A similar pattern of results was demonstrated for DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses. No differences across college student status were observed.

The increased risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders conferred by nondaily smoking supports the findings that nondaily smoking and drinking are highly concomitant behaviors. Results such as these suggest that interventions disengaging alcohol and cigarette use patterns (e.g., smoking bans in alcohol venues) might serve to limit the occurrence of hazardous drinking among young adults at heightened risk for this behavior.

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Association of Pro-Ghrelin and GHS-R1A Gene Polymorphisms and Haplotypes With Heavy Alcohol Use and Body Mass
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 25 Sep 2008

Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide, acts on growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R1A), expressed in the hypothalamus as well as in important reward nodes such as the ventral tegmental area. Interestingly, ghrelin has been found to activate an important part of the reward systems, i.e., the cholinergic-dopaminergic reward link. Additionally, the rewarding and neurochemical properties of alcohol are, at least in part, mediated via this reward link.

There is comorbidity between alcohol dependence and eating disorders. Thus, plasma levels of ghrelin are altered in patients with addictive behaviors such as alcohol and nicotine dependence and in binge eating disorder. This overlap prompted as to investigate the pro-ghrelin and GHS-R1A genes in a haplotype analysis of heavy alcohol-using individuals.

SNP rs2232165 of the GHS-R1A gene was associated with heavy alcohol consumption and SNP rs2948694 of the same gene as well as haplotypes of both the pro-ghrelin and the GHS-R1A genes were associated with body mass in heavy alcohol consuming individuals.

The present findings are the first to disclose an association between the pro-ghrelin and GHS-R1A genes and heavy alcohol use, further strengthening the role of the ghrelin system in addictive behaviors and brain reward.

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Alcopops: State by State Battle to End Corporate Tax Fraud


Alcopops are a relatively new product category in the United States. The alcohol industry labels the youth-friendly products “flavored malt beverages” to take advantage of more favorable tax rates for beer. Beer is taxed at much lower rates than are distilled spirits in the U.S. and is often sold in grocery and convenience stores, making it more widely available. Interestingly, in other countries, manufacturers do not call alcopops “malt beverages,” and indeed some companies proudly market their products as containing spirits. For example, while Smirnoff Ice is touted for containing vodka in the United Kingdom, the exact same brand in the U.S. is labeled as a malt beverage. No matter where they are sold, alcopops are sweetened, often bubbly and fruit-flavored, and designed to resemble soda pop or other soft drinks. Alcopops fuel the underage drinking epidemic by serving as a transition for young people from soft drinks to alcohol.
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The P300 event-related potential and its possible role as an endophenotype for studying substance use disorders: a review
Addiction Biology Published Online: 22 Sep 2008

The concept of endophenotypes has gained popularity in recent years. This is because of the potential that endophenotypes provide of measuring objective trait markers that are simpler to access and assess than complex behavioral disease phenotypes themselves. The simplicity, ease of measurement and the putative links to the etiology of the disease in the study of an endophenotype has the potential promise of unraveling the genetic basis of the disease in question.

Of the various proposed endophenotypes, the P300 component of the event-related potential has been used in studies on alcoholism, schizophrenia and externalizing disorders. The current state of knowledge regarding the concept of endophenotypes, P300 and the validity of P300 as an endophenotype with special reference to substance use disorders is discussed in this review.

The implications of the above are discussed.


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Changes in Neuropsychological Functioning during Alcohol Detoxification
Eur Addict Res 2008;14:226-233

This study investigates changes in neuropsychological functioning during early abstinence from alcohol.

30 alcohol-dependent inpatients were tested at intake (day 4 of admission) and post detoxification (day 26), using a test-retest design. The neuropsychological battery included measures of pre-morbid IQ, full-scale IQ, verbal and non-verbal measures of memory and executive function.

IQ was within the normal range at intake and comparable with age-adjusted normative values and there were some impairments in memory and executive function. There were significant increases in performance scores post detoxification in working memory, verbal fluency and verbal inhibition but not in non-verbal executive function tasks (mental flexibility and planning ability). Despite increased scores on tests of verbal and memory skills after 3 weeks of abstinence, complex executive abilities showed little change.

These may have a negative impact on engagement and response to treatment and compromise clinical outcomes, heightening the risk of relapse.

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Inconsistent Report of Pre-Pregnancy-Recognition Alcohol Use by Latinas
Maternal and Child Health Journal Online First 23 September 2008

This study compared pregnant Latinas’ report of alcohol use for the 3-month period before pregnancy recognition with two different methods of data collection, in an attempt to identify opportunities for improved screening.

Data were collected for 53 pregnant Latinas who have ever drunk alcohol and who were receiving services at Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in San Diego, California. This study compared alcohol use reported during in-depth research interviews conducted in homes, to responses to an alcohol screening question administered by WIC staff.

Latinas were more likely to report alcohol use for the 3-month period before pregnancy recognition at the in-depth home interview than their reported date of last drink to the WIC clinic would indicate (70% vs. 15%, respectively). Of importance, 57% of home interview reports that were positive for pre-pregnancy-recognition alcohol use would not have been identified by their reported date of last drink to the WIC screening question. Younger age, higher income, and earlier recognition of pregnancy were associated with under-reporting of pre-pregnancy-recognition alcohol use.

Reporting of pre-pregnancy-recognition alcohol use may be influenced by the circumstances and scope of the screening questions employed, and varies by respondent’s characteristics. Asking about pre-pregnancy-recognition alcohol use, i.e., alcohol consumed before pregnancy is recognized, may improve identification of low-income pregnant

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Swedish researchers uncover addiction's genetic roots

24 Sep 08

Researchers in Gothenburg studying the connection between alcoholism and the hormone ghrelin have found that a single genetic cause may lie behind several forms of dependency.

“It feels exciting and totally new,” said Elisabeth Jerlhag, one of the researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy, to the Göteborgs-Posten (GP) newspaper.

The hormone ghrelin, found primarily in the stomach as well as the brain, is well-known for its role in controlling people’s appetites.
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Early Release of Selected Estimates Based on Data From the January-March 2008 National Health Interview Survey

In this release, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) updates estimates for 15 selected health measures based on data from the January-March 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and presents estimates from 1997 through 2007 for comparison. The 15 Early Release measures are being published prior to final data editing and final weighting to provide access to the most recent information from NHIS. The estimates will be updated on a quarterly basis as each new quarter of the NHIS data becomes available. Two additional reports are published via the Early Release Program. Health insurance coverage: Early release of estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (1) is published quarterly and provides additional estimates of health insurance coverage. Wireless substitution: Early release of estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (2) is published in May and December and provides selected estimates of telephone coverage.

The 15 measures included are lack of health insurance coverage and type of coverage, usual place to go for medical care, obtaining needed medical care, receipt of influenza vaccination, receipt of pneumococcal vaccination, obesity, leisure-time physical activity, current smoking, alcohol consumption, human immunodeficiency virus testing, general health status, personal care needs, serious psychological distress, diagnosed diabetes, and asthma episodes and current asthma.

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Gene–environment interactions for complex traits: definitions, methodological requirements and challenges
European Journal of Human Genetics (2008) 16, 1164–1172


Genetic and environmental risk factors and their interactions contribute to the development of complex diseases.

In this review, we discuss methodological issues involved in investigating gene–environment (G E) interactions in genetic–epidemiological studies of complex diseases and their potential relevance for clinical application. Although there are some important examples of interactions and applications, the widespread use of the knowledge about G E interaction for targeted intervention or personalized treatment (pharmacogenetics) is still beyond current means. This is due to the fact that convincing evidence and high predictive or discriminative power are necessary conditions for usefulness in clinical practice.

We attempt to clarify conceptual differences of the term 'interaction' in the statistical and biological sciences, since precise definitions are important for the interpretation of results. We argue that the investigation of G E interactions is more rewarding for the detailed characterization of identified disease genes (ie at advanced stages of genetic research) and the stratified analysis of environmental effects by genotype or vice versa.

Advantages and disadvantages of different epidemiological study designs are given and sample size requirements are exemplified. These issues as well as a critical appraisal of common methodological concerns are finally discussed.

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Increased levels of adiponectin and resistin in alcohol dependence—possible link to craving
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Article in Press 24 September 2008

Recent studies suggested a role of appetite regulating peptides like leptin and ghrelin in alcohol dependence and particularly in the neurobiology of alcohol craving.

Aim of the present study was to investigate alterations of the adipocytokines adiponectin and resistin in alcohol-dependent patients. We analyzed a sample of 88 patients at admission for alcohol detoxification and after 1 week of withdrawal treatment in comparison to 89 healthy controls. Adiponectin and resistin serum levels were measured using commercial ELISA kits. The extent of alcohol craving was obtained using the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS).

Adiponectin and resistin serum levels were significantly elevated in patients with alcohol dependence at both dates (admission and after 1 week of treatment) compared to healthy controls. Adiponectin decreased significantly during the course of withdrawal (T = 3.44, p = 0.001) while resistin serum levels showed a slight increase (T = −1.83, p = 0.071). In a multivariate approach the extent of alcohol craving was significantly associated with adiponectin but not with resistin serum levels in male patients (Beta = −0.255, p = 0.025). Results for female patients were not significant.

Our findings provide first evidence for an alteration of the adipocytokines adiponectin and resistin during alcohol withdrawal.

Furthermore, adiponectin may be involved in the neurobiology of alcohol craving, possibly via its effects on the hypothalamic circuits.

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Request Reprint E-Mail: thomas.hillemacher@uk-erlangen.de

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Caffeinated energy drinks—A growing problem
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Article in Press, 21 September 2008

Since the introduction of Red Bull in Austria in 1987 and in the United States in 1997, the energy drink market has grown exponentially. Hundreds of different brands are now marketed, with caffeine content ranging from a modest 50 mg to an alarming 505 mg per can or bottle.

Regulation of energy drinks, including content labeling and health warnings differs across countries, with some of the most lax regulatory requirements in the U.S. The absence of regulatory oversight has resulted in aggressive marketing of energy drinks, targeted primarily toward young males, for psychoactive, performance-enhancing and stimulant drug effects.

There are increasing reports of caffeine intoxication from energy drinks, and it seems likely that problems with caffeine dependence and withdrawal will also increase. In children and adolescents who are not habitual caffeine users, vulnerability to caffeine intoxication may be markedly increased due to an absence of pharmacological tolerance. Genetic factors may also contribute to an individual's vulnerability to caffeine-related disorders including caffeine intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal.

The combined use of caffeine and alcohol is increasing sharply, and studies suggest that such combined use may increase the rate of alcohol-related injury. Several studies suggest that energy drinks may serve as a gateway to other forms of drug dependence.

Regulatory implications concerning labeling and advertising, and the clinical implications for children and adolescents are discussed.

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Alcohol Use Among Pregnant Women and Recent Mothers

Prenatal alcohol exposure increases the risk of birth defects, including physical, cognitive, and behavioral disorders. Research also shows a link between alcohol use during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth. In 2005-2006, an estimated 11.8 percent of pregnant women aged 15 to 44 reported using alcohol in the past month.

A recent paper based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that illicit drug, alcohol, and cigarette use was lower among pregnant women, particularly during their second and third trimesters, than among their parenting or nonpregnant counterparts. The study also found indirect evidence of resumption of substance use after pregnancy.

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Culture Shapes Young People’s Drinking Habits


ScienceDaily (Sep. 23, 2008) — Whether young people get drunk as a purposeful behavior or as an unintended consequence depends on what country they live in, according to new research on young people in seven countries. The research finds that young people’s views on alcohol and drunkenness were influenced more by culture than by factors such as age and sex.
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GABRG1 and GABRA2 as Independent Predictors for Alcoholism in Two Populations
Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication 24 September 2008;


The chromosome 4 cluster of GABA_A receptor genes is predominantly expressed in the brain reward circuitry and this chromosomal region has been implicated in linkage scans for alcoholism.

Variation in one chromosome 4 gene, GABRA2, has been robustly associated with alcohol use disorders (AUD) although no functional locus has been identified. As HapMap data reveal moderate long-distance linkage disequilibrium across GABRA2 and the adjacent gene, GABRG1, it is possible that the functional locus is in GABRG1.

We genotyped 24 SNPs across GABRG1 and GABRA2 in two population isolates: 547 Finnish Caucasian men (266 alcoholics) and 311 community-derived Plains Indian men and women (181 alcoholics).

In both the Plains Indians and the Caucasians: (1) the GABRG1 haplotype block(s) did not extend to GABRA2; (2) GABRG1 haplotypes and SNPs were significantly associated with AUD; (3) there was no association between GABRA2 haplotypes and AUD; (4) there were several common (0.05) haplotypes that spanned GABRG1 and GABRA2 (341 kb), three of which were present in both populations: one of these ancestral haplotypes was associated with AUD, the other two were more common in non-alcoholics; this association was determined by GABRG1; (5) in the Finns, three less common (<0.05)>GABRA2
.

Our results suggest that there are likely to be independent, complex contributions from both GABRG1 and GABRA2 to alcoholism vulnerability.

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Lower Drinking Age Opposed by Experts


By William Wan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 24, 2008; Page B04

With some of the nation's most prominent college leaders suggesting that the nation's drinking age be lowered, a group of researchers and safety experts told Maryland lawmakers yesterday that younger drinkers would bring more accidents and deaths.

The experts told members of a special House of Delegates committee on drug and alcohol abuse holding a hearing on underage drinking that not only should the drinking age remain 21, but that legislators should consider even tougher penalties for teenagers who break the law.
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News Release - 'Casual' smokers have a greater risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol-use disorders

Non-daily or "casual" smokers tend to slip through the cracks of prevention efforts. Yet casual smoking and heavy drinking are prevalent behaviors among young adults and, furthermore, casual smoking occurs primarily in the context of alcohol use. A new study of casual smoking and drinking behavior has found that non-daily smoking confers an increased risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol-use disorders (AUDs).

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News Release - Peptide ghrelin may be involved in both alcohol dependence and overeating


Ghrelin is a peptide, mainly produced in the stomach, but also found in small amounts in the brain. It is known to affect food intake by increasing feelings of hunger and the urge to eat. A new study has examined ghrelin's role in addictive behaviors. Findings indicate that variations in the genes producing ghrelin and its receptor are more common in individuals considered heavy drinkers.
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News Release - The neuropeptide Y system is linked to a more severe form of alcohol dependence


Previous animal research showed an association between the neuropeptide Y (NPY) pathway and its three receptor genes and response to alcohol and cocaine. A new study has examined the relationship of the human NPY system with alcohol dependence (AD), with and without withdrawal symptoms, and cocaine dependence. Two receptor genes in particular, NPY2R and NPY5R, were found to be associated with a more severe subtype of AD – characterized by withdrawal symptoms or coexisting alcohol and cocaine dependence – and cocaine dependence.
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News Release - Nationwide Data on Treatment Admissions for Substance Abuse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is issuing the completed version of its latest Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), which provides information on substance abuse treatment admissions from state-licensed treatment facilities across the country.

The 2006 TEDS Report is the latest in a series of yearly reports that not only provide overall figures for the Nation, but also break this information down into a wide variety of demographic criteria that can help provide greater perspective on the scope and nature of these problems. This information is designed to help the public health community get a better understanding of the treatment needs they are confronting so that they can work to most effectively address them.

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An Introduction to Mutual Support Groups for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse in Brief Fact Sheet Abuse Sheet Spring 2008, Volume 5, Issue 1

Mutual support (also called self-help) groups are an important part of recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Mutual support groups exist both for persons with an SUD and for their families or significant others and are one of the choices an individual has during the recovery process. This issue of Substance Abuse in Brief Fact Sheet will help healthcare and social service providers understand the effect of mutual support groups on recovery, become familiar with the different types of mutual support groups available, and make informed referrals to such groups.
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Breath Alcohol Level and Plasma Amino Acids: A Comparison between Older and Younger Chronic Alcohol-Dependent Patients
Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on September 22, 2008


The aim of the present study is to examine the distribution of plasma excitatory and inhibitory amino acids, according to the age and current breath alcohol levels (BrAl±), of alcohol-dependent patients.

In comparison to BrAl negatives, BrAl positives had higher plasma levels of glutamic acid (P = 0.01) and proline (P = 0.026), and lower levels of aminobutyric acid (P = 0.002), serine (P = 0.031) and urea (P = 0.01). In the BrAl positives, no age effect was found related to the plasma amino acids. In contrast, the BrAl negatives displayed age-related differences. The older (50 years) BrAl negative patients had higher plasma levels of cystine, tyrosine, citrulline and urea, and lower histidine levels, compared to the younger group (<50 years).

In general, differences in plasma levels of certain amino acids were dependent on gender, BrAl status, age and biochemical markers (GGT, MCV) of alcohol abuse.

Abstaining patients (BrAl–/) display age-related differences in AAs’ distribution, while active drinking (BrAl+/) seems to even out those differences, underpinning the hypothesis that drinking mimics changes seen with advanced age.

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Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use by Addictions Professionals: Historical Reflections and Suggested Guidelines
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4 , pp. 500 - 535

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by individuals working in the addictions field has existed as a complex, controversial personal and professional practice issue for more than 150 years.

The central debate within this history involves the concept of nexus—the boundary that distinguishes rights to personal privacy from professional duties and obligations. Ambiguities related to this point of demarcation have contributed to misjudgments related to ATOD use by addictions professionals that have injured multiple parties.

This essay reviews the history of ATOD use as a professional practice issue in the addictions field; discusses clinical, ethical, and legal issues related to ATOD use by addiction service professionals; and offers guidance on ATOD use decision making.

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Treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders in Europe: Four Case Studies
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4, pp. 490 - 499

A case study approach reviewed 4 alcohol/other drug disorders treatment agencies in Europe.

Outstanding substance abuse treatment agencies in Europe are adopting motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy similar to their counterparts in the United States. They also are moving toward a harm reduction approach in recognizing that alcohol/other drug dependency is a chronic illness that must be treated on a recurring basis.

Some unique strategies provide ideas for improvement of U.S. programs.

However, a common barrier to improving treatment is a lack of capacity to collect and use data and difficulties in following clients after they leave treatment.

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Request Reprint E-Mail: rileyk@ohsu.edu
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Self-Efficacy as a Factor in Abstinence from Alcohol/Other Drug Abuse: A Meta-Analysis
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4 pp. 480 - 489

Increased self-efficacy or confidence to remain abstinent has been identified as one mechanism explaining behavior change, with investigations of this mechanism occurring most frequently in prospective mutual-help research.

This study meta-analytically combined 11 studies to address critical questions about the nature and magnitude of change in self-efficacy in predicting drinking reductions among 12-step exposed individuals.

Findings suggested that changes in self-efficacy were not uniform within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and that the magnitude of benefit associated with increased self-efficacy on outcome was not homogenous across studies. Whether this finding was the result of a measurement artifact, such as different self-efficacy measures, the nature of the samples, or the follow-up interval is not clear.

Additional work is necessary to identify the nature of this mediating effect, and to uncover the extent that this effect varies by the kind and severity of substance abuse

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Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups

Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4. pp. 427 - 449

Adolescents treated for substance use disorders (SUDs) appear to benefit from participation in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA). However, as compared with adults, fewer adolescents attend, and those who do attend do so less intensively and discontinue sooner.

It is unknown whether this disparity is due to a lowered expectation for youth participation by the clinicians treating them, as they may adapt the adult-based model to fit a less-dependent cohort, or whether recommendations are similar to those of clinicians who work with adults and other factors are responsible.

All clinical staff (N= 114) at 5 adolescent programs (3 residential, 2 outpatient) were surveyed anonymously about referral practices and other beliefs about 12-step groups. Staff rated AA/NA participation as very important and helpful to adolescent recovery and referral rates were uniformly high (M= 86%, SD= 28%). Desired participation frequency was over 3 times per week. The theoretical orientation and level of care of the programs influenced some results.

Findings suggest lower adolescent participation in 12-step groups is not due to a lack of clinician enthusiasm or referrals, but appears to be due to other factors.

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Tissue Expression Pattern of Class II and Class V Genes Found in the Adh Complex on Mouse Chromosome 3
Biochemical Genetics Online First September 19, 2008



The alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes in mice and humans are encoded by a linked group of genes in the same transcriptional orientation. The enzymes play important roles in alcohol metabolism and retinoid signaling and homeostasis.

The expression patterns at the mRNA level of the mouse Adh4 (class II) gene and the recently identified Adh6a and Adh6b genes (class V) are now reported to complete this analysis for the entire family.

Adh4 is expressed at high levels in liver and is detectable in small intestine and testes. Adh6b is expressed in liver but Adh6a is not. Adh6a is expressed at high levels in small intestine while Adh6b is not. Adh6a expression is detectable in the female adrenal and not at all in the male adrenal, but Adh6b is expressed at moderate levels in both sexes.

Although Adh6a and Adh6b have expression patterns different from each other, neither expresses like any other gene in the complex, suggesting different control mechanisms and possibly different functions.

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One third of pregnant women secretly drink alcohol, survey finds

By Nick Allen
22 Sep 2008

One in three expectant mothers secretly drink alcohol during pregnancy, a survey has found.

Experts say one in every 100 babies are affected by their mothers drinking while pregnant.

More than 6,000 are born every year with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder which can cause learning difficulties, hyperactivity, co-ordination problems, brain damage and deafness.

But one in 10 mothers-to-be believe that drinking doesn't do as much damage as experts claim, according to the survey by baby charity Tommy's.
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Shoppers head North for cut-price alcohol

CHARLIE TAYLOR

As the credit crunch hits more consumers are flocking to the North to purchase cut-price alcohol, it was revealed today.

The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), which represents drinks manufacturers and suppliers, has expressed concern that the increase in cross-border purchases could endanger jobs in the drinks industry.

According to recent figures, One in six households in the Republic went to the North to shop over the summer, with alcohol representing a significant part of the savings made.

A survey show that by travelling to Northern Ireland consumers can currently save over 30 per cent on leading alcohol brands.
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Alcohol promotions to Leaving Certs 'reprehensible'

ELAINE EDWARDS

An alcoholic drinks promotion targeted at Leaving Cert students and advertised on a Bebo website has been described as “reprehensible” by the complaints panel of a drinks industry body.

The indepdendent complaints panel of Meas, which stands for Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society, published its findings on a number of matters today.

It expressed “deep concern” that the Purty Kitchen of Temple Bar in Dublin had targeted and advertised alcohol promotions to schools where the majority of students were under 18, and therefore under the legal age limit to buy alcohol.
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Conservative U-turn on alcohol liberalization


The Conservative Party (Høyre) seems ready to reverse its previous policy which would have made alcohol cheaper and available in ordinary stores.

The existing alcohol policy has reduced consumption and resulted in less alcohol related illness in Norway than in other countries. To liberalize alcohol rules would be irresponsible, concludes Høyre's public health policy committee.
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Drinking game's aim is to create 'wizard stick' out of beer cans

VANCOUVER — A drinking game that's making the rounds confers "wizard status" on anyone who consumes enough cans of beer to exceed their height, but a health expert suggests this kind of binge drinking is anything but wise.

The game is played at so-called "wizard stick" parties and the rules are simple. Every beer that is consumed is taped to the one before it. Eventually the beer cans stack up and form a walking stick, which is carried around for the night.

The person whose staff exceeds their height wins, and obtains "wizard status." (When the sticks reach a certain height, they often curl over, resembling a wizard staff.)

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Cross-cultural invalidity of alcohol dependence measurement across Hispanics and Caucasians in 2001 and 2002
Addictive Behaviors Article in Press, 17 September 2008

Do assessments of alcohol dependence demonstrate similarly validity across Hispanics and non-Hispanic Caucasians? This investigation examined this question.

It employed confirmatory factor analyses for ordered-categorical measures to search for measurement bias on the AUDADIS, a standardized measure of alcohol dependence, across Hispanic (n = 4819) and non-Hispanic Caucasians (n = 16, 109) in a nationally representative survey of alcohol use in the United States conducted in 2001 and 2002.

Analyses considered whether 27 items operationalizing the DSM-IV alcohol dependence construct provided equivalent measurement.

Nine items revealed statistically significant bias, suggesting strong caution regarding the cross-ethnic validity of alcohol dependence. Sensitivity analyses established that item level differences erroneously impact alcohol dependence estimates among the 2001–2002 US Hispanic population. Biased measurement underestimates differences between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Caucasians, underestimates Hispanics' true use levels, and falsely minimizes current increases in drinking behavior evidenced among Hispanics.

Findings urge improved public health efforts among the Hispanic community and underscore the necessity for cultural sensitivity when generalizing measures and constructs developed in the majority to Hispanic individuals.

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Request Reprint E-Mail: adam.carle@unf.edu

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Khama, KBL fight over alcohol levy

SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER

A war of words has erupted between the Government and Kgalagadi Breweries following a government decision to introduce a 30% levy on all alcoholic beverages, effective October1, 2008.

While Government says the decision is a product of proposals submitted by the private sector on behalf of the alcohol industry, Kgalagadi Breweries maintains the whole thing smacks of a government snub, as the levy was never a part of the proposals.

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