'Success' of under-21 alcohol ban is mere SNP spin, says professor

12 September 2008

By Michael Howie

Home Affairs Correspondent

LOCAL underage drinking crackdowns have provided no evidence that a national under-21 alcohol ban in shops and off-licences will reduce youth disorder, according to the country's top public health statistician.

Professor Sheila Bird, vice-president of the Royal Statistical Society, said it was "disappointing" that the Scottish Government's hugely controversial proposal had not been tested in properly controlled trials.
. . . . . .

Read Full Article
____________________________________________________________________

Predictors of violence in young tourists: a comparative study of British, German and Spanish holidaymakers
The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on September 10, 2008


International youth holiday resorts feature many of the key risk factors for violence, including large numbers of bars and nightclubs and high levels of substance use. However, little information currently exists on the extent of violence amongst holidaymakers or factors that increase risks of involvement in fights on holiday.

A cross-sectional comparative survey of 3003 British, German and Spanish holidaymakers aged 16–35 years, undertaken in the departure areas of Ibiza and Majorca (Spain) airports.

Nightlife was the most common reason for destination choice in both locations. Overall, more than half of participants reported drinking to drunkenness at least 2 days per week during their holiday (59.3% Majorca, 58.0% Ibiza; significantly lower in Spanish participants in both locations). Levels of illicit drug use were highest in Ibiza and in British and Spanish holidaymakers. Levels of violence were highest in Majorca, where 6.4% of participants reported involvement in a fight, compared with 2.8% in Ibiza. However, after controlling for confounding factors, holiday destination was not a significant predictor of violence.

Predictors of fighting were being male, young, British, frequent drunkenness and use of cannabis or cocaine during the holiday. Use of ecstasy on holiday was associated with not being involved in violence.

High levels of substance use contribute to violence being a relatively common feature of young people's visits to international holiday resorts. To protect the health and well-being of holidaymakers and local populations in popular resorts, violence and substance use prevention must adapt to an increasingly globalized nightlife.


Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: k.e.hughes@ljmu.ac.uk
__________________________________________________________________

NIAAA NEWSLETTER
Summer 2008 Number 16

CONTENTS

1 Clinical Trials Must Register in NIH Site

2 Personnel News

3 NIH Announces Enhancements to Peer Review

3 NIH Summit: The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities

3 New Publications

4 Reaching Teens Through Science

4 Calendar of Events


Read Full Newsletter (PDF)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

In letter to N.J. college presidents, Codey demands review of alcohol policies

by Ana M. Alaya/The Star-Ledger

Wednesday September 10, 2008

State Senate President Richard J. Codey sent a letter today to the presidents of every college in New Jersey, demanding details of their alcohol policies and announcing legislative hearings will be called this fall to explore underage drinking at their schools.

The move is in direct response to the "Amethyst Initiative," signed by 129 college presidents in what they say is a way of dealing with the long-standing problem of campus binge drinking.

So far, only three college presidents in New Jersey have signed on to the national initiative -- at Drew, Montclair State and Stevens Institute of Technology. Presidents of others, such as Ramapo, Rowan and William Paterson, have pointedly refused to do so. But Codey said the initiative is sending a "bad signal.

"They're clearly on the wrong track," he said. "It's almost as if they're throwing up the white flag and surrendering. Even to raise the specter that we should lower the drinking age to 18 is wrong."

. . . . . .

Read Full Article

___________________________________________________________________

Press Kit - CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

LEADERSHIP IN
RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

Whilst we are proud of the role that Diageo brands play in the
social lives and celebrations of many people,we also recognise
that, as with other products that can be abused, alcoholic
beverages may be consumed irresponsibly, creating problems
for the individual and for society as a whole.We seek to be at
the forefront of industry efforts to promote responsible drinking
and combat misuse.

OUR APPROACH IS BASED ON TWO PRINCIPLES:

Set world-class standards for responsible marketing and innovation

Our Marketing Code of Practice, applies across our business, which sets minimum standards for marketing and promotion of our products.The guidelines and global compliance requirements were updated in 2002.The code is embedded in our ways of working, of marketing and of innovation.


Promote a shared understanding of what it means to drink responsibly in order to reduce alcohol-related harm

We focus on four strategic priorities which include anti drinkdriving campaigns, support for programmes to combat under age drinking , initiatives to address binge drinking by young adults and retailer programmes such as server training.

We work with others in the industry through SAOs,with NGOs and other interested parties, as well as engaging our employees. as ambassadors.

Read Full Press Kit
____________________________________________________________________

MEDIA RELEASE - INAUGURAL GRANTS OF THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION ON FETAL ALCOHOL RESEARCH AWARDED

Montreal, September 9, 2008 – The first annual round of grants awarded for research, prevention and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was today announced by Dr. Louise Nadeau, Professor at the Université de Montréal and Scientific Director of the Centre Dollard-Cormier, University Institute on Dependencies on behalf of the Canadian Foundation on Fetal Alcohol Research (CFFAR).

The announcement was made at the 9th Annual Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise (FACE) Research Roundtable on the occasion of International FASD day.

Created in September 2007 through a 5-year $1 Million commitment by the Brewers Association of Canada (BAC), the CFFAR is an independent, non-profit foundation created to promote interest and fund research related to the short and long-term biomedical, psychological and social effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
. . . . . .

Read Full Release
_____________________________________________________________________

Alcohol poisoning is a main determinant of recent mortality trends in Russia: evidence from a detailed analysis of mortality statistics and autopsies
IJE Advance Access published online on September 4, 2008



The changes in Russian mortality rates during the last two decades are unprecedented in a modern industrialized country. Although these fluctuations have attracted much interest, trends for major groups of causes of death have been analysed while trends in specific causes of death might shed light on the underlying determinants.

We analysed trends in total and cause-specific mortality in Russia for 1991–2006. The records of 24 836 forensic autopsies carried out during the period 1990–2004 in the city of Barnaul were analysed with respect to blood alcohol level.

Diseases of the circulatory system (in the age group 35–69 years) and external causes (in the age group 15–34 years) were the main contributors to the fluctuations in Russian mortality rates observed in 1991–2006. The largest relative changes were for conditions directly related to alcohol intake. Among cardiovascular diseases, fluctuations were due to ‘other forms’ of acute and chronic ischaemia, and to atherosclerotic heart disease, while rates of myocardial infarction were low and relatively constant. In the autopsy series a very high proportion of decedents whose death was attributed to ‘other’ or ‘not classified’ cardiovascular diseases had lethal or potentially lethal concentrations of ethanol in blood.

The increases in mortality in 1991–94 and in 1998–2003 coincided with economic and societal crisis, while decreases in 1994–98 and 2003–06 correlate with improvement in the economic situation. Excessive alcohol intake is a major cause of premature male Russian mortality, although many alcohol-related deaths are wrongly attributed to diseases of the circulatory system.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: boffetta@iarc.fr
___________________________________________________________________

News Release - UC College of Nursing to Introduce New Curriculum on Alcohol Use Disorders

CINCINNATI - Do you drink?

That question doesn't get you anywhere with patients. What if they say no?, says Christine Savage, PhD, associate professor and director of graduate health nursing at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Nursing.

Savage is the editor of a new set of Web-based curriculum modules on alcohol abuse and alcoholism on track for classroom use at UC in fall 2009 and at nursing schools across the country. The curriculum materials, geared toward the nursing profession, are being put together by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which is an arm of the National Institutes of Health. NIAAA has similar curricula for colleges of medicine and social work.

. . . . . . .

Read Full Release

______________________________________________________________________

Over the limit


10 September 2008

Amid social unease about Britain's harmful relationship with alcohol, the government is under pressure to adopt price controls and stricter regulation

Events this autumn could have a crucial impact on the future of the UK drinks industry. Over the next few months, producers and retailers will find themselves arguing with governments in Westminster and Edinburgh against tough legislation aimed at curbing alcohol abuse.

While much of the focus will be on curbing under-age purchasing and the binge-drinking excesses of young people in city centres, the long-term health issues facing moderate drinkers are part of it, with the medical profession concerned that, as a nation, we are all drinking too much. Despite intensive public health campaigns, alcohol sales have risen again - by 1.8% over the previous year - after two years of falls, while alcohol is at least 65% more affordable than it was in 1980, according to the latest figures. Doctors, senior police officers and charities are calling on the government to act.

In the coming weeks, the industry will seek to convince sceptical ministers that improved self-regulation works and tough legislation will penalise millions who enjoy drinking responsibly. "Legislation is a sledgehammer that will not crack the nut," says a spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents licensees and the managed pub chains, such as Mitchells and Butlers. "There needs to be the right balance between individual and corporate responsibility."

. . . . . .

Read Full Article

___________________________________________________________________

Aripiprazole Effects on Alcohol Consumption and Subjective Reports in a Clinical Laboratory Paradigm—Possible Influence of Self-Control

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 8 Sep 2008

There has been increasing interest in the use of medications that affect the dopamine receptor in the treatment of alcoholism. Aripiprazole has the unique pharmacology of being a partial dopamine agonist serving to stabilize brain dopamine systems in both frontal cortical and subcortical areas. As such, it might act to dampen alcohol reinforcement and craving and/or alter control over alcohol use.

The current clinical laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aripiprazole as a potential agent to alter drinking and objective effects of alcohol.

Aripiprazole was well tolerated and reduced drinking in nontreatment seeking alcoholics over 6 days of natural drinking—especially in those with lower self control (more impulsive). It also reduced drinks in the bar-lab after a priming drink and broke the link between priming drink induced stimulation and further drinking. During the bar-lab drinking session, there were no differences in subjective high, intoxication, or craving between subjects treated with aripiprazole or placebo.

This study joins several others in demonstrating the utility of subacute dosing laboratory paradigms for evaluating medication effects in alcoholics. Aripiprazole was well tolerated and lowered alcohol use, especially in those with lower impulse control.

Further study is needed to determine the safety and utility of aripiprazole in the treatment of alcoholism and if subgroups of alcoholics are more likely to respond.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: voronin@musc.edu

_________________________________________________________________

Curbing Binge Drinking Takes Group Effort

By JANE E. BRODY

Published: September 8, 2008

Of all the advice parents give to children heading off to college, warnings about alcohol — and especially about abusing alcohol — may be the most important. At most colleges, whether and how much students drink can make an enormous difference, not just in how well they do in school, but even whether they live or die.

Every state has a minimum drinking age of 21, and the vast majority of college students are younger than that. Yet drinking, and in particular drinking to get drunk, remains a major health and social problem on campuses. Car crashes and other accidental injuries, sexual assaults, fights, community violence, academic failure and deaths from an overdose of alcohol are among the consequence.
. . . . . .

Read Full Article
________________________________________________________________

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) regulation of ethanol sedation, dependence and consumption: relationship to acamprosate actions
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (2008), 11: 775-793


Recent studies have demonstrated that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonists decrease alcohol self-administration and suggest that the anti-craving medication, acamprosate, may also act to decrease mGluR5 function.

To address the role of mGluR5 in behavioural actions of ethanol and acamprosate, we compared mutant mice with deletion of the mGluR5 gene and mice treated with a mGluR5 antagonist (MPEP) or acamprosate.

Lack of mGluR5 or administration of MPEP reduced the severity of alcohol-induced withdrawal (AW), increased the sedative effect of alcohol (duration of loss of righting reflex; LORR), and increased basal motor activity. The motor stimulation produced by ethanol was blocked by deletion of mGluR5, but not by injection of MPEP. Both acamprosate and MPEP increased ethanol-induced LORR and reduced AW.

Importantly, the protective effects of both MPEP and acamprosate on AW were found when the drugs were injected before, but not after, injection of ethanol. This indicates that the drugs prevented development of dependence rather than merely producing an anticonvulsant action. No effects of acamprosate or MPEP on ethanol-induced LORR and AW were found in mGluR5 knockout mice, demonstrating that mGluR5 is required for these actions. mGluR5 null mutant mice showed decreased alcohol consumption in some, but not all, tests.

These data show the importance of mGluR5 for several actions of alcohol and support the hypothesis that some effects of acamprosate require mGluR5 signalling.


Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: yablednov@mail.utexas.edu
______________________________________________________________

Metabotropic glutamate 5 receptors regulate sensitivity to ethanol in mice
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (2008), 11: 765-774


The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) has been implicated in ethanol- and drug-seeking behaviours in rodent studies.

Here we examine a number of ethanol-related behavioural assays in mice lacking mGlu5 and wild-type littermates.

In a two-bottle free-choice paradigm, mGlu5-deficient mice consumed less ethanol with a reduced preference compared to wild-type mice.

Indeed, mGlu5-deficienct mice were ethanol-avoiding at both concentrations of ethanol proffered (5% and 10% v/v). However, there was no difference in the rate of hepatic ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism between genotypes and consumption of saccharin was similar. In a conditioned place preference study, mGlu5-deficient mice displayed a place preference for ethanol when conditioned with a low dose (1 g/kg), a phenomenon not observed in wild-type littermates, suggesting increased sensitivity to the rewarding effects of ethanol in mutant mice.

Finally, mGlu5-deficient mice were more sensitive to ethanol-induced hypnosis at a high dose (3.5 g/kg) of ethanol. Thus, while mGlu5-deficient mice consume less ethanol (with a reduced preference) than wild-type mice, this is not apparently related to impaired hepatic metabolism or a lack of reward from ethanol.

Rather, we provide evidence that deletion of the mGlu5 receptor increases sensitivity to centrally mediated effects of ethanol.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: andrew.lawrence@florey.edu.au
_______________________________________________________________

Botswana president may halt tax on alcohol

By WENE OWINO NATION Correspondent GABORONE,
Posted Monday, September 8 2008

President Ian Khama’s close advisers are reportedly close to convincing him to abandon his crusade against alcohol because it might affect the ruling party’s performance in general elections next year, but, the proposal is unlikely to succeed given the president’s comments on Monday.

The Sunday Standard reported that President Khama is likely to abandon his quest to introduce a controversial 70 per cent levy on alcohol to punish drinkers after advice from his close confidantes.

Mr Khama announced the levy this year and vowed to increase it should it fail to curb excessive drinking. The levy was supposed to take effect last month but was deferred after a national outcry.

The paper reported that even if the levy is introduced, it will not be the original 70 per cent.

. . . . . .

Read Full Article

______________________________________________________________

Send Cancel

Press Release - STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS RECOGNIZE FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK

September 8th, 2008

HARRISBURG – To help people learn about preventable birth defects associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy, the Department of Health today launched “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week.”

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, is an umbrella term that describes the nation’s leading category of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities that include: fetal alcohol syndrome; partial fetal alcohol syndrome; alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder; and alcohol-related birth defects.
. . . . .

Read Full Release
____________________________________________________________________

Ban on selling alcohol to under-21s sparks crime row

By Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor
08 Sep 2008

A major row has erupted over claims by SNP ministers that a pilot scheme banning the sale of alcohol to under-21s resulted in a sharp drop in crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Scottish Executive hailed the results of the trial, which it said led to the number of serious assaults and breaches of the peace plummeting.

But opposition parties denounced the claims as "propaganda" after it emerged that, at the same time as the pilot, police had used their existing powers to launch a major crackdown on retailers selling alcohol to underage children.

The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that the Executive is facing a growing public backlash against its draconian plans to tackle Scotland's alcohol problem, a consultation on which shuts today.

Among the other proposals are introducing a minimum price of 35p per unit, to increase the cost of cheap lager and cider, banning promotions and installing alcohol-only checkouts, thereby forcing shoppers to queue twice.

However, one of the most controversial elements is banning under-21s from buying alcohol from shops and supermarkets, although allowing over-18s to continue drinking in pubs.

. . . . . .

Read Full Article

_______________________________________________________________

McLeish calls for a wider debate on alcohol and crime

9th september 2008

THE head of the Scottish Prisons Commission yesterday called for a national debate on the place of alcohol in society, describing the level of drink-related crime as "shocking".

Henry McLeish admitted he was "embarrassed" by the absence of drunks on the street during a fact-finding visit to New York, in contrast to Scotland.
. . . . . .

Read Full Article
_______________________________________________________________

Culture of intoxication

• John Fitzgerald
• September 9, 2008

The law-and-order policy to tackle alcohol-related violence is not working, writes John Fitzgerald.

SHOULD a death caused by alcohol and violence produce shame and dismay for our Government or is it something that we should expect from time to time? Is there a threshold for acceptable levels of community intoxication beyond which the Government should rightly say enough is enough?

. . . . .

Read Full Article

_________________________________________________________________

Conference - Alcohol the Debate 2008

Hosted in partnership with John Moores University and chaired by Professor Mark Bellis, Director of Public Health at LJMU.

DATE: Thursday 6th November 2008

VENUE: The Liner Hotel, Liverpool (Capital of Culture 2008)

PRICE: Standard price �225 plus VAT.

Themes for the Conference:

Alcohol and Young People, Alcohol and Health, Alcohol and Public Safety, Responsible Alcohol Industry, Role of Government and Alcohol and Housing.

. . . . .

Read Full Announcement

___________________________________________________________

News Release - Over 21 alcohol pilot

08/09/2008

A pilot scheme in central Scotland has revealed more evidence that an over-21s off-sales policy could help cut crime and antisocial behaviour if extended nationwide.

On the eve of the consultation on tackling alcohol misuse closing, Public Health Minister Shona Robison visited Stenhousemuir to learn more about the 'Stop the Supply' project, which has been operating in the Central Scotland police force area.

Operating since April in Larbert and Stenhousemuir, the project has seen calls to police about anti-social behaviour fall by 40 per cent. Between April and June, compared to the corresponding period last year, breaches of the peace also fell by nearly 40 per cent, minor assaults by nearly 30 per cent and serious assaults by 60 per cent.
. . . . .

Read Full Release
___________________________________________________

Asia-Pacific Alcohol Forum


The International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) Asia-Pacific Alcohol Forum was held in Singapore on 26-27 June 2008. More than 100 participants from 15 countries participated in the Forum, representing government ministries (health, finance, transport, education and youth, and culture, sport, and tourism), public health organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the alcohol beverage industry and trade associations. A list of participants is attached in Annex 1.

The Forum, which ICAP plans to hold on a regular basis in the Asia-Pacific region, provided a valuable occasion for participants to discuss regional and international initiatives aimed at tackling alcohol-related harm, to address knowledge gaps, and to explore integrated approaches that can support effective, efficient, and sustainable implementation of alcohol policies and targeted interventions.

Key Forum objectives were to strengthen the regional knowledge base by drawing upon best practices and to provide a regional Forum for exchanging information on areas of shared interest. ICAP recognizes that strategies and interventions addressing alcohol misuse must be considered and implemented in a way that takes into account different practices in the Asia-Pacific region and in each individual country. Many participants acknowledged that the ICAP Forum provided an avenue for establishing a regional resource for balanced information and analysis on alcohol-related issues. It also afforded opportunities for developing partnership among different sectors and countries

Read Full Report (PDF)
___________________________________________________________

Call for England to aid youth drinks ban


MacAskill seeks help to stop alcohol warehouses being set up on border

• Caroline Davies
• The Observer,
• Sunday September 7 2008

Scotland is calling on Westminster for help in implementing controversial plans to ban off-sale drinks to under-21s in an attempt to curb alcohol abuse across the country.

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has admitted that, without support from the UK government, radical moves to rein in irresponsible drinking in Scotland will be difficult to impose. But he has vowed that the Scottish parliament would not be dissuaded from pressing ahead with the proposals, which have been condemned as 'ludicrous' and 'ridiculous' by opposition MSPs and representatives from the drinks trade.

In particular, he said help was essential in preventing the setting up of huge distribution hangars near the Scottish border, as well as stopping internet sales or lorries from England bearing three-for-two deals that could be outlawed.

. . . . . .

Read Full Article

___________________________________________________________________

Modulation of the cortical processing of novel and target stimuli by drugs affecting glutamate and GABA neurotransmission
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Early View Published online by Cambridge University Press 04 Sep 2008

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we examined the effects of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine (an NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist) and thiopental (a GABA-A receptor agonist) on the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of deviant stimulus processing in 24 healthy adults.

Participants completed three separate pharmacological challenge sessions (ketamine, thiopental, saline) in a counterbalanced order. EEG data were recorded both before and during each challenge while participants performed a visual ‘oddball’ task consisting of infrequent ‘target’ and ‘novel’ stimuli intermixed with frequent ‘standard’ stimuli.

We examined drug effects on the amplitude and latency of the P300 (P3) component of the ERP elicited by target (P3b) and novel stimuli (P3a), as well as the N200 (N2) component elicited by both target and novel stimuli, and the N100 (N1) elicited by standard stimuli.

Relative to placebo, both drugs reduced the amplitude of parietal P3b. While both drugs reduced parietal P3a and Novelty N2, ketamine also shortened P3a latency, reduced Novelty N2 amplitude more than thiopental, and increased frontal P3a amplitude relative to placebo.

Overall, the data suggest that both the GABA-A and NMDA receptor systems modulate P3b and P3a. NMDA antagonism appears to lead to more varied effects on the neural correlates of novelty processing.


Read Full Abstract


Request Rerprint E-Mail: toddw@lclark.edu
________________________________________________________________

Effects of ethanol and3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) alone or in combination on spontaneous and evoked overflow of dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine in striatal slices of the rat brain
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (2008), 11:743-763

Ethanol (EtOH) potentiates the locomotor effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) in rats. This potentiation might involve pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic mechanisms.

We explored whether the latter could be local. Using a slice superfusion approach, we assessed the effects of MDMA (0.3, 3 μm) and/or EtOH (2‰, corresponding to 34.3 mm) on the spontaneous outflow and electrically evoked release of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) in the striatum, and for comparison, on 5-HT release in hippocampal and neocortical tissue.

MDMA and less effectively EtOH, augmented the outflow of 5-HT in all regions. The electrically evoked 5-HT release was increased by MDMA at 3 μm in striatal slices only. With nomifensine throughout, EtOH significantly potentiated the 0.3 μm MDMA-induced outflow of 5-HT, but only in striatal slices. EtOH or MDMA also enhanced the spontaneous outflow of DA, but MDMA reduced the electrically evoked DA release.

With fluvoxamine throughout superfusion, EtOH potentiated the effect of MDMA on the spontaneous outflow of DA. Finally, 3 μm MDMA diminished the electrically evoked release of ACh, an effect involving several receptors (D₂, 5-HT₂, NMDA, nicotinic, NK₁), with some interactions with EtOH.

Among other results, we show for the first time a local synergistic interaction of EtOH and MDMA on the spontaneous outflow of striatal DA and 5-HT, which could be relevant to the EtOH-induced potentiation of hyperlocomotion in MDMA-treated rats.

These data do not preclude the contribution of other pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic mechanisms in vivo but support the hypothesis that EtOH may affect the abuse liability of MDMA

Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: rolf.jackisch@pharmakol.uni-freiburg.de
_____________________________________________________________________

An epidemiological analysis of drunk driving accidents in Kagawa Prefecture – Comparison of 1997–2000 and 2003–2006
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine Volume 15, Issue 7, October 2008, Pages 469-470

In this study, we examined the number of drunk driving accidents and drunk driving accident toll in 1997–2000 and 2003–2006 for Kagawa Prefecture, which had Japan’s highest number of traffic accident fatalities per 100,000 population.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: ke-inoue@fujita-hu.ac.jp

________________________________________________________________

Risk of Pancreatitis According to Alcohol Drinking Habits: A Population-based Cohort Study
American Journal of Epidemiology Advance Access published online on September 8, 2008


The association between alcohol intake and pancreatitis has been examined previously in case-control studies, mostly consisting of men. The significance of beverage type and drinking pattern is unknown.

The objective of this study was to assess the association between amount, type, and frequency of alcohol intake and risk of pancreatitis.

A high alcohol intake was associated with a higher risk of pancreatitis.

Hazard ratios associated with drinking 1–6, 7–13, 14–20, 21–34, 35–48, and >48 drinks/week were 1.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8, 1.6), 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8, 1.8), 1.3 (95% CI: 0.8, 2.1), 1.3 (95% CI: 0.7, 2.2), 2.6 (95% CI: 1.4, 4.8), and 3.0 (95% CI: 1.6, 5.7), respectively, compared with 0 drinks/week (P_trend <> for men and women.

Drinking frequency did not seem to be independently associated with pancreatitis.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: jst@niph.dk
___________________________________________________________________

The performance of elements of a 'level of response to alcohol'-based model of drinking behaviors in 13-year-olds

Addiction Published Online: 5 Sep 2008

The goals of this paper are to evaluate whether drinking practices among peers mediates the relationship between a low level of response (LR) to alcohol and a person's heavier drinking and alcohol-related problems in 12–14-year-olds.

Correlations and structural equation models (SEM) were used to test a hypothesized model of the relationships among key variables in adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a longitudinal birth cohort study in Bristol, England.

These included 688 boys (40.4%) and girls who were offspring of the pregnant women who had been selected as ALSPAC participants in 1991 and 1992. The offspring were interviewed at about age 13 years, and those who had ever consumed a full drink completed the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire indicating the number of drinks required for up to four effects early in their drinking histories. A higher number of drinks required for effects indicated a low LR per drink consumed.

The SEM explained 58% of the variance of the alcohol pattern, and had good fit characteristics. A low LR was related to heavier drinking and more alcohol problems both directly and as mediated partially by drinking in peers. The model performed well across the narrow age range, and applied equally well in boys and girls.

The perceived drinking practices of peers is a potentially important mediator of how a low LR to alcohol relates to drinking practices during early adolescence. The findings may be useful in developing approaches to prevent heavier drinking in this young group.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: mschuckit@ucsd.edu

_____________________________________________________________________

Risk and speed of transitions to first alcohol dependence symptoms in adolescents: a 10-year longitudinal community study in Germany

Addiction Volume 103 Issue 10, Pages 1638 - 1647

Although in many western countries alcohol use (AU) and symptoms of alcohol dependence (AD) are frequent in adolescence, temporal patterns and trajectories remain understudied. It is unclear whether early onset of AU is associated with the speed of transition to first AD symptoms and whether specific first AD symptoms and their timing are associated with AD.

To examine (i) the incidence patterns of self-reported first AD symptoms; (ii) whether early AU is associated with the risk and speed of transition to first AD symptoms; and (iii) whether first AD symptoms and their timing are associated with AD.

A total of 3021 community subjects from Germany aged 14–24 years at baseline followed prospectively over 10 years. AU, AD symptoms and AD were assessed using the Munich–Composite International Diagnostic Interview (DIA-X/M-CIDI).

Among first AD symptoms, tolerance (13.1%) and much time spent (5.0%) were most prevalent. Five to 30% of all first AD symptoms occurred during the first year after first AU. Early AU was not related to the risk of first AD symptoms. The speed of transition to first AD symptoms was greater among those with AU onset in later adolescence. Tolerance and loss of control were associated with AD development (risk difference 3.9% and 15.4%), as was early onset of

Early AU and early AD symptoms are frequent among adolescents. Early self-reported tolerance, much time spent and loss of control are particularly predictive for AD and important targets for early preventive interventions.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: silke.behrendt@psychologie.tu-dresden.de

________________________________________________________________

Reducing youth alcohol drinking through a parent-targeted intervention: the Örebro Prevention Program
AddictionVolume 103 Issue 10, Pages 1629 - 1637


To evaluate a 2.5-year prevention programme working through parents, targeting drinking among 13–16-year-olds.

Parents received information by mail and during parent meetings in schools urging them to: (i) maintain strict attitudes against youth alcohol use and (ii) encourage their youth's involvement in adult-led, organized activities.

The implementation successfully influenced parents' attitudes against underage drinking, but not youth participation in organized activities. At post-test, youths in the intervention group reported less drunkenness and delinquency. Effect sizes were 0.35 for drunkenness and 0.38 for delinquency. Findings were similar for boys and girls and for early starters. Effects were not moderated by community type.

Working via parents proved to be an effective way to reduce underage drinking as well as delinquency.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: hakan.stattin@bsr.oru.se

_________________________________________________________________

Blood pressure reduction during treatment for alcohol dependence: results from the Combining Medications and Behavioral Interventions for Alcoholism (COMBINE) study
Addiction Volume 103 Issue 10, Pages 1622 - 1628

Heavy drinking is associated with hypertension. This study evaluated blood pressure changes occurring during treatment for alcohol dependence.

Blood pressure reduction was evident only in people who were above the median blood pressure at baseline. In this group, systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 8 mmHg. Blood pressure reduction occurred during the first month of treatment. This effect was similar regardless of age, sex, body mass index, reported history of hypertension and use of anti-hypertensive medications. An observed association between blood pressure and PDD in Caucasians was not evident in African Americans due largely to their lower pre-treatment blood pressure.

Reduction in alcohol consumption has a potent anti-hypertensive effect in alcoholics with higher blood pressure. For hypertensive, alcohol-dependent people, treatment for alcoholism should be considered a major component of anti-hypertensive therapy.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: stewarsh@musc.edu

_____________________________________________________________________

Density of alcohol outlets and teenage drinking: living in an alcogenic environment is associated with higher consumption in a metropolitan setting
Addiction Volume 103 Issue 10, Pages 1614 - 162


This study examines the relationship between physical, socio-economic and social environments and alcohol consumption and drunkenness among a general population sample of drinkers aged 12–17 years.

The study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. The design comprised two components: (i) environmental measures including alcohol outlet density, locality-based measure of willingness to sell alcohol (derived from purchase surveys of outlets) and a locality-based neighbourhood deprivation measure calculated routinely in New Zealand (known as NZDEP); and (ii) the second component was a random telephone survey to collect individual-level information from respondents aged 12–17 years including ethnicity, frequency of alcohol supplied socially (by parents, friends and others), young person's income; frequency of exposure to alcohol advertising; recall of brands of alcohol and self-reported purchase from alcohol outlets. A multi-level model was fitted to predict typical-occasion quantity, frequency of drinking and drunkenness in drinkers aged 12–17 years.

Typical-occasion quantity was predicted by: frequency of social supply (by parents, friends and others); ethnicity and outlet density; and self-reported purchasing approached significance. NZDEP was correlated highly with outlet density so could not be analysed in the same model. In a separate model, NZDEP was associated with quantity consumed on a typical drinking occasion. Annual frequency was predicted by: frequency of social supply of alcohol, self-reported purchasing from alcohol outlets and ethnicity. Feeling drunk was predicted by frequency of social supply of alcohol, self-reported purchasing from alcohol outlets and ethnicity; outlet density approached significance. Age and gender also had effects in the models, but retailers' willingness to sell to underage patrons had no effects on consumption, nor did the advertising measures. The young person's income was influential on typical-occasion quantity once deprivation was taken into account.

Alcohol outlet density was associated with quantities consumed among teenage drinkers in this study, as was neighbourhood deprivation. Supply by family, friends and others also predicted quantities consumed among underage drinkers and both social supply and self-reported purchase were associated with frequency of drinking and drunkenness. The ethnic status of young people also had an effect on consumption.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: t.huckle@massey.ac.nz

______________________________________________________________

No reason for optimism: the expected impact of commitments in the European Commission's Alcohol and Health Forum
Addiction Volume 103 Issue 10, Pages 1588 - 1592


Europe is the heaviest-drinking region in the world, more than 2.5 times the rest of the world's average.

The cornerstone for the European Commission's action to decrease the alcohol-related harm of this consumption and the main emphasis for its work is the Alcohol and Health Forum, with its Task Forces on Marketing Communication and Youth-Specific Aspects of Alcohol. The Forum, which was launched in June 2007, aims to provide a common platform for all interested stakeholders. Forum members are invited to make commitments to reduce alcohol-related harm, in the form of a monitored and evaluated action plan. By 29 February 2008, 79 commitments have been provided by the members of the Forum.

Taking into account the limited information available, the proposed commitments indicate few evidence-based approaches. A large majority of the summaries do not, or only slightly, address the relevance of their commitment and give no evidence of why their proposed action is important in reducing alcohol-related harm. Even fewer commitments mention indicators of effectiveness of the proposed actions or propose to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed actions.

While most economic operators in the Forum have resources to undertake actions which could be highly effective, they commit principally to educational programmes which have been found to be mainly ineffective. This, and the neglect of existing legislation, do not give reason for optimism on the impact of the proposed commitments.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: adebruijn@stap.nl

___________________________________________________________________

Health of California's Adults, Adolescents and Children: Findings from CHIS 2005 and CHIS 2003

This report provides a summary of the statewide findings from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), with highlights of changes from 2003 to 2005. In dozens of easy-to-read tables and graphs, the report features more than 80 health indicators on topics that include asthma, obesity, health insurance and health care access. It shows findings by age, gender, race and ethnicity, income level and health insurance status. The information was collected over two survey periods, allowing the report's authors to note significant changes between 2003 and 2005 in the health of Californians.

• Age-Adjusted Incidence of Any Binge Drinking in the Past Month, Adult Males Age 18 and Older (Table 17)
  

• Age-Adjusted Incidence of Any Binge Drinking in the Past Month, Adult Females Age 18 and Older (Table 18)

Read Full Report (PFD)
______________________________________________________________________

News Release - CSPI Sues to Stop MillerCoors' "Sparks" Alcoholic Energy Drink


Caffeinated Booze Linked to Binge Drinking, Drunk Driving, and Assaults

WASHINGTON�The nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest today filed suit against MillerCoors Brewing Company, formerly Miller, over its alcoholic energy drink, Sparks. The product has more alcohol than regular beer and contains unapproved additives, including the stimulants caffeine and guarana. The lawsuit is asking the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to stop MillerCoors from selling the controversial drink, which is also under scrutiny from state attorneys general.

Drinkers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks are more likely to binge drink, ride with an intoxicated driver, become injured, or be taken advantage of sexually than drinkers of non-caffeinated alcoholic drinks, according to a 2007 study conducted at Wake Forest University.

. . . . .

Read Full Release

________________________________________________________________

Research Findings on Underage Drinking and the Minimum Legal Drinking Age

The extent and consequences of alcohol consumption by our Nation’s youth are matters of growing concern. Not only do most young people drink alcohol, but they often drink heavily, putting themselves and those around them at risk. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and other Federal agencies continue to conduct and support research on how best to address underage drinking. In addition, adults in communities across the country are wrestling with how to change the culture around underage drinking. Although some have suggested that lowering the drinking age would lead to more responsible alcohol consumption among young people, the preponderance of research indicates that the legal drinking age of 21 has had positive effects on health and safety.
. . . . .

Read Full Report (PDF)
_________________________________________________________________

University President Honored with National Award for Role in Innovative Alcohol Prevention Work
The Presidential Leadership Award Planning and Review Committee would like to congratulate Dr. Jonathan C. Gibralter of Frostburg State University as the recipient of the 2008 Presidential Leadership Award!

Since his presidency began in 2006, Dr. Gibralter has actively partnered with students, campus administrators, and other community agencies to address alcohol abuse, especially with regard to underage, high-risk drinking. Dr. Gibralter provided support for student-led initiatives and was personally involved in bringing together on- and off-campus law enforcement agencies that led to a dramatic improvement in the sharing of information.
. . . . .

Read Full Article

_____________________________________________________________________

News Release - Middle-Schoolers and Alcohol: Tips for Parents from The Science Inside Alcohol Project at AAAS

The first few weeks of middle school are a frenzy of friends, parties, and school events. It’s also time for parents to start talking with their kids about the dangers of drinking alcohol, according to AAAS’s The Science Inside Alcohol Project.

According to the AAAS alcohol project, the middle school years are crucial in the battle to prevent early alcohol use. Young adolescents’ bodies and friendships are changing. They start pulling away from parents; yet seek out other adults for guidance. It’s the most vulnerable time, specialists say, but also one of the last times they still can be influenced by adults.

Thirty-five participants from academia, federal agencies and non-profits attended the 19 August workshop at AAAS. The workshop updated the S&T professionals on research and issues related to discrimination in their fields "Empirical findings are not fixed for all time," Chubin said. "They evolve." Added Sevo, "We wanted to interpret some of the concepts that rise out of the research and equip participants with the ability to cite the literature and authoritative statistics."

. . . . . .

Read Full Release

___________________________________________________________________

European Public Health Videos

Welcome to the web platform where you can watch video clips and TV commercials produced across Europe on issues relating to public health.

Most of these videos have been produced and aired in the context of public awareness campaigns in the countries concerned.

If you want to share your video clips or TV ads on this platform or obtain a copy of one of the clips or ads please contact us.

Addictions

____________________________________________________________________

Serum TNF-α levels in relation to alcohol consumption and common TNF gene polymorphisms
Alcohol Volume 42, Issue 6, September 2008, Pages 513-518


Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mediates alcohol-induced organ dysfunction, including alcoholic hepatitis. Variations in the TNF-α gene may underlie the individual predisposition to alcoholic liver disease. Measurement of serum TNF-α levels has become a routine in clinical practice.

The study was aimed at investigating the level of serum TNF-α levels in adults and analyzing its relationship with different levels of alcohol consumption, as well as the potential interaction between alcohol consumption and common TNF-α gene polymorphisms in relation to TNF-α levels and liver disease.

Serum TNF-α was measured in a random sample of 459 individuals from a general adult population and in 137 hospital-admitted alcoholics. Three common TNF-α gene polymorphisms (−238G>A, −308G>A, and −857C>T) were investigated in 419 of these individuals.

In the general adult population, the TNF-α levels were similar in alcohol abstainers and alcohol drinkers. Alcoholics admitted to the hospital showed the highest TNF-α levels, which were correlated with liver dysfunction. We found no evidence of an interaction between alcohol consumption and TNF-α gene polymorphisms in relation to TNF-α levels. Carriers of the TNF −238A allele tended to have a higher prevalence of advanced liver disease than −238G homozygotes, confirming previous reports.

In conclusion, light-to-moderate drinking had no significant effect on the levels of serum TNF-α levels. Serum TNF-α levels are elevated in alcoholics independently of common TNF gene polymorphisms.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: mearturo@usc.es
__________________________________________________________