Upregulation of Voluntary Alcohol Intake, Behavioral Sensitivity to Stress, and Amygdala Crhr1 Expression Following a History of Dependence
Biological Psychiatry Article in Press, Corrected Proof 21 June 2007

A history of alcohol dependence recruits increased voluntary alcohol intake and sensitivity to stress. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated in this transition, but underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Alcohol drinking was upregulated long-term following a history of dependence. Fear suppression of behavior was selectively potentiated in postdependent animals. This persisted 3 months after alcohol exposure and was reversed by the selective CRH-R1 antagonist 3-(4-Chloro-2-morpholin-4-yl-thiazol-5-yl)-8-(1-ethylpropyl)-2,6-dimethyl-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine (MTIP) (10 mg/kg).

Forced swim stress increased alcohol intake in postdependent animals but not in control animals. Behavioral changes were paralleled by an upregulation of Crhr1 transcript expression within basolateral (BLA) and medial (MeA) amygdala and Crh messenger RNA (mRNA) in central amygdala (CeA). In contrast, Crhr2 expression was down in the BLA.

Neuroadaptations encompassing amygdala CRH signaling contribute to the behavioral phenotype of postdependent animals.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: markus.heilig@mail.nih.gov
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A long-term preventive project on alcohol drinking in Slovenia
Drugs: education, prevention and policy, Volume 14, Issue 2 April 2007 , pages 173 - 180

The alcohol drinking problems in Slovenia are briefly described and the process of the first part of a long-term national alcohol drinking preventive population-based project called 'Message from the bottle', which has been run by the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, is explained.

Its long-term aims are to reframe understanding of alcohol issues, to change the social climate on alcohol and to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Different products have been prepared: postcards, brochures, posters for different kinds of exhibitions, an animated health-promotion film, a manual for primary healthcare physicians and workshops for physicians and nurses to learn about counselling for health behaviour change.

In conclusion, future planned activities are described.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: marko.kolsek@mf.uni lj.si
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Changing the culture of young people's binge drinking: From motivations to practical solutions
Drugs: education, prevention and policy, Volume 14, Issue 4 August 2007 , pages 305 - 317





This paper explores young people's own opinions about how the 'drinking to get drunk' culture can be changed.

More precisely, the two objectives of this study were to explore: (1) whether young people viewed binge drinking as a real 'problem'; and (2) what they thought could be done to reduce binge drinking.

On the whole, most young people did not classify themselves as binge drinkers, with drinking considered to be part of a normal and fun existence. Although some people thought nothing would work to stop binge drinking, other responses included: shock-tactics that young people could relate to (i.e. experiences of peers rather than 'diseased livers'), witnessing and reflecting on antisocial and embarrassing behaviour, acknowledging the likelihood of regretted sexual experiences, and greater enforcement of not purchasing alcohol when drunk.

These findings highlight the importance of a more understandable definition of binge drinking, perhaps based on being drunk rather than units. Also, opinions suggest that youth-, culturally- and ethnically-specific interventions are likely to be more effective.

To close, the paper emphasizes the importance of any intervention having the full support of a methodologically sound and rigorous evaluation.


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Reprint Request E-Mail: lcoleman@tsa.uk.com
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Binge drinking behaviour, attitudes and beliefs in a UK community sample: An analysis by gender, age and deprivation
Drugs: education, prevention and policy, Volume 14, Issue 4 August 2007 , pages 289 - 303




Binge drinking has sparked considerable interest and concern. However, despite this interest little is known about the lay understanding of binge drinking and whether there are differences in understanding by gender, age and level of deprivation.

This study investigated the beliefs and attitudes to binge drinking of a sample in the Inverclyde area.

Definitions of binge drinking tended to concentrate on intoxication and some described a dependent drinking pattern. Causes and solutions offered were varied but pointed-up levels of deprivation in respect of jobs and entertainment. More subjects regarded binge drinking as a problem in society than locally, which is consistent with research suggesting that misperceptions of others' drinking increases with social distance.

Differences in beliefs were found by age and level of deprivation but not gender. It was marked that no subject offered the 'official' definition of bingeing or even an approximation of it.

Further research is required if future mass-media campaigns and interventions are to be relevant to the population.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: john mcmahon@paisley.ac.uk
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Increased alcohol tax proposed

21 June 2007
A governmet committee has proposed that the tax on alcohol should be increased by 10 per cent. Chocolate, on the other hand, would become cheaper.

The so-called "Surtax-committee" will present its proposals on Friday, but it is already clear that it has also discussed to do away with the so-called tax-free sales of alcohol at airports and on ferries to the continent.

The brewery-industry is not surprisingly strongly opposed to increased taxes on alcohol.

- An increase of the surtax on alcohol will lead to increased cross-border trade and to the death of the brewery industry in Norway, says CEO of Hansa Borg Breweries, Lars Midtgaard.

(NRK)

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EUROCARE Newsletter

May – June 2007

.…	EUROCARE News

- Eurocare and Members join the European Commission’s Alcohol and Health Forum
- Eurocare hosts Workshop on ‘Harmful Consequences of Alcohol’ at EPHA Conference 17-18 May 2007, Bratislava

.…	News from the European Union

- The European Parliament votes against Lulling report on minimum excise duties on alcohol

- EU Media Ministers reach agreement on EU Television without Frontiers Directive
- EU overturn Sweden alcohol import ban

- The European Economic and Social Committee opinion on EU Alcohol Strategy
- European Commission supports self-regulation in the area of advertising for food products

- EU Health Strategy: consultation shows support for increased EU cooperation to improve and protect health

- Health aspects of the Portuguese Presidency agenda

- Commission Communication on Mental Health: Information from the Commission

- European Parliament adopts a report on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks

.…	News from the WHO

- The 16^th World Health Assembly closes with no agreement on a Global Strategy on Alcohol
- WHO releases results of a multi-country study on alcohol and injury in emergency rooms

.…	News from the Members States

- UK – New Alcohol Strategy
- UK - Alcohol Labels to be more detailed in Britain
- UK - Government to propose reducing BAC level to 50 mg
- UK – The Department of Health issues New Alcohol Guidelines for Pregnant Women
- Germany - alcohol consumption among young continues to increase
- Estonia - Alcohol and tobacco tax to rise in Estonia next year

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The alcohol problem

by Valerie Borg

June 22, 2007

All problem drinkers who seek help and find it do not just stop drinking and move into a happy and contented sobriety with the same speed and ease.

Some need to be hospitalised and may come through their convalescence still shaking and unsure of themselves. Others - not in the habit of facing problems directly – may, for a while feel entirely swamped by their responsibilities.

Some will definitely be plagued by feelings of remorse and depression. A few may become tense and for a while at least, hard to live with. Alcoholism may be under control, but many smaller problems invariably remain.

Alcoholics in their enthusiasm for the new life may indeed forget the sacrifices those living with them made during their drinking days. They may plunge into a round of calls to help other alcoholics but seem to have little time to spend with the people they love.

This eventually passes because although sober, the alcoholic still has the same illness and non-drinking alcoholics cannot be expected to change all their erratic behaviour overnight.

As time passes though, the helpful people at Sedqa manage to teach alcoholics to achieve better balance. Every drinking programme is designed not as an escape route but as a bridge to normal living.
. . . . . .
Read Full Article
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Alcohol Treatment Research Assessment Exposure Subject Reactivity Effects: Part I. Alcohol Use and Related Consequences
Journal Stud. Alcohol Drugs 68: 519-528, 2007


There has been increasing recognition among alcohol treatment researchers that research assessment exposure subject reactivity effects can contribute to clinical outcomes, decrease study design sensitivity, and confound research findings.

The present study is an experimental investigation of two of the more salient components of the research assessment interview (i.e., frequency and comprehensiveness) and their effects on clinical outcomes (Part I: Alcohol Use and Related Consequences) and treatment participation (Part II: Treatment Engagement and Involvement).

Research assessment exposure subject reactivity effects were related significantly to alcohol use and related negative consequences, such that subjects assigned to the infrequent-brief research assessment exposure condition reported the poorest outcomes.

The research protocols used to study alcohol treatments have clinical efficacy and can alter the outcomes (e.g., alcohol use) under investigation. It is important for researchers to control/account for subject reactivity effects when conducting alcohol treatment outcome trials.

Accurate interpretation of data derived from clinical trials of alcohol treatments necessitates taking research assessment exposure subject reactivity effects into consideration.



Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: patrick.clifford@umdnj.edu
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Effects of Drivers' License Suspension Policies on Alcohol-Related Crash Involvement: Long-Term Follow-Up in Forty-Six States
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (OnlineEarly Articles). 9 June 2007

We evaluated the effects of driving under the influence (DUI) mandatory preconviction and postconviction drivers' license suspension laws in each of 46 U.S. states using 1 to 2 decades of long-term follow-up data on fatal car crashes. State-specific results were combined using meta-analytic techniques, and provide a direct test of the concept of celerity—time between offending behavior and consequent punishment—from deterrence theory.

Administrative or preconviction drivers license suspension policies have statistically significant and substantively important effects in reducing alcohol-related fatal crash involvement by 5%, representing at least 800 lives saved per year in the United States. Moreover, these laws have similar effects on drivers at all drinking levels—from lower-risk drivers below the legal alcohol limit to drivers at extreme levels of intoxication. In clear contrast, postconviction license suspension policies have no discernable effects.

The effectiveness of a deterrence policy appears to be more strongly affected by celerity—the speed by which punishment is applied after the offending behavior—than by the high severity of the penalty. This finding could be fruitfully applied to other areas of alcohol control policy and laws and regulations in general.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: wagenaar@ufl.edu

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Alcohol Consumption and Fatty Acid Intakes in the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (OnlineEarly Articles). 11 June 2007

Alcohol consumption has the potential to affect dietary intakes of nutrients; however, little is known about fatty acid intakes among alcohol consumers in the U.S. population.

Energy intake showed a significant increasing trend across alcohol consumption categories in both genders and binge-drinking categories in men. Women binge drinkers also showed a higher energy intake compared with nonbinge drinkers. Among men, decreased nutrient densities of saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids were associated with increasing alcohol consumption. Binge-drinking men but not women had significantly decreased intakes of total saturates, monounsaturates, polyunsaturates and linoleic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acid.

When alcohol energy was excluded from calculation of nutrient densities, the results were similar to those with alcohol energy included, except that total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid differences were no longer significant.

In addition, there was an inverse relationship among men between binge-drinking frequency and total polyunsaturates, linoleic, α-linolenic, and eicosapentaenoic acids.

Our cross-sectional results suggest that alcohol consumption may impact the dietary intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Given the public health importance of both alcohol consumption and intakes of EFAs, prospective studies of the relation should be considered.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: nsalem@niaaa.nih.gov

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News Release - Agreement reached on draft Green-FF programme for Govt (Ireland)

Issued: 12 June 2007

The Green Party concluded talks with Fianna Fáil this evening and agreed a draft programme for government that will be put before a special convention of party members tomorrow. Negotiation teams and party leaders reached agreement at approximately 8.30pm after a day of intensive talks and document drafting

The new Programme for Government proposes actions on drugs and alcohol under the following headings:

HEALTH
We will prioritise and intensify measures to tackle alcohol and drug misuse among all sections of the population and in particular among young people. Specifically, we will:

• Use the education system and public awareness campaigns to highlight the damage caused by binge drinking.


• Put in place a fund for the provision of a countrywide network of youth cafes where young people can meet in a safe, legal, alcohol-free and healthy environment.


• In recognition of the growth of home drinking and our continuing high rates of binge drinking, we will develop a code of practice on the sale of alcohol with the off-licence trade.


• Use the taxation system to promote low alcohol or alcohol-free products.


• We will implement the recommendations of the Working Group on alcohol abuse established under Sustaining Progress.


• Double the penalties for all offences relating to the sale of alcohol to children, the purchase of alcohol for children and the breach of the restrictions on the presence of underage persons on licensed premises.


• Provide early intervention programmes in all social, health and justice services to ensure early detection and appropriate responses to high risk drinking.

National Level

• Discuss the question of the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with the aim of phasing it out.

Anti-Social Behaviour

• Increase penalties under the Public Order Act especially for alcohol-related disorder and increase the fine for supplying
  alcohol to under 18s from �1,500 to �5,000.

Source: Daily Dose
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National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs – 2007

A compilation of Federal, State and local government facilities and private facilities that provide substance abuse treatment services, some of which also provide mental health care. The listing includes treatment facilities that are licensed, certified or otherwise approved for inclusion in the Directory by their State substance abuse agencies and responded to the 2006 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). The Directory includes codes for each facility on the following areas: primary focus of provider, services provided, type of care, special programs/groups offered, forms of payment accepted, payment assistance available, special language services, and a key to the 26 different American Indian and Alaska Native languages as well as the 74 other languages for which a facility might be able to provide services. The information about each facility was provided by that facility in response to the survey.

The searchable web version of this Directory is the SAMHSA substance abuse treatment Locator at:
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/

For bulk orders of free hard copies of this report or any OAS report for meetings, contact SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) either on the web or by phone. To request single or multiple copies of the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs – 2007, ask by title and SMA # 07-4290.

NCADI: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov
Phone: 800-729-6686
TDD hearing impaired: 800-487-4889
Toll free Hablamos Espaňol: 877-767-8432

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The Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer CenterThe Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center

June 2007 Focus On:Focus On: Counselor Wellness: Benefits of Balancing Work and HomeCounselor Wellness: Benefits of Balancing Work and Home The Counselor Assistance Program of OASAS (Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services’) provides assistance and advocacy for colleagues who may be struggling with alcohol or drug abuse problems, gambling, depression, anxiety, stress, or other addictions and mental health issues. Chemical dependency and mental illness are treatable diseases and it is essential that addiction counselors have access to these services. The OASAS Counselor Assistance Program (formerly Counselor Wellness) offers confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to counselors, with the goal of maintaining or returning them to effective, professional practice. For more information about the OASAS Counselor Assistance Program please visit: http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/sqa/credentialing/counselor_wellness.cfm Return to top

AnnouncementsAnnouncements National HIV Testing Day is June 27th National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual campaign produced by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) to encourage at-risk individuals to receive voluntary HIV counseling and testing. Pennsylvania Regional Drug and Alcohol Training Institute The next PA Regional Drug and Alcohol Training Institute is scheduled for September 26-28, 2007 in Johnstown, PA. The featured track of this institute is "Veterans: Serving Those Who Serve; Veterans and their Families". Click on the link for a "Save the Date" flyer and more information. http://www.ireta.org/ireta_main/training_events.htm#3 Return to top

Training and EventsTraining and Events New Jersey Salem County’s Annual Disability Awareness Day Riverview Inn, Pennsville, NJ July 19, 2007 Salem County Office for Disabled (856) 935-7510 Why Is It Hard to Quit Smoking Cumberland County Health Department 790 E. Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 3:30pm-6:30pm To register, call Christina at 609-221-8298 Tobacco Dependence Treatment Specialist Training The Tobacco Dependence Program of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Public Health, is offering a 5-day training to prepare health care professionals to provide treatment for tobacco dependence. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health, Tobacco Dependence Program New Brunswick, New Jersey Monday, September 24, 2007 - Friday, September 28, 2007 (every Day) To register, visit http://www.tobaccoprogram.org Contact nancy.speelman@umdnj.edu or joan.maurer@umdnj.edu at 732-235-8220 for more information. New York 7th International Conference on Pain and Chemical Dependency The International Association for Pain and Chemical Dependency (IAPCD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting appropriate and effective treatment for all patients with pain, including individuals with substance abuse, mental health or other co-occurring problems that make treatment more challenging. Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers 811 Seventh Avenue at West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019 June 21-24, 2007 Mitchell Greenberg, MD Tel: 1-866-908-8398 Fax: 1-800-679-0959 Buprenorphine and Office Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence American Society of Addiction Medicine CME: 8.0 Credit Hours in Category 1 of AMA Syracuse, NY, August 25, 2007 Contact: 1-888-362-6784 Pennsylvania TR424 Examining Substance Use Disorders in Adults: An Overview This course provides an overview of DSM categories of substances of abuse and how these disorders are differentiated in the DSM. Woodlands - June 26, 2007, 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Call to Register 1-877-243-3033 Holiday Inn - June 27, 2007, I-81, Exit 80, Grantville, PA 17028 Call to Register 1-877-243-3033 Visit this link for more information: http://www.pa-co-occurring.org/ireta_training.htm Mini-Regional Training July 2007 Mini-Regional Trainings: Continuing a practice begun in January, 2004, the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs is once again providing "Mini-Regional Trainings". These one-day events will consist of six training modules, each module will include four separate and distinct courses. One training module will be offered in each of our Public Health District every other month. By offering a new module every other month, each District will have all 24 scheduled courses offered on an annual basis. Please contact Robert Burhannan at 717-787-2606. Visit this link for more information: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=173&Q=235511 Pennsylvania Regional Drug and Alcohol Training Institute The next PA Regional Drug and Alcohol Training Institute is scheduled for September 26-28, 2007 in Johnstown, PA. The featured track of this institute is "Veterans: Serving Those Who Serve; Veterans and their Families". Click on the link for a "Save the Date" flyer and more information. http://www.ireta.org/ireta_main/training_events.htm#3 Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Programs (BDAP) Click here for all SCA Trainings & Information Online Trainings The Central East ATTC has the following self-paced courses available: - Hepatitis C: A Guide for Counselors and Outreach Workers - Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Addiction: A Counselor’s Guide - Welfare Reform for Addiction Professionals To register for these courses and more, go to: http://danyalearningcenter.com/ or contact CEATTC at (240) 645-1140. CSAP’s Prevention Pathways Online Free Training Topics Include: - Environmental Strategies for Prevention - Silence Hurts: Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women - Wading Through the Data Swamp: Program Evaluation 201 More information is available at: http://pathwayscourses.samhsa.gov/index.htm Return to top

NeATTC ProductsNeATTC Products Smoking Cessation Treatment at Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs Cigarette smoking is common among persons with drug and alcohol use disorders, with prevalence rates of 80-90% among patients in substance use disorder treatment programs. Such concurrent smoking may produce adverse behavioral and medical problems, and is associated with greater levels of substance use disorder. To order hard copies click here:http://www.ireta.org/store/customer/product.php?productid=104&cat=9&page=1 Linking Addiction Treatment and Communities of Recovery -- A Primer for Addiction Counselors, Recovery Coaches and the Recovery Community co-authored by William White, M.A., and Ernest Kurtz, Ph.D. The NeATTC and IRETA recently published this seminal piece that describes the emergence of a recovery paradigm as a new organizing concept for treatment and recovery support services. It summarizes the scientific evidence supporting post-treatment check-ups and assertive linkage to peer-based recovery support groups and describes the growing diversity of American communities of recovery. More then 2,000 free copies have been disseminated within the NeATTC region. The monograph, along with a compendium power point presentation, is available online and downloadable free of charge at http://www.neattc.org or call 1-866-246-5344. Bound copies can be ordered at $ 10 per copy plus shipping and handling. Quantity discounts are available. The Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (NeATTC) today announced the release of the monograph "Taking Action to Build a Stronger Addictions Workforce" Pittsburgh, - August 14, 2006. The monograph is an overview of NeATTC’s Workforce Development Summit II held in Philadelphia last October where leaders from the NeATTC’s member states (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) shared updates on their workforce development programs, discussed challenges to implementation, and discussed new directions for workforce development. Outcomes of strategies when available, and next steps that the region and its member states are considering as possible options were presented by summit participants. The "Taking Action to Build a Stronger Addictions Workforce" monograph is available online and downloadable free of charge at http://www.neattc.org. Bound copies can be ordered at $ 10 per copy plus shipping and handling. Quantity discounts are available. For additional information call 1.866.246.5344. Imagine Who You Could Save is a workforce recruitment video promoting addictions career opportunities. The purpose of the video is to promote opportunities in the addiction career field on a national scale while dispelling preconceived notions and/or stereotypes typically associated with the addiction/substance use disorder field. NAADAC, in collaboration with the National Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), Northeast and Central East ATTC’s have put together an excellent product. Your organization can add your name and logo on the trailer for a cost of $100.00. This will be your personal copy for your use in recruitment and awareness purposes. This also increases the visibility of your agency. You may also purchase a non-customized version of the video for $35.00. Contact the Northeast ATTC if you are interested in obtaining a personal copy of the recruitment video at (412) 391-4449 or http://www.neattc.org. Return to top

Science to Service NewsScience to Service News More Natural Radiation in Cigarettes than Chernobyl Fallout: When the Chernobyl nuclear reactor melted down in 1986, it spread radioactive fallout across a wide area. But a new study says that the amount of radioactive material left on plants by Chernobyl pales in comparison with the radium and polonium found naturally in tobacco. http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2007/more-natural-radiation-in.html SAMHSA: Girls Enter Treatment Younger, Use Different Drugs: Teenage girls tend to enter addiction treatment at a younger age than boys and are more likely to be primary users of alcohol or inhalants, whereas boys are most likely to report that marijuana is their favorite drug. http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2007/samhsa-girls-enter-treatment.html Return to top

CESAR PublicationCESAR Publication "Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care Environment "Toxic" for Persons in Recovery and Those Working in the Field" - Available online at http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/cesarfax.asp. Return to top

Information SearchInformation Search Information Specialists in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania respond to information requests from the multi-disciplinary addiction prevention and treatment workforce providing a link between research and practice. http://www.neattc.org ____________________________________________________________________

Admissions with Five or More Prior Treatment Episodes: 2005

Most of the substance abuse treatment admissions in 2005 reported to SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) were either first-time admissions (46%) or had between one and four previous treatment episodes (44%).

The remaining 10% had five or more previous treatment episodes. Substance abuse treatment admissions reporting 5 or more prior treatment episodes were more likely than first time admissions to report opiates as their primary substance of abuse (37% vs. 11%).

First time substance abuse treatment admissions were more likely to report marijuana (22% vs. 5%) or stimulants (12% vs. 4%) than admissions with 5 or more prior substance abuse treatment episodes.

Admissions with 5 or more prior treatment episodes were more likely than first time admissions to have been homeless (24% vs. 8%).

Read Full Report (PDF)

Safe. Sensible. Social The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy. A response from Alcohol Concern

The new strategy has a far sharper focus on the active promotion of sensible drinking, reduction of crime and ill health as a result of excessive drinking. It targets not just under-18s and binge drinkers, but also anyone who drinks harmfully. In its intent, this is a vast improvement on the strategy‟s predecessor and Government should be applauded for a more comprehensive, focused and strategic paper that begins to identify the most effective route to reducing harms.

Safe. Sensible. Social. contains however, particular areas of omission, some worrying assertions and fundamental flaws in measurement which may ultimately lead to the new Strategy being judged as a further missed opportunity in tackling alcohol harm.

There are nevertheless significant improvements in the Strategy‟s main expected outcomes which, if promoted successfully, may yet provide the local levers required to reduce alcohol harms.

This paper sets out the key sections of the new alcohol strategy and analyses the strengths and weakness of the government‟s approach.

Read Full Document (PDF)
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Effect of alcoholic beverages on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in lean, young, healthy adults
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85,No. 6, 1545-1551, June 2007

Ethanol's ability to inhibit gluconeogenesis might reduce postprandial glycemia in realistic meal settings.

The objective was to explore the effect of 3 types of alcoholic beverages consumed alone, with a meal, or 1 h before a meal on postprandial glycemia in healthy subjects.

In realistic settings, alcoholic beverage consumption lowers postprandial glycemia by 16–37%, which represents an unrecognized mechanism by which alcohol may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: j.brandmiller@mmb.usyd.edu.au
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Press Release - Two New Briefs Outline Evidence-Based Practices and Care in Non-Traditional Settings for Those with Co-Occurring Disorders

Date: 6/20/2007
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press
Telephone: 240-276-2130

Two new short papers from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration help treatment professionals, policymakers and others understand and address the needs of people with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders.

Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Non-Traditional Service Settings: Overview Paper 4 and Understanding Evidence-Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders: Overview Paper 5 continue a series of brief introductions to state-of-the-art knowledge from SAMHSA’s Center for Co-Occurring Excellence.

Only about half of all people with a co-occurring disorder receive any substance abuse or mental health treatment, but they may come in contact with those in public health, public safety and social welfare organizations. Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Non-Traditional Service Settings: Overview Paper 4 describes how professionals who work in primary health care, public safety and criminal justice, and social service settings can identify and respond effectively to people with co-occurring disorders. The paper explains how these initial contacts, if handled with sensitivity, can increase the likelihood that people with co-occurring disorders will take advantage of treatment.

Understanding Evidence-Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders: Overview Paper 5 provides an overview of evidence-based practices and their use in treating people with co-occurring disorders. Although the treatment of co-occurring disorders is a relatively new field, several program- and treatment-level interventions have been developed and tested. This paper identifies how evidence is used to determine if a given practice should be labeled as evidence-based and provides brief examples. In addition, Overview Paper 5 clarifies the advantages of employing evidence-based practices and the meaning of related terms, such as promising practices, model programs and best practices.

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Cognitive deficits, mood disorders and neurological signs in alcoholics
Seventeenth Meeting of the
European Neurological Society

Dementia/Higher function disorders

Wednesday, June 20, 2007, 08:30 - 10:00M. Sieminski, A. Nitka-Sieminska, A. Jaszczuk, P. Bialon, W.M. Nyka (Gdansk, PL)

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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment, mood disorders and neurological signs in population of chronic alcoholics. We also wanted to analyze relation between those disorders and duration of addiction.

Materials and methods: We have examined 27 subjects with diagnosed alcoholism. The following tools were used: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for screening for cognitive impairment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D, respectively). All subjects were examined neurologically to evaluate presence of lesions of central nervous system.

Results: The mean age of the examined group was 47,5 years. The mean duration of addiction was 20.2 years. The mean result of MMSE was 28 points. In 4 cases (14,8%) we have found score in MMSE < 27, suggestive of cognitive impairment. This subgroup did not differ significantly from the rest of the population, as the age and duration of addiction are concerned. There were 7 (25,9%) subjects with definitive and 5 (18,5%) with probable anxiety disorder (according to HADS-A) and 2 (7,4%) subjects with definitive and 2 (7,4%) with probable depression disorder (according to HADS-D). No sigs of focal neurological deficits were found.

Conclusions: Chronic alcoholism should be considered as a risk factor of cognitive impairment in relatively young subjects. Cognitive decline is not associated with signs of focal brain lesions. Anxiety disorders were more common in the examined population than depression.
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Press Release - Pregnancy and alcohol – a dangerous cocktail says a new BMA report
(issued Monday 04 Jun 2007)


Learning and physical disabilities and behavioural problems are part of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders [FASD]. These lifelong conditions can drastically impact on the lives of the individual and those around them. A new BMA report published today (Monday 4 June 2007) says the reality is that these conditions are completely preventable by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy.

The report, ‘Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders¹’, highlights how difficult it can be to detect FASD and how healthcare professionals need more guidance to help them diagnose and treat children suffering from the disorder.

The government in England has just revised its guidance and now advises pregnant women or women trying to conceive to avoid drinking alcohol. But if they do choose to drink, to minimise the risk to the baby, they should not consume more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week. However, the BMA report says this can be misinterpreted, as individuals may not clearly understand how many units correspond to what they are drinking. The alcoholic strengths of different beers and wines, and the considerable variation of standard measures used in bars and restaurants and in the home, can make it difficult for women to tell how many units they are consuming.

The new advice from the English government has been disputed by some medical experts and the BMA is now calling for clear, evidence-based guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy and for women who are planning a pregnancy.

Read Full Press Release

Download Report, ‘Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (PDF)

Contributor: Peggy Seo Oba
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