Aniracetam Reversed Learning and Memory Deficits Following Prenatal Ethanol Exposure by Modulating Functions of Synaptic AMPA Receptors Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication 4 July 2007

Specific pharmacological treatments are currently not available to address problems resulting from fetal ethanol exposure, described as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of aniracetam against cognitive deficits in a well-characterized and sensitive FASD Sprague–Dawley rat model.

Ethanol, administered orally at a moderate dose (4 g/kg/24 h; 38% v/v) during the entire course of pregnancy, caused severe cognitive deficits in offspring. Furthermore, both progeny genders were affected by a spectrum of behavioral abnormalities, such as a delay in the development of the righting reflex, poor novelty seeking behavior, and high anxiety levels in female rats.

Cognitive disabilities, monitored in adult rats by a two-way active avoidance task, correlated well with a significant reduction of AMPA (-amino-3 hydro-5 methyl-isoxazole propionic acid) receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic responses (mEPSCs) in the hippocampus.

Administration of aniracetam for 10 days (post-natal days (PND) 18–27), at a dose of 50 mg/kg reversed cognitive deficits in both rat genders, indicated by a significant increase in the number of avoidances and the number of 'good learners'.

After the termination of the nootropic treatment, a significant increase in both amplitude and frequency of AMPA receptor-mediated mEPSCs in hippocampal CA-1 pyramidal cells was observed. Significant anxiolytic effects on PND 40 also preceded acquisition improvements in the avoidance task.

This study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of aniracetam in reversing cognitive deficits associated with FASD through positive post-natal modulation of AMPA receptors.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: vagleju@auburn.edu
________________________________________________________

Safe.Social.Sensible – the next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy Stella Project Response

The Stella Project is a partnership between the Greater London Domestic Violence Project (GLDVP) and the Greater London Alcohol and Drugs Alliance (GLADA) and works for positive, sustained improvement in the way services are delivered to survivors, their children and perpetrators of domestic violence affected by problematic substance use. Although primarily focused on work in Greater London, we are the leading agency with expertise in this area and our work has national significance.

While it is encouraging that the Government is progressing in the implementation of the 2004 National Alcohol Strategy, the Stella Project is concerned that the new document “Safe. Sensible. Social” has not been subject to consultation. In this absence, the Stella Project wishes to highlight some areas that need further clarification with regards to addressing alcohol related domestic violence.
. . . . . .

Read Full Release

Source: Daily Dose
________________________________________________________________

Interaction between CRHR1 Gene and Stressful Life Events Predicts Adolescent Heavy Alcohol Use
Biological Psychiatry
Article in Press, Corrected Proof
27 June 2007

Recent animal research suggests that alterations in the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) may lead to heavy alcohol use following repeated stress.

The aim of this study was to examine interactions between two haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the CRHR1 gene and adverse life events on heavy drinking in adolescents.

Adolescents homozygous for the C allele of rs1876831 drank higher maximum amounts of alcohol per occasion and had greater lifetime rates of heavy drinking in relation to negative life events than individuals carrying the T allele. No gene × environment interactions were found for regular drinking and between rs242938 and stressful life events.

These findings provide first evidence in humans that the CRHR1 gene interacts with exposure to stressful life events to predict heavy alcohol use in adolescents.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: g.schumann@iop.kcl.ac.uk
____________________________________________________________

Trait Aggression and Hostility in Recovered Alcoholics
European Addiction Research 2007;13:89-93






There is a long-recognized association between alcohol consumption and aggressive behavior.

This study was designed to examine aggression in a group of socially well-adapted recovered alcoholics (RA). The question addressed was whether the treatment, together with long-term abstinence from alcohol, could reduce aggression and hostility in RA.

After a 3-year abstinence, subjects from the RA group displayed signs of hostility and covert aggression.

Read Full Abstract


Rprint Request E-Mail: ziherls@siol.net
___________________________________________________________________

Predictors of 2-Year Drinking Outcomes in a Swedish Treatment Sample
European Addiction Research 2007;13:136-143






Few studies have investigated predictors of short- and longer-term outcomes in relatively well functioning treatment samples.

Individual baseline characteristics were not directly related to 2nd year outcomes, while a higher 1st-year drinking severity decreased the likelihood of 2nd-year abstinence. Satisfaction with treatment and affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous, but not program aftercare during the 1st year increased the likelihood of 2nd-year abstinence.

Results are consistent with previous studies showing that shorter-term outcomes are likely to be maintained, and that baseline characteristics and treatment factors account less for outcomes over longer terms.

Read Full Abstract


Reprint Request E-Mail: maria.bodin@ki.se
_______________________________________________________________

Targeted Nalmefene With Simple Medical Management in the Treatment of Heavy Drinkers: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 31 (7), 1179–1187.

Clinical studies with opioid antagonists for treatment of problem drinking have mainly been conducted in specialized alcohol treatment centers, included structured psychosocial treatment, and have focused on maintaining abstinence after a period of abstinence from alcohol.

The mean monthly number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) during the 12-week period before inclusion was 15.5 (SD 6.9) in the nalmefene group and 16.2 (SD 6.9) in the placebo group. During treatment, the mean numbers of HDDs were 8.6 to 9.3 in the nalmefene group and 10.6 to 12.0 in the placebo group (p=0.0065). The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase decreased in the nalmefene group compared with the placebo group (p=0.0088 and 0.0023).

During the randomized withdrawal period, subjects randomized to placebo apparently returned to heavier drinking. Subjects receiving nalmefene reported more nausea, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, and malaise than subjects on placebo.

Nalmefene appears to be effective and safe in reducing heavy drinking, even when accompanied by minimal psychosocial support.

Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: sakari.karhuvaara@pp.inet.fi

_______________________________________________________________

100 a day admitted to hospital over drinking
By Nicole Martin

Last Updated: 2:24am BST 03/07/2007

More than 100 people a day are admitted to hospital for liver damage caused by excessive drinking, official figures have shown.

Alcoholic liver disease claimed the lives of 4,160 people in England in 2005, up almost 700 from 2001, according to the Department of Health statistics.

Liver disease used to be associated with hard-drinking men in their 40s and 50s, but specialists say they are seeing an increasing number of people in their 20s and 30s with the potentially fatal condition.

Dr Nick Sheron, a consultant in liver medicine at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "These people know that drinking a bottle of wine a day isn't good but they don't realise that their drinking is at a dangerously high level.
. . . . . .

Read Full Article
_______________________________________________________________

Inside This Issue

Expanding HIV Assistance: Outreach, Testing for At-Risk Individuals

Two SAMHSA HIV/AIDS Programs

Resources on HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS Consumer Guide

From the Administrator: On Capitol Hill

Grants: Manual Clarifies Application Process

Focusing on Children's Mental Health

Virginia Tech Tragedy: Coping with Trauma

Psychological First Aid in a Crisis

Veterans, Families: New Resources

Around the World

Improving Substance Abuse Treatnet Around the Globe

Expanding Treatment in Central America

Treating Alcohol Dependence: Naltrexone Advisory

Recovery Month: Toolkit, PSAs Help Planning Efforts

PRISM Awards Spotlight Mental Health, Substance Abuse Issues

Depression: Reports Offer Statistics

Mental Health Report Available

TAP 21A: Competencies for Clinical Supervisors

Annual HBCU Conference Highlights Workforce Issues

Homelessness Web Site Launched

STD Rates: Alcohol, Drug Use Linked

Staff in the News

SAMHSA News Information

SAMHSA NEWS

2007 – Volume 15
	May/June 2007 Vol 15, No 3

ECJ case on Swedish alcohol retail monopoly




UPDATE: On 5 June 2007 the European Court of Justice ruled that the Swedish monopoly is a disproportionate measure to attain the objective of limiting alcohol consumption in general and limiting underage drinking. The ECJ concluded that the monopoly was against the EU principle of free movement of goods, and that it was therefore not compatible with EU law.

Despite that judgement, Maria Larsson, Swedish public health minister, confirmed that the alcohol monopoly will stay put and that the Swedish State “will also work for restrictive alcohol policies” within the EU.

On 30 november 2006, the European Court of Justice advocate-general backed Sweden’s stringent policies on alcohol retails. He suggested that the Swedish ban is legal under European Union law: it is not in principle contradictory to article 31 of the Treaty. However, he also pointed out that the rules shall not discriminate against the sale of goods from other Member States.

In March 2004, the Supreme Court of Sweden asked the European Court of Justice to rule wether the Swedish legislation on alcohol was in line with the European Community Treaty. The European Court of Justice issued its ruling on the 30 March 2006 (’Rosengren Case’ 170/04 - in French).

_________________________________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE - Alcohol Survey Reveals 'Lost Decade' Between Ages of Disorder Onset and Treatment

At some time during their lives, more than 30 percent of U.S. adults surveyed in 2001-2002 had met current diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to an article in the current issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Many of those persons never received treatment, and many others did not receive treatment until well after AUD onset.

Of those with alcohol dependence, only 24.1 percent had received any type of treatment, broadly defined to include treatment either by a physician or other health professional, or by 12-step programs, crisis centers, employee assistance programs, or others. Of those with alcohol abuse, only 7.0 percent had received treatment. Although average age of alcohol dependence onset was 22.5 years, average age of first treatment was 29.8—a lag time of 8 years. Average age of alcohol abuse onset was 21.9 years, but average age of first treatment was 32.1—a lag time of 10 years.

. . . . . .

Read Full News Release

_________________________________________________________

Prevalence, Correlates, Disability, and Comorbidity of DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse and Dependence in the United States
Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64:830-842.

To present nationally representative findings on the prevalence, correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, and treatment of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence.

Prevalence of lifetime and 12-month alcohol abuse was 17.8% and 4.7%; prevalence of lifetime and 12-month alcohol dependence was 12.5% and 3.8%. Alcohol dependence was significantly more prevalent among men, whites, Native Americans, younger and unmarried adults, and those with lower incomes. Current alcohol abuse was more prevalent among men, whites, and younger and unmarried individuals while lifetime rates were highest among middle-aged Americans. Significant disability was particularly associated with alcohol dependence.

Only 24.1% of those with alcohol dependence were ever treated, slightly less than the treatment rate found 10 years earlier.

Strong associations between other substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders (odds ratios, 2.0-18.7) were lower but remained strong and significant (odds ratios, 1.8-7.5) when controlling for other comorbidity. Significant associations between mood, anxiety, and personality disorders and alcohol dependence (odds ratios, 2.1-4.8) were reduced in number and magnitude (odds ratios, 1.5-2.0) when controlling for other comorbidity.

Alcohol abuse and dependence remain highly prevalent and disabling. Comorbidity of alcohol dependence with other substance disorders appears due in part to unique factors underlying etiology for each pair of disorders studied while comorbidity of alcohol dependence with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders appears more attributable to factors shared among these other disorders.

Persistent low treatment rates given the availability of effective treatments indicate the need for vigorous education efforts for the public and professionals.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: bgrant@mail.nih.gov

_____________________________________________________________

Markings
Vol. 27 • No. 2—Summer 2007

• Surviving Daughter of an A.A. Pioneer Sends Trove of A.A. Material to G.S.O.Archives
• Workshop Addresses How To Create a District Archives
• Area Digitizing Its Archives To Solve a Problem
• Look to the Traditions For Ways to Put Archives to Use
• Tap College Libraries For Old Printings of A.A. Literature
• National Archives Workshop Will Meet in Phoeni
  

Download Summer 2007 Issue (PDF)
_________________________________________________________________

Action Alert

Participate in Independence Day Insurance Equity Action!

The problem politically is that they don't come out and say, ‘Pass this bill.’ And I say, just because you belong to an anonymous program doesn't mean you give up your responsibilities as citizens of this country.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) on Larry King Live, June 22, 2007

We need your help over the 4th of July recess to turn up the heat for action this year on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, H.R. 1424. We know that the American public supports the Wellstone bill, we need to demonstrate that support to get the bill on the front burner in the House of Representatives.

There are 258 US Representatives cosponsoring H.R. 1424. Before it can be voted on by the full House, three committees must approve it. That’s why advocates around the country are encouraging members and leaders of these committees to make H.R. 1424 a priority and pass the bill quickly. We are concerned that without prompt action in the House, time may run out for consideration of mental health and addictive disorder equity legislation this year.

We’ve made great progress so far – the House Energy & Commerce Committee and Ways & Means Committee have held hearings and the Education and Labor Committee’s hearing is scheduled for July 10th. We need your help to take the next steps.

Many members of Congress participate in 4th of July parades and other public activities over the recess. Use these opportunities to ask them to support speedy action on H.R. 1424.

Celebrate Independence Day by taking action to end insurance discrimination!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Find out where your Representative will be this 4th of July recess and ask him or her to push for speedy House action on H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act!
2. Meet with your member of Congress to urge him or her to push for enactment of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. Learn more…
3. Write a letter to the editor, urging Congressional action on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act this year.
4. Use our Sample Letters to the Editor to send a Letter to the Editor of your local paper during Memorial Day Weekend.
5. Write an Op-Ed for your local newspaper, urging Congressional action on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act this year. Use our Sample Op-Ed to write an Op-Ed for your local newspaper during Memorial Day Weekend.
6. Use our Online Advocacy Action Center to encourage others in your community to ask your Representative to take action on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act this year. More…

Thank you for participating in Independence Day Insurance Equity Action! Email us to let us know what happened!

………………………………………………………………………………

……………

DRINK & DRUGS NEWS
02.07.07

• Global drug abuse epidemic 'stabilising'

• Transform accuses UN of dressing up drug policy failure as success

• Europe calls for local authorities to fine-tune policies to regional need

• Lack of targets lets down strategy, says AC

• BMA calls for collaboration to end Scotland's drink problem

• Drug users expect overdoses

• Alcohol hospital admissions double

• Cannabis competition winners

Download Current Issue (PDF)
_________________________________________________________________________________

BUILDING A NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Overview

Concluding a two year strategic planning process that involved over 5,000 individuals across the nation, the Annapolis Coalition has completed the Action Plan on Behavioral Health Workforce Development. Funded by the three Centers within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Coalition was charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address the nation' growing crisis surrounding efforts to recruit, retain, and effectively train a prevention and treatment workforce in the mental health and addiction sectors of this field.
. . . . .

The final report reviews the current workforce and its environment; outlines a set of general findings; identifies seven core strategic goals; and outlines the objectives and actions necessary to achieve each goal. Detailed implementation plans link action to recommended stakeholders, providing a detailed blueprint for use by individuals and organizations of all types. A section on focused topics examines the workforce issues germane to selected populations, settings, and the critical issue of workforce financing.

Read Full Report

_______________________________________________________________

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
NAT vol. 24
Contents 2/2007

Editorial

Antti Maunu, Petra Kouvonen
Assessing gendered substance use

Research reports

Sharon Rödner Sznitman
Drugs and gender: A contradictory
project in interviews with socially integrated men and women who use drugs

Jeanette Østergaard
Mind the gender gap! When boys and girls get drunk at a party

Jakob Demant
Youthful drinking with a purpose. Intersections
of age and sex in teenage identity work

Jukka Törrönen, Antti Maunu
Whilst it's red wine with beef, it's booze with a cruise! Genres and gendered regulation of drinking situations in diaries

Commentaries

Manne Forssberg
Gender, party and intoxication

Elina Oinas
Making gender matter - different approaches to gender and partying

Replies

Antti Maunu
Gender theory and empirical research.
A reply to Elina Oinas

Jeanette Østergaard
Differences between quantitative
and qualitative research methods

Interview

Pauliina Seppälä
The forgotten body - Interview with philosopher Sara Heinämaa

Book reviews

Phillip Lalander Mikko Salasuo (eds.)
Drugs and youth cultures-global and local expressions (by Jaana Lähteenmaa)

Peter Gundelach, Margaretha Järvinen (eds.)
Unge, fester og alkohol (by Ellen O. Millar)

Alexandra Bogren
Female Licentiousness versus Male Escape. Essays on Intoxicating Substance Use, Sexuality and Gender (by Suvi Ronkainen Sanna Väyrynen)

___________________________________________________________________

Physical and social availability of alcohol for young enlisted naval personnel in and around home port

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 2007, 2:17
30 June 2007

Heavy alcohol consumption rates are higher in the young adult military enlisted population than among civilians of the same age. The literature on alcohol availability, both generally and specifically with respect to work-related drinking, establishes clear links between ease of access, alcohol consumption rates and alcohol-related problems.

Findings associated with social and physical availability of alcohol include low prices in Navy Exchange base stores, frequent barracks parties, drink promotions in bars surrounding bases, and multiple opportunities for underage drinking despite age limits on alcohol purchases and official efforts to deglamorize alcohol use in the Navy.

Both qualitative and qualitative findings suggest that respondents found alcohol and opportunities to drink overwhelmingly available in both on-base and off-base settings, and from friends both in and out of the Navy.

There is qualitative and quantitative evidence for extensive physical and social availability of alcohol in and around bases for young adults in the military. Policy implications include raising the presently tax-free alcohol prices in base stores and enforcing existing policies regarding underage drinking, particularly the provision of alcohol by people of legal drinking age, and by bars in and around bases.

Cooperative preventive efforts with surrounding communities also offer promising ways for bases to reduce alcohol availability for young adult servicemembers.

Read Full Text (PDF)

____________________________________________________________

Alcoholism is associated with GALR3 but not two other galanin receptor genes
Genes, Brain and Behavior 6 (5), 473–481.



The neuropeptide galanin is widely expressed in the periphery and the central nervous system and mediates diverse physiological processes and behaviors including alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety. Four genes encoding galanin and its receptors have been identified (GAL, GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3).

Recently we found that GAL haplotypes were associated with alcoholism, raising the possibility that genetic variation in GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3 might also alter alcoholism risk. Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by genotyping SNP panels in controls from five populations.

For the association study with alcoholism, six GALR1, four GALR2 and four GALR3 SNPs were genotyped in a large cohort of Finnish alcoholics and non-alcoholics.

GALR3 showed a significant association with alcoholism that was driven by one SNP (rs3091367). Moreover, the combination of the GALR3 rs3091367 risk allele and GAL risk haplotypes led to a modestly increased odds ratio (OR) for alcoholism (2.4) as compared with the effect of either GAL (1.9) or GALR3 alone (1.4). Likewise, the combination of the GALR3 and GAL risk diplotypes led to an increased OR for alcoholism (4.6) as compared with the effect of either GAL (2.0) or GALR3 alone (1.6).

There was no effect of GALR1 or GALR2 on alcoholism risk.

This evidence suggests that GALR3 mediates the alcoholism-related actions of galanin.

Read Full Abstract


Reprint Request E-Mail: ibelfer@mail.nih.gov
___________________________________________________________________

Psychiatric Distress in Incarcerated Women With Recent Cocaine and Alcohol Abuse
Women's Health Issues
Volume 17, Issue 4, July-August 2007, Pages 264-272





Women frequently abuse cocaine and alcohol before incarceration. Research indicates that women in criminal justice settings also suffer high rates of psychiatric distress.

This study aimed to determine how preincarceration abuse of alcohol and cocaine affected current psychiatric distress among female jail detainees held for 10–14 days.

Psychiatric distress is highest (and similar) among women in the high cocaine groups, regardless of alcohol use, and psychiatric distress is lowest among those who used both substances infrequently. Characteristics of psychiatric distress differed based on level of alcohol use, but only when cocaine use was low. High alcohol and cocaine use alone and together also predict the likelihood of psychiatric distress reaching a diagnosable level of severity.

High cocaine, alcohol, or combined use is related to higher levels of psychiatric distress among incarcerated women in this jail. Women should be screened at the time of incarceration, and women who have alcohol and other drug problems should receive treatment that includes mental health services.

Read Full Abstract


Reprint Request E-Mail: velasquez@mail.utexas.edu
_____________________________________________________________

Treatment Needs and Completion of Community-Based Aftercare Among Substance-Abusing Women Offenders
Women's Health Issues
Volume 17, Issue 4, July-August 2007, Pages 244-255

Women offenders with substance abuse problems typically have many treatment needs on reentry to the community from prison.

This paper explores the correlates of treatment needs among a sample of women offenders with substance-abuse problems (n = 1,404), and the relationship between their treatment needs and other background characteristics with completion of community-based treatment after parole.

Greater treatment needs were associated with unstable housing before incarceration, a history of sexual or physical abuse, mental health problems, alcohol or drug dependence, and first arrest at age <19;>Interventions are needed to engage substance-abusing women offenders in community treatment after parole to address their treatment needs, improve their retention in treatment, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: grella@ucla.edu
_____________________________________________________________