Alcohol pricing news and updates: Green King response to IFS report; HMRC analysis

The brewer and pub owner Greene King has called for the "minimum pricing debate to continue" following a policy shift towards taxation and below cost. Greene King, who have previously spoken out in favour of minimum pricing, commissioned a review of the IFS alcohol pricing report which urged higher taxation over minimum pricing.

Review of IFS Impact of Introducing a Minimum Price on Alcohol in Britain [pdf]

In a press release, Greene King stated that minimum pricing would be a "targeted solution", "raising the level of the lowest priced alcohol and directly tackling the behaviour which is causing most concern." However it also suggested that in contrast to the IFS report, the alcohol industry would not benefit from increased profit - in fact it could lose as much as £1.2 billion per year. See also a letter to the Telegraph from the Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand.  > > >   Read More

Population pharmacokinetics of alcohol on Chinese subjects using breath measures

Alcohol is a widely used drug. Our objective was to examine alcohol pharmacokinetics in Chinese subjects through the breath measurement of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to identify any measurable covariates that may help explain variability between subjects.

Breath-alcohol measurements of 184 healthy Chinese subjects were collected. Compartmental models including one- and two-compartment process were examined. First-order kinetics was applied to model alcohol absorption and elimination phases. For the sake of simplicity, only the subject’s body weight, sex and stomach condition were investigated as covariates in our random effects modelling.

The body as a whole behaves as a single compartment, with the suggested one-compartment model being good enough to characterize the biological process. In line with other studies, food ingestion before/with the dose slowed down alcohol absorption into the central compartment. Female subjects exhibited a significantly higher BAC elimination rate than that of males. Body weight also contributed to the observed inter-subject variability in alcohol clearance.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:   wingfung@hku.hk 

Evaluating the validity and utility of scaling alcohol consumption indices alongside AUD symptoms in treatment-seeking adolescents

Current initiatives to update diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have stimulated dialogue about the usefulness of indicators of alcohol consumption in the diagnosis of AUDs.

This study used Rasch model analyses to examine the properties of alcohol consumption descriptors and AUD symptoms among 3382 treatment-seeking adolescents, aged 12–18 years, in the DATOS-A (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 1993–1995) baseline assessment, and evaluated the predictive validity of different scoring methods (with and without alcohol consumption) for 12-month alcohol involvement.

Rasch model analyses supported the unidimensionality of indices of alcohol consumption and AUD symptoms. Test information functions showed that adding consumption items provides further information at all points of the alcohol involvement severity spectrum. 

Combining AUD symptoms with indices of alcohol consumption provided better prediction of alcohol involvement after treatment than either AUD symptom counts or DSM-IV dependence diagnosis alone. 

Differential item functioning (DIF), however, was observed for select items. Generally, indices of drinking “too much too fast” were more severe for females, African Americans and Hispanics, while the opposite was true for items measuring “too much too often”. For age, “too much too often” items were more severe for the younger (12–14 years) age group, and AUD symptoms were more severe for the older (15–18 years) age group.

Indices of alcohol consumption can be validly scaled along with AUD symptoms in this population, and their inclusion provides statistical measurement advantages. 

Nevertheless, caution is necessary in using consumption items in measuring alcohol involvement due to DIF observed across sex, race and age.


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Alcohol News - 51/2010

Views and News from Norway (Norway) - Drunk and disorderly
As Norwegians head into the last weekend before Christmas, the holiday party season known as julebordsesong will hit its climax. It won’t be unusual to see drunken Norwegians staggering along Karl Johans Gate in Oslo, or along Bryggen in Bergen. Sleeping city residents can often be rudely awakened at 4:30am by drunks yelling on the sidewalk outside, even in this winter’s bitterly cold temperatures.
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Statistics Finland (Finland) – Causes of death 2009
The number of alcohol-related deaths has almost doubled in twenty years. The biggest growth was seen half-way into the first decade of the 2000s when the alcohol tax was lowered. In the past few years, the number of alcohol-related deaths has remained almost unchanged and even fallen somewhat.
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North American Studies (Finland/USA) - “MUCH MORE THAN PROHIBITION: AN OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES AND POLICY TOWARD ALCOHOL IN FINLAND AND THE UNITED STATES”
The subject of my presentation is “Much more than Prohibition,” because the paper I presented at the conference emphasized the extensive similarities that existed between the two nation’s alcohol policies during the 1920s. Much of the scientific temperance literature used in advocating for Prohibition in Finland originated from American temperance groups.
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European Addiction Research (Sweden) - Alcohol Habits in Sweden during 1997–2009 with Particular Focus on 2005 and 2009, Assessed with the AUDIT: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Earlier increases in drinking levels between 1997 and 2001 may reflect a latent high demand that was restricted by low availability. When availability due to European Union harmonization increased, alcohol consumption followed suit. After a period of adaptation, alcohol consumption appears to have stabilized.
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BMJ (Denmark) - Testing the validity of the Danish urban myth that alcohol can be absorbed through feet: open labelled self experimental study
Our results suggest that feet are impenetrable to the alcohol component of vodka. We therefore conclude that the Danish urban myth of being able to get drunk by submerging feet in alcoholic beverages is just that; a myth. The implications of the study are many though.
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Boston Herald (USA) - Mass. alcohol poisoning deaths soar in past decade
Alcohol poisoning deaths are soaring in Massachusetts, and state health officials are pointing to a number of potential causes — from binge drinking to the sales tax exemption given to alcohol sold in stores.
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BusinessWeek - AA May Help Stem Alcohol Abuse in Female Convicts
Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at least once a week increases the likelihood that jailed women and those recently released from jail can recover from alcohol abuse, researchers have found.
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Pediatric SuperSite - Caregiver alcohol consumption increased risk for SIDS
Alcohol consumption by parents appeared to be a risk for sudden infant death syndrome, according to researchers from the University of California, San Diego.
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Medscape - Moderate Alcohol Intake May Raise Risk for Amphetamine Abuse
Research published today provides more evidence that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may increase an individual's vulnerability to amphetamine abuse.
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Mediapost.com (USA) - Over the Limit: Underage Kids See More Alcohol Ads
A new study claims a rise in TV alcohol advertising to underage young viewers -- and that the distilled spirits industry has breached its self-imposed limits.
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Los Angeles Times (New Zealand) - New Zealand reconsiders laws liberalizing sale of alcoholic drinks
The brightly colored poster for the annual fundraiser at an elementary school in this quaint town tucked into Tasman Bay advertised face painting, a bouncy castle — and a fully licensed bar.
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Times LIVE (South Africa) - New law might ban Alcohol adverts
New legislation might ban alcohol brands from advertising, place a moratorium on new liquor licenses and make any drinking before driving illegal, Beeld reported on Thursday.
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BBC News (UK) - High income households among biggest alcohol drinkers
Top earners are more likely to drink alcohol frequently than adults in poorer households, a survey says. The Health Survey for England 2009 found that 29% of men and 17% of women in the highest-earning group consumed alcohol on five or more days a week.
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Montreal Gazette (Canada) - Make booze cheap for homeless, costly for everyone else: Study
Rock-bottom liquor prices should be raised to limit excess drinking among young people and heavy drinkers, but liquor should be given free to homeless drunks to manage their consumption, a new University of Victoria study says.
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PR Newswire (USA) - Fed Delays on Alcohol Labeling Stymieing National Policies on Alcohol and Obesity
The National Consumers League (NCL) has once again called on the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to issue a final rule to improve alcohol beverage labeling.
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Vancouver Sun (Canada) - Walking while intoxicated can be a high-risk activity
Heading into the two deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, experts say dangers of 'drinking and walking' should be taken seriously.
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msnbc.com - Liquor store density linked to domestic violence
Opening more neighborhood pubs and liquor stores could lead to more violence in local residents' homes, hints a new Australian study.
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Internal Medicine News Digital Network - Changes in Cigarette Prices Affect Alcohol Consumption
Raising cigarette taxes has the unwanted effect of increasing alcohol consumption, including binge and heavy drinking.
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PhysOrg.com - Individuals who are victimized -- especially in childhood -- likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs
A new study finds strong associations between victims' experiences -- such as unwanted sexual activity, neglect and physical violence -- and substance use disorders.
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BBC News (UK) - Debate called for on alcohol ban on public transport
Rail and bus operators have been urged to consider an alcohol ban by a drinks awareness charity. Alcohol Concern said the majority of assaults on the staff of one train company in Wales were alcohol-related.
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PR Newswire - Preconceived Notions About Alcohol Lead to Trouble for Students Traveling Abroad, LMU Study Finds
American college students participate in study abroad programs to expand their horizons and experience life among different cultures. But their attitudes toward alcohol use in other countries can create negative consequences, a Loyola Marymount University study has found.
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Online News Website (EU) - Excessive Alcohol Consumption Growing Problem in Europe
Europe is dealing with the problem of excessive alcohol consumption and the life-threatening effects it is having on it’s citizens.
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NW Evening Mail (UK) - ‘Bigger killers than banned narcotics’
A LEADING Cumbrian drugs expert says alcohol and tobacco are bigger killers than any banned narcotic.
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Eurasia Review (Russia) - Russia: Binge Drinking and Sudden Death
Alcohol is a major cause of unnecessary death among Russian men. That fact is unlikely to surprise even the most casual observer of Russia. But after crunching several years’ worth of data, a leading researcher expressed a sense of surprise over the extent of reckless drinking in Russia and its impact on heart disease.
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Psychometric and Genetic Architecture of Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Disinhibition Measures for Gene Association Studies

Using large twin, family, and adoption studies conducted at the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research, we describe our efforts to develop measures of substance use disorder (SUD) related phenotypes for targets in genome wide association analyses. 

 

Beginning with a diverse set of relatively narrow facet-level measures, we identified 5 constructs of intermediate complexity: nicotine, alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, illicit drug, and behavioral disinhibition. 

 

The 5 constructs were moderately correlated (mean r = .57) reflecting a general externalizing liability to substance abuse and antisocial behavior. 

 

Analyses of the twin and adoption data revealed that this general externalizing liability accounted for much of the genetic risk in each of the intermediate-level constructs, though each also exhibited significant unique genetic and environmental risk. 

 

Additional analyses revealed substantial effects for age and sex, significant shared environmental effects, and that the mechanism of these shared environmental effects operates via siblings rather than parents. 

 

Our results provide a foundation for genome wide association analyses to detect risk alleles for SUDs as well as novel insights into genetic and environmental risk for SUDs. 

 

 

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Ethanol Metabolism by HeLa Cells Transduced With Human Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes: Control of the Pathway by Acetaldehyde Concentration

Human class I alcohol dehydrogenase 2 isoenzymes (encoded by the ADH1B locus) have large differences in kinetic properties; however, individuals inheriting the alleles for the different isoenzymes exhibit only small differences in alcohol elimination rates. This suggests that other cellular factors must regulate the activity of the isoenzymes.

The activity of the isoenzymes expressed from ADH1B*1, ADH1B*2, and ADH1B*3 cDNAs was examined in stably transduced HeLa cell lines, including lines which expressed human low K_m aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). The ability of the cells to metabolize ethanol was compared with that of HeLa cells expressing rat class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) (HeLa-rat ADH cells), rat hepatoma (H4IIEC3) cells, and rat hepatocytes.

The isoenzymes had similar protein half-lives in the HeLa cells. Rat hepatocytes, H4IIEC3 cells, and HeLa-rat ADH cells oxidized ethanol much faster than the cells expressing the ADH1B isoenzymes. This was not explained by high cellular NADH levels or endogenous inhibitors; but rather because the activity of the β1 and β2 ADHs was constrained by the accumulation of acetaldehyde, as shown by the increased rate of ethanol oxidation by cell lines expressing β2 ADH plus ALDH2.

The activity of the human β2 ADH isoenzyme is sensitive to inhibition by acetaldehyde, which likely limits its activity in vivo. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a low steady-state acetaldehyde concentration in hepatocytes during ethanol metabolism.




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dcrabb@iupui.edu

Alberta lifts temporary ban, allows high-alcohol beer on store shelves

In a move that has been declared a victory for "beer geeks," the Alberta government has released a new policy that will allow liquor stores to stock their shelves with high-alcohol beer.

Brews that contain more than 11.9 per cent alcohol will be taxed at a rate ­similar to spirits and coolers, the ­Alberta Gaming and Liquor ­Commission said this week.  > > > >
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Frontally mediated inhibitory processing and white matter microstructure: age and alcoholism effects

The NOGO P3 event-related potential is a sensitive marker of alcoholism, relates to EEG oscillation in the δ and θ frequency ranges, and reflects activation of an inhibitory processing network. Degradation of white matter tracts related to age or alcoholism should negatively affect the oscillatory activity within the network.

 

This study aims to evaluate the effect of alcoholism and age on δ and θ oscillations and the relationship between these oscillations and measures of white matter microstructural integrity.

 

Data from ten long-term alcoholics to 25 nonalcoholic controls were used to derive P3 from Fz, Cz, and Pz using a visual GO/NOGO protocol. Total power and across trial phase synchrony measures were calculated for δ and θ frequencies. DTI, 1.5 T, data formed the basis of quantitative fiber tracking in the left and right cingulate bundles and the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum. Fractional anisotropy and diffusivity (λL and λT) measures were calculated from each tract.

 

NOGO P3 amplitude and δ power at Cz were smaller in alcoholics than controls. Lower δ total power was related to higher λT in the left and right cingulate bundles. GO P3 amplitude was lower and GO P3 latency was longer with advancing age, but none of the time–frequency analysis measures displayed significant age or diagnosis effects.

 

The relation of δ total power at CZ with λT in the cingulate bundles provides correlational evidence for a functional role of fronto-parietal white matter tracts in inhibitory processing.

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216817 Neighborhood disadvantage amplifies risk of drug problems for residents with a family history of alcohol problems

The effects of family risk factors for alcohol and drug problems may be amplified in the context of neighborhood disadvantage. Drinkers or drug users with a family history of alcohol abuse may have fewer psychological and social resources to cope with stress associated with living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and may develop alcohol or drug problems. 

This study examined whether the relationship between family history of alcohol abuse and current alcohol or drug problems was moderated by neighborhood disadvantage. 

Survey data from the 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys (N = 11,399 adults) were linked to indicators of neighborhood disadvantage from the 2000 US Decennial Census. Neighborhoods were classified into 3 groups based on a composite indicator of neighborhood disadvantage. Past-year drug and alcohol problems included interpersonal, health, legal and work-related consequences. Individuals with both first- and second-degree relatives who were problem drinkers or alcoholics were coded as positive for family history of alcohol abuse. 

The hypothesis was tested using logistic regression adjusting for individual SES and other demographics. 

Neighborhood disadvantage did modify the association between family history and drug problems: Residents of poor neighborhoods who had a positive family history were at significantly elevated risk compared to other residents.

Neighborhood disadvantage did not modify the association between family history and alcohol problems.

The findings suggest that living in advantaged neighborhoods may reduce risk of drug problems for people with a family history of alcohol abuse, but prevention initiatives should target both advantaged and disadvantaged areas to reduce alcohol problems.

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218004 Determinants of alcohol dependence in a racially diverse sample of young men

Alcohol abuse and dependence constitute important health threats across the life course. This is particularly true among young males, who tend to have higher levels of abuse and dependence than females of all ages. 

The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence among young men from adolescence to young adulthood. 

Data for the study are from four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The sample for this study includes 4597 men who entered the panel between ages 11 and 19, and who persisted to wave 4 at ages 24 to 32. Latent growth modeling is applied to examine the patterns of alcohol abuse and dependence over time and to understand the major determinants of these patterns. 

Significant levels of alcohol-related problems are present in this sample: 27% reported at least one DSM-IV alcohol abuse symptom in the last year; 37% reported at least one DSM-IV alcohol dependence symptom, and 11% reported having three or more symptoms of alcohol dependence in the last year. 

We note substantial racial and ethnic differences, with white men drinking more and experiencing higher levels of alcohol abuse and dependence than other groups. 

Because the period from early adolescence through young adulthood includes ages typically associated with the onset of alcohol dependence, this longitudinal study will enable us to understand the determinants of the development of alcohol abuse and dependence that will have implications for prevention and treatment programs. 

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217642 Race and sex differences in age at drinking onset and development of alcohol dependence

Multiple studies have shown that risk for lifetime alcohol dependence is higher in those who initiated drinking at an earlier age; however, few studies have examined this relationship by sex and race subgroups. 

The purpose of this study is to investigate sex and race differences in age at first drink and development of alcohol dependence. 

This study uses data from Wave I of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of 43,093 adults. Those meeting DSM-IV criteria for lifetime alcohol dependence (12.5%) were included in the current analyses. Linear regression was used to compare men and women and Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics on ages at first drink and onset of dependence. 

Women were significantly older than men at drinking onset (17.4 vs. 16.5, p <.001), yet there were no differences in mean age of development of alcohol dependence (24.4 vs. 23. 9, p = .140). Thus, preliminary results suggest the time course from first drink to dependence is shorter for women. 

Whites and Hispanics were significantly younger than Blacks at drinking onset (16.8, 16.7, and 17.5, p < .001) and at development of alcohol dependence (23.8, 23.8, 27.0, p < .001), demonstrating a longer time course from first drink to dependence for Blacks. 

The present study demonstrates age differences, at drinking onset as well as differences in the time lag between initiation of alcohol and development of alcohol dependence. 

The implications for the prevention of alcohol dependence are presented. 

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215026 Cohort differences in long-term patterns of change in alcohol consumption

This research aimed to estimate patterns of within-person changes in alcohol consumption among cohorts of aging adults, and assess key predictors of individual differences in alcohol use trajectories. 

Data came from 3,617 adults who were interviewed up to four times between 1986 and 2002. Multilevel multinomial logit models estimated the odds of abstinence and heavy drinking relative to moderate drinking. 

The odds of abstinence increased, and the odds of heavy drinking decreased during the study period. 

Significant cohort variations around these trends were observed, such as current older adults experiencing faster increases in abstinence than younger adults. 

However, extrapolations from these patterns suggest that current younger adults are more likely to be abstinent, and less likely to be heavy drinkers in late life than current cohorts of older adults. 

Aging-related drinking trajectories, as well as cohort differences in these patterns, are associated with time-varying health, social, and lifestyle factors. 

Drinking behavior in our aging population appears to be on a relatively promising course, perhaps reflecting the effectiveness of public health efforts to reduce drinking behavior.

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216799 Associations between income inequality and alcohol consumption patterns and problems

Income inequality contributes to poor health, but few studies have focused on inequality's relationship to health risk behaviors. 

We examined whether associations between state-level income inequality and four alcohol outcomes differed by measure of inequality or outcome, as well as whether associations were moderated by individual-level disadvantage (minority race/ethnicity, household income, neighborhood poverty). 

Survey data from 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys (N = 11,107) were linked to state-level indicators of income from the 2000 US Decennial Census. Measures of inequality were the Gini coefficient, Black-to-White poverty ratio (BWPR), and Hispanic-to-White poverty ratio (HWPR). Past-year alcohol outcomes were volume consumed during light-to-moderate-drinking occasions (1-4 drinks); volume consumed during heavy-drinking occasions (5+ drinks); interpersonal, health, legal and work-related consequences of drinking; and DSM-IV dependence. Multilevel linear and logistic regression models adjusted for individual demographics, state-level urbanicity and state-level median income. 

Main effects models showed the Gini coefficient was not related to the outcomes. 

Neither household nor neighborhood poverty moderated inequality's effects. High inequality was associated with increased light and heavy drinking by Whites, but not by Hispanics or Blacks. 

For both Blacks and Hispanics, high inequality was associated with increased risk of consequences compared to Whites. 

Findings suggest Blacks and Hispanics in areas characterized by high levels of inequality may be at particular risk for alcohol-related consequences, but this may not be due to increased consumption. 

Further examination of types of consequences experienced by Blacks and Hispanics in states with race-linked poverty are needed to reduce disparities in alcohol-related problems. 

 

 

 

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217440 Comparison of detailed drinking pattern and other characteristics between Wet, Moderate and Dry regions of the US in the National Alcohol Surveys

 

In a study utilizing data from the NSDUH and BRFSS surveys along with per capita apparent consumption estimates we categorized the US states as Wet, Moderate and Dry according to their prevalence of past month 5+ drinkers and abstainers and their per capita consumption level. States were then further categorized based on geography into six regional groups: North Central, New England, Middle Atlantic, Pacific, South Coast and Dry South. 

 

Utilizing these groupings in the National Alcohol Surveys we will provide more detailed descriptions of each regional group in terms of alcohol consumption patterns, preferences, norms, problems as well as related demographics examining other characteristics which may explain any observed differences. 

 

Such details will include contexts of drinking, estimated average drink alcohol content, the prevalence and frequency of higher levels of daily quantity such as 8+, 12+ and maximum drinks, beverage-specific measures, attitudes toward alcohol and related risk behaviors such as cigarette and illegal drug use. 

 

Analyses of these detailed measures will highlight similarities and differences between regional wetness groupings, which may suggest avenues toward understanding cultural differences in drinking and potential targets for alcohol policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems. 

 

 

 

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216735 Economic impact of substance abuse in Indiana

Substance abuse and addiction have a profound impact on all sectors of society. They are major contributors to a wide range of health and social problems, including domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, crime, chronic health problems, increased mortality, higher healthcare costs, and lost productivity. 

The real economic impact of substance abuse is difficult to quantify empirically because there are both direct and indirect consequences. 

In 2009, CASA released a study that measured the financial burden of substance abuse/addiction on both the nation and individual states. Since Indiana did not participate in the study, and an estimate of costs attributable to substance abuse is critical in guiding prevention planning, the State Epidemiology and Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) decided to replicate CASA's methodology and assess Indiana's expenditures related to alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse. We (SEOW) followed CASA's methodology whenever possible and attempted to identify federal, state, and local spending for FY 2008. In instances where we could not retrieve detailed data from state departments, we relied on the as-passed state budget. 

According to our analysis, a total of $7.3 billion in allocations can be attributed to substance abuse; representing a per-capita share of $1,145. Most of Indiana's funding is allocated to address the consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use rather than to prevent or reduce its occurrence. 

For every dollar Indiana spends on services dealing directly or indirectly with substance use, 66 cents are used for healthcare, while only 1 cent pays for prevention/intervention initiatives. 

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219205 Expenditures per drink, amounts consumed, context of drinking and alcohol-relater\d problems in the 2005 National Alcohol Survey: The policy implications

Earlier we found mean expenditures per drink of the top 10% of drinkers is lower ($0.79/drink) than the bottom 50% by volume ($4.75/drink). 

The 2005 NAS (n = 6,919), a telephone survey of US adults, asked 30-day expenditures for wine, beer and spirits and associated consumption. 

We investigated factors affecting alcohol expenditures and conversely, the role of expenditures and other factors in predicting alcohol-related problems. 

Using linear regression among current drinkers (n=3,951) we modeled expenditure per drink with demographics including gender, age, ethnicity, employment status, income, and amount consumed in on- vs. off-premise venues, plus number of social and health consequences. Alternative specifications considered the effect on number of alcohol problems of volume and mean expenditure per drink, accounting for the same influences. 

Considering results with alcohol measures that adjusted for a person's mean drink size and strength, those reporting more problems were as expected more likely to be male, younger, have lower incomes and ages, be Hispanic and not only drink higher volumes, the strongest influence, but also spent more per gram ethanol (or per self-reported drink in separate models; both ps < .01), controlling for on-premise drinking (p = .07).

While descriptively, heavier drinkers tend to pay much less per drink than lighter drinkers, once many personal characteristics are controlled, those reporting higher expenditures (willing to spend more per drink) express more alcohol related problems. 

Few general population studies have included alcohol expenditures. 

We consider data limitations and the implications for price and tax policy.

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214914 Effects of Alcohol Tax and Price Policies on Morbidity and Mortality: A Systematic Review

We conducted a systematic review of effects of alcohol taxes and prices on alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. 

Nine databases plus reference lists were searched for studies providing estimates of the relationship between alcohol taxes and prices and measures of risky behavior or morbidity and mortality. Effect sizes and numerous population and study characteristics were coded. Independent estimates were combined using random effects models to obtain aggregate effect estimates. 

Fifty studies containing 340 estimates were identified. Meta-estimates were r = -0.347 for alcohol-related disease and injury outcomes, -0.022 for violence, -0.048 for suicide, -0.112 for traffic crash outcomes, -0.055 for STDs, -0.022 for other drug use, and -0.014 for crime and other misbehavior measures. All except suicide are statistically significant. 

Public policies that affect the price of alcoholic beverages have significant and substantial effects on alcohol-related disease and injury rates. 

Results suggest doubling the alcohol tax would be associated, on average, with a 35% reduction in alcohol-related mortality, 11% reduction in traffic crash deaths, 6% reduction in STDs, 2% reduction in violence, and a 1.4% reduction in crime. 

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214501 Do changes in state cigarette prices impact current, binge, and heavy drinking?

Raising prices on alcohol and tobacco products through taxation is a proven strategy to stem their respective use. As nearly 25% of the U.S. population uses alcohol and cigarettes concurrently, it is important to know whether increasing cigarette prices may impact alcohol use--a ‘cross-price effect.' 

 

This study examines the effects of changes in state cigarette prices on current, binge, and heavy drinking patterns among demographic groups. 

 

Six years of cross sectional data are pooled from the 2001-2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys (BRFSS), a nationally representative household telephone survey conducted annually with random samples of adults 18 years of age and older. 

The pooled data yield 1,698,196 independent observations. The main binary dependent variables are current smoking, and current, binge, and heavy drinking. 

The main explanatory variable is average state cigarette price, and covariates include individual demographic variables, state tobacco and alcohol policies, and economic indicators. Multivariate logistic regressions are estimated that incorporate state fixed effects. 

Preliminary findings indicate that each $1 increase in cigarette price is associated with an 8% increase in the predicted odds of drinking in the past month (p<.05) and a 7% increase in heavy drinking (p<.1). For binge drinking there was no significant effect in preliminary analyses. 

Additional analyses will be reported by demographic groups. 

Study findings will provide policy-makers with new knowledge about how potential unintended consequences of tobacco control policy may impact alcohol-related harm in different populations. 

 

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Intelligence and substance use

Why do some individuals choose to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and use illegal drugs while others do not? The origin of individual preferences and values is one of the remaining theoretical questions in social and behavioral sciences. 

The Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis suggests that more intelligent individuals may be more likely to acquire and espouse evolutionarily novel values than less intelligent individuals. 

Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is evolutionarily novel, so the Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis would predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to consume these substances. 

Analyses of two large, nationally representative, and prospectively longitudinal data from the United Kingdom and the United States partly support the prediction. 

More intelligent children, both in the United Kingdom and the United States, are more likely to grow up to consume more alcohol. 

More intelligent American children are more likely to grow up to consume more tobacco, while more intelligent British children are more likely to grow up to consume more illegal drugs. 

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s.kanazawa@lse.ac.uk

Sex differences in neural responses to stress and alcohol context cues

Stress and alcohol context cues are each associated with alcohol-related behaviors, yet neural responses underlying these processes remain unclear. 

This study investigated the neural correlates of stress and alcohol context cue experiences and examined sex differences in these responses. 

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain responses were examined while 43 right-handed, socially drinking, healthy individuals (23 females) engaged in brief guided imagery of personalized stress, alcohol-cue, and neutral-relaxing scenarios. 

Stress and alcohol-cue exposure increased activity in the cortico–limbic–striatal circuit (P < 0.01, corrected), encompassing the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left anterior insula, striatum, and visuomotor regions (parietal and occipital lobe, and cerebellum). 

Activity in the left dorsal striatum increased during stress, while bilateral ventral striatum activity was evident during alcohol-cue exposure. 

Men displayed greater stress-related activations in the mPFC, rostral ACC, posterior insula, amygdala, and hippocampus than women, whereas women showed greater alcohol-cue-related activity in the superior and middle frontal gyrus (SFG/MFG) than men. 

Stress-induced anxiety was positively associated with activity in emotion-modulation regions, including the medial OFC, ventromedial PFC, left superior-mPFC, and rostral ACC in men, but in women with activation in the SFG/MFG, regions involved in cognitive processing. 

Alcohol craving was significantly associated with the striatum (encompassing dorsal, and ventral) in men, supporting its involvement in alcohol “urge” in healthy men. 

These results indicate sex differences in neural processing of stress and alcohol-cue experiences and have implications for sex-specific vulnerabilities to stress- and alcohol-related psychiatric disorders.

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Request Reprint E-Mail:    Rajita.sinha@yale.edu