MedWorm: Addiction

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:36 +0100

CSAT Rescinds 2008 Directive on Take-Homes, Citing Field ConfusionProvider Agencies Overcome Uncertainty in Instituting Walk-in AssessmentsIowa Governor Preserves Funding for Substance Abuse TreatmentNIATx Calls for Proposals for Its New Health Reform InitiativeIndian Health Care Now Included in House VersionLive Grenade in Chicago Treatment ProgramBriefly NotedState NewsCall for ApplicationsComing up (Source: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Action on Addiction takes action to disarm addiction to see that people are free from addiction and its effects. Our approach to this mission is multi-dimensional and covers everything from prevention to recovery.

Combine Nicotine Patch, Lozenges to Quit Smoking, Researchers Say

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:16:00 +0100

A study comparing five pharmaceutical approaches to quitting smoking found that mixing nicotine patches and lozenges was the most effective, in part because it seemed to best duplicate the highs and lows of nicotine addiction faced by smokers. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Marijuana Legalized in Breckenridge, Colo.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0100

In a largely symbolic move, voters in the Colorado ski town of Breckenridge voted overwhelmingly to approve the legalization of marijuana possession and use. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Syringe exchange, injecting and intranasal drug use

Addiction — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion While assessing the possible effects of syringe exchange on trends in injecting drug use is inherently difficult, these may be the strongest data collected to date showing a lack of increase in drug injecting following implementation of syringe exchange. (Source: Addiction)

Smoking During Pregnancy May Predispose Kids to Behavioral Problems

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:21:47 +0100

Women who smoked during pregnancy were more likely to report having children with behavioral problems, and researchers think the reason could be fetal brain damage. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

MADD Launches Program To Help Parents Influence Teen Alcohol Behavior

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:03:54 +0100

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nationwide Insurance have launched a multi-media program to give parents of high school students the communication tools they need to stop teen alcohol use. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Maine Voters Expand Medical-Marijuana Availability

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:52:08 +0100

Voters in Maine this week decisively approved a measure that will make medical marijuana more available to residents. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Company Designs Filter to Remove Some Cigarette Toxins

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:48:19 +0100

A Hong Kong biotech firm has designed a filter that removes some of the toxic chemicals from cigarette smoke but leaves the tobacco flavor intact. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Do You Have an Alcohol or Drug Problem?

About.com Alcoholism — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that it has become a problem for them and those around them. The following self-assessment tests can help you determine whether or not it may be time to get help. Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz Drug Abuse Screening Quiz Could You Be Depressed? Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol? Is Your Child Huffing Inhalants? Questions for Families: Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking? Are You Enabling an Alcoholic or Addict? Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker? Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz Adult Child Screening Quiz Do You Have an Alcohol or Drug Problem? originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 00:05:17.Permalink | Comment | Email this ...

Address Drinking, Smoking to Raise Life Expectancy: WHO

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:16:34 +0100

About one in four premature deaths worldwide can be traced to five preventable health factors -- alcohol use, poor childhood nutrition, unsafe sex, bad sanitation and hygiene, and high blood pressure -- according to the World Health Organization (WHO). (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

U.K. Drug Czar Fired for Saying Illegal Drugs Less Harmful Than Alcohol, Cigarettes

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:11:42 +0100

U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has fired his drug czar after David Nutt said that LSD and ecstasy are less dangerous drugs than alcohol or tobacco. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Study Shows How Alcohol Can Spread Cancer

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:04:15 +0100

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center may have discovered how alcohol transforms regular cancer cells into a more aggressive form of the disease that can spread to other areas of the body. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Smoking May Hinder Arthritis Treatment

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:01:23 +0100

Several recent studies have found that smoking cigarettes may trigger rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or hinder the treatment of RA. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

AERC and Drinkaware Call for Proposals - “National Drinking Cultures”

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:14 +0100

If Drinkaware and others want to change the national drinking culture for the better, it is vital that there is an understanding of the culture (or cultures) that currently exist. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Cheap Alcohol Appeals to Problem Drinkers, Study Finds

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:50:00 +0100

About 70 percent of the alcohol consumed by a group of problem drinkers in Scotland had been bought at a discount, according to a study that concluded that heavy drinkers actively seek out cheap alcohol and that setting minimum alcohol prices could cut overconsumption. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Researchers Probe Smokeless Tobacco's Relative Safety

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:58:59 +0100

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and academic researchers are examining whether smokeless-tobacco products can potentially be viewed as a safer alternative to smoking. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Cut Drunk Driving Standard to .05 Percent, MADD Canada Says

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:51:20 +0100

Quebec should cut its legal blood-alcohol limit to .05 percent as recommended by the province's transport minister in 2007, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada says. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Healthy Relationships and Sobriety

About.com Alcoholism — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There is a saying in recovery circles that alcoholics and addicts don't have relationships, they take hostages. The truth is most addicts and alcoholics have lost the ability to recognize a healthy relationship, much less maintain one. But experts say to achieve long-term sobriety, it is essential to build or rebuild supportive, healthy relationships. Read more... Maintaining Sobriety: Getting Healthy to Maintain Sobriety How to Avoid Substituting Addictions Do You Know the Steps Leading to Relapse? Photo: Clipart.com Healthy Relationships and Sobriety originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 03:12:10.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Gambling and the Multidimensionality of Accessibility: More Than Just Proximity to Venues

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:38:38 +0100

This study used data from semi-structured focus groups and interviews with 38 participants (Median age 42 years) to explore wider aspects of accessibility. People preferred venues which were open long hours and located close to home, work or regular routes, i.e., geo-temporal accessibility. This was particularly influential for problem gamblers. Social and personal accessibility related to venues as safe, social, easy entertainment experiences, and as an accessible retreat from life issues. The attraction of an accessible retreat was restricted to problem gamblers. Finally, low outlay games and easy access to money increased financial accessibility. Accessibility should therefore be considered multidimensional. Further, results suggested that while gambling as safe, social enter...

What's Going Through the DTs Like?

About.com Alcoholism — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Not everyone who quits drinking experiences severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens. But for those who do, it can be life threatening. A visitor to our Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Forum recently described in graphic detail his experience going through severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, then getting professional detoxification help. Read more... More: Range of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Getting Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawl Symptoms Specific Medical Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Photo: Clipart.com What's Going Through the DTs Like? originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 00:08:19.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Fight Heroin with Heroin, Study Says

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:32:14 +0100

Less use of street drugs and less criminal activity were among the benefits of giving heroin addicts daily injections of the drug along with counseling and other services, according to a new study. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Medical Marijuana Providers Need to Know Patients, Colorado Court Rules

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:29:35 +0100

A Colorado court has let stand the drug conviction of a woman who supplied marijuana to medical-marijuana dispensaries, saying the she did not qualify as a "caregiver" under state law because she did not have direct contact with patients. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Agassi Drug Revelation Earns Criticism from Tennis Peers

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:27:45 +0100

Tennis champion Andre Agassi's admission of drug use more than a decade ago has led to confusion and condemnation among current and former tennis pros, including some who have been professed admirers of his career. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Light Smoking Impairs Arterial Health, Study Finds

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:26:03 +0100

Young smokers suffer reduced cardiovascular function even if they smoke only a few cigarettes per day, according to research from Stella Daskalopoulou at the McGill University Health Center. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Federal Government Pushes Development of Addiction Vaccines

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:35:52 +0100

The federal government wants to leverage interest and investment in vaccine development to get pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs that could "inoculate" people against addiction to cocaine, nicotine, and other substances. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Inhalants - Available and Inexpensive

About.com Alcoholism — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. Younger children and teens tend to abuse inhalants in part because they are readily available and inexpensive. Although unintentional inhalation of household products can occur, inhalant abuse, or huffing, is an intention act. Read more... More About Inhalants: Inhalant FAQs Inhalant Abuse Inhalant Abuse Is Your Child Huffing? Photo: Clipart.comInhalants - Available and Inexpensive originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 00:06:06.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Vaccines Protect the Whole Community

About.com Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The decision to get vaccinated against a disease such as H1N1 is a personal one. I've noticed this reflected in the way people talk about the decision -- whether they are in the higher risk groups, whether they mind being ill etc. Yet it is worth bearing in mind that your decision whether or not to get vaccinated may affect many more people than just you. You are also affecting everyone you could potentially pass the virus on to. And with people being contagious both before symptoms appear and after they disappear, there is a high likelihood that you will pass it on to many others without realizing it if you are not vaccinated. Lifestyles associated with drug and sex addictions also increase risk of transmission. So if you aren't sure whether you will come into contact with a young child, ...

Obesity and its relationship to addictions: is overeating a form of addictive behavior?

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barry D, Clarke M, Petry NM Obesity is a major public health problem and notoriously difficult to treat. There are many parallels between obesity/overeating and addictions to alcohol and drugs. This paper discusses similarities between obesity and addictive disorders, including common personality characteristics, disruptive behavior syndromes, and brain mechanisms. Although there are important differences between overeating and other addictive behaviors, an addiction model of overeating may effectively inform prevention and treatment of obesity. PMID: 19874165 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal on Addictions)

The variety of ecstasy/MDMA users: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on alcohol and related conditions.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigates the potential heterogeneity of ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) users. Data came from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression procedures were used to identify subtypes of ecstasy users. Approximately 1.6% (n = 562) of adult participants (N = 43,093) reported lifetime ecstasy use. LCA identified three subtypes of ecstasy users. Class 1 exhibited pervasive use of most drug classes (ecstasy-polydrug users, 37%). Class 2 reported a high rate of use of marijuana and cocaine and a moderate use of amphetamines (ecstasy-marijuana-stimulant users, 29%). Class 3 was characterized by a high rate of use of marijuana and a low use of primarily p...

Characteristics of pathological gamblers with a problem gambling parent.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schreiber L, Odlaug BL, Kim SW, Grant JE This analysis compares the characteristics of adult pathological gamblers with and without a problem gambling parent. A sample of 517 individuals with current DSM-IV pathological gambling was categorized based on presence of a parental problem gambler. Groups were compared on clinical characteristics, gambling severity, gambling-related problems, and psychiatric comorbidity. Although the groups were similar on most measures, pathological gamblers with at least one problem gambling parent were more likely to have a father with an alcohol abuse/dependence problem; have financial and legal problems; and report daily nicotine use. Females with a problem gambling parent had significantly earlier onset of gambling behavior, were significantly...

Psychiatric comorbidity reduces quality of life in chronic methadone maintained patients.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the influence of the psychiatric comorbidity of MMT patients on their quality of life. A total of 193 middle-aged patients in long-term MMT were assessed for current and lifetime Axis I psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders using the MINI, the CIDI-SAM, and the SIDP-IV. Quality of life (Qol) was assessed using the EQ-5D. Psychiatric comorbidity was documented in 78% of the patients. Mood disorders (60%) and anxiety disorders (46%) were the most common diagnoses. Additional substance use disorders were diagnosed in 70% of the MMT patients. While a probable personality disorder was documented for 65% of the patients, 66 of these patients actually showed an antisocial personality disorder. Qol was severely diminished to a level comparabl...

Influence of verbal recall of a recent stress experience on anxiety and desire for cocaine in non-treatment seeking, cocaine-addicted volunteers.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: De La Garza R, Ashbrook LH, Evans SE, Jacobsen CA, Kalechstein AD, Newton TF It has long been postulated that stress increases the risk of drug abuse and relapse. The principal goal of this project was to evaluate the effects of verbal recall of a recent stress experience (specifically meaningful to each individual) on physiological and subjective measures in cocaine-addicted participants. Subjects described a recent stressful non-drug-related experience and a neutral non-stressful experience, and then completed mood and drug effect questionnaires, while heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Participants (N = 25) were predominantly African American and male. As a group, participants used cocaine for more than 15 years and approximately 18 of the last 30 days, and a majo...

A simple risk scoring system for prediction of relapse after inpatient alcohol treatment.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pedersen MU, Hesse M Predicting relapse after alcoholism treatment can be useful in targeting patients for aftercare services. However, a valid and practical instrument for predicting relapse risk does not exist. Based on a prospective study of alcoholism treatment, we developed the Risk of Alcoholic Relapse Scale (RARS) using items taken from the Addiction Severity Index and some basic demographic information. The RARS was cross-validated using two non-overlapping samples, and tested for its ability to predict relapse across different models of treatment. The RARS predicted relapse to drinking within 6 months after alcoholism treatment in both the original and the validation sample, and in a second validation sample it predicted admission to new treatment 3 years after treatm...

Effects of a diagnosis or family history of alcoholism on the taste intensity and hedonic value of sucrose.

The American Journal on Addictions — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tremblay KA, Bona JM, Kranzler HR Given inconsistent findings in published studies, we examined whether a personal lifetime history of alcohol dependence (AD) or a parental history of alcoholism affected preference for sweet solutions. Ninety-three alcohol-dependent subjects rated the intensity and hedonic value of five different sucrose solutions, which was compared with similar data from 122 subjects screened to exclude alcohol dependence. The effect of a family history of alcoholism (FH) was examined in the AD group. Neither the diagnosis of AD nor a family history of alcoholism was associated with ratings of sweetness intensity or sweet preference. These findings do not support the hypothesis that sucrose preference is positively associated with either a personal lifetime ...

Young people, alcohol and the news: preliminary findings

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:15:19 +0100

New AERC Alcohol Insight and Final Report reveals marked patterns in the way alcohol is represented in the news, as well as the degree of scepticism young people have towards news reporting of these issues. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Pharmacies Worry About Liability for Prescription-Drug Abuse

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:01:07 +0100

Pharmacies nationally are closely watching a Nevada case in which car-crash victims and their families are suing stores that sold painkillers to a driver who had been suspected of abusing prescription drugs. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Leading Health Reform Bill Allows Higher Premiums for Smokers, Not Other Drug Users

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:23:23 +0100

Health insurers would be allowed to charge smokers higher rates under the Senate Finance Committee's healthcare reform bill, but no such provisions are in place for users of illicit drugs. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

New Brews Sacrifice Alcohol, Flavor to Save Calories

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:28:00 +0100

U.S. brewers are promoting a new class of ultra-low calorie beers that have lower alcohol content than typical mass-marketed full-strength and light brews. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:27:44 +0100

Centers Prepare for Flu's Effects by Educating Both Staff and ClientsNQF Standards for Treating SUDs Move Closer to Implementation by StatesMo. Requires Providers to Offer Medication-Assisted TreatmentObesity Linked to Addiction in Rat Study of Brain Reward CenterField Should be Unified, Not Split, by NIDA-NIAAA Merger Talks'Chronic Inebriates' Who are Homeless Caught Between State and Local CareBriefly NotedIn the StatesComing up (Source: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly)

Alcohol in the News

About.com Alcoholism — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Alcoholism Forum Photo: © Getty ImagesAlcohol in the News originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 00:05:04.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

H2 haplotype at chromosome 17q21.31 protects against childhood sexual abuse-associated risk for alcohol consumption and dependence

Addiction Biology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Animal research supports a central role for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in actions of ethanol on brain function. An examination of alcohol consumption in adolescents reported a significant genotype × environment (G × E) interaction involving rs1876831, a corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) polymorphism, and negative events. CRHR1 and at least four other genes are located at 17q21.31 in an extremely large block of high linkage disequilibrium resulting from a local chromosomal inversion; the minor allele of rs1876831 is contained within the H2 haplotype. Here, we examine whether G × E interactions involving this haplotype and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are associated with risk for alcohol consumption and dependence in Australian participants (n = 1128 respondents...

Former Anheuser-Busch Spokesperson Sues Over 'Frat Party' Work Environment

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:50:32 +0100

Francine Katz, the longtime spokesperson for brewer Anheuser-Busch, is suing the company for sexual discrimination, saying that she earned lower pay than her male colleagues and endured a 'locker room' and 'frat party' atmosphere during her 20 years with the company. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Legalization Gets a Hearing in California

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:47:16 +0100

The California legislature held a hearing this week on a bill that would legalize marijuana, and if that fails to pass state voters will likely have the opportunity to vote on legalization via ballot initiative next fall. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

New York May Try Collecting Cigarette Taxes from Native Americans

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0100

New York lawmakers are considering collecting unpaid taxes on cigarettes sold by Native American tribes to non-Indians as a way to help address the stateâs budget deficit. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Preliminary Validation of a New Clinical Tool for Identifying Problem Video Game Playing

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:03:25 +0100

Abstract Research has estimated that between 6 to 13% of individuals who play video games do so excessively. However, the methods and definitions used to identify “problem” video game players often vary considerably. This research presents preliminary validation data for a new measure of problematic video game play called the Problem Video Game Playing Test (PVGT). Two studies were conducted: an online survey of 373 university student video game players, and a paper-and-pencil survey of 416 video game players from video game outlets and LAN businesses. This paper presents the internal consistency, score distribution, convergent validity and dimensionality of the PVGT. The PVGT demonstrates potential as a continuous measure of problem video game playing. Future research...

Multiple Sexual Partners Increases H1N1 Risk

About.com Addictions — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

For those who have multiple sexual partners, whether part of a sex addiction, or sex work, you should be aware of the increased risk of H1N1, and consider getting vaccinated. H1N1 is spread through the saliva, typically by coughs and sneezes. However, direct mouth-to-mouth contact will spread the virus even more readily. Your partner may not even look sick, as they may be contagious both before and after symptoms are present. You should be particularly concerned about the spread of H1N1 if you or your partners are pregnant, have a developmental disability, or have a supporessed immune system as a result of HIV/AIDS. Others at risk of complications of H1N1 common in the addictions community are people with severe obesity and people with liver, heart lunch and kidney diseases. Also at risk a...

Do You Have an Alcohol or Drug Problem?

About.com Alcoholism — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that it has become a problem for them and those around them. The following self-assessment tests can help you determine whether or not it may be time to get help. Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz Drug Abuse Screening Quiz Could You Be Depressed? Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol? Is Your Child Huffing Inhalants? Questions for Families: Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking? Are You Enabling an Alcoholic or Addict? Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker? Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz Adult Child Screening Quiz Do You Have an Alcohol or Drug Problem? originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 00:05:17.Permalink | Comment | Email this ...

Single exposure to cocaine or ecstasy induces DNA damage in brain and other organs of mice

Addiction Biology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We evaluated the overall genetic damage induced by different doses of cocaine and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in several organs. One hour after intraperitoneal drug administration, mice were euthanized; peripheral blood, liver and brain were collected, and the cellular suspensions were used for the single cell gel (comet) assay. We determined that all doses of cocaine and MDMA tested were able to induce DNA damage in blood cells. Extensive genotoxic damage was induced by cocaine or MDMA at the highest doses used in liver cells. Brain cells were affected by all doses administrated. These findings demonstrate that cocaine and MDMA are potent genotoxins. (Source: Addiction Biology)

5-HTTLPR polymorphism, mood disorders and MDMA use in a 3-year follow-up study

Addiction Biology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A 3-year longitudinal prospective study was conducted to compare the incidence of substance use disorders (SUD) and non-substance use disorders (NSUD) among ecstasy users and two control groups: one of cannabis users and the other of non-drug users. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism related to NSUD was also studied. A total of 94 subjects were included: 37 ecstasy users, 23 cannabis users and 34 non-drug users. SUD and NSUD disorders were diagnosed according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders criteria using the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders. Incidence Rates (IR) are presented. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was analyzed. Hardy[ndash]Weinberg equilibrium was studied. The results of the study showed that the highes...

States Adjust to Leading Role in Medical Marijuana Enforcement

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:18:03 +0100

States with medical-marijuana laws on the books are taking a harder look at their statutes now that the Obama administration has announced that legitimate medical users and suppliers won't be prosecuted under federal law. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

More States Considering Prescription Laws to Battle Meth

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:07:59 +0100

The state of Oregon requires a prescription to purchase certain formerly over-the-counter medications that can be used to make methamphetamine, and now other states are considering similar laws. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Utah Legislature Considers $2 Cigarette Tax

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:30:00 +0100

A Utah state Senator wants to raise the tobacco tax from 69.5 cents per pack to $2 per pack in order to help address a budget shortfall, and experts say a tax hike is likely to pass. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Canadian Governments Seek Huge Sums from Tobacco Industry

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:18:00 +0100

Various liability claims by Canadian governments against tobacco companies could total nearly $200 billion. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Effect of a Case Management Intervention as Part of a Needle Exchange Program on Opioid Agonist Treatment Retention

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:24:08 +0100

In a clinical trial, investigators sought to determine the impact of a case management intervention on treatment retention among needle exchange program participants referred for opioid agonist treatment. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Could Choice of Antipsychotic Medication Impact Alcohol Use in Patients with Serious Mental Illness?

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:23:36 +0100

Researchers compared the relative impact of first- and second-generation antipsychotic medications on alcohol use in patients with schizophrenia and a co-occurring alcohol use disorder. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Increases in Methamphetamine-Related Treatment Admissions for Pregnant Women

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:23:04 +0100

Researchers studied whether increases in methamphetamine use in the U.S. has impacted substance abuse treatment use by pregnant women. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Are Brief Alcohol Interventions Likely to be Effective in Routine Primary Care Practice?

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:22:29 +0100

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of brief interventions for nondependent unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Alcohol, Other Lifestyle Factors, and Mortality

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:21:54 +0100

Data from the Health and Retirement Study are compared to determine whether the survival benefit associated with moderate alcohol use remains after accounting for nontraditional risk factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) and functional limitations. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Does Mandated Treatment Improve Outcomes for Women with Co-occurring Disorders and Histories of Violence?

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:21:35 +0100

Researchers studied participants in the national Women, Co-occurring Disorders, and Violence Study to determine if women mandated to substance abuse treatment had better substance use, mental health, and trauma outcomes compared with demographically similar women who entered treatment voluntarily. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Pharmacist Support Begins New Partnership With Action on Addiction

Action on Addiction — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:16:31 +0100

The UK’s leading independent welfare charity for pharmacists and their families in Great Britain has agreed a new partnership with Action on Addiction – the only UK charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education and family support. (Source: Action on Addiction)

Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum Keynote Seminar: Alcohol – The Next Steps for Policy

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

With the Chief Medical Officer and the Scottish Government laying out plans for a revised approach to alcohol policy, and with the Home Office beginning a consultation on changing the law regarding alcohol sales, this timely seminar will look at the effectiveness of alcohol strategies and media campaigns in England and Wales in combating alcohol misuse, and whether it is time to reconsider minimum pricing and constraints on alcohol availability. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

A One-Day Master-class/Seminar:

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

Psychological Evidence-Based Approaches to Addiction: Provided by Robin Davidson, John B Davies and Richard Velleman. To be held in London (Russell Hotel, Russell Square, WC1B 5BE), on Monday, 23rd November 2009. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Call for Proposals

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

Identifying Promising Approaches to be included in Community Interventions. There is increasing evidence that multi-component programmes (MCPs) can be an effective way of impacting on local drinking trends and alcohol-related harms. MCPs have consisted of different groups of projects, targeting different outcomes and there is a need to identify which projects might be most suited and most effective within an MCP. The Alcohol Education & Research Council in collaboration with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation wish to fund a study to identify the most promising projects for inclusion in such a programme. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

The Orientation and Integration of Local and National Alcohol Policy in England and Wales

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

New Alcohol Insight and Final Report - An analysis of the raft of powers the current Labour Government has made available to local practitioners to enable greater control and enforcement over the sale and consumption of alcohol and associated problematic behaviours and harms. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Alcohol Consumption, Mortality and Morbidity

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

New AERC funded research - Key findings from Professor Martin Plant, Alcohol Health and Research Unit, Faculty of Health and Sciences, University of the West of England and Alcohol Concern, the national agency on alcohol misuse. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Script representation of alcohol-related aggression in underage drinkers

AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:05 +0100

New AERC Alcohol Insight and Final Report examines the extent to which these alcohol or aggression scripts are known and understood by young people approaching legal drinking age, and how they are related to broader beliefs, attitudes and values concerning alcohol use and aggression. (Source: AERC: The Alcohol Education and Research Council)

Drug Culture Has Its Own Language

About.com Alcoholism — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In the world of illicit drugs, a culture has developed with its own language in which ordinary sounding words can take on entirely different meanings. If you heard someone close to you making drug-related references, would you know? Read more... More About Drug Abuse: Commonly Abused Drugs What Is Substance Abuse? Frequently Asked Questions Photo: Clipart.com Drug Culture Has Its Own Language originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 02:02:36.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

APIS: New Resource on State Underage Drinking Policies

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:02:51 +0100

The Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS), a project of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, announces its latest update of state-by-state alcohol policies. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Cold Beer Banned in Attempt to Prevent Public Drinking

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:10:56 +0100

A Chicago suburb has banned the sale of some cold beer in order to address a local problem with public drinking. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Anchorage Forces Treatment on Some Homeless Alcoholics

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:09:59 +0100

The city of Anchorage, Alaska is involuntarily checking homeless people into rehab in the wake of more than a dozen deaths due to drinking, exposure and other causes. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Minnesota Supreme Court Calls Bong Water a Controlled Substance

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:08:30 +0100

Individuals can be prosecuted under drug laws for possessing a small amount of bong water that contains traces of marijuana or other controlled substances, the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Mexico's Cocaine Use Doubles

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:05:19 +0100

Over the last six years cocaine use in Mexico has doubled, according to a recent report issued by the Mexican government. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

New iPhone App Supports 12-Steppers

About.com Alcoholism — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

You are out of town and you don't know anyone, at least no one in recovery. That little voice is telling you having one won't hurt, nobody will even know. You need to talk to someone else in recovery and you need to do it quickly! Fortunately, there is now an app for that. Read more... More 12-Step Support: Attend Meetings from Your Wireless Device Find a Meeting Daily Inspiration Photo: © ann-e.comNew iPhone App Supports 12-Steppers originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 00:01:13.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Cocaine Changes in Brain Reversed by Amino Acid, Animal Study Suggests

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:39:07 +0100

Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina say that a common amino acid could be used to undo the brain-circuitry changes wrought by cocaine use and reduce craving for the drug. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Random Roadside Breath Tests Considered in Canada

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:25:59 +0100

Officials in Canada are considering changing the law to allow police to conduct random roadside Breathalyzer tests for drunk driving, rather than just for-cause tests. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Nation's Only Licensed Marijuana Distributor Sees No Panacea

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:56:25 +0100

A recent amendment to New Mexico's medical-marijuana law allows producers of the drug to get licensed as legitimate medical suppliers. But the state's (and the nation's) sole recipient of a marijuana producer's license said she lives in fear of theft or prosecution and doesn't want her identity revealed. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Judge Blocks L.A.'s Attempt to Shut Down Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:54:49 +0100

A California Superior Court judge has issued an injunction preventing the city of Los Angeles from shuttering a Playa Vista medical-marijuana dispensary, a decision that effectively brakes the city's efforts to shut down most such clinics. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:02:36 +0100

(Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)

The torch is passed again

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:02:35 +0100

In June of this year I was honored to become the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (JSAT). I had worked at the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) with the former editor, Dr. A. Thomas McLellan, and in the spring of this year, my TRI colleagues and I were delighted to learn that Tom was nominated as Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, even though we knew we would miss his leadership and personal presence. Taking the position also meant that he had to resign from other positions of leadership, including the editorship of this journal. Knowing that he quickly needed to delegate many responsibilities, I asked how I could help. The next thing I knew, I was agreeing to serve as JSAT Editor until the end of 2009. (Source: Journal o...

Editorial Board

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:02:35 +0100

(Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again!

About.com Addictions — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This old saying was never more relevant than it is to the process of overcoming an addiction. Although it is great to start the process of quitting with the attitude that you will stick to your goals 100%, the experience of relapse is so common that it is actually sometimes recognized as part of the cycle of change, for example, in the stages of change model. And approaches such as motivational interviewing will help you uncover your reasons for falling off the wagon, which can actually strengthen your chances of sucess in the future. For example, if it was cravings that cause you to relapse, your therapist can help you to learn strategies for dealing with cravings when they happen next time. Unfortunately, 12 step programs are not always so understanding, so if you are finding your relaps...

DUI Stop: Police Must Observe Erratic Driving

About.com Alcoholism — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Police cannot stop a driver and administer a sobriety test based solely on receiving an anonymous tip, based on a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The policeman must personally observe erratic driving before stopping a suspected drunken driver. The high court let stand a Virginia Supreme Court ruling in the case of Virginia v. Joseph Harris that overturned his DUI conviction. Read more...DUI Stop: Police Must Observe Erratic Driving originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 00:05:37.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Bringing Addiction Treatment Into Primary Care: Calif. Experiments With IntegrationInterdisciplinary Care Seen as Crucial to Managing Pain in Recovering PatientsFully Integrated Program in TennesseeCSAT Pushing Field Toward Electronic Health RecordsFamily Outreach Tip: Saturday Education for ChildrenResearcher to Use Cell Phone Technology to Assess Drug, Alcohol UseBriefly NotedState NewsBusinessComing up (Source: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly)

Drug Czar Urges Police to Advocate Against Legalization

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:16:47 +0100

White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske's thinking about drug addiction has moved from disdain to enlightenment over the past decade, but the former police chief still views drug legalization as a 'non-starter' and is urging law-enforcement officials to speak out against the idea. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Police Tip Not Enough to Justify Breath Test for DWI, Court Says

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:57:31 +0100

Police need to personally observe signs of impaired driving before pulling over a driver and administering tests for DWI, even if they received an alert from citizens about a possible drunk driver. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Major U.S. Crackdown on Mexican Drug Cartel

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:35:24 +0100

A Mexican drug cartel that recruits members from drug-rehabilitation programs and has religious pretensions was the target of a U.S. law-enforcement sweep that resulted in 303 arrests. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Heroin Threat Exceeds Taliban, U.N. Says

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:31:14 +0100

The annual death toll from use of Afghan heroin in NATO countries exceeds the total number of deaths among the troops of these nations during the entire course of the Afghan war, according to a new report from the United Nations. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Controlled Substances at Center of Medicaid Fraud Probe

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:29:37 +0100

A new government report has uncovered 65,000 apparent cases of 'doctor shopping' for controlled substances that amount to Medicaid fraud. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Age-Related Gray Matter Shrinkage in a Treatment Naïve Actively Drinking Alcohol-Dependent Sample.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of their contribution toward our knowledge of differences between different subpopulations of alcoholics and in terms of their implications for the morbidity of alcohol dependence in an aging national population. PMID: 19860794 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Heavy Episodic Drinking and Alcohol Consumption in French Colleges: The Role of Perceived Social Norms.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overestimation of peer student prevalence is not uncommon among French university students. Furthermore, perceived peer student prevalence of HED is linked to HED frequency, even after adjusting for other correlates. Interventions correcting misperceived prevalences of HED among peer students have therefore the potential to reduce the frequency of HED in this population. PMID: 19860795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Linkage Analysis of Alcohol Dependence Symptoms in the Community.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results support the finding that large community samples can be informative in the study of alcohol-related traits. PMID: 19860796 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Systemic Administration of Arecoline Reduces Ethanol-Induced Sleeping Through Activation of Central Muscarinic Receptor in Mice.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that central muscarinic receptor is a pharmacological target for the action of arecoline to modulate ethanol-induced hypnosis. PMID: 19860797 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

CB1 Receptor Blockade Decreases Ethanol Intake and Associated Neurochemical Changes in Fawn-Hooded Rats.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Taken together, these results revealed that blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1r) decreased voluntary ethanol intake in ethanol-habituated rats by normalizing the neurochemical alterations induced by ethanol. PMID: 19860799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Initial Evidence of an Association Between OPRM1 and Adolescent Alcohol Misuse.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data build on findings from adult studies and provide the first evidence that a polymorphism of the OPRM1 receptor gene is associated with the development of early-onset alcohol-related problems during adolescence, in part, by heightening sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol. PMID: 19860800 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Maternal Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Causes Systemic Oxidation of the Glutathione Redox System.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alcohol use during pregnancy, particularly at levels >3 drinks/occasion, caused significant oxidation of the systemic GSH system in the postpartum women. The clinical ramifications of the observed alcohol-induced oxidation of the GSH redox system on high risk pregnancies or on the exposed offspring require more accurate identification and further investigation. PMID: 19860801 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Neuropeptide S Receptor Gene Expression in Alcohol Withdrawal and Protracted Abstinence in Postdependent Rats.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neuropeptide S receptor mRNA expression is increased in different brain areas of postdependent rats; as shown in the DB test, this expression change is functionally relevant. PMID: 19860802 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Alcohol, Cocaine, and Brain Stimulation-Reward in C57Bl6/J and DBA2/J Mice.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In C57 and DBA mice, reductions in BSR threshold reflect the ability of alcohol to potentiate the neural mechanisms of brain reward. The DBA mice are more sensitive to the reward-potentiating effects of both alcohol and cocaine, suggesting that there are mouse strain differences in the neural mechanisms of brain reward that can be measured with the ICSS technique. PMID: 19860803 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Galanin Knockout Mice Show Disturbances in Ethanol Consumption and Expression of Hypothalamic Peptides That Stimulate Ethanol Intake.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results provide strong support for a physiological role of PVN GAL in stimulating the consumption of ethanol, as well as a fat-rich diet. Ablation of the GAL gene produced a behavioral phenotype, particularly in females, which may reflect the functional relationship of galanin to ovarian steroids. It also altered the peptides in the PFLH, with their reduced expression contributing to the larger behavioral effects observed in females and their increased expression attenuating these effects in males. PMID: 19860804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Students' Drinker Prototypes and Alcohol Use in a Naturalistic Setting.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings further establish the value of drinker prototypes in predicting young adults' drinking behavior and suggest that people's motivation to drink alcohol in real-life drinking situations is related to their perceptions about heavy drinkers. PMID: 19860805 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Ethanol Upregulates iNOS Expression in Colon Through Activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B in Rats.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Ethanol inhibited the contraction of LP in colon mainly through activation of NF-kappaB, the subsequent upregulation of iNOS expression and increase of NO release in myenteric plexus. PMID: 19860806 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Alcohol Up-Regulates TLR2 Through a NO/cGMP Dependent Pathway.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alcohol up-regulates TLR2 through a NO/cGMP/PKG dependent pathway in the airway epithelium. This is an important observation in the understanding how alcohol modulates airway inflammation. In addition, this is the first time that cyclic nucleotides have been shown to play a role in the regulation of TLR2. PMID: 19860807 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Increased Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity in Peripheral Blood Cells of Acutely Intoxicated Patients With Alcohol Dependence.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alcohol-induced activation of ASM occurs in human subjects and might be responsible for deleterious effects of ethanol intoxication. Chronic alcohol abuse may induce deregulation of sphingomyelin metabolism in general, and this impairment may cause side effects during withdrawal from alcohol. PMID: 19860808 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Glycine Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Involved in the Ethanol Intake-Reducing Effect of Acamprosate.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Based on current and previous results, we suggest that acamprosate primarily interacts with accumbal GlyRs and secondarily with ventral tegmental nAChRs, in a similar manner to that previously observed with EtOH and taurine. The interaction between acamprosate and GlyRs does not only influence dopamine output in the nAc but also EtOH consumption, giving further support for our hypothesis that GlyRs are of importance in EtOH reinforcement. PMID: 19860809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Glycine Receptors Involved in Acamprosate's Modulation of Accumbal Dopamine Levels: An In Vivo Microdialysis Study.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that both systemic and local application of acamprosate elevate extracellular dopamine levels in the nAc by activating accumbal GlyRs, and, secondarily, tegmental nAChRs. PMID: 19860810 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Alcohol Stimulates Activation of Snail, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling, and Biomarkers of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colon and Breast Cancer Cells.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Collectively, our data support a novel mechanism for alcohol promoting cancer progression through stimulating the EMT program in cancer cells via an EGFR-Snail mediated pathway. This study reveals new pathways for alcohol-mediated promotion of cancer that could be targeted for therapy or prevention of alcohol-related cancers. PMID: 19860811 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Alcohol, Signaling, and ECM Turnover.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Seth D, D'Souza El-Guindy NB, Apte M, Mari M, Dooley S, Neuman M, Haber PS, Kundu GC, Darwanto A, de Villiers WJ, Vonlaufen A, Xu Z, Phillips P, Yang S, Goldstein D, Pirola RM, Wilson JS, Moles A, Fernández A, Colell A, García-Ruiz C, Fernández-Checa JC, Meyer C, Meindl-Beinker NM Alcohol is recognized as a direct hepatotoxin, but the precise molecular pathways that are important for the initiation and progression of alcohol-induced tissue injury are not completely understood. The current understanding of alcohol toxicity to organs suggests that alcohol initiates injury by generation of oxidative and nonoxidative ethanol metabolites and via translocation of gut-derived endotoxin. These processes lead to cellular injury and stimulation of the inflammatory respons...

Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Defines Ethanol-Induced Brain Abnormalities in Prenatal Mice: Effects of Acute Insult on Gestational Day 7.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Individual MRM scans and 3D reconstructions of fetal mouse brains have facilitated demonstration of a broad range of GD 7 ethanol-induced morphological abnormality. These results, including the discovery of cerebral cortical heterotopias, elucidate the teratogenic potential of ethanol insult during the third week of human prenatal development. PMID: 19860813 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

Are You Ready?

About.com Addictions — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

When people start to experience unpleasant consequences of their addictive behavior, they often wonder why they can't just quit. Despite the popular belief that quitting involves little more than realizing you have a problem and sheer will power, quitting is such a complex process that there is actually a model, known as the stages of change model, that details the various stages that people typically go through on the road to recovery. The stages include precontemplation -- common among people in the early stages of addiction; contemplation -- common among people who want to continue with their current behavior, but are aware of some issues; preparation -- when a decision has been made but you're aren't quite ready to make changes; and action -- when you are in the process of quitting. Ad...

Alcohol in the News

About.com Alcoholism — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Alcoholism Forum Photo: © Getty Images Alcohol in the News originally appeared on About.com Alcoholism on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 00:05:04.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Alcoholism)

Alcohol, Signaling, and ECM Turnover