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Hazardous alcohol consumption is highly prevalent for men who have sex with men (MSM). The 4 treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for alcohol use are reaching an alarmingly low percentage of people who would benefit from a reduction in their alcohol use. There is increasing interest in alternative methods of treatment, such as herbal supplements, to address hazardous drinking. However, research on the acceptability of alternative pharmacotherapies among MSM remains limited. We examined the prevalence and correlates of expressing interest in using herbal supplements for alcohol treatment among MSM with hazardous alcohol consumption. We conducted a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study of MSM who use alcohol, conducted from March 2015 to July 2017 in San Francisco, California, to assess the overall prevalence of interest in using herbal supplements to help reduce alcohol consumption. Associations between expressing interest in herbal supplements and demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were examined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. One-third (66/200, 33%) of the participants expressed interest in an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. In the multivariable analyses, weekly binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.85, 95% CI 1.17-6.93), interest in abstaining from alcohol use (aOR 5.04, 95% CI 1.46-17.40), higher severity of alcohol dependence score (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.41), and interest in naltrexone (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 2.12-4.91) were independently associated with higher odds of being interested in using an herbal supplement to reduce alcohol consumption, adjusting for age, race or ethnicity, and education. We found that MSM who have hazardous drinking habits, more severe alcohol dependence, and interest in pharmacotherapy were more likely to express interest in using an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated correlates of interest in herbal supplements for alcohol use among MSM. As researchers implement novel alcohol treatment studies, they should focus on recruitment efforts among MSM with a motivation to reduce their alcohol use patterns.

Heavy alcohol drinking is a major, preventable problem that adversely impacts the physical and mental health of US young adults. Studies seeking drinking risk factors typically focus on young adults who enrolled in 4-year residential college programs (4YCP) even though most high school graduates join the workforce, military, or community colleges. We examined 106 of these understudied young adults (USYA) and 453 4YCPs from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) by longitudinally following their drinking patterns for 8 years from adolescence to young adulthood. All participants were no-to-low drinkers during high school. Whereas 4YCP individuals were more likely to initiate heavy drinking during college years, USYA participants did so later. Using mental health metrics recorded during high school, machine learning forecasted individual-level risk for initiating heavy drinking after leaving high school. The risk factors differed between demographically matched USYA and 4YCP individuals and between sexes. Predictors for USYA drinkers were sexual abuse, physical abuse for girls, and extraversion for boys, whereas 4YCP drinkers were predicted by the ability to recognize facial emotion and, for boys, greater openness. Thus, alcohol prevention programs need to give special consideration to those joining the workforce, military, or community colleges, who make up the majority of this age group.

BackgroundSocial media can influence alcohol initiation behaviors such as sipping, which can lead to future adverse alcohol-related outcomes. Few studies have examined the role of problematic social media use, characterized by addiction, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse, especially in early adolescence.ObjectiveTo examine the prospective association between social media use and sipping alcohol in a nationwide sample of early adolescents, and the extent to which problematic social media use mediates the association.MethodsWe analyzed prospective data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 7514; ages 9-10 years at baseline; 2016-2018) to estimate associations between social media time (Year 1) and alcohol sipping (Year 3) using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for confounders and testing problematic social media use (Year 2) as a mediator.ResultsSocial media time (Year 1) was prospectively associated with 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.20-1.43) times higher risk of new-onset sipping (Year 3). The association between social media time and new-onset alcohol sipping was partially mediated by problematic social media use at Year 2 (25.0% reduction in the association between the former two factors after adding problematic social media use, p = 0.002).ConclusionsTime spent on social media was associated with a higher risk of alcohol sipping in a diverse national sample of early adolescents, and the association was partially mediated by problematic social media use. Media literacy education and family media use plans could advise early adolescents about exposure to alcohol content on social media and warning signs for problematic use.

BackgroundEpigenome-wide association studies have identified multiple DNA methylation sites (CpGs) associated with alcohol consumption, an important lifestyle risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that an alcohol consumption epigenetic risk score (ERS) is associated with blood pressure (BP) traits.ResultsWe implemented an ERS based on a previously reported epigenetic signature of 144 alcohol-associated CpGs in meta-analysis of participants of European ancestry. We found a one-unit increment of ERS was associated with eleven drinks of alcohol consumed per day, on average, across several cohorts (p

It is well established that alcohol use is associated with homicide (e.g. Kuhns et al. 2014; Parker et al. 2011). However, much of our knowledge of alcohol-involved homicide is based on official data. Self-report data obtained directly from offenders about their consumption of alcohol immediately prior to committing homicide provide valuable information that complements data from official sources such as details emerging from police investigations and court proceedings. However, such data are rare. This study analyzes self-report data collected through face-to-face interviews with 205 men and women convicted of murder or manslaughter in Australia, of whom almost half (43.4%) reported use of alcohol prior to the homicide. The strongest predictor of alcohol-involved homicide was ongoing alcohol problems, speaking to the importance of prevention strategies targeting the entrenched nature of substance misuse. Furthermore, alcohol-involved homicides were nighttime events, committed in public places by older offenders using knives. Though such variables appear indicative of impulsiveness, a measure of self-control did not distinguish between alcohol-involved and not alcohol-involved homicide. Further investigations into the role of self-control on alcohol and violence are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Methods Results Conclusions Alcohol use is prevalent among hepatology clinic patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We explored factors associated with the importance and confidence dimensions of motivation to reduce drinking.Participants (N = 121) with unhealthy alcohol use (i.e., over NIH guidelines) receiving care in hepatology clinics from a safety‐net hospital (SN, N = 54) and two Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems (VA, N = 67) were enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial from March 2022 through October 2023. Baseline assessments included Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐8), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), COVID‐19 stress; and measures of importance and confidence to decrease alcohol use (readiness rulers, scales of 1–10). Liver disease aetiology and severity were extracted from electronic health records. We performed multivariable linear regression models with forward selection to assess pre‐specified variables' associations with importance and confidence.The sample was 84% male, 40% Latino, 31% White, 18% Black and 11% other races; median age was 61 years. Median (Q1–Q3) AUDIT score was 16 (12–24), importance was 9 (6–10) and confidence was 8 (5–9). On multivariable analysis, VA site (vs. SN) participants had a 0.97‐point lower importance score (p = 0.02); higher symptoms of depression (PHQ‐8 score ≥ 10 vs. < 10) and AUDIT scores (for each point increase) were associated with higher importance score (estimates 1.2 and 0.08, p < 0.05, respectively). Liver disease aetiology and severity were not significantly associated with outcomes.Depression, alcohol problem severity and treatment site may influence motivation to reduce alcohol use and could inform future hepatology‐based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Despite the bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and STB, the two issues are often treated separately in adolescent inpatient psychiatric hospitals, highlighting the need for brief interventions that address both alcohol use and STB in an integrated fashion.This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a brief integrated Alcohol and Suicide Intervention for Suicidal Teens (iASIST) with a post‐discharge mHealth booster for adolescents in inpatient psychiatric treatment.We conducted an RCT of iASIST relative to an attention‐matched comparison condition with adolescents hospitalized following STB (N = 40).iASIST demonstrated feasibility and acceptability and mixed models indicated that both groups had significant decreases in substance use over the 3‐month follow‐up, but post‐intervention group differences were not significant. In terms of cannabis use, however, iASIST participants significantly improved over time. Intervention group participants showed a significant decrease in suicide plans from baseline to follow‐up, which was not the case for control group participants.Study findings suggest a larger RCT is warranted to test the effectiveness of the iASIST intervention.iASIST shows promise in its ability to target the public health problems of alcohol use and STB in an integrated fashion with a high‐risk adolescent population receiving acute psychiatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects our entire country. The aim of this research was to study the variation in completed suicide rates between 2010 and 2022 in Spain and their relationship with the consumption of addictive substances. Methods: Completed suicide data from the Spanish Statistical Office (INE) were analyzed with a joinpoint regression model to determine time trends. The relationship between the variation in completed suicide rates with sociodemographic variables, including depression rates, obtained from the Spanish Statistical Office and variables related to the consumption of substances obtained from the survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain (EDADES) of the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD) was also studied using an exploratory analysis and also performing a Generalized Additive Model. Results: The joinpoint regression model did reveal a point of significant change in the period studied for Spain showing a trend of increased suicide death rates for the studied period. The following variables correlated positively with the variation in completed suicide rates in the Generalized Additive Model: alcohol use in the past 12 months, alcohol use in the last 30 days, daily alcohol use in the last 30 days, binge drinking in the last 12 months, binge drinking in the last month, positive Alcohol Use Disorder Test for risky alcohol use, benzodiazepine use in the last 12 months, benzodiazepine use in the last month, daily benzodiazepine use in the last month, use of illegal substances in the last 12 months, use of illegal substances in the last month, mean age and depression rates. Conclusion: Applying preventive strategies on the risky consumption of alcohol, benzodiazepines and illegal substances would help reduce the rates of completed suicide in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The current study aims to (i) examine differences in hazardous alcohol consumption across different industries in Sweden and (ii) assess to what degree any such difference can be attributed to a differential distribution of nicotine use, health, and work environments among individuals working in these industries. Methods A pooled cross-sectional study was conducted including all participants of the survey of Health, Work Environment, and Lifestyle Habits between 2012 and 2023 (n  = 54 378), collected by an occupational health service company (Feelgood). The survey contained self-reported information on alcohol use, industry, nicotine use, health, and work environment. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were obtained by pooled logistic regression analyses. Results Hazardous alcohol use was highly prevalent in the current study population (37%), especially among individuals in the accommodation/food service, arts/entertainment/recreation, and the construction industry. Compared to individuals working in education, individuals in these industries had >1.6-fold increased odds of reporting hazardous alcohol consumption. Differences in nicotine use and physical work environment between the industries explained some of the differences in hazardous alcohol consumption between industries, while differences in health and psychosocial work environment had limited effects on the estimates. Conclusion We identified several industries in the Swedish workforce where hazardous alcohol use is highly prevalent. While differences in nicotine use, health, and work environment explained a part of these risk differences, most of the risk differences remained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: College campuses report alcohol and other drug policy violations as the most frequent reason students receive disciplinary referrals and, thus, are mandated to programming. This study sought to determine predictors of mandated students' alcohol use frequency, and the likelihood of early-onset alcohol using college students enrolled in mandated programming engaging in current polysubstance use. Methods and participants: Employing a purposive sampling method, n = 822 participants were recruited from a pool of students who violated their university's alcohol policy between October 2019 and July 2021. Results: Data analysis revealed early-onset alcohol use (p <.001), gender ID (p <.01), Greek Affiliation (p <.001), ethnicity (p <.05), and perceived norms (p <.001) significantly predicted alcohol frequency. Analysis also revealed engaging in early-onset alcohol use significantly predicted current participation in polysubstance use (p < 0.01), outside of controls. Conclusions: University programs should consider exploring polysubstance use targeted interventions to mitigate these harmful behaviors and associated negative consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined acculturation with positive alcohol expectancies (PAE) and alcohol use intentions among college-bound Latinas using a bidimensional (ie U.S. acculturation/enculturation) and bidomain (ie behaviors/values) acculturation framework. Participants: A total of 298 Latina young adults between 18 and 20 years old were included in this analysis. Methods: Data were collected the summer before participants began college for the first time. We used an online survey to assess acculturation, PAE, and alcohol use expectancies. Results: Path analyses showed that U.S. acculturation values were related to more PAE and alcohol use intentions. U.S. acculturation behaviors were related to more alcohol use intentions, and the pathway was moderated by PAE. There was also an interaction between U.S. acculturation and enculturation behaviors predicting alcohol use intentions. Conclusion: This study sheds light on how acculturating Latina young women think about alcohol use prior to beginning college, which is an opportune window for targeted prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Food service employment is associated with substance use, risk of substance use disorders and various negative consequences. Previous research has not examined the substance use patterns of students employed in food service positions. Method: During Fall of 2018, 276 undergraduates completed an anonymous online survey regarding current employment status and substance use. Results: Compared to students employed in other positions, students in food service positions reported higher levels of drinking to cope with negative affect, negative urgency, workplace substance use, marijuana use, marijuana-related problems, and motives. Food service employment was also a significant predictor of marijuana use and related consequences. Conclusions: Students in food service positions, relative to other employment positions, report elevated substance use behavior, risk factors, and negative consequences. Food service employment also contributed variance to models accounting for marijuana use and related consequences. Prevention and intervention strategies should be investigated to mitigate risk for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High intensity (HI) binge drinking has emerged as a high-risk drinking phenotype in young adult drinkers, yet few studies have evaluated clinically meaningful correlates of HI binge drinking among young adults at risk for co-occurring psychopathologies, such as interpersonal trauma-exposed drinkers. The present study compared three groups (i.e., HI binge, standard binge, non-binge drinkers) of interpersonal trauma-exposed college student drinkers (N = 221) on alcohol and interpersonal trauma characteristics. Results of one-way ANOVAs indicated that the HI binge group endorsed significantly greater negative alcohol-related consequences relative to the other two groups. The HI binge group endorsed significantly greater enhancement motives compared to the non-binge group, and no group differences were detected for PTSD and interpersonal trauma characteristics. Individuals who engage in HI binge drinking may experience greater alcohol problems due to their use of alcohol to enhance positive mood. HI binge drinking does not differentiate individuals on the basis of interpersonal trauma experiences or related psychopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor sleep is common in the context of cannabis use, but experimental and daily‐life studies provide mixed evidence for whether cannabis use helps or disturbs same‐night sleep. Despite a high prevalence of co‐use of alcohol and cannabis, most studies of cannabis use and sleep do not consider alcohol use. We sought to add to this literature by examining associations between cannabis and sleep in the context of alcohol co‐use and to examine these associations bidirectionally using ecological momentary assessment. Methods: Participants were 88 adults reporting cannabis use at least 3×/week and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use at least 2×/week. For 14 days, participants completed morning surveys assessing hours slept and perceived sleep quality from the night before. In morning surveys, random surveys, and substance‐specific surveys, participants also reported on alcohol and cannabis craving, use, and amounts. Results: Primary results from multilevel models demonstrated that cannabis use was not independently associated with sleep (duration or quality). However, cannabis use attenuated alcohol's negative effects on sleep quality. Conclusions: Results question the utility of cannabis use to improve sleep but highlight the attenuated negative effects of alcohol as a potential reinforcer of alcohol‐cannabis co‐use. Future work should continue to consider polysubstance use and integrate additional self‐report and objective measures of sleep health to further clarify how cannabis use affects sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and its prevalence is going to rise even more by 2030. The discovery of different "functional" foods containing a plethora of bioactive compounds is considered an ally in the effort to reduce the global CVD burden in the context of primary prevention. It has been about 3 decades since the observation that red wine consumption in French population could lead to lower coronary heart disease risk despite the high dietary consumption of saturated fats, known as the "French paradox." Since then, numerous epidemiological studies, mainly observational, have emerged in order to investigate this association with great enthusiasm. However, due to the nature of these studies, the scientific community has raised concerns about the methodological approach of the studies and thus the generalization of their results. Therefore, the current review aims to summarize some of the major methodological issues deriving from observational studies on the association between red wine consumption and cardiovascular health and to highlight the importance of higher quality study design in the general effort of drawing safer conclusions on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of alcohol‐free and low‐alcohol (no/lo) drinks on public health and health inequalities depends on who consumes them and how they are consumed. This study aimed to estimate: (i) the proportions of adults in Great Britain who consume no/lo drinks at different frequencies and in different settings; and (ii) the associations between no/lo drink consumption and individual characteristics. Method: Pooled data (N = 7691) from four waves of a repeat cross‐sectional survey on alcohol use completed in 2022–2023 by adults (16+) resident in Great Britain were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Results: In all, 31.3% of adults reported ever consuming no/lo drinks and 9.8% reported drinking them weekly. Ever consumption of no/lo drinks was associated with: being an increasing risk drinker of alcohol relative to not drinking (ORadj: 3.96, 95% CI 3.27–4.80), being aged 16–24 compared with 65+ (ORadj:1.29, 95% CI 1.07–1.57), having previously smoked compared with having never smoked (ORadj:1.19, 95% CI 1.05–1.34) and living in a rural rather than urban area (ORadj:1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29). It was less likely among those in lower social grades or with lower educational qualifications; those living in Yorkshire and the Humber, and Scotland, compared with the South‐East of England; and those using nicotine products. Discussion and Conclusions: A third of adults in Great Britain have consumed no/lo drinks and approximately one in 10 do so weekly. Consumption is more common among riskier drinkers of alcohol and among more advantaged social groups, which may contribute to the sustaining or widening of health inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to assess: (i) trends in alcohol‐specific — that is, fully attributable — morbidity and mortality in the German adult population aged 15–69 between 2000 and 2021; and (ii) changes in alcohol‐attributable disease burden — that is, fully and partially alcohol‐attributable categories — for 2006, 2012, 2018 and 2021. Methods: Morbidity data was pulled from hospitalisation and rehabilitation statistics and mortality data was pulled from the causes of death registry. Alcohol use, adjusted for unrecorded consumption, was estimated using the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse and triangulated with per capita consumption from annual sales data. For major disease categories, alcohol‐attributable fractions were estimated for males and females by age groups (15–29, 30–49, 50–69 years) using the comparative risk assessment methodology. Results: For males and females, the age‐standardised rate of alcohol‐specific morbidity peaked in 2012 and decreased thereafter showing a steep decline from 2019 to 2021. The rates of alcohol‐specific mortality decreased constantly from 2000 to 2019 but increased from 2019 to 2021. Compared to 2006 the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates in males and females were lower in 2021. For both sexes, the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates and the proportions of morbidity/mortality rates relative to all‐cause morbidity/mortality decreased between 2006 and 2021. Discussion: The declines in alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality are in line with decreases in consumption and signal that the importance of alcohol in health service utilisation and mortality has weakened. Sex ratios in morbidity and mortality do not indicate a strong converging trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying subgroups of Temporary (alcohol) Abstinence Challenge (TAC) participants may offer opportunities to enhance intervention effectiveness. However, knowledge about such subgroups is missing. This study aimed to (i) describe a TAC population; (ii) identify subgroups of participants based on determinants of changes in drinking behaviour; and (iii) characterise subgroups in terms of sociodemographic and other characteristics. Methods: Data from 3803 Dutch TAC participants were analysed to identify subgroups using three‐step Latent Class Analysis. Classes were based on determinants of changes in drinking behaviour (i.e., drinking refusal self‐efficacy, craving and behavioural automaticity) and were characterised by sociodemographic characteristics, drinking behaviour, previous participation in TACs, self‐reported health and life satisfaction. Results: The majority of TAC participants were female, highly educated, employed, 53 years old on average, participated in previous TACs and reported relatively high alcohol use. Four classes of participants were identified: (i) 'ordinary drinkers' (49.0%); (ii) 'drinkers in control' (21.4%); (iii) 'habitual drinkers with perceived control to refuse' (18.4%); and (iv) 'drinkers not in control' (11.2%). Class 2 drank least often and non‐excessive volumes, while other classes typically drank 4 or more days per week and 3 to 4 glasses per drinking day, with the highest alcohol use found in class 4. Discussion and Conclusions: Different configurations of determinants in this study's four subgroups may require different intervention approaches and might inform personalised support. Future research is needed to examine the predictive value of these subgroups on post‐challenge drinking behaviour to assess support needs and participation value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossed high alcohol preferring (cHAP) mice have been selectively bred to consume considerable amounts of alcohol resulting in binge drinking. The dorsomedial striatum (DMS) is a brain region involved in goal‐directed action selection, and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is a brain region involved in habitual action selection. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may involve a disruption in the balance between the DMS and DLS. While the DLS is involved in binge drinking, the reliance on the DMS and DLS in binge drinking has not been investigated in cHAP mice. We have previously demonstrated that glutamatergic activity in the DLS is necessary for binge‐like alcohol drinking in C57BL/6J mice, another high drinking mouse. Because of this, we hypothesised that DLS glutamatergic activity would gate binge‐like alcohol drinking in cHAP mice. cHAP mice underwent bilateral cannulation into the DMS or DLS and were allowed free‐access to 20% alcohol for 2 h each day for 11 days. Mice were microinjected with the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, NBQX, into the DMS or DLS immediately prior to alcohol access. AMPAR protein expression was also assessed in a separate group of animals in the DMS and DLS following an 11‐day drinking history. We found that intra‐DMS (but not intra‐DLS) NBQX alters binge alcohol drinking, with intra‐DMS NBQX increasing alcohol consumption. We also found that the ratio of GluA1 to GluA2 differs across dorsal striatal subregions. Together, these findings suggest that glutamatergic activity in the DMS may serve to limit binge drinking in cHAP mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: It is not uncommon to encounter outpatients in the hepatology department with harmful alcohol habits. When treating such chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, an adequate intervention method for harm reduction of alcohol use, such as brief intervention (BI) or BI and nalmefene, should be considered. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of BI for CLD patients affected by harmful alcohol use. Methods: From June 2021 to 2023, 123 Japanese CLD outpatients (hepatitis B virus : hepatitis C virus : alcoholic liver disease : others = 32:18:42:31) with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of ≥8 at the initial interview and a repeat interview with AUDIT 9 months later were enrolled. Clinical features related to patient behavior following the initial AUDIT interview were retrospectively evaluated, and compared between patients without and with BI treatment. Results: For the non‐BI and BI groups, baseline AUDIT score (median 10 [interquartile range (IQR) 9–13] vs. 12 [IQR 10–17], p = 0.016) and relative change in AUDIT score (median 0 [IQR −3 to 2] vs. −3 [IQR −7 to 0], p < 0.01) showed significant differences, whereas there was no significant difference between the groups for AUDIT score at the time of the second interview (p = 0.156). Following BI, significant improvements were observed for items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 of AUDIT (each p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with an alcohol use disorder as well as those with alcohol dependency who received BI showed a significant decline in AUDIT score, although the score of the follow‐up AUDIT indicated continued alcohol use disorder. In addition to BI, medication with nalmefene should be considered, based on individual factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Increasingly large samples in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for alcohol use behaviors (AUBs) have led to an influx of implicated genes, yet the clinical and functional understanding of these associations remains low, in part because most GWASs do not account for the complex and varied manifestations of AUBs. This study applied a multidimensional framework to investigate the latent genetic structure underlying heterogeneous dimensions of AUBs. Methods: Multimodal assessments (self-report, interview, electronic health records) were obtained from approximately 400,000 UK Biobank participants. GWAS was conducted for 18 distinct AUBs, including consumption, drinking patterns, alcohol problems, and clinical sequelae. Latent genetic factors were identified and carried forward to GWAS using genomic structural equation modeling, followed by functional annotation, genetic correlation, and enrichment analyses to interpret the genetic associations. Results: Four latent factors were identified: Problems, Consumption, BeerPref (declining alcohol consumption with a preference for drinking beer), and AtypicalPref (drinking fortified wine and spirits). The latent factors were moderately correlated (rg values, 0.12–0.57) and had distinct patterns of associations, with BeerPref in particular implicating many novel genomic regions. Patterns of regional and cell type–specific gene expression in the brain also differed between the latent factors. Conclusions: Deep phenotyping is an important next step to improve understanding of the genetic etiology of AUBs, in addition to increasing sample size. Further effort is required to uncover the genetic heterogeneity underlying AUBs using methods that account for their complex, multidimensional nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a dearth of research on suicidal ideation (SI) that occurs specifically in the context of drinking alcohol. Alcohol use and binge drinking are both elevated among college students, among whom sexual and gender minority (SGM) students are at particular risk for SI. This manuscript examines alcohol use, SI, and SI specifically in the context of alcohol use among a large sample of undergraduate students and examines differences across sexual and gender minority groups. Methods: Data were drawn from ~ 300,000 students who completed the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) between Spring 2019 and Fall 2022. Participants reported identity variables and information about drinking behaviors and suicidal ideation over the past year. Multilevel models were used for all analyses. Results: Risky drinking behaviors and higher blood alcohol content during the last episode of social drinking were associated with higher odds of SI while drinking. Rates of risky drinking behaviors, SI, and SI while drinking were elevated among SGM students with SGM men and nonbinary students reporting the highest rates across groups. Conclusion: SI while drinking, which is seldom assessed in measures of either measures of suicidal thoughts or alcohol use behavior, is an important construct for further research to improve our understanding of high risk states for suicide. Given elevated rates of alcohol use and SI among college students, providing education and resources to reduce SI while drinking is a critical target for universities, particularly to reduce risk among vulnerable SGM students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol calculations are carried out in many forensic case types. On occasion, individuals under the age of 18 are involved, and alcohol calculations may be beneficial. To date, there are no studies that have determined the best way to estimate total body water (TBW) or alcohol elimination rates in juveniles for alcohol calculations. We utilized a data set of 207 females and 218 males, aged 3–18 years, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, where TBW had been empirically measured, to evaluate the best anthropometric equation to use to estimate TBW in juveniles. For males aged 3–15 years and females aged 2–13 years, the equation of Wells et al. was the most accurate and precise (RMSE of ≤10.4% in males and ≤9.9% in females). For males aged 16+ years and females aged 14+ years, the equation of Watson et al. was more appropriate (RMSE ≤11.5% and ≤12.4%, respectively). Based on published studies where the alcohol elimination rate was determined in 43 juveniles (aged 10‐17 years) who were hospitalized due to alcohol consumption, a mean alcohol elimination rate of 16 mg/100 mL/h should be used. The recommended range being 9–25 mg/100 mL (5th–95th percentile). This study provides evidence that there are valid anthropometric equations to determine TBW and alcohol elimination rates that can be used for alcohol calculations in juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: People with childhood-onset disabilities are living into adulthood, and the prevalence of smoking and illicit drug use among adults with disabilities is high. We evaluated the relationship between disability status and age of disability onset, current cigarette smoking status, and heavy alcohol drinking. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a US survey on illness and disability. Among 2020 NHIS participants aged 22-80 years (n = 28 225), we compared self-reported prevalence of current cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol drinking among those with and without disabilities and among those with childhood- versus adult-onset disabilities. We used adjusted logistic regression analysis to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of current smoking and heavy alcohol drinking based on disability status and age of disability onset. Results: Compared with adults without disabilities, adults with disabilities were significantly more likely to report current smoking (23.5% vs 11.2%; P <.001) and significantly less likely to report heavy alcohol drinking (5.3% vs 7.4%; P =.001). The prevalence of these behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. In adjusted logistic regression models, adults with disabilities had significantly higher odds of current smoking (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.53-2.03) and similar odds of heavy alcohol drinking (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65-1.04) compared with adults without disabilities. The odds of these health behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. Conclusions: Adults with disabilities overall may be at high risk for these unhealthy behaviors, particularly smoking, regardless of age of disability onset. Routine screening and cessation counseling related to smoking and unhealthy alcohol use are important for all people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and types of harm to children from others' drinking in Australia, as indicated by caregivers, and examine socio‐demographic characteristics of caregivers who indicated a child was affected by others' drinking. Design, setting, participants and measurements: A subsample of 854 adult respondents, who were caregivers of children under 18 years from the 2021 Australian Alcohol's Harm to Others study, were asked questions about whether children in their care had been negatively affected by others' drinking in the past year. Weighted prevalence estimates of overall and specific harms to children are presented. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine characteristics associated with indicating harms to children from others' drinking. Findings: Over 17% of caregivers (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.0–19.0) indicated that one or more children in their care had been affected by others' drinking in the past 12 months. Verbal abuse (6.2%; 95% CI = 4.3–8.3) was the most common harm indicated, followed by financial harm (4.3%; 95% CI = 2.7–6.2). One percent of caregivers (95% CI = 0.4–2.3) indicated a child was physically hurt and less than 1% (95% CI = 0.2–1.4) indicated a child was the subject of a child protection call due to someone's drinking. Women and caregivers over 65 years were more likely to indicate a child had been affected compared with men and caregivers under 65 years. Caregivers who drank five or more drinks at least three times per week were four times more likely to indicate a child was affected compared with abstainers. Living in a household with someone who drinks heavily and who had negatively affected the child's caregiver was associated with an increased likelihood of child harm. Conclusions: In 2021, a weighted survey estimate for caregivers in Australia indicated that almost one in six children had been affected by others' drinking. Heavier drinking of caregivers and other household members was the most substantial predictor for indicating a child had been negatively affected by others' drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As most substance use prevention programs are offered at school, it is important to explore which group of students might be at increased risk. Both researchers and educators have often maintained that students with special educational needs due to emotional and behavioral disorders (SENs-EBD) are particularly vulnerable. Hence, the aim of the current systematic review was to examine the alcohol and cannabis use by students with SENs-EBD in comparison to students without SENs or other types of SENs. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023375799) and search terms were entered in Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and PubMed in December 2022. Publications were required to report on empirical quantitative studies (primary data) that assessed alcohol and/or cannabis use by adolescent students with SENs-EBD and a comparison group, and be published in English-language journal articles, conference papers, or book chapters from 2000 onwards. The QuADS tool was used for quality assessment. Results: Based on these criteria, six articles (sample sizes N = 61 to N = 122,180) were included for the thematic narrative synthesis. The studies revealed that the percentage of students with SENs-EBD consuming alcohol and cannabis was higher compared to students who did not have SENs or attended mainstream schools. Conclusion: The small number of heterogeneous studies, with limitations concerning the sample size, missing effect sizes, and influence of control variables, demonstrates the need for more research. The systematic review provides guidance for such future research endeavors, as well as preliminary notions for practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder is associated with a variety of complications, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which may occur in those who decrease or stop alcohol consumption suddenly. AWS is associated with a range of signs and symptoms, which are most commonly treated with GABAergic medications. Is phenobarbital an effective treatment for AWS? Studies retrieved included two prospective, randomized, double-blind studies and three systematic reviews. These studies provided estimates of the effectiveness and safety of phenobarbital for treatment of AWS. Based on the available literature, phenobarbital is reasonable to consider for treatment of AWS. Clinicians must consider the individual patient, clinical situation, and comorbidities when selecting a medication for treatment of AWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern that despite its prevalence, lacks a widely-effective treatment due to the complexity of AUD pathology. AUD is highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, however it is unclear how these disorders influence each other. The underlying etiology of these comorbidities is difficult to decipher and factors including sex, stress, and the environment further complicate both diagnosis and treatment strategies. To understand more about this bidirectional relationship between AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders, we ran male and female C57Bl/6j mice through baseline behavioral testing followed by intermittent access-two bottle choice (IA-2BC) drinking. We found no sex differences in basal anxiety-like or depressive-like behavior, however females displayed enhanced motivated feeding behavior. Females consumed more ethanol than males, at both 1hr and 24hr timepoints. Basal affective state did not predict subsequent ethanol intake in either sex, however exploratory behavior was positively correlated with drinking in males but not females. We then re-assessed negative affect behavior following chronic ethanol drinking to determine if drinking impacted subsequent affective behavior and found no relationship between ethanol intake and affective state in males or females. We also examined how chronic ethanol drinking affected central amygdala (CeA) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity in males and females. Ethanol-drinking females had a decrease in CeA neuronal activity, driven by reduced activity in the lateral (CeA l) sub-region, while in males there was no significant difference in CeA activity compared to water controls. Neither males or females had a significant change in BLA neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking. Collectively, these results demonstrate sex differences in basal motivated behavior, drinking behavior, and subregion-specific amygdala neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking which may inform the sex differences seen in patients diagnosed with AUD and comorbid conditions. • There were no basal sex differences in affective behavior. • Basal affective behavior did not determine future ethanol intake. • Chronic ethanol drinking did not alter subsequent affective behavior. • CeA activity was reduced in ethanol-exposed females compared to water controls. • BLA activity did not differ between male and female ethanol and water groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is not uncommon among people with HIV (PWH) and may exacerbate HIV-induced intestinal damage, and further lead to dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. This study aimed to determine the changes in the fecal microbiota and its association with alcohol consumption in HIV-infected patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2021 and May 2022, and 93 participants were recruited. To investigate the alterations of alcohol misuse on fecal microbiology in HIV-infected individuals, we performed 16s rDNA gene sequencing on fecal samples from the low-to-moderate drinking (n = 21) and non-drinking (n = 72) groups. Comparison between groups using alpha and beta diversity showed that the diversity of stool microbiota in the low-to-moderate drinking group did not differ from that of the non-drinking group (all p > 0.05). The Linear discriminant Analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm was used to determine the bacterial taxa associated with alcohol consumption, and the results showed altered fecal bacterial composition in HIV-infected patients who consumed alcohol; Coprobacillus , Pseudobutyrivibrio , and Peptostreptococcaceae were enriched, and Pasteurellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae were depleted. In addition, by using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), functional microbiome features were also found to be altered in the low-to-moderate drinking group compared to the control group, showing a reduction in metabolic pathways (p = 0.036) and cardiovascular disease pathways (p = 0.006). Low-to-moderate drinking will change the composition, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease pathways of the gut microbiota of HIV-infected patients. • Alcohol use and gut microbial composition in PWH is an important area of research. • Alcohol consumption alters the composition of the gut microflora in PWH. • Alcohol consumption reduces metabolic pathways and cardiovascular disease pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that increases central nervous system (CNS) protein expression of the glutamate transporters GLT-1 and xCT and ameliorates pathological behaviors in rodent models of neurological disease and substance use disorder. However, little ceftriaxone passes through the blood–brain barrier, the CNS binding partner of ceftriaxone is unknown, and ceftriaxone does not consistently upregulate GLT-1 and xCT in cell culture. Ceftriaxone alters the gut microbiome composition in rodents and humans, and the microbiome–gut–brain axis regulates drug-seeking. Thus, here we test the hypothesis that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake while ameliorating alcohol-induced disruption of the gut microbiome composition. Male and female Sprague–Dawley rats received intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) while controls received access to only water. Following 17 IAA sessions, ceftriaxone/vehicle treatment was given for 5 days. Analysis of the gut microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing conducted on fecal pellets collected prior to and after alcohol consumption and following ceftriaxone treatment. Male rats displayed escalated alcohol intake and preference over the course of the 17 sessions; however, total alcohol intake did not differ between the sexes. Ceftriaxone reduced alcohol intake and preference in male and female rats. While alcohol affected a diverse set of amplicon sequencing variants (ASV), ceftriaxone markedly reduced the diversity of microbial communities reflected by a blooming of the Enterococcaceae family. The remaining effects of ceftriaxone, however, encompassed families both affected and unaffected by prior alcohol drinking and highlight the Ruminococcaceae and Muribaculaceae families as bidirectionally modulated by alcohol and ceftriaxone. Altogether, our study confirms that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake in rats and partially reverses alcohol-induced dysbiosis. • Total amount of alcohol intake did not differ by sex. • Ceftriaxone reduced alcohol intake and preference in male and female rats. • Ceftriaxone markedly reduced the diversity of microbial communities. • Ceftriaxone partially reverses alcohol-induced dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research confirms that stress is associated with alcohol drinking and relapse in males and females and that there are sex differences in the alcohol-related adaptations of stress pathways. The predator stress (PS) model of traumatic stress produces an increase in alcohol drinking or self-administration in a subpopulation of rodents, so it is utilized as an animal model of comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work determined that sensitivity to PS-enhanced drinking produced sex differences in proteins related to stress-regulating systems in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The present studies examined whether male and female C57BL/6J mice differ in sensitivity to the ability of the corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 antagonist CP-376395 to decrease PS-enhanced drinking. In control studies, CP-376395 doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg dose-dependently decreased 4-h ethanol drinking. Next, CP-376395 doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg were tested for effects on ethanol drinking in mice with differential sensitivity to PS-enhanced drinking. Subgroups of "Sensitive" and "Resilient" male and female mice were identified based on changes in ethanol intake in an unrestricted-access ethanol-drinking procedure following four exposures to PS (dirty rat bedding). During the first 2 h post-injection of CP-376395, both doses significantly decreased ethanol licks versus vehicle in the females, with no significant interaction between subgroups, whereas the 10 mg/kg dose significantly decreased ethanol licks versus vehicle in the "Resilient" males. Thus, sensitivity to the suppressive effect of CP-376395 on stress-induced ethanol intake was greater in females versus males, whereas sensitivity and resilience to PS-enhanced drinking produced differential sensitivity to the ability of CP-376395 to decrease ethanol drinking only in male mice. Our results argue against greater efficacy of CRF-R1's ability to decrease ethanol intake in subjects with traumatic stress-enhanced ethanol drinking. • CRF-R1 antagonist CP-376395 decreased alcohol intake in control male and female mice. • This decrease was less alcohol-selective in male than in female mice. • CP-376395 decreased alcohol intake in female mice following repeated predator stress. • CP-376395 decreased such intake only in males resistant to stress-enhanced drinking. • Predator stress-enhanced alcohol drinking does not increase CRF-R1 sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol harms to others is a growing public health concern. The current paper investigates the prevalence and types of alcohol harms to others experienced by a representative sample of Bulgarians (n=3182, aged 20-65+). Data from the National Survey on Risk Factors for Populatio’s Health, conducted in 2020, reveals that 25% of respondents reported being negatively affected by someone else’s alcohol consumption in the past year. Additionally, 12.5% lived with someone who had experienced alcohol problems. Sleep disturbance emerged as the most commonly reported harm. These findings highlight the significant impact of alcohol harms to others in Bulgaria and underscore the need for further research to understand its scope and consequences. Developing policies targeted at specific harms to others is crucial for public health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal substance misuse is a significant problem and the effects on the developing child can be long lasting. It is estimated that 20–30% of pregnant women smoke, 15% drink alcohol, 3–10% use cannabis and 0.5–3% use cocaine worldwide. Many parents make efforts to stop or cut down alcohol, cigarette and drug use during pregnancy. However, many pregnancies are unplanned and may be recognized late. Addicted parents may not be able to stop drug and alcohol use without support. Illicit drugs, nicotine and alcohol in the maternal blood stream cross to the foetus via the placenta and have a direct effect of the developing foetus. These effects can include poor fetal growth, increased risk of stillbirth, congenital malformations, and long-lasting impacts on development. The impact of these antenatal exposures might not become apparent until much later in childhood. Children who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero may present to paediatricians at any stage in childhood with a range of health and developmental problems. This article will explore the immediate and long-term impact of exposure to these substances in pregnancy and consider how to obtain an accurate history of exposure to drugs and alcohol in pregnancy as part of standard paediatric history taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions Reducing alcohol availability and restricting alcohol advertising are effective ways to reduce harm from alcohol. Implementation of public health policies involves collaboration between different stakeholders, and is influenced by public opinion. This paper explores public and professional stakeholders' perceptions of alcohol advertising and availability policies. It is the first to capture consensus and divergence in narratives of these stakeholders.We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 14 stakeholders from third sector organisations, government, public health and alcohol licensing in Scotland. We conducted 11 online focus groups with 45 participants, living in neighbourhoods in Scotland characterised by varying levels of urbanity, deprivation and retail density change. We gave participants a list of policies and discussed their views on acceptability, feasibility and likely success.Despite general consensus that regulation of alcohol advertising is an important priority, public stakeholders were concerned about the feasibility of advertising interventions and potential unintended consequences. While professional stakeholders were in favour of regulating alcohol availability, public stakeholders had misgivings about feasibility and effectiveness. When prompted to discuss specific interventions, similar views about protecting children and achieving cultural change emerged.This study highlights the importance of policy makers and other stakeholders to consider public stakeholders' opinions on alcohol policy and understanding that their views may be influenced by competing framings of alcohol problems. Attempts to increase support for alcohol control policies need to consider people's concerns about the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of these policies, and the wider social context of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: Previous studies had explored the associations between e-cigarette use and alcohol use problems, yet they did not fully consider e-cigarette use contexts. This longitudinal study conducted a prospective examination of e-cigarette use contexts and alcohol use problems among college students. Participants: College e-cigarette users at three public universities from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 were included (N = 377). Methods: A linear mixed model with a random intercept and random slope was employed to examine the longitudinal associations. Results: Higher frequencies of e-cigarette use (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), being hooked on e-cigarettes (β = 0.96, p < 0.01), using e-cigarettes for socializing purposes (β = 0.58, p < 0.05), and more occasions of co-using e-cigarettes with alcohol (β = 0.05, p < 0.001) were linked to more alcohol use problems. Conclusions: Intervention efforts should incorporate comprehensive screening that includes both e-cigarette and alcohol use, enhance awareness of peer influence, and provide at-risk populations with education regarding the potential synergistic effects of e-cigarette and alcohol co-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusion The Grog Survey App is a validated, visual and interactive self‐administered application for tablet computers that is designed to help Aboriginal Australians describe their alcohol consumption. Each person who completes the App also receives a brief intervention with feedback tailored to their survey responses. We aimed to qualitatively assess the acceptability and perceived quality of the Grog App's brief intervention, among higher risk consumers and health providers at an Aboriginal residential rehabilitation centre.This descriptive qualitative study analysed feedback from clients (n = 20) and staff (n = 10) of a drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation service on the brief intervention element of the Grog App. Data were collected face‐to‐face via semi‐structured interviews over four consecutive weeks between May and June 2021. A content analysis was conducted, which was informed by the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).Client and staff feedback is summarised using four themes from the MARS framework: (i) aesthetics; (ii) engagement; (iii) functionality; and (iv) information. Most clients and staff felt like health messages on the brief intervention were written by ‘someone who understands’. Overall, clients and staff described the brief intervention as visually appealing, engaging and likely able to elicit ‘lightbulb moments’.The brief intervention on the Grog App is unique in its provision of tailored advice based on survey responses to all individuals (i.e., those who do not drink through to those with likely dependence). Further research is needed to assess effectiveness of this brief intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarette use among adolescents is a growing concern, not only due to the high incidence of co‐use with other substances, such as alcohol, but also due to the fact brain is still maturing during this period. Combined exposure to alcohol and nicotine leads to plastic adaptation of crucial circuits in the brain, which can contribute to the development of addiction. It is well established that nicotine exposure can facilitate alcohol binge drinking, and vice‐versa, in a sex‐, age‐ and exposure‐dependent manner. Nonetheless, the central mechanisms underlying the synergistic relationship between these two substances and the emergence of differential behavioural traits dependent on these factors remain underexplored. Preclinical studies continue to provide valuable insights into such mechanisms. Here, we discuss recent preclinical findings that report behavioural changes characteristic of addiction following nicotine consumption, primarily in models of vaping and alcohol use; and insights into the neural mechanisms impacted by intake of these two substances, with a focus on the adolescent brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Electronic Screening and Brief Intervention (e‐SBI) in changing or reducing alcohol consumption and/or related risk behaviours among trauma patients compared to standard of care. Following Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines and PRISMA recommendations, a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar) was conducted. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 1995 to 2023 were included, focusing on e‐SBI for alcohol misuse in trauma patients. Quality assessment utilised the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Bayesian meta‐analysis was employed for synthesising outcomes. Four RCTs, totalling 2641 participants, were included. While e‐SBI demonstrated a significant reduction in problematic alcohol consumption up to 6 months post‐implementation, uncertainties were noted in risk behaviours determined by: average alcohol consumption, binge drinking and alcohol‐related consequences. Heterogeneity in measurements and population variations contributed to the nuanced findings. The review suggests that e‐SBI may be effective in reducing problematic alcohol consumption in the short term among alcohol‐related trauma patients. However, uncertainties and methodological variations highlight the need for standardised outcome measurements, consistent reporting and further exploration of e‐SBI's long‐term impact. Relevance to health promotion: Understanding the effectiveness of e‐SBI in managing alcohol‐related issues among trauma patients is crucial for health promotion. Despite uncertainties, the findings underscore the potential of e‐SBI as a scalable and accessible intervention. e‐SBI in the setting of the present study, emphasises the importance of tailored approaches in public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article investigates the dynamics of alcohol consumption and the impact of addiction treatment using the continuous mathematical model SaEaDaTaRa. The study is significant as it incorporates the Atangana–Baleanu Caputo fractional derivatives, offering a novel approach to establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions within this context. Our model formulation captures various stages of alcohol consumption and treatment, providing a comprehensive framework for analysis.We employ the next-generation matrix approach to explore the disease-free and endemic equilibria to calculate the basic reproduction number, R0. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the parameters that most significantly influence R0, which helps in understanding the dynamics of alcohol use and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The local and global stability of both the alcohol-free and alcohol-present equilibria are rigorously examined to provide insights into potential long-term outcomes of alcohol consumption in the presence of treatment facilities.Furthermore, we utilize Lagrange interpolation polynomial in a numerical framework implemented in Python to perform detailed simulations and validate our theoretical results. This numerical analysis helps visualize the model's predictions and understand the temporal evolution of alcohol consumption within the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) rates have been increasing in young women in the U.S. Alcohol is an established risk factor for breast cancer and has been consistently associated with hormone receptor positive cancers, the type of breast cancer that has been increasing the fastest in young women. Given these trends, we conducted an ecological study to examine whether alcohol consumption, and specifically binge drinking trends, were correlated with female breast cancer diagnosed under 40 years of age using breast cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Cancer Registry. We accounted for a latent period before cancer diagnosis by using exposure 10 years before the outcome (lag model); we also conducted a separate cumulative analysis of 10-year aggregate exposure. Findings: Moderate (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.02–1.07) and heavy (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07)(≥ 1 and ≥ 2 drinks/day, respectively) alcohol consumption were each associated with Luminal A breast cancer but not the other molecular subtypes. Binge drinking was associated with an increased rate of early-onset Luminal A BC in both the 10-year lag model (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.11) and the cumulative model (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Binge drinking was also associated with early-onset Luminal B BC in the cumulative model (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07), but not associated with ERBB2-enriched or triple negative early-onset BC in either model. Conclusion: These trends support the hypothesis that one reason for the increase in early-onset breast cancer is from increased alcohol intake including binge drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions A minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol of £0.50 per unit (1 UK unit = 10 mL/8 g alcohol) was introduced in Scotland in May 2018. Few previous studies have examined the impact of alcohol pricing policies on people who are alcohol dependent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MUP on people who are alcohol dependent including changes in alcohol consumption and health status, as well as potential unintended consequences.Three waves of cross‐sectional data were collected in Scotland (intervention) and Northern England (control) at 0–6 months pre‐implementation then 3–9 months and 18–22 months post‐implementation. The sample was N = 706 people receiving treatment related to their alcohol use. We collected structured interview data including recent drinking information via a 7‐day timeline‐follow‐back drinking diary. Difference‐in‐difference analyses estimated change in indicators in Scotland compared to England at both post‐implementation timepoints.The proportion of participants consuming alcohol costing on average <£0.50 per unit in Scotland decreased from 60.6% at 0–6 months prior to MUP implementation to 6.3% at 3–9 months post‐implementation (p < 0.0004). There was no significant change in the indicators for alcohol consumption, severity of dependence, health status, other substance use, deprivation level or parenting.The introduction of MUP in Scotland was associated with increases in the prices paid for alcohol by people with dependence and presenting to treatment services. There was no evidence of changes in their alcohol consumption or health status. There was also no evidence of harmful unintended consequences for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol-related hangovers impact both physical and mental wellness, largely due to acetaldehyde levels produced through alcohol metabolism. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of the Wilac L probiotic complex (Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172 isolated from kimchi) in improving hangovers post-alcohol consumption. This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled clinical trial from August 2023 to February 2024. Subjects (n = 26) were randomized into six test groups consuming three products, the Wilac L probiotic complex, Wilac L35 (Wilac L probiotic complex with Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai), or placebo, in different orders with crossover after a wash-out interval of 7–10 days. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 15 h after alcohol consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels measured with Wilac L probiotic complex supplementation were significantly lower than the control at 0.25 (p = 0.0381), 0.5 (p = 0.0498), and 1 h (p = 0.0260) post-consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels after Wilac L35 consumption compared to the control are significant at 0.25 (p = 0.0115), 0.5 (p = 0.0054), 1 (p = 0.0285), 2 (p = 0.0113), and 6 h (p = 0.0287) post-consumption. No significant adverse events were reported. The Wilac L probiotic complex is associated with decreased blood acetaldehyde levels and improved subjective hangover symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though mental health problems and alcohol use remain major challenges facing adolescents, our understanding of their developmental progressions primarily stems from cohorts coming 1 of age in the early 2000's. We aimed to examine and describe normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use across adolescent years among more recent cohorts of Norwegian youth born in the 21st century. Methods: Multilevel mixed linear models for symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, and multilevel mixed logistic models for depressive disorder, conduct problems, any alcohol use, and risky drinking, were estimated with longitudinal data from a nationwide sample N = 3436 (55% girls) of Norwegian adolescents (mean age 14.3 [SD = 0.85] in 2017). We compared models with linear, quadratic, and cubic change with age, and models that tested moderation by sex and centrality (rural vs. urban communities). Results: Average symptoms and the rate of depressive disorder increased sharply from age 13 to age 19, but both the initial levels and the rates of change were greater for girls than for boys. Average symptoms of conduct disorder and the rate of conduct problems increased in early adolescence and were greater for boys than girls. The rates of any alcohol use and risky drinking both increased sharply from age 14, but there were no notable sex differences either in the initial levels or rates of change over time. Adolescents from more rural communities had greater rates of any drinking in mid-adolescence, but there were no other effects of centrality. Conclusions: This study provides a much-needed update concerning normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use among millennium cohorts. Consistent with prior studies, we observed significant increases in all outcomes across adolescence, with depression being both greater and more prevalent among girls and conduct problems being both greater and more prevalent among boys. Consistent with the emerging evidence, we observed no sex differences in alcohol use. Finally, there were no differences in the examined developmental trajectories as a function of centrality. These findings underscore the importance of early prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International clinical guidelines recommend that smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity and gestational weight gain (SNAP-W) be addressed as part of routine antenatal care throughout pregnancy. However, guideline recommendations are poorly implemented, and few antenatal care recipients routinely receive the recommended care. There is a need to establish the determinants (barriers and enablers) to care delivery to inform strategies to improve implementation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence of the barriers and enablers to the routine delivery of antenatal care targeting SNAP-W health risks. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Seven databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 2001 and November 2023. Study findings were coded and analysed according to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Results: Forty-nine studies were included in the review, 27 qualitative studies and 22 quantitative studies. The studies were conducted in 14 countries. Data were collected from 7146 antenatal care providers (midwives, Aboriginal health workers, obstetricians, medical officers, general practitioners) and 352 barriers and enablers were identified. Across all SNAP-W health risk and antenatal care provider groups, the predominant TDF domain was 'environmental context and resources', identified in 96% of studies. Barriers within this domain included insufficient time, limited access to and quality of resources, and limited organisational supports. 'Beliefs about consequences' was the second most common TDF domain, reported in 67% of studies, particularly studies of care related to alcohol use, nutrition/ physical activity/ gestational weight gain and those involving midwives, multidisciplinary practitioners and general practitioners. 'Optimism' was the second most common TDF domain for studies of smoking-related care and involving obstetricians, gynaecologists, and other mixed medical professions. Conclusions: It is critical that determinants related to environmental context and resources including time, resources and organisational supports are considered in the development of strategies to support the implementation of recommended antenatal care related to SNAP-W risks. Strategies addressing clinician beliefs about consequences and optimism may also be needed to support the implementation of care related to specific health behaviours and by specific antenatal care provider groups. Registration: The review protocol was prospectively registered with Prospero: CRD42022353084; 22 October 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence is more common in polygynous couples than monogamous couples, but the extent that this association is modified by the husband's alcohol consumption is unknown. The objectives of this study are: (1) To describe the extent to which polygyny is associated with self-reported experience of intimate partner violence among women receiving postpartum care; (2) To describe the extent to which the mentioned association is modified by the husband's alcohol consumption. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study among women age 18 years or older receiving postpartum care at 8 public hospitals in 3 provinces in Northern and Northeastern Thailand using self-administered questionnaires. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and stratified analyses. Results: A total of 1207 women agreed to participate in the study, 8% of whom reported that their husbands practiced polygyny. Women in a polygynous relationship were more likely than women in monogamous relationships to experience intimate partner violence (11.7% vs. 3.6%, Adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 0.94, 5.26). The prevalence of intimate partner violence was relatively low in both groups among women whose husbands did not drink (2.9% vs. 0%, Adjusted OR = N/A), and very high in both groups among those whose husbands binge-drank (46.2% vs. 20.8%, Adjusted OR = 9.54; 95% CI = 1.10, 82.54). However, the Breslow-Day Test of Homogeneity suggested that there was no statistically significant effect modification (p-value = 0.259). Conclusion: Stakeholders in intimate partner violence should consider both alcohol use (particularly binge-drinking) and polygyny as risk factors for intimate partner violence. However, caveats regarding study design, misclassification and potential information bias, and lack of generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Design Setting and Participants Measurements Findings Conclusions Numerous studies have demonstrated that alcohol preceded and increased the odds of intimate partner violence (IPV). These prior studies were restricted to one dyad member despite theory suggesting that acute alcohol use by both partners should increase the risk for IPV to a greater degree than when only one partner drinks. We hypothesized that alcohol use by both dyad members, relative to one or no dyad members, would proximally precede and increase the odds of IPV perpetration and victimization.A 60‐day daily diary design was used, where both dyad members of dating couples completed independent reports on IPV perpetration/victimization and alcohol use via a secure survey website.Alcohol using college‐student couples, aged 18–25 (n = 181 couples), from a Midwestern university in the United States participated. A convenience sample strategy was used.Daily surveys asked about alcohol use and IPV perpetration and victimization the prior day, including whether alcohol use preceded or followed IPV. The primary outcome was psychological IPV; secondary outcomes were physical and sexual IPV.Longitudinal random effects models suggested statistically significant associations between drinking behavior and IPV outcomes. The odds of psychological IPV perpetration were higher when both partners were drinking relative to one partner drinking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.99]. Exploratory analyses showed some indication that the odds of physical IPV victimization were higher when both partners were drinking relative to one partner drinking (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.71–4.21).The risk for intimate partner violence appears to be greater when both partners drink, relative to one partner or neither partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol consumption presents a threat to the health and wellbeing of women. The alcohol industry often pushes back at global efforts to prioritise the prevention of alcohol harms to women. Qualitative researchers have investigated how younger and midlife women conceptualise their alcohol consumption, but there is very limited research relating to older women (those 60 years and over). Methods: Using data collected from an online qualitative survey, this paper explored the factors that influence how older Australian women drinkers (n = 144. 60–88 years) conceptualised the role of alcohol in their lives. The study used a 'Big Q' reflexive approach to thematic analysis, drawing upon sociological theories of risk and symbolic interactionism to construct four themes from the data. Results: First, alcohol consumption was viewed by participants as an accepted and normalised social activity, that was part of Australian culture. Second, alcohol played a role for some participants as a way to cope with life changes (such as retirement), as well as managing stressful or challenging life circumstances (such as loneliness). Third, alcohol was part of the routines and rituals of everyday life for some women. For example, women discussed the consumption of wine with their evening meal as an important part of the structure of their day. Fourth, participants had clear personal expectancies about what it meant to be a 'responsible drinker'. They had clear narratives about personal control and moral obligation, which in some cases created a reduced perception of their own risk of alcohol-caused harm. Conclusions: This research provides a starting point for future public health research examining the factors that may shape older women's alcohol consumption beliefs and practices. Public health activities should consider the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of older women drinkers, and how these may be potentially exploited by the alcohol industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This perspective piece calls for health promotion action to regulate alcohol product marketing targeting women and create environments where it is possible to mitigate the harms of alcohol and protect women's health. Drawing on the Global Alcohol Action Plan in the context of the Australian National Women's Health Strategy 2020–30, we consider critical actions for gender-responsive health promotion to protect women from the ways alcohol companies market their products utilizing women's gendered social roles and entrenched stereotypes. We show how these subtle yet powerful gendered approaches to alcohol marketing have the potential for harm yet are not covered by the current mechanisms of the self-regulated Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code. We draw on the World Health Organization's 2024 Framework on Gender-Responsive Approaches to the Acceptability Availability and Affordability of Alcohol and make a call to regulate alcohol marketing targeting women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many alcohol-industry-funded (AIF) organizations disseminate eHealth/mHealth tools that claim to assist users in making health decisions by monitoring alcohol consumption, e.g. blood alcohol calculators, AUDIT scores, consumption trackers. Previously, AIF materials were found to contain health misinformation that could increase consumption (dark nudges) or make healthy behaviour change more difficult (sludge). The accuracy and functionality of AIF tools have never been analysed, and given the history of AIF materials it is possible they contain misinformation and function as covert marketing channels to promote alcohol-industry-friendly narratives on the causes and possible solutions of alcohol-related harms. We evaluated the information accuracy and framing, behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and functions of AIF digital tools (n = 15, from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia; including Drinkaware, Drinkwise, Educ'alcool and others), compared to a non-industry-funded independent sample (n = 10). We identified misinformation and 'dark patterns' (interface design strategies for influencing users against their interest) throughout AIF tools; significantly fewer provided accurate feedback (33% vs 100%), and significantly more omitted information on cancer (67% vs 10%) and cardiovascular disease (80% vs 30%) and promoted industry-friendly narratives (47% vs 0%). AIF tools encouraged consumption through priming nudges (53%) and social norming (40%). AIF tools utilized fewer BCTs, provided users with more limited pre-set options (54%), and fewer drink choices (mean 24 vs 275). Their input structure often impeded their ability to provide guideline advice. We conclude that AIF tools contain pro-industry misinformation strategies and dark patterns that misinform users about their consumption and could 'nudge' them towards continuing to drink alcohol—characteristics of 'Dark Apps' designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption pattern of alcohol varies between cultures and different communities. Moreover, alcohol consumption pattern depends on age, religion, education, type of drink, and other socio-economic parameters. Alcohol use has reportedly declined in most developed counties, but developing countries still witnessed an increasing trend. The study investigated socio-economic drivers, nature, and patterns of alcohol use among adult men in India. We have also investigated the state-level alcohol prevalence in India better to understand the impact of state-level alcohol prohibition policies. We have retrieved the data from the National Family Health survey's fourth and fifth-round, which was conducted in 2015–2016 and 2020–2021, respectively. We used the bi-variate technique to estimate that percentage of men who consume alcohol. Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression model was applied to assess the association of each background characteristic with alcohol consumption. It is observed that 19 percent of men aged 15 and above currently drink alcohol, including 20 percent in rural and 17 percent in urban areas. The consumption of tadi/madi/country liquor/homemade liquor was high in rural areas than in urban areas in both rounds of the survey. Additionally, beer or wine consumption is higher in urban areas than in rural areas in NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. Among the 35–49 years of age group, around 6 and 8 times more likely to consume alcohol in NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, respectively. Rural men were 18 and one percent less likely to consume alcohol in NFHS-4 & 5 compared to urban (OR: 0.82 and 0.99 in NFHS-4 & 5 respectively). Despite an overall reduction in alcohol consumption among men, lowering alcohol consumption remains the main priority of policymakers. There is a need to target the most vulnerable socio-economic segments where alcohol consumption is still a problem, one of the primary reasons for violence against women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]