Alcohol Consumption Problems Research Articles

Arbetsmarknadsstatus, krav och stöd: Ensamstående bidragsmottagare med problematisk alkoholkonsumtion

Aims In the study social assistance case files of single male clients with problematic alcohol consumption were studied. The aim was to see whether actions by the social worker also did focus on treating the client's drinking problem and if so, if the client's labour-market status influenced the decision made by the social worker. Methods & Data The study investigated all case files from nine municipalities during 1999 that involved social assistance to single men over an extended period (six months or more) or contacts over several intervals (three contacts or more). Alcohol-related notes were present in 297 case files and in these files, data were collected on the client's age, first contact with the social service system, ability to support oneself financially through work, type of alcohol-related notes and notes on type of actions and decisions by the social worker. Within the 297 case files, four groups of clients emerged. Two of them were chosen: those judged as fully capable of working (C group = 122 clients) and those not able to work at all (N group = 48 clients): These were then compared mainly in relation to the notes of actions/decisions by their social worker. Data were not randomly sampled and the results can thus not be interpreted as representative for a larger population. However, there is no obvious reason to believe that the social work done in the study municipalities differs from the work done in other similar municipalities. Results The main result shows that demands for participation in some kind of treatment and/or providing “proof” of soberness in order to receive a higher extent of social assistance were found more in the C group than in the N group Conclusions The fewer demands for treatment/soberness in the N group might be interpreted as reflecting a greater extent of social care for this group, in terms of social assistance, but a lesser extent of social care in terms of concerns of their possible problematic drinking.

Social Anxiety and Problematic Alcohol Consumption: The Mediating Role of Drinking Motives and Situations

Social anxiety is inconsistently associated with alcohol use variables. To elucidate factors that contribute to the relationship between social anxiety and problematic alcohol use, the present study investigated drinking motives and drinking situations in an undergraduate sample ( N = 293). Social anxiety was significantly correlated with endorsement of enhancement drinking motives (i.e., drinking to enhance positive experiences or emotions) but not social or coping motives. Social anxiety was also correlated with endorsement of drinking in the following high-risk situations: unpleasant emotions, conflict with others, social pressure, and testing personal control. Importantly, enhancement motives and each of these drinking situations mediated the relationship between social anxiety and alcohol-related problems. Findings suggest that alcohol use to enhance positive affect or in response to these specific situations may account for the risk for alcohol-related problems among those with social anxiety.

Use of the Adolescent SASSI in a Juvenile Correctional Setting

The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent (SASSI-A) is used in evaluation and treatment planning for incarcerated juveniles. Validity of the SASSI-A in a juvenile correctional facility was examined using archival data. Findings generally support the validity of SASSI-A substance use scales. However, there is concern regarding the potential for ethnic bias in this setting. Cut-scores suggest that the SASSI-A may best be used for detecting problematic alcohol consumption using the Face Valid Alcohol Scale > or = 3. Future studies should more closely investigate whether the three underlying dimensions of the SASSI-A are useful in treatment planning. Results are presented in light of the relatively new SASSI-A2.

Morbidade psiquiátrica e uso de álcool em gestantes usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde

To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and emotional distress in pregnant women, and to verify whether women with problematic alcohol consumption (abuse or dependence) have more emotional distress than those with non-problematic alcohol consumption. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a clinical sample from a public obstetric service in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. A non-probabilistic convenience sample of patients who were consecutively recruited comprised 450 pregnant women. Three questionnaires were applied: a sociodemographic profile, followed by the Psychiatric Morbidity Questionnaire (QMPA) and a standardized questionnaire for collecting data on alcohol-related problems (abuse or dependence) according to ICD-10 criteria. Univariate analysis (ANOVA) was used for comparison between groups using central distribution measures and 95% confidence intervals. There were found 172 (38.2%) problematic pregnant women with positive score (score >7) in the QMPA. A group of 41 (9.1%) pregnant women with problematic alcohol consumption was detected according to ICD-10 criteria, 27 (6.0%) of them diagnosed as alcohol abuse and 14 (3.1%) as alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse or dependence syndrome was related to greater emotional distress, i.e. higher mean scoring in anxiety, depression and alcohol QMPA subscales. Given the prevalence of emotional distress and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and high risk of mother-child health problems, careful evaluations in this population should be conducted by health professionals.

Is There an Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Sexually Transmitted Diseases? A Systematic Review

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published literature on the association between problematic alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using a MEDLINE search (1995-2003) and article references, we identified articles that described measures of alcohol consumption and STDs and presented data on their association. For each eligible study, we classified the alcohol consumption measure as specific (problem drinking) or general, and examined study designs, study populations, STD measures, and results. Of 42 eligible studies, 11 included specific measures of problem drinking, of which 8 found a significant association between alcohol consumption and at least 1 STD. The relationship did not appear to vary according to gender or pattern of alcohol consumption assessed. The literature supports an overall association between problematic alcohol consumption and STDs, although their causal relationship cannot be determined with certainty from these observational studies. The findings have implications for prevention planners, clinicians, and individual patients at risk of STDs.

The neurocognitive effects of alcohol on adolescents and college students

Background. Adolescents and college students are at high risk for initiating alcohol use and high-risk (or binge) drinking. There is a growing body of literature on neurotoxic and harmful cognitive effects of drinking by young people. On average, youths take their first drink at age 12 years. Methods. MEDLINE search on neurologic and cognitive effects of underage drinking. Results. Problematic alcohol consumption is not a benign condition that resolves with age. Individuals who first use alcohol before age 14 years are at increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Underage drinkers are susceptible to immediate consequences of alcohol use, including blackouts, hangovers, and alcohol poisoning and are at elevated risk of neurodegeneration (particularly in regions of the brain responsible for learning and memory), impairments in functional brain activity, and the appearance of neurocognitive deficits. Heavy episodic or binge drinking impairs study habits and erodes the development of transitional skills to adulthood. Conclusions. Underage alcohol use is associated with brain damage and neurocognitive deficits, with implications for learning and intellectual development. Impaired intellectual development may continue to affect individuals into adulthood. It is imperative for policymakers and organized medicine to address the problem of underage drinking.

Trends in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona, Spain (1987-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona between 1987 and 1999. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys administered to representative samples of pupils in the second year of secondary school between 1987 and 1999. The questionnaires were anonymous and self-completed. We present data from 5013 secondary school pupils from Barcelona who participated in one of the five surveys. RESULTS: Regular smoking (daily and weekly) showed a uniform decrease between 1987 and 1996. The results of the last survey (1999) showed an increase over those the 1996 survey, ranging from 13.4% for regular smoking to 38.7% for experimental smoking. Between 1987 and 1999, the percentage of schoolchildren who reported drinking at least half a glass of alcohol at some time showed an overall decrease of 14.0%. No differences in sex were found in problematic alcohol consumption, while a higher proportion of girls (14.0%) than boys (10.5%) reported getting drunk at some time. Whereas in 1996, 6.9% of the population studied had smoked cannabis at some time, in 1999 this proportion was 7.3%, with no differences between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period regular smoking increased, alcohol consumption decreased and cannabis consumption tended to level-off. Differences between boys and girls tended to disappear. Language: es

Tendencias en el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis de los escolares de Barcelona (1987-1999)

ObjectiveTo describe trends in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona between 1987 and 1999. MethodsCross-sectional surveys administered to representative samples of pupils in the second year of secondary school between 1987 and 1999. The questionnaires were anonymous and self-completed. We present data from 5013 secondary school pupils from Barcelona who participated in one of the five surveys. ResultsRegular smoking (daily and weekly) showed a uniform decrease between 1987 and 1996. The results of the last survey (1999) showed an increase over those the 1996 survey, ranging from 13.4% for regular smoking to 38.7% for experimental smoking. Between 1987 and 1999, the percentage of schoolchildren who reported drinking at least half a glass of alcohol at some time showed an overall decrease of 14.0%. No differences in sex were found in problematic alcohol consumption, while a higher proportion of girls (14.0%) than boys (10.5%) reported getting drunk at some time. Whereas in 1996, 6.9% of the population studied had smoked cannabis at some time, in 1999 this proportion was 7.3%, with no differences between sexes. ConclusionsDuring the study period regular smoking increased, alcohol consumption decreased and cannabis consumption tended to level-off. Differences between boys and girls tended to disappear.

People who enjoy drinking: findings from a survey of British adults

This paper reports some of the findings from a survey of 2,027 British adults that was conducted in 2000. This investigation examined self‐reported alcohol consumption and the negative consequences associated with heavy or inappropriate alcohol consumption. In addition, information was elicited on the topic of the positive aspects of drinking. This paper examines the ‘drinking profile’ of those people who reported positive aspects of drinking. Most of the people surveyed reported that their past year's alcohol consumption had been enjoyable regardless of whether it had been associated with adverse consequences. In contrast, a few individuals reported drinking heavily even though they had not enjoyed their recent alcohol consumption. The relationship between alcohol consumption and its negative and positive consequences appears to be complex. There was clearly ambivalence between the adverse consequences associated with drinking and its positive effects. Many people appear prepared to tolerate some negative experiences as the price they pay for enjoying their drinking. This constitutes a major inhibiting factor in relation to preventive initiatives and therapeutic interventions related to problematic alcohol consumption.

Understanding College Alcohol Abuse and Academic Performance: Selecting Appropriate Intervention Strategies

This article summarizes research linking alcohol abuse to poor academic performance, decreased student retention, and problems for the campus community. It provides an overview of 3 theoretical perspectives on reducing problematic alcohol consumption, discusses brief interventions as the treatment of choice, and offers suggestions to college counselors for alcohol prevention programming on their campuses.

Identification, prevention and treatment: a review of individual-focused strategies to reduce problematic alcohol consumption by college students.

The purpose of this article is to review and assess the existing body of literature on individually focused prevention and treatment approaches for college student drinking. Studies that evaluate the overall efficacy of an approach by measuring behavioral outcomes such as reductions in alcohol use and associated negative consequences were included. All studies discussed utilized at least one outcome measure focused on behavioral change and included a control or comparison condition; however, not all trials were randomized. Consistent with the results of previous reviews, little evidence exists for the utility of educational or awareness programs. Cognitive-behavioral skills-based interventions and brief motivational feedback (including mailed graphic feedback) have consistently yielded greater support for their efficacy than have informational interventions. There is mixed support for values clarification and normative reeducation approaches. Much of the research suffers from serious methodological limitations. The evidence from this review suggests that campuses would best serve the student population by implementing brief, motivational or skills-based interventions, targeting high-risk students identified either through brief screening in health care centers or other campus settings or through membership in an identified risk group (e.g., freshmen, Greek organization members, athletes, mandated students). More research is needed to determine effective strategies for identifying, recruiting and retaining students in efficacious individually focused prevention services, and research on mandated student prevention services is an urgent priority. Integration between campus policies and individually oriented prevention approaches is recommended.

Factors associated with problematic alcohol consumption in schoolchildren.

To describe the factors, including the role of anticipated results, which explain progression of problematic alcohol consumption in a sample of schoolchildren attending primary and secondary school and vocational training. A self-administrated questionnaire on lifestyle habits was carried out in 1992 among a sample of 2140 students (mean age 15.4 years) in six schools of Barcelona and Lleida. One year later the same questionnaire was administered to the 1496 students remaining in the school. A total of 1236 follow-up questionnaires could be matched through a personal code. Problematic consumption was defined according to a score composed of several indicators of alcohol consumption. A self-administrated questionnaire on alcohol attitudes and consumption and a short version of the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire-Adolescent was used. At the baseline survey 28% of males and 25% of females reported having gotten drunk at least once in the last six months. Fifty-two percent of boys and 39% of girls had drunk four or more drinks in a row at least once. The strongest predictors of problematic alcohol consumption after 1 year were to have drinking friends (OR 3.1), to be regular smoker (OR 2.5), to show favorable alcohol-related expectancies (OR 1.8), to be boy (OR 1.6) and to be older than 15 years (OR 1.6), by order of importance. As has been found in other studies around the world, peer consumption of alcohol and expectancies regarding alcohol remained the most important predictive factors for problematic drinking among Spanish adolescents.

Adolescent views on risky and illegal alcohol use

A sample of 1154 adolescents from central Queensland indicated their agreement or disagreement with 28 reasons why young people drink alcohol in ways that are risky or illegal. As predicted, agreement varied across the three age groups sampled, with younger respondents being most likely to agree with drinking reasons. In contrast, very few sex differences emerged in the study. This suggests that young males and females share some common views about situations related to problematic alcohol consumption, and that age differences may be the more important factor in the development of alcohol education messages.

Alcohol policy considerations for Indian reservations and bordertown communities.

For some topics, particularly in public health, summaries are dangerous because they may create the idea that a single or simple solution exists. This topic is one where a summary can create a false expectation of simplicity. There is no simple or easy solution to the problem of alcohol abuse in any community, especially reservation and bordertown communities in the western United States. The solution is complex, it must be comprehensive, and it will take a great deal of effort over time to reduce alcohol and substance abuse in any individual community. Indian communities must develop a comprehensive, consistent, and clearly defined alcohol prevention/intervention policy. Such a policy must utilize a systematic, public health approach that considers the physical, mental, and social well being of each and every individual within the region. It must address all types of problematic alcohol consumption, from sporadic alcohol consumption (light and heavy) to regular alcohol abuse and chronic alcoholism, for the problems found in Indian and bordertown communities arise from a variety of different drinking patterns. Presented in this paper are a large number of policy and prevention options that have been used successfully in human societies in various parts of the world and in the United States. The intent of the paper is to present and describe the variety of options for addressing alcohol problems that have been found to be of value in the control and reduction of alcohol abuse and related problems. The three broad categories of approach are: controlling the supply of alcoholic beverages through statute and regulation; shaping drinking practices directly; and reducing the physical and social environmental risks. Indian tribal councils and Native communities can, if they so desire, consider, debate, and enact any or all of these measures. The important issue is that they should be aware of these ideas for prevention and consider them carefully. If the preventive measures described here can be applied systematically and reasonably within the social and cultural contexts of a Native community, then the ultimate result should be positive. Readers are encouraged to read this paper carefully, to study the tables and figures, and if more detail is desired, to consult some of the many references found in the back. Comprehensive and positive alcohol policy has been ignored for too long in Indian country, and the resultant toll in morbidity, mortality, and suffering is too high. This paper presents the ingredients for a comprehensive policy. Each community need to work its own recipe.

Alcohol use and psychopathology in opioid addicts on methadone maintenance.

The occurrence of alcohol problems in opiate addicts on methadone maintenance presents a serious challenge for treatment. Dually addicted patients have a higher incidence of medical and psychiatric complications, consume large amounts of staff and treatment resources, and often exit treatment through administrative detoxification. Yet, little is known about differences in psychopathology between this group and other opioid addicts. This paper summarizes data for 166 male opioid addicts receiving methadone treatment. Alcohol problems were identified, and the relationship between dual addiction and psychopathology was explored. In the first phase of the study the MMPI and Brief MAST (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test) were administered to 91 subjects. Comparison of Brief MAST scores with program counselors' judgments of the presence or absence of an alcohol problem showed a significant relationship. Cluster analysis of MMPI scores generated three groups. The clusters had significantly different mean MAST scores with the normal cluster having the least indication of alcohol problems, the neurotic cluster intermediate, and the schizoid cluster the greatest indication of problematic alcohol consumption. The second phase of the study with another 75 subjects replicated the relationship between cluster membership and MAST score. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) was also administered to these subjects, and high correlations between Brief MAST and ASI alcohol problem measures were found. Within-treatment outcome data on a number of measures were then collected for 1 year. Problem drinking severity was negatively related to employment status and positively related to number of random urinalyses indicating illicit drug use. Implication of these findings for refining treatment strategies are discussed.