Binge Drinking Episodes Research Articles

Preliminary Evidence That Circadian Alignment Predicts Neural Response to Monetary Reward in Late Adolescent Drinkers.

BackgroundRobust evidence links sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems, with a growing literature implicating reward-related mechanisms. However, the extant literature has been limited by cross-sectional designs, self-report or behavioral proxies for circadian timing, and samples without substantive alcohol use. Here, we employed objective measures of sleep and circadian rhythms, and an intensive prospective design, to assess whether circadian alignment predicts the neural response to reward in a sample of late adolescents reporting regular alcohol use.MethodsParticipants included 31 late adolescents (18–22 y/o; 19 female participants) reporting weekly alcohol use. Participants completed a 14-day protocol including pre- and post-weekend (Thursday and Sunday) circadian phase assessments via the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), in counterbalanced order. Sleep-wake timing was assessed via actigraphy. Circadian alignment was operationalized as the DLMO-midsleep interval; secondary analyses considered social jet lag based on weekday-weekend differences in midsleep or DLMO. Neural response to reward (anticipation and outcome) was assessed via a monetary reward fMRI task (Friday and Monday scans). Alcohol use was assessed at baseline and via ecological momentary assessment. Mean BOLD signal was extracted from two regions-of-interest (striatum and medial prefrontal cortex, mPFC) for analyses in regression models, accounting for age, sex, racial identity, and scan order.ResultsIn primary analyses, shorter DLMO-midsleep intervals (i.e., greater misalignment) on Thursday predicted lower striatal and mPFC responses to anticipated reward, but not reward outcome, on Friday. Lower neural (striatum and mPFC) responses to anticipated reward on Friday correlated with more binge-drinking episodes at baseline, but were not associated with alcohol use in the post-scan weekend. In secondary analyses, greater social jet lag (particularly larger weekend delays in midsleep or DLMO) was associated with lower neural responses to reward anticipation on Monday.ConclusionFindings provide preliminary evidence of proximal associations between objectively determined circadian alignment and the neural response to anticipated monetary reward, which is linked in turn to patterns of problematic drinking. Replication in a larger sample and experimental designs will be important next steps to determining the extent to which circadian misalignment influences risk for alcohol involvement via alterations in reward function.

Cohort profile: early school years follow-up of the Asking Questions about Alcohol in Pregnancy Longitudinal Study in Melbourne, Australia (AQUA at 6)

PurposeThe Asking Questions about Alcohol in Pregnancy (AQUA) study, established in 2011, is a prebirth cohort of 1570 mother and child pairs designed to assess the effects of low to...

Binge drinking induces an acute burst of markers of hepatic fibrogenesis (PRO‐C3)

Binge drinking is associated with an increased risk of liver disease. Morbidity and mortality of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is associated with collagen deposition in the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the acute effects of binge drinking on ECM turnover are unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects on hepatic ECM turnover following a binge drinking episode. We performed a pathophysiological intervention study with 15 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, 15 ALD patients and 10 healthy controls. We used 40% ethanol in 9mg/mL NaCl administered through a nasogastric tube to simulate binge drinking. Hepatic vein catheterisation allowed simultaneous hepatic- and systemic vein sampling. Markers of ECM formation and degradation were measured with competitive ELISA. The interstitial matrix formation marker PRO-C3 increased by 1.2ng/mL (10%, P<.001) 24hours after binge drinking. In participants with existing liver fibrosis determined by elevated baseline PRO-C3, hepatic levels increased by 0.09ng/mL (95% CI: 0.03-0.15, P=.005) while systemic PRO-C3 decreased 0.11ng/mL (95% CI: -0.15 to -0.06, P<.001) in 3hours. PRO-C8 increased by 30% (+0.9ng/mL, P=.014) in liver-diseased patients with F0-F1 but not in any other group. Twenty-four-hour changes in systemic C3M and PRO-C3 were not associated (P=.911). Binge drinking induced an acute burst of PRO-C3 in healthy individuals and patients with liver disease. Markers of ECM degradation were not correlated to markers of ECM formation, suggesting that even a single episode of binge drinking promotes excessive hepatic fibrogenesis.

Broadened JAR Focus to Support Advertising Practitioners and Scholars

<h3>Background:</h3> Brief interventions delivered by family physicians to address excessive alcohol use among adult patients are effective. We conducted a study to determine whether such an intervention would be similarly effective in reducing binge drinking and excessive cannabis use among young people. <h3>Methods:</h3> We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 33 family physicians in Switzerland. Physicians in the intervention group received training in delivering a brief intervention to young people during the consultation in addition to usual care. Physicians in the control group delivered usual care only. Consecutive patients aged 15–24 years were recruited from each practice and, before the consultation, completed a confidential questionnaire about their general health and substance use. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after the consultation. The primary outcome measure was self-reported excessive substance use (≥ 1 episode of binge drinking, or ≥ 1 joint of cannabis per week, or both) in the past 30 days. <h3>Results:</h3> Of the 33 participating physicians, 17 were randomly allocated to the intervention group and 16 to the control group. Of the 594 participating patients, 279 (47.0%) identified themselves as binge drinkers or excessive cannabis users, or both, at baseline. Excessive substance use did not differ significantly between patients whose physicians were in the intervention group and those whose physicians were in the control group at any of the follow-up points (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] at 3 months: 0.9 [0.6–1.4]; at 6 mo: 1.0 [0.6–1.6]; and at 12 mo: 1.1 [0.7–1.8]). The differences between groups were also nonsignificant after we re stricted the analysis to patients who reported excessive substance use at baseline (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9–2.8, at 3 mo; OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9–3.2, at 6 mo; and OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.9–4.0, at 12 mo). <h3>Interpretation:</h3> Training family physicians to use a brief intervention to address excessive substance use among young people was not effective in reducing binge drinking and excessive cannabis use in this patient population. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, no. ACTRN12608000432314.

Adolescent Binge Drinking Is Associated With Accelerated Decline of Gray Matter Volume.

The age- and time-dependent effects of binge drinking on adolescent brain development have not been well characterized even though binge drinking is a health crisis among adolescents. The impact of binge drinking on gray matter volume (GMV) development was examined using 5 waves of longitudinal data from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence study. Binge drinkers (n = 166) were compared with non-binge drinkers (n = 82 after matching on potential confounders). Number of binge drinking episodes in the past year was linked to decreased GMVs in bilateral Desikan-Killiany cortical parcellations (26 of 34 with P < 0.05/34) with the strongest effects observed in frontal regions. Interactions of binge drinking episodes and baseline age demonstrated stronger effects in younger participants. Statistical models sensitive to number of binge episodes and their temporal proximity to brain volumes provided the best fits. Consistent with prior research, results of this study highlight the negative effects of binge drinking on the developing brain. Our results present novel findings that cortical GMV decreases were greater in closer proximity to binge drinking episodes in a dose-response manner. This relation suggests a causal effect and raises the possibility that normal growth trajectories may be reinstated with alcohol abstinence.

70.1 SUBSTANCE SCREENING, BRIEF INTERVENTION, AND REFERRAL TO TREATMENT (SBIRT): IS IT WORKING FOR ADOLESCENTS?

The objectives of this presentation are to: 1) review the principles of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT); and 2) review adolescent outcomes of SBIRT implementation. A review of the literature was conducted in PubMed. We will review validated adolescent substance use screens and utilize case vignettes with examples of brief interventions, including referral to treatment, that illustrate the foundational principles of SBIRT. Substance use and other clinical outcomes, including specialty care follow-up, will be reviewed. An estimated 14.4% of youth ages 12 to 18 years old meet the DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD), of whom less than 10% receive treatment. Universal substance use screening, brief intervention (BI), and referral to treatment (RT) is recommended starting at age 12 years old. BI is an evidence-based, individualized intervention to respond to adolescent substance use screening results. Utilization of BI is associated with significant efforts to change substance use behaviors, including reduction in binge drinking episodes, drinking and driving, and alcohol-related injuries. While studies show that BI is associated with an overall decrease in cannabis and other illicit drug use, results for alcohol consumption are mixed. Adolescents who receive BI also have fewer acute care visits and lower use of outpatient services, including mental health. To date, the majority of “SBIRT” studies do not report on RT or adolescent follow-up with substance use treatment specialists post-BI. In adults, SBIRT is not associated with establishing specialty outpatient care. Two SBIRT trials in emergency department settings report that 5% to 25% of adolescents who received SBIRT interventions sought outpatient treatment. Delivery by a behavioral health clinician or the adolescent’s primary counselor significantly increases the odds of initiating outpatient treatment. SBIRT is an evidence-based intervention recommended for all adolescents to prevent or delay the onset of substance use and to provide individualized BI and RT for adolescents with problematic substance use and SUD. However, significant barriers remain to facilitating adolescent participation in outpatient specialty treatment.

Alcohol drinking patterns and occurrence of genital warts among Danish adolescents

BackgroundUnder the influence of alcohol adolescents are more prone to engage in unprotected sex, which increases the risk of acquiring genital warts. The study aim was to examine whether alcohol consumption among adolescents is associated with acquiring genital warts. MethodsHealth behavior data were extracted from the Danish National Youth Study 2014. Complete data were available for 63,648 students. Number of binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days, frequency of drinking on weekends and total number of drinks consumed during 7-day week were collected by a questionnaire. Information on genital warts for the period between filling the questionnaire in 2014 and December 31, 2018 was retrieved from the Danish National Prescription Register and Danish National Patient Register. ResultsAdjusted analysis showed that, compared to students who did not drink alcohol, increasing frequency of binge drinking in the past 30 days was independently associated with greater hazard of acquiring genital warts (1−3 times hazard ratio [HR]: 1.36, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.09−1.69; 4−6 times HR: 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.22−1.96; >6 times HR: 1.84, 95 % CI 1.39−2.45). Compared to students who did not drink alcohol, consistent alcohol drinking every weekend was associated with greater risk of developing genital warts (HR: 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.20−2.17). Total weekly number of alcohol drinks consumed was not associated with occurrence of genital warts. ConclusionIncreased alcohol intake was associated with occurrence of genital warts over 4 year of follow-up. There is an urgent need for change of excessive alcohol intake tendencies among adolescents.

Drinking patterns of post-deployment Veterans: The role of personality, negative urgency, and posttraumatic stress

ABSTRACT Rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol misuse are known to be high among postdeployment Veterans. Previous research has found that personality factors may be relevant predictors of postdeployment drinking, yet results have been inconsistent and may be influenced by the selection of drinking outcome. This study aimed to examine relations among PTSD, negative urgency, and the five factor models of personality with multiple alcohol consumption patterns, including maximum drinks in a day, number of binge drinking episodes, at-risk drinking, and average weekly drinks in a sample of 397 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn Veterans. The pattern of results suggested that the association among personality, PTSD, and drinking may depend on which drinking outcome is selected. For example, maximum drinks in a day was significantly associated with younger age, male gender, low agreeableness, and an interaction between negative urgency and PTSD, whereas number of binge drinking days was significantly associated with younger age, extraversion, low agreeableness, and negative urgency. This study highlights the heterogeneity of drinking patterns among Veterans and the need for careful consideration and transparency of outcomes selection in alcohol research.

Insights from behavioral economics to characterize substance use involvement in adolescents: a cluster analysis

Reinforcement pathology (RP), a framework rooted in behavioral economics, has contributed to advances in the etiology and treatment of substance use. Drug demand and delay discounting (DD) have gained considerable interest, as they inform on the risk for escalation to substance use as well as treatment-specific targets. No prior study conducted in Spain has explored the interplay of demand and DD in adolescents. This study was aimed to: 1) identify whether DD and alcohol demand can yield empirically driven subgroups, and 2) examine differences in substance use involvement. The sample comprised 107 (% females = 54.2) adolescents (M=15.46, SD=1.25) from a high school in Asturias (Spain). Participants filled out an ad-hoc survey on substance use over the prior 30 days and one year. A 20-item alcohol purchase task (APT) was used to assess the reinforcing value of alcohol. The 21-item Monetary Choice Questionnaire evaluated impulsive choice. Two subgroups emerged: Cluster 1 (n = 72) and Cluster 2 (n = 35). Participants in C2 consistently showed higher impulsivity and demand for alcohol, signifying lower responsiveness to alcohol pricing. As compared to C1, those in C2 had a higher prevalence of past-month substance use [C1: 26/72 (36.1%) vs. C2: 33/35 (94.3%), p &lt;.001], and a greater frequency of drunkenness [p &lt;.001] and binge drinking episodes [p &lt;.001]. RP differentiate between subgroups of adolescent substance users with patterns of more versus less substance use involvement. The existence of specific drug use subpopulations should be considered when designing environmental preventive policies

The efficacy of a targeted PREVENTION programme for addictive behaviour (PREVENTURE) among vulnerable ADOlescents in France - study procotol

BackgroundAlcohol use is a major public health challenge in France, where at the age of 17 half the young people report an episode of severe alcohol intoxication in the month preceding the survey. Numerous prevention programmes have a general objective, but in adolescence individual vulnerabilities towards addictions differ significantly with personality traits. Prevention targeting personality traits enables work on risk factors for addictive behaviours, and has shown genuine efficacy.Among existing programmes, PREVENTURE has shown an effect on the reduction in alcohol consumption by targeting four personality traits: impulsivity, sensation-seeking, negative thoughts and anxiety. This programme has been tested on samples recruited in adolescent populations in school environments, identifying adolescents at risk, but it has not been tested on a more targeted recruitment of adolescents seen in consultation.MethodsThe main hypothesis of this study is that the targeted prevention programme PREVENTURE will have an impact on the prevalence of binge-drinking episodes. The secondary hypotheses explore other factors such as associated substance use, anxiety and depression, as well as the acceptability of the programme. This article presents the study protocol of “PREVADO” study.We intend to assess the impact of the targeted intervention programme PREVENTURE on the prevalence of binge-drinking episodes among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years consulting in one of the participating centres or referred by a school doctor. The study will be prospective, randomised, controlled and open-label, and will comprise an intervention group and a control group.The adolescents will then be followed and assessed 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention.The study needs to include 700 subjects in order to reach 340 adolescents randomised, 170 in each group. It will concern 33 centres.DiscussionThis project could favour the targeting of addictive behaviours among vulnerable adolescents, and its application on a larger scale could be envisaged.Trial registrationThe Trial registration number is NCT04599270, and it was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov public website.

Associations of Binge Drinking With the Risks of Ischemic Heart Disease and Stroke: A Study of Pooled Norwegian Health Surveys.

Norwegian health survey data (1987–2003) were analyzed to determine if binge drinking increases the risk of incident major events from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. Among current drinkers reporting average alcohol intakes of 2.00–59.99 g/day (n = 44,476), frequent binge drinking (≥5 units at least once per month) was not associated with a greater risk of IHD (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 1.09) or stroke (adjusted HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.19), in comparison with participants who reported that they never or only infrequently (less than once per month) had episodes of binge drinking. Participants with an average alcohol intake of 2.00–59.99 g/day had a lower risk of IHD in comparison with participants with very low intakes (<2.00 g/day), both among frequent binge drinkers (adjusted HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.80) and among never/infrequent binge drinkers (adjusted HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.84). The findings suggest that frequent binge drinking, independent of average alcohol intake, does not increase the risk of incident IHD or stroke events. However, the findings should be interpreted in light of the limitations of the study design.

Binge Drinking Moderates the Association Between Chronic Lung Disease and E-Cigarette Use.

There is a paucity of research on e-cigarette use among adults with chronic lung disease. Accordingly, little is known about the factors that may contribute to e-cigarette use in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between chronic lung disease and e-cigarette use and to determine whether binge drinking moderates this relationship. Data were derived from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Logistic regression was used to test the association between chronic lung disease status and e-cigarette use, controlling for demographic variables and chronic health conditions. We conducted moderation analyses to test the hypothesis that the association between chronic lung disease and lifetime e-cigarette use would be modified by binge drinking. The prevalence of lifetime e-cigarette use was higher among adults with chronic lung disease than among those without, and more frequent binge drinking was associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime e-cigarette use independent of chronic lung disease status. Binge drinking moderated the relationship between chronic lung disease and lifetime use of e-cigarettes such that the association between chronic lung disease and e-cigarette use was weaker among those who engaged in more episodes of binge drinking in the past 30 d. Among those without chronic lung disease, binge drinking was associated with an increased likelihood of e-cigarette use. E-cigarette use appears to be more common among adults with chronic lung disease. Although binge drinking was positively associated with e-cigarette use, more frequent binge drinking weakened the relationship between chronic lung disease and e-cigarette use. Though future studies are needed to determine precisely how binge drinking affects this association, it is possible that individuals with chronic lung disease who binge drink more frequently use e-cigarettes less frequently, despite an increased likelihood of having ever used an e-cigarette. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04135404.).

Investigating Relationships Among Distress Tolerance, PTSD Symptom Severity, and Alcohol Use

Exposure to trauma (particularly interpersonal trauma), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and low distress tolerance (DT; the ability to tolerate negative internal states), are all related to risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD). The aim of this study was to examine the main and interactive effects of PTSD symptom severity and DT in relation to current (past 30-day) alcohol consumption and binge drinking among emerging adult men and women with a history of sexual/physical assault. Participants were 572 undergraduate students (66% women) with a history of physical/sexual assault endorsing past month alcohol use. Participants completed the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5), and an abbreviated Timeline Followback Questionnaire (TLFB), which assessed past 30-day total alcohol consumption (i.e., total number of drinks) and binge drinking frequency (i.e., 5+ drinks [4+ for women]). Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that male sex, higher trauma load (i.e., total number of trauma categories endorsed), and higher PTSD symptom severity were associated with both higher number of total drinks and higher frequency of binge drinking episodes. However, DT was not associated with either alcohol outcome when PTSD symptom severity was entered in the models. The interaction of PTSD symptom severity and DT was not significantly associated with total alcohol consumption or binge drinking. These results highlight the importance of investigating the unique contributions of PTSD symptoms and DT (as well as other transdiagnostic cognitive-affective constructs) in the onset and maintenance of AUD.

Body mass index and serum levels of soluble leptin receptor are sex-specifically related to alcohol binge drinking behavior

ObjectiveBinge drinking is a highly prevalent behavior in adolescents and young adults and a risk factor to develop alcohol use disorder. Body mass index (BMI) and blood levels of leptin peptide and its soluble receptor have been implicated in alcohol use disorder; however, their role in binge drinking remains to be investigated. MethodWe studied associations of BMI, serum levels of soluble leptin receptor (ObRe) and leptin as well as the free leptin index with binge drinking in 93 male and 99 female young adults. ResultsIn men, binge drinkers showed significantly higher BMI (kg/m2) than non-binge drinkers (23.67 vs. 22.08) and higher BMI correlated significantly with more severe binge drinking episodes (ρ = 0.251). In women, we found significantly higher ObRe (ng/ml) / BMI (kg/m2) values in binge drinkers than in non-binge drinkers (0.52 vs. 0.44) and ObRe/BMI values correlated significantly with more severe binge drinking episodes (ρ = 0.210). ConclusionThis study confirms that higher BMI associates with binge drinking in men and shows for the first time a role of ObRe/BMI in binge drinking in women. Our data emphasize the importance of further research in the field of metabolic markers and implications in neurobiological processes of binge drinking.

Effects of cannabis use on alcohol consumption in a sample of treatment-engaged heavy drinkers in Colorado.

Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, but evidence suggests a nuanced relationship between alcohol consumption and cannabis use. In particular, among individuals undergoing alcohol treatment the impact of cannabis on alcohol intake may depend upon cannabis use frequency. We aimed to test the effects of within-day cannabis use on total drinks consumed and likelihood of binge drinking on a given day among all participants and compare these relationships between males and females and between individuals who reported infrequent and frequent cannabis use. This observational study is a substudy of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). Individuals were included from the RCT if they reported any cannabis use and were divided into groups based on cannabis use patterns. Alcohol use was compared within and between groups. Individuals were recruited from 2016 to 2020 from community and university settings in Denver and Boulder, CO, USA. Of the 182 individuals enrolled in the RCT, 96 cannabis-using subjects were included in these analyses. Subjects completed a time-line follow-back (TLFB) at baseline, 4, 8(end of treatment) and 20weeks. Daily data on alcohol and cannabis use from the TLFB at all time-points were analyzed. Across the sample (n=96), individuals drank approximately 29% fewer drinks [95% confidence interval (CI)=18-39%, P<0.001] and were 2.06 times (95% CI=1.37-3.08, P<0.001) less likely to have a binge-drinking episode on days that cannabis was used compared with days that cannabis was not used. These patterns were observed in males, females and the infrequent and frequent cannabis use groups. Findings were inconclusive regarding differences in the association between cannabis use and alcohol outcomes when comparing males and females and when comparing infrequent and frequent cannabis use groups. Heavy drinkers engaged in treatment to reduce their alcohol consumption who also use cannabis appear to increase their cannabis use on days when they reduce their alcohol consumption.

Students' Drinking Status and Likelihood of Carrying a Weapon on Campus

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between different levels of alcohol risk, weapon carrying, and feeling of safety among 54,582 college students participating in the 2010 CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey. A higher number of binge drinking episodes was associated with higher likelihood of carrying a weapon. In addition, the interaction term in the model was significant which implies that the difference between those who feel safe and those who do not feel safe, in terms of carrying a weapon, is different for the levels of drinking risk.

THE DRUNKEN HAIR: INTRODUCING IN VIVO DEMONSTRATION OF INCREASED BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION TEMPORARY DISRUPTING HUMAN HAIR FOLLICLES EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

The human hair consists of a follicle a.k.a root penetrating the skin and an outer skin structure commonly called the shaft. The hair follicle has been classified as a miniorgan having its own cells divisions; aging stages and also demonstrated to be an energy emitter in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The intent of this manuscript is to introduce documentation from in vivo experiments showing the deleterious effect of alcohol consumption on the previously documented hair follicle intrinsic and orderly emission of energy a.k.a. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR). This was possible by a minor modification of a tabletop optical microscopy technique introduced in 2015 and designed to display plant and animals tissue EMR. In vitro control experiments had shown that a drop of white wine covering a human hair follicle placed on a glass slide caused what appeared to be a disruption on the hair follicle EMR emissions; the addition of chemicals to the wine during manufacturing could have caused that effect. The answer could lie in an in vivo alcohol drinking approach by increasing only the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In this manuscript two in vitro and two in vivo are presented where the author, a non-alcohol drinker, purposely and during fasting underwent two binge-drinking episodes aimed to increase his BAC and investigate its impact on hair follicles. Several black beard hair samples were plucked via tweezers as controls; additional samples were also plucked and processed at approximately peak alcohol physical symptoms such cheek numbness and dizziness which occurred between 35 and 45 minutes post two episodes of wine or wine and beer binges. Images and video-recordings are presented.

Differential alterations of insular cortex excitability after adolescent or adult chronic intermittent ethanol administration in male rats.

Adolescent alcohol drinking, primarily in the form of binge-drinking episodes, is a serious public health concern. Binge drinking in laboratory animals has been modeled by a procedure involving chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) administration, as compared with chronic intermittent water (CIW). The prolonged effects of adolescent binge alcohol exposure in adults, such as high risk of developing alcohol use disorder, are severe but available treatments in the clinic are limited. One reason is the lack of sufficient understanding about the associated neuronal alterations. The involvement of the insular cortex, particularly the anterior agranular insula (AAI), has emerged as a critical region to explain neuronal mechanisms of substance abuse. This study was designed to evaluate the functional output of the AAI by measuring the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons from male rats 2 or 21days after adolescent or adult CIE treatment. Decreases in intrinsic excitability in AAI pyramidal neurons were detected 21days, relative to 2days, after adolescent CIE. Interestingly, the decreased intrinsic excitability in the AAI pyramidal neurons was observed 2days after adult CIE, compared to adult CIW, but no difference was found between 2 versus 21days after adult CIE. These data indicate that, although the AAI is influenced within a limited period after adult but not adolescent CIE, neuronal alterations in AAI are affected during the prolonged period of withdrawal from adolescent but not adult CIE. This may explain the prolonged vulnerability to mental disorders of subjects with an alcohol binge history during their adolescent stage.

Associations of maternal smoking and drinking with fetal growth and placental abruption

ObjectiveTo investigate pregnant women from the Safe Passage Study for the individual and combined effects of smoking and drinking during pregnancy on the prevalence of clinical placental abruption. Study designThe aim of the original Safe Passage Study was to investigate the association of alcohol use during pregnancy with stillbirths and sudden infant deaths. Recruitment for this longitudinal study occurred between August 2007 and October 2016. Information on smoking and drinking was collected prospectively at up to 4 occasions during pregnancy where a modified timeline follow-back method was used to assess the exposure to alcohol. Placentas were examined histologically in a subset of pregnant women. For this study we examined the effects of smoking and drinking on fetal growth and the prevalence rate of placental abruption. High smoking constituted of 10 or more cigarettes per day and high drinking of four or more binge drinking episodes or 32 and more standard drinks during pregnancy. Placental abruption was diagnosed in two ways, by the clinical picture or the macroscopic and microscopic examination of the placenta. ResultsWhen compared to the non-drinking/non-smoking group, the high drinking/high smoking group were significantly older, had a higher gravidity, had a lower household income and booked later for prenatal care; fewer of them were employed and had toilet and running water facilities in their houses. Clinical placental abruption was diagnosed in 49 (0.87 %) of 5806 pregnancies. Histological examination was done in 1319 placentas; macroscopic and microscopic diagnosis of placental abruption was made in 8.2 % and 11.9 % of placentas respectively. These 49 cases were then correlated with seven smoking/drinking patterns during pregnancy. When compared to rates for no smoking/no drinking (0.11 %) and low smoking/no drinking (0.55 %), the prevalence rate of placental abruption was significantly higher (p < .005) in the low smoking/low drinking group (1.25 %). There was also a significant relationship between low maternal employment and methamphetamine use with placental abruption. ConclusionAs many conditions and habits are associated with placental abruption, it is impossible to single out one specific cause but concomitant drinking and smoking seem to increase the risk of placental abruption.

Exploring the short-term effects of the Strengthening Families Program on Brazilian adolescents: a pre-experimental study

Background Substance abuse and violence are among the primary health concerns regarding Brazilian adolescents. This study sought to explore the short-term effects of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10-14), a preventive program for families with adolescents, adapted to Brazil. Methods A pre-experimental design was used, with a pretest and 10-12-month follow-up evaluation. A qualitative study was carried out using in-depth interviews held one to three months after the intervention to examine the use of skills learned. The sample included 126 adolescents (pre-test and follow-up comparison) and 23 adolescents (interviews) between 10 and 14 years of age from low-income families residing in northeastern Brazil. Results The comparison between pretest and follow-up showed an increase in learning self-efficacy and school absence without parental permission. Null effects were found on the consumption of alcohol in the last month; episodes of binge drinking in the last month; antisocial behavior; parenting practices regarding emotional support factors, intrusiveness, and behavior supervision; future time perspective; doing homework; grade repetition; school grades; school dropout; and satisfaction with one's relationship with school. The majority of the interviewed adolescents reported applying the learned skills during family interaction and with friends. Conclusion Mixed results were found on short-term effects of the Strengthening Families Program for Brazilian adolescents. Future studies should examine the contexts and mechanisms linked to such results.