Harmful Consumption Research Articles

Are post-communist countries paying increased healthcare costs because of risky behaviour?

Abstract Background Based on the annual Country Health Profiles, we can see the difference in population behaviour across EU countries and the associated health risks. At first glance, the so-called post-communist countries are characterised by above-average per-capita harmful consumption of sin goods, alcohol and tobacco. Is this harmful consumption associated with increased healthcare costs? Methods The idea of the study is based on balanced panel-data published in Country Health Profiles. The member countries were divided into groups based on their health risk scores - high risk (above average), and low risk (below average). The group of countries with high risk is mostly composed of post-communist countries. The detailed per-capita annual data for the period 2013-2021 was collected, such as GDP, consumption of sin goods, alcohol, and tobacco. The analysis is based on fixed-effects linear regression models, following recent recommendations on suppressing the excessive role of statistical-inference tools. Results We built various models for different groups of countries, and in this abstract, we present results for the group of post-communist countries - a simple model of harmful consumption (sin goods, GDP) and a more complex model (alcohol, tobacco, GDP). The results show that in the case of the post-communist countries group, for a fixed level of GDP per capita, higher consumption of sin goods by EUR 1 per capita corresponds with total healthcare expenditures higher by EUR 0.244 per capita. For a fixed level of GDP per capita and tobacco consumption per capita, higher consumption of alcohol by EUR 1 per capita corresponds with total healthcare expenditures higher by EUR 1.367 per capita. Conclusions Harmful consumption has a multiplier effect in the health sector; besides direct impact, it influences an increase in healthcare expenditures. More emphasis should be placed on prevention and awareness of consumers to reduce harmful consumption. Key messages • For fixed GDP per capita, higher harmful consumption corresponds with higher healthcare costs in post-communist countries. • For fixed GDP per capita and tobacco consumption per capita, a €1 higher alcohol consumption corresponds with more than €1 higher healthcare expenditure in the post-communist countries.

Using Theory and Practice to Develop Lottery Ticket Warning Messages as a Means of Promoting More Responsible Gambling

Background Playing the lottery is considered a public health concern in many countries due to financial losses associated with it, but also due to other harmful health and social problems. Focus of the article Informed by both theory and practice, this article focuses on developing lottery ticket warning messages targeting players harmed by excessive spending to promote sustainable behavior change. Research Question What should be communicated in lottery ticket warning messages targeting people at risk to facilitate behavior change and maintain it? Approach We bridge the gap between theory and practice and illustrate how theoretical models and current communications can shape messages. Specifically, we identify and examine lottery ticket warning messages and analyze their relative congruence to prevailing theories to assess the potential effectiveness of the messages and to recommend warning labels for lottery tickets. In addition, we incorporate knowledge used by cognitive psychologists in counselling to create warnings more likely to motivate and sustain behavior change. Importance to the Social Marketing Field Merging academic theory with existent communications ensures better knowledge translation and potentially better outcomes. Introducing verified techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy into social marketing initiatives could be a step forward into triggering behavior change. Methods A literature review was conducted to identify and select theoretical models appropriate to guide communications for lottery tickets harmful consumption. Searches were conducted to identify initiatives aiming at persuading and helping at-risk individuals to change their behavior in a healthy manner. Social marketing campaign messages were then compared with theoretical paradigms to identify ways in which campaign messages could be improved. Results Results show campaign messages were relatively consistent with some aspects of the theoretical models. Warning messages provide information that is relevant to the target audience and describe the severity and vulnerability of irresponsible consumption. They also attempt to decrease perceived costs and increase perceived self-efficacy in a variety of ways. Some also attempt to modify cognitive distortions the audience has in respect to chances of winning. However, initiatives should also increase consumers’ perceptions of the response-efficacy by emphasizing their agency, and further enhance individuals’ perception of self-efficacy by incorporating strategies from the Cognitive Model. Recommendations for Research and Practice Academics and practitioners can build on each other’s knowledge on an ongoing basis. By making it default to always consider both theory and practice, initiatives are likely to become more effective. Managers responsible for developing warning messages and implementing social marketing campaigns can experiment with the various theoretical approaches to determine which are comparatively more effective for their situations. Limitations Future research is needed to test the comparative effectiveness of these theories as a basis of creating persuasive warning messages.

Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India

BackgroundAlcohol consumption in India is below the global average, with limited data on long-term effects. The current study aims to examine changes over time among alcohol consumers, the pattern of drinking and help-seeking for alcohol problems among South Indian men.MethodData on the intake of various alcohol types were collected through standard questionnaires in two adult follow-ups [Baseline: 1998–2002, Follow-up: 2016–2019] from male participants in the Vellore birth cohort (VBC). Alcohol intake was converted to weekly standard drink units for analysis. Data on drinking patterns using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and information on help-seeking among problem drinkers were collected during follow-up. Socio-demographic associations with alcohol consumption were determined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 54.5% and 47.7% at the baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over two decades, 12% of men reported to have newly started drinking and 18% quit drinking. Lower education and lower socio-economic status (SES) were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption. The AUDIT assessment among drinkers reported hazardous drinking of 38.4%, harmful drinking of 4.7% and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence. Among the persons with high AUDIT scores, 25% were concerned about high consumption, and 9% sought help to stop their alcohol consumption.ConclusionOur results showed a decline in alcohol consumption in this cohort over two decades. Among drinkers, a high proportion report hazardous and harmful consumption. Low levels of education and SES are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. A low proportion of help-seeking reflects alcohol-related stigma in the community.

How platformisation shapes sports betting consumption practices and implications for harm

In this paper, we explore how platformisation facilitates potentially harmful consumption practices of sports betting. Our research draws on ideas from the platformisation and social practice theory literature and features a netnographic study of a sports betting community of practice hosted on the English-language platform Reddit. We consider how platformisation shapes sports betting consumption practices, and the implications for consumers. Our findings demonstrate how platformisation facilitates harmful sports betting consumption practices by causing: (1) intrusion of these practices into work, time, and the consumption of sport; and (2) competitive intensification among and between consumers, against the gambling industry, and against consumers themselves. We discuss the implications from our research findings for platformisation theory, the platformisation of consumption practices, and sociocultural perspectives on gambling. Further, we offer suggestions for how policy and practice can ameliorate gambling harms that are facilitated through platformisation, and identify opportunities for further research.

Alcohol consumption and liver phenotype of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) mutations. We analysed the association between alcohol intake and liver-related parameters in individuals with the heterozygous/homozygous Pi*Z AAT variant (Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype) found in the United Kingdom Biobank and the European Alpha1 liver consortium. Reported alcohol consumption was evaluated in two cohorts: (i) the community-based United Kingdom Biobank (17 145 Pi*MZ, 141 Pi*ZZ subjects, and 425 002 non-carriers [Pi*MM]); and (ii) the European Alpha1 liver consortium (561 Pi*ZZ individuals). Cohort (ii) included measurements of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). In both cohorts, no/low alcohol intake was reported by >80% of individuals, while harmful consumption was rare (~1%). Among Pi*MM and Pi*MZ individuals from cohort (i), moderate alcohol consumption resulted in a <30% increased rate of elevated transaminases and ~50% increase in elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase values, while harmful alcohol intake led to an at least twofold increase in the abnormal levels. In Pi*ZZ individuals from both cohorts, moderate alcohol consumption had no marked impact on serum transaminase levels. Among Pi*ZZ subjects from cohort (ii) who reported no/low alcohol consumption, those with increased CDT levels more often had signs of advanced liver disease. Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype does not seem to markedly aggravate the hepatic toxicity of moderate alcohol consumption. CDT values might be helpful to detect alcohol consumption in those with advanced fibrosis. More data are needed to evaluate the impact of harmful alcohol consumption.

Alcohol home delivery usage and its relationship to alcohol consumption in New South Wales during COVID-19

Background: Rapid growth in the use of alcohol home delivery services, combined with increases in home drinking during COVID-19, raises potential concerns around increased consumption. This paper aims to assess the relationship between alcohol home delivery use and consumption across levels of COVID-19 restrictions in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: A 5-wave longitudinal survey of 586 NSW residents (Mage = 35; 65.3% female) conveniently sampled across 2020. Home delivery usage and the number of daily standard drinks consumed during a typical week were assessed with a survey. Logistic regression models were estimated within each wave to identify predictors of home delivery usage, and hierarchical logistic mixed effects models were estimated to predict purchase source (home delivery vs other) at the occasion level. Results: From baseline, alcohol home delivery use rose significantly during lockdown (20% to 34%), with respondents using home delivery during lockdown and the partial re-opening wave consuming significantly more than those who were not. Use of home delivery was significantly higher during lockdown and the partial re-opening amongst people who drank more heavily, with respondents aged 36 or older more likely to use delivery services in all waves except lockdown. Conclusions: Alcohol home delivery usage increased during lockdown suggesting restrictions impeding on-premise consumption coincided with an increase in home delivery. Associations between persons who drink more heavily and use of home delivery during lockdown and the partial re-opening suggest a subset of the population that may be at increased risk of harmful consumption when accessing alcohol delivery services.

A rapid literature review of the effect of alcohol marketing on people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem.

To explore the effect or potential effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. Relevant literature was identified by searching Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and PsycINFO (OVID) and relevant websites. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the findings. The review included 10 studies. Two quantitative and three qualitative studies focused on participants recovering from an alcohol use disorder and five quantitative studies on those with hazardous or harmful consumption levels of alcohol. The effect of alcohol advertising on alcohol use was only assessed in one study, a small experimental study of young adult heavy drinkers, which found no significant association. Studies looking at other outcomes found that people with or at risk of alcohol problems were likely to notice alcohol advertisements and find them appealing, and that advertisements may have an effect on positive alcohol-related emotions and cognitions. Among people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, findings suggested that there could be an effect on craving, and that alcohol marketing may be perceived to trigger a desire to drink. Alcohol marketing is likely to have an effect on alcohol consumption in people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem. Studies have also found that alcohol marketing is perceived to act as a trigger by people in recovery from alcohol problems. A rapid review explored the effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. The findings of the 10 included studies suggest that an effect of alcohol marketing in these populations is likely.

The social-structural contexts of cannabis consumption and harm reduction among young Nigerian women

BackgroundYoung women remain under-represented in the research literature on young people's cannabis use. This study explored cannabis use and harm reduction practices of young Nigerian women. MethodsThe study draws on 19 in-depth interviews conducted with young women aged 21–35 years who were recruited through time-location sampling in Uyo, Nigeria. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic coding and analysis. ResultsAccounts highlighted a rapid progression from occasional consumption during hang-outs to regular and heavy consumption for most participants. Frequent and heavy cannabis use, shaped by trauma, stress and mental health problems linked to participants’ marginal social locations, established a context of risk for health harms. The participants sought to reduce harms by attempting to reduce frequency and quantity of cannabis consumed, often with limited success. They also micro-dosed to monitor drug effects, avoided mixing cannabis with more potent drugs, sought out cannabis strains with lower THC as well as consuming privately to reduce social harms such as violence and police arrest associated with using in street milieus. On the other hand, cannabis consumption was seen as helping to reduce harms by providing a relatively safer and less addictive alternative to drugs such as heroin and pharmaceutical opioids, preventing high-risk sexual exchanges often associated with opioid withdrawal among women, and relieving pain. ConclusionsCannabis was consumed recreationally at first, and harmful consumption patterns developed from using cannabis to treat the psychological symptoms of structural inequalities. The analysis supports the social-structural production of drug-related harms, foregrounding the importance of structural-level interventions for creating an enabling environment for safer consumption.

Liquor for breakfast, fighting against alcohol consumption

IntroductionThe harmful consumption of alcohol is known for how tortuous its management can be in mental health, encouraging introspection of it as a serious problem is perhaps the main key to starting to battle against its damaging influence on the development of a functional and full life.ObjectivesTo describe a clinical case showing an unpredictible complication in an alcohol detoxification process.Methods54-year-old man, native of Cádiz, widowed for half a decade, without children. He resides with his parents in the family home. Currently unemployed for approximately a year. He has previously worked in the IT sector. As a notable somatic history, we found long-established arterial hypertension and a total hip replacement. He has been under irregular follow-up with a mental health team for anxiety-depressive symptoms in the context of grief. He goes to the emergency service brought by his family to begin the detoxification process in the hospital setting. He acknowledges ethanol consumption since he was widowed, which began when he awakes; quantities that ranged between one or up to three bottles of distilled liquor per day, generally consumption is in the home environment. A little less than a year ago, he began to isolate himself in his room and abandon his self-care, eating increasingly insufficient food intake, refusing to receive professional care to quit the habit, mainly because he did not recognize it as disruptive.The patient was admitted to hospital with symptoms suggestive of withdrawal, making it extremely difficult to control blood pressure levels. On the third day of admission to the acute care unit, fever peaks, blood pressure levels well below normal parameters, and compromised level of consciousness began to be evident.ResultsBlood tests were performed that, together with the clinical picture, suggested imminent septic shock, so critical care was contacted for transfer and stabilization. A germ of probable urinary etiology sensitive to a broad spectrum of antibiotics was isolated in blood cultures, and the medication of the detoxification process was progressively optimized. Once clinical stability was achieved at all levels, an inpatient cessation resource was managed, which the patient accepted and considered suitable for his complete recovery.ConclusionsA holistic approach to the alcoholic patient is important, since serious problems of an organic nature often arise. This is why a multidisciplinary intervention is necessary, as well as a holistic approach to care, involving both classic pharmacology and assiduous long-term psychotherapeutic intervention.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Digital Alcohol Interventions Could Be Part of the Societal Response to Harmful Consumption, but We Know Little About Their Long-Term Costs and Health Outcomes.

Alcohol consumption causes both physical and psychological harm and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Digital alcohol interventions have been found to support those looking for help by giving them tools for change. However, whether digital interventions can help tackle the long-term societal consequences of harmful alcohol consumption in a cost-effective manner has not been adequately evaluated. In this Viewpoint, we propose that studies of digital alcohol interventions rarely evaluate the consequences of wider dissemination of the intervention under study, and that when they do, they do not take advantage of modeling techniques that allow for appropriately studying consequences over a longer time horizon than the study period when the intervention is tested. We argue that to help decision-makers to prioritize resources for research and dissemination, it is important to model long-term costs and health outcomes. Further, this type of modeling gives important insights into the context in which interventions are studied and highlights where more research is required and where sufficient evidence is available. The viewpoint therefore invites the researcher not only to reflect on which interventions to study but also how to evaluate their long-term consequences.

Differential change in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of loneliness, socialization, and mental well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mental health issues and psychological distress, disruption to work/studying conditions, and social isolation particularly among young adults. Changes in these factors are differentially associated with alcohol use. Moreover, the relationship between these factors are bidirectional and may have fluctuated throughout the different phases of the pandemic. However, studies focusing on young adults had conflicting results, short follow-up periods, and lacked comprehensive data to describe underlying mechanisms. 1067 young adults participated in repetitive measures termed wave 4 (2021) of the Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland Cohort "SALVe" Cohort. Of these, 889 also completed pre-pandemic measurements termed wave 3 (2018). Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to evaluate alcohol consumption and harmful use. Cross-sectional associations between perceived changes in alcohol use and shift in individual, mental health, and work environment factors were examined using Chi-square tests. Logistic regression was utilized to identify pre-pandemic predictors of harmful consumption during the pandemic. Harmful consumption decreased only in females following the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who reported increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were more likely to increase their alcohol use. Interestingly, the subgroup who felt less lonely and met their friends more often, as well as those who continued working/studying from their regular workplace also had an increased likelihood of higher consumption. Only pre-pandemic ADHD and delinquency symptoms predicted harmful alcohol consumption following the pandemic. Females reduced harmful alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. While those who suffered the burden of social isolation and distress were more likely to increase their alcohol use, young adults who felt less lonely and met their friends more often also had a similar outcome. The relationship between loneliness and alcohol consumption among young adults is influenced by the social factors that may be facilitated by drinking.

Experimental In Vivo Toxicity Models for Alcohol Toxicity.

Alcohol consumption poses a significant risk for the development of chronic illnesses, one of the leading causes of "preventable" disease and death worldwide. Harmful consumption of alcohol is thought to result in approximately 2.5-3 million deaths each year, the majority of which are caused by alcohol-related liver diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, fibrosis, steatosis, and steatohepatitis are among the liver illnesses caused by alcohol. The mechanisms behind human diseases are often mimicked and understood through the use of animal models. Rodents are the ideal animals to study alcohol-related liver diseases. In these experimental models using rodents, the ethanol ratio, method of administration, and diet to be applied vary. Within the scope of this review, it is aimed at providing information about the experimental models used today for alcohol toxicity and the advantages and disadvantages of these models.

Gamification to Engage Healthy Habits in Socially Deprived Secondary School Students

A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and substance abuse are increasingly prevalent among adolescents, necessitating effective interventions within educational environments. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a fifteen-week gamified intervention to promote healthy habits among 314 secondary school students residing in socially deprived areas. The gamified PBL (Points-Badges and Leaderboard) approach offers a promising strategy to engage students, enhance their knowledge, and influence their physical activity, nutrition, and substance consumption behaviors. Employing a pre-post-test design with a control group, data were collected through Kimed and IPAQ questionnaires evaluating participants' habits. Results revealed statistically significant differences between pretest and post-test scores in the experimental group and significant differences favoring the experimental group. Participating students exhibited improved physical activity and nutrition, alongside a reduction in harmful substance consumption behaviors. These findings suggest that the gamified PBL intervention holds promise in promoting healthier habits among secondary school students, specifically in socially deprived areas, emphasizing the importance of integrating such interventions into educational curricula. Keywords: Gamification; Balanced nutrition; Harmful substance consumption; Secondary school students

Characterization of alcohol consumption among 5th and 6th year students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Sede Rosario, year 2023

Introduction: In 2017, global alcohol consumption was 243 million hectoliters (Mhl), with Argentina being the eighth largest alcohol consuming country in the world (8.9 million hl). Among university students, alcohol is consumed to increase feelings of well-being, power and sociability, to improve their emotional state and to cope with stressful situations. This is proportionally associated with harmful alcohol consumption.Objective: To describe the characteristics related to alcohol consumption among 5th and 6th year students of the Medical School of the UAI - Rosario Campus in the year 2023.Materials and methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, based on surveys, in which the case of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Sede Rosario, during the month of June 2023 was described.Results: 113 people (n total) were interviewed in the present study, among them, 72 were female (63.5%) and 41 were male (36.5%), with a mean age of 28.77± 5.31 (min. 23, max. 50). Among the female population, 26.4% showed risky or harmful use or symptoms of dependence, while 26.8% were male. With regard to age, 28.3% of those who presented risky, harmful consumption or dependence symptoms were between 20 and 25 years old, followed by 25.7% between 26 and 30 years old, 30.8% between 31 and 35 years old, 16.7% between 36 and 40 years old, and 16.7% between 36 and 40 years old,16.7% were between 36 and 40 years of age, and finally 33.3% were over 40 years of age. Conclusion: In the present study, more than a quarter of the surveyed population presented a pattern of risky, harmful consumption or symptoms of alcohol dependence. Among the latter, the population of both sexes presented a similar pattern of problematic consumption. In relation to age, those between 20 and 25 years old, followed by those between 26 and 30 years old presented a more risky consumption. The vast majority of students with problematic or harmful alcohol consumption expressed feelings of guilt after drinking

Mushroom Decay Detection using Deep Learning

This project aims to develop a system for detecting decay in mushrooms using image processing techniques and Deep Learning. Decay in mushrooms is a significant issue in the food industry, as it can lead to quality deterioration and potentially harmful consumption. The proposed system involves capturing images of mushrooms using a camera and processing these images to detect any signs of decay. The image processing techniques will include pre- processing, feature extraction, and classification using deep learning algorithms. The dataset used for training and testing the system will consist of images of both healthy and decayed mushrooms. The system's performance will be evaluated based on accuracy. The outcome of this project will be a tool that can assist in early detection of decay in mushrooms, thus reducing food waste and improving food safety.

The Association of Alcohol Use and Child-to-Parent Violence in Mexican Adolescents

Background: Addictions can modify the dynamics, communication, and establishment of assertive relationships in the family nucleus, situations that can cause different types of family violence. A phenomenon of special interest is child-to-parent violence or children’s violence toward their parents. This type of violence can be exercised physically (hitting, kicking, shoving), verbally (shouting, blackmailing and insulting) and economically (using a card, stealing money or belongings from the parents). Although is generally supported that child-to-parent violence may be associated with alcohol-induced aggressiveness and lack of control, there is less evidence of a possible differentiation regarding the sex of the parents. Objective: Analyze the relationship and effect of alcohol on child-to-parent violence according to the parents’ sex. Methods: This was a predictive study of 265 adolescents between 12 and 19 years of age. Data were collected from social networks using two self-applied instruments (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Conflict Tactics Scale: Parent-Child Version) programmed with the Survey Monkey® digital platform. Results: Of the adolescents studied, 66.8% had consumed alcohol at some time in their lives; of these, 6.6% had harmful consumption. A positive relationship was found between alcohol involvement scores and economic violence toward the mother and father. The former was supported by regression models where alcohol involvement predicted child-to-parent economic violence directed toward mothers and fathers. Conclusions: It is important to develop activities to prevent alcohol consumption as a risk factor for violence and to promote family integration in adolescents and their families.

May the knowledge of the effects of alcohol consumption influence binge drinking practices? An analysis of focus group data

ABSTRACT Objective Harmful drinking patterns are changing the lifestyles of young people. Today, binge drinking is a widespread health-damaging practice in many countries. This research aimed to investigate the participants’ views on alcohol abuse to determine whether prior knowledge of the adverse effects of alcohol can be a limiting factor for inappropriate drinking behavior. Methods Four focus group interview sessions were conducted with 32 participants. Two target groups of young adults between 18 and 24 were identified to detect differences in behavior: university students with prior knowledge of alcohol products and their effects and individuals without expertise. Results Results show no substantial differences in excessive drinking practices in the analyzed target groups. Harmful consumption patterns occur independently of young people’s awareness of the adverse health effects of inappropriate alcohol consumption. Conclusions Preventive education on the harmful effects of alcohol does not seem to be a sufficient condition to discourage binge drinking practices.

Reconceptualising risky and harmful consumption through molar and molecular lines: Mobile smartphone sports betting arrangements

This paper seeks to extend existing conceptualisations of risky and harmful consumption. Our work draws on a qualitative, rhizomatic study of Australian consumers’ sports betting practices. We utilise Deleuze and Guattari’s related concepts of molar and molecular lines and lines of flight to draw attention to sports betting’s mutually affecting discursive, socio-material and emotional intensities. We examine the ongoing tensions between how people understand themselves as gamblers, the social normalisation of gambling and the parameters of risky betting behaviour. We argue that conceiving gambling consumption through molar and molecular lines challenges the binaries inherent in current framings of risky and harmful consumption. We also consider the possibilities for lines of flight and implications for gambling harm.

What is the Impact of Alcohol Ban on Prevalence of Undertrial Prisoners of Liquor &amp; Narcotics Drugs Related Acts Violation in Bihar - A Twelve Year (2010-2021) Comparative Cross-Sectional Study?

There is a global prerequisite for making and implementing a diminution strategy in the want of drugs of addiction, both legal and banned, which may otherwise lead to plentiful negative health, family, socio-economic and mental consequences. During the 63rd session of the WHA (World Health Assembly), held at Geneva in May 2010, including India the 193 global member states reached on mutual consensus for global strategies to trim down the detrimental use of alcohol by adopting resolution WHA 63.13. The (GoI) Government of India enforced, The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Act No. 61 of 1985 with guidelines, protocols and essential framework to reduce drug abuse and sale in India. Alcohol causes 3 million deaths per annum globally; responsible for 5.1% of the global burden of disease, gender wise harmful consumption of alcohol is about 7.1% in males compared to 2.2% in females. The Bihar Excise Act, 1915 was amended and new amendment Act, 2016 was enforced from 01.04.2016, vide Gazette Notification No. 1485 dated 05.04.2016. Absolute Prohibition of sale and consumption of liquor in any form was declared in the State of Bihar. Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 was notified on 2 October 2016 to put into effect complete ban of alcohol consumption/sale in the territory of Bihar. The key objective of this study is to find out impact of alcohol ban on the prevalence of under trial, Prisoners of Liquor &amp; Narcotics Drugs related Acts violation before the intervention (i.e. alcohol ban) and after alcohol ban. This novel cross sectional research study revealed that there is 1190.39 percent increase in the Under trial, prisoners violating Bihar Liquor &amp; Narcotics Drugs Excise Act after absolute prohibition of sale and consumption of liquor in Bihar, India. Added to this the research study also revealed that there is 355.12 percent and 169.30 percent increase in violation of Liquor &amp; Narcotics Drugs Prohibition Act as well as Liquor &amp; Narcotics Drugs NDPS Act respectively during the period when alcohol is banned in the state of Bihar as compared to same period before alcohol ban.

Banning volume discounts to curb excessive consumption: A cautionary tale

Volume discounts encourage consumers to buy more. Banning such discounts should then lead to consumers buying less. This is the thinking behind banning multiple-unit discounts, including multibuy price promotions, to curb excessive harmful consumption of alcohol and high-fat, -sugar, and -salt (HFSS) foods. However, our analysis questions the validity of this thinking, which ignores the possible restraining effect of volume discounts. We find that such a ban for retailing alcohol in Scotland increased rather than reduced sales. Retailers switched to using more straight (single-unit) discounts, which encouraged high-consumption households to increase their shopping frequency and buy more.