Restrictive Alcohol Research Articles

Contested Terrains? The Politics of Alcohol Bans, Drinking Contexts, and COVID-19 in Botswana

The onset of COVID-19 resulted in the adoption of various measures such as lockdowns and alcohol bans. These interventions were new and unprecedented in the way they impacted drinking experiences across various contexts. The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and other alcohol restrictions in non-Western contexts remains unknown. Little is known about how the strict prohibition of COVID-19 lockdowns impacted drinkers. Using grounded theory methods from an alcohol study based in Botswana with drinkers ( n = 20), this paper investigated the impact of lockdowns and alcohol bans in Botswana. Key themes from the data relate to support for alcohol bans, opposition to bans, and adjusting drinking practices. Drinking at home due to COVID-19 lockdowns led to shifts in drinking practices. The paper draws attention toward the need to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic might impact drinking experiences in developing countries. Study findings point toward the complex ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic and its alcohol restrictions may shape drinking experiences in home contexts. More importantly, the paper highlights the importance of home-drinking as a focal area for research in non-Western contexts.

Binge Drinking Among College Students: Trends, Consequences and Possible Solutions

This research explores the rates and trends of students’ indulgence in excessive or high-risk drinking behaviors on college campuses in the United States. Some of its intents are to assess the prevalence of binge drinking among college students, its effects on the involved drinkers and nondrinkers, identify some of the risk factors associated with binge drinking, and then present mitigating strategies to reduce its incidents. The study found that those who are more predisposed to engage in binge drinking are those with low efficacy to refuse excessive alcohol drinking and those who have low importance of religion. Others include those with a family history of alcoholism, have membership in fraternity/ sorority and poor academic success, and have peers who use alcohol. Among the negative consequences and effects on those who engage in binge drinking identified include falling victim to alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape; drunk driving, high suicide rate, and indulgence in negative acts and behaviors such as rioting, bullying, and vandalism. This investigation concludes with its identification of mitigation strategies and measures necessary to prevent or reduce the high incidents of binge drinking among college students that include raising public awareness using media campaigns on related harms and preventive measures; institution and enforcement of strict campus alcohol policy; banning or restricting alcohol sales near college campuses, in dormitories and during college campus events; training beer and beverage servers on signs and symptoms of overdrinking to take precautionary actions such as denying, suspending or cutting off alcohol services once high-risk behaviors associated with overdrinking is dictated or observed. With the proper and meticulous implementation and enforcement of the above measures, the high incidents of binge drinking among college students in the United States will be drastically, greatly, and significantly reduced.

The perceived impact that alcohol policy could have on Brazilian and British students’ pre-drinking behaviour

BackgroundEvidence on how pre-drinking (i.e., drinking in private or in unlicensed settings before going out) varies across cultures and its implications for defining policies and prevention strategies is needed. We explored the perceived impact that various alcohol policies could have on pre-drinking practices amongst Brazilian and British students that pre-drink. Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey amongst student drinkers aged 18–29 in England (N = 387) and Brazil (N = 1,048) explored sociodemographic, pre-drinking habits, and attitudes towards alcohol policies (increasing prices, regulating availability, and restricting promotions). Results: A greater proportion of British students were aged between 18 and 21 years old (67.2%) than Brazilian students (45.2%; p < 0.001). More British (ENG 85.8%) than Brazilian (BRA 44.8%, p < 0.001) students reported pre-drinking. Pre-drinkers’ main motivation was to save money (BRA 66.5%, ENG 46.2%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, in Brazil, male (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.53, CI: 1.04–2.24) and white (OR: 1.60, CI: 1.03–2.49) pre-drinkers were more likely to believe that increasing prices policies could reduce their pre-drinking habits. In Brazil, white pre-drinkers (OR: 1.86, CI: 1.10–3.15) were more likely to believe that restricting alcohol promotions policies could reduce their pre-drinking habits. Regarding the perceived impact that the combined alcohol policies could have on students’ pre-drinking practice, only in Brazil there were significant statistical results. Conclusions: Whilst in Brazil none of the investigated alcohol policies are currently implemented, more Brazilian pre-drinkers believed that such legislation could reduce their pre-drinking practices (when compared with British pre-drinkers). These data may help legislators and stakeholders to better understand the characteristics of a more acceptable alcohol policy amongst university students.

The hammer and the nail: The triple lock of methods, realities and institutional contexts in Australian research on nightlife violence.

There is considerable public and policy debate in Australia about measures to reduce violence associated with alcohol and young people in the night-time economy. Though overrepresented in violence, the role of men and masculinities is rarely explicitly addressed in policy responses to such violence, which rest on a narrow range of mainly quantitative research and recommendations favouring blanket alcohol restrictions. Drawing on John Law and colleagues' account of the 'double social life of methods' (2011), we analyse interviews conducted with Australian quantitative researchers about the role of gender in such violence. According to Law etal., methods inhabit and reproduce particular ecologies and reflect the concerns of those who advocate them. From this 'triple lock' of methods, realities, and institutional advocacies and contexts emerges particular modes of knowing. Participants described a research ecology in which the authority of quantitative research methods emerged in relation to an imperative to respond in a 'timely' and 'pragmatic' fashion to public policy debates, and prevailing governmental and policy priorities and public framings of violence. Though participants frequently acknowledged the role of men in violence, these arrangements sustain taken-for-granted assumptions about the properties and effects of alcohol while displacing men and masculinities from policy attention. The political consequences of these arrangements demand the development of innovative policy responses and new modes of knowing that make visible the gendering of violence.

Effective alcohol policies and lifetime abstinence: An analysis of the International Alcohol Control policy index.

Alcohol abstinence remains common among adults globally, although low and middle-income countries are experiencing declines in abstention. The effect of alcohol policies on lifetime abstinence is poorly understood. The International Alcohol Control (IAC) policy index was developed to benchmark and monitor the uptake of effective alcohol policies and has shown strong associations with alcohol per capita consumption and drinking patterns. Uniquely, the index incorporates both policy 'stringency' and 'impact', reflecting policy implementation and enforcement, across effective policies. Here we assessed the association of the IAC policy index with lifetime abstinence in a diverse sample of jurisdictions. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between the IAC policy index score, and its components, and lifetime abstinence among adults (15+ years) in 13 high and middle-income jurisdictions. We examined the correlations for each component of the index and stringency and impact separately. Overall, the total IAC policy index scores were positively correlated with lifetime abstinence (r=0.76), as were both the stringency (r=0.62) and impact (r=0.82) scores. Marketing restrictions showed higher correlations with lifetime abstinence than other policy domains (r=0.80), including restrictions on physical availability, pricing policies and drink-driving prevention. Our findings suggest that restricting alcohol marketing could be an important policy for the protection of alcohol abstention. The IAC policy index may be a useful tool to benchmark the performance of alcohol policy in supporting alcohol abstention in high and middle-income countries.

Public perceptions of responsibility for alcohol control actions by actor type in seven countries

Many governments are failing to systematically introduce evidence-based alcohol control policies, and debate continues around issues of market freedom and personal responsibility. The aim of this international study was to assess the extent to which the public considers a range of alcohol control policies to be the responsibility of three different categories of actors: government, the private sector, and individuals. Around 1000 respondents from seven countries (Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the UK, and the US; n = 7559) completed an online survey assessing demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption status, and perceived responsibility for four alcohol harm-reduction actions relating to alcohol availability, advertising, and public education campaigns. Across the total sample and all assessed actions, governments were selected as an appropriate actor in 66 % of instances, the private sector in 39 %, and individuals in 28 %. Respondents from New Zealand were most likely to consider the actions to be government responsibility and respondents from the US the least. In relatively few instances (8 %), respondents considered the actions unworthy of attention by any actor. Across all seven countries, governments were considered to be the most appropriate actors to undertake actions relating to restricting alcohol availability, regulating alcohol advertising, and disseminating campaigns to educate the public about alcohol-related harm. The results indicate that the public may be receptive to greater intervention in these areas.

Community-Level Alcohol Availability and Child Maltreatment: A Statewide Panel Analysis Over 13 Years.

Parental or caregiver alcohol use, particularly heavy regular or episodic use, can increase the risk of child maltreatment within individual families. At the national level, higher per capita alcohol consumption has been associated with increased child injury mortality in Australia. This study aimed to investigate whether an association exists between substantiated child maltreatment cases, numbers of licensed outlets, and average alcohol sales volumes at the community level (local government area [LGA]) over a 13-year period across Western Australia (WA). Annual panel data were obtained for 132 WA LGAs over the period 2001-2013. Bayesian conditional autoregressive Poisson regression was applied to test associations between numbers of substantiated child maltreatment cases and per-population densities and mean sales volumes of off-trade and on-trade alcohol outlets. Associations were adjusted for the presence of local alcohol restrictions and mandatory reporting; density of on-trade outlets; and their sales, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. Comprehensive area-level alcohol bans and policies restricting alcohol sales reduced child maltreatment by 9.6% and 38.5%, whereas mandatory reporting of child maltreatment increased substantiations by 15.3%. Counterintuitively, for each additional 1,000 L of ethanol sold per off-premise outlet, there was a 3.7% decline in child maltreatment. Local government alcohol restrictions predicted reduced child abuse and neglect. Findings that increases in off-trade outlets predicted a decreased risk of child maltreatment at a local level are seemingly at odds with these findings, but outlet density may be acting as a measure of less disorganization. Alcohol policy that affects alcohol availability can reduce child maltreatment in at-risk areas. Local area alcohol bans and interventions reducing hours of sale should be further evaluated to confirm these findings.

Alcohol restrictions in Australia: why are we not listening to the people who matter?

Alcohol restrictions in Australia: why are we not listening to the people who matter?

Emotion regulation and drunkorexia behaviors among Lebanese adults: the indirect effects of positive and negative metacognition

BackgroundAlthough metacognition processes are a core feature of restrictive eating and alcohol cravings and entail an individual to control both of his/her emotions and thoughts, yet, to our knowledge, a scarcity of research has examined their potential role in drunkorexia as cognitive and emotional predictors. The following study investigates the different associations between two emotion regulation strategies (i.e. emotional suppression and cognitive reappraisal) and drunkorexia behaviors in a sample of Lebanese adults, exploring the possible indirect effects of positive and negative alcohol-related metacognitions.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 335 participants (March-July 2021).ResultsHigher problematic alcohol use (beta = 5.56), higher physical activity index (beta = 0.08), higher expressive suppression (beta = 0.23), higher negative metacognitive beliefs about cognitive harm due to drinking (beta = 0.75) and higher cognitive reappraisal (beta = 0.20) were significantly associated with more drunkorexic behaviors. The positive metacognitive beliefs about cognitive self-regulation significantly mediated the association between cognitive reappraisal and drunkorexia behaviors. Both the positive metacognitive beliefs about cognitive self-regulation and the negative metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of drinking significantly mediated the association between expressive suppression and drunkorexia behaviors.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that emotional and metacognitive processes are associated with drunkorexia, addressing as well the mediating effect between deficient emotional regulation and risky behavioral patterns. Overall, our results would speculate that the lack of emotional and cognitive assets might enhance internal distress perceived out of control, leading individuals to indulge in maladaptive behavioral patterns for managing the underlying impairment.

Structural sexism and Women's alcohol use in the United States, 1988–2016

BackgroundWomen's alcohol consumption and binge drinking have increased concurrent with socio-economic gains and may be related to structural sexism. MethodsWe examined associations between structural sexism (state-level sex inequality in political/economic status), and alcohol outcomes among women in Monitoring the Future (N = 20,859) from 1988 to 2016 (ages 27–45 in 2016). We controlled for state and individual confounders and tested three mediators: depressive symptoms, restrictive alcohol norms, and college completion. ResultsIncreased structural sexism was associated with decreased alcohol consumption frequency (RR: 0.974, 95% CI: 0.971, 0.976) and binge drinking probability (OR: 0.917, 95% CI: 0.909, 0.926). Norms and education but not depressive symptoms partially mediated these relationships. ConclusionAmong women in the midlife in recent years, lower levels of state structural sexism were associated with greater alcohol consumption and binge drinking. These findings suggest that as states become more gender-equal—which confer numerous benefits for women's rights and health—additional resources and messaging may be required to prevent harmful alcohol use among women.

Vestibular migraine (VM) management for an ENT surgeon - an update on diagnostic criteria and current management strategies

Overview: Vestibular migraine is a very common problem needing attention as it’s a diagnosis frequently missed. This article discusses key diagnostic indicators including ID-migraine, motion sickness, phono/photophobia. Key management options including prophylactic and abortive medications are also discussed. Findings: Using of the 3 item ID-Migraine questionnaire increases sensitivity. There is no RCT evidence that Nutraceuticals usage, restriction of MSG Caffeine Chocolates, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, alcohol and aged cheese are useful in management VM. Although beta blockers are used as prophylaxis, metoprolol may not be effective.The mainstay of abortive management is 5HT receptor agonists. Recommendations: It is necessary to raise the awareness of the diagnostic entity and necessary training and education should be given to care givers. Future research is necessary to identify therapeutic agents and lifestyle changes specifically to be effective in this condition.

High risk of severe child abuse and poly‐victimisation in families with parental substance misuse – results from a swedish school‐based survey

AbstractChild abuse is a widespread public health problem, potentially leading to long‐term consequences for the exposed individuals and society. By learning more about the major risk factors, child abuse can be prevented. The objective of this study was to examine the pattern and severity of maltreatment in adolescents reporting parental alcohol and/or other drug problems. Cross‐sectional data from a Swedish national school survey including 4,741 pupils (15‐ and 17‐year‐olds) conducted in 2016 were analysed using univariate tests (chi‐squared) and binomial logistic regression models. Results showed that parental alcohol or other drug misuse, reported by the adolescents, was significantly associated with all types of child maltreatment. There was a particularly increased risk of severe child abuse, including witnessing recurrent physical intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio (adj. OR) 11.01; confidence interval (CI) 6.61–18.35) and poly‐victimisation (adj. OR 7.82; CI 5.50–11.13), in families with parental alcohol and/or other drug problems compared to families without these problems. These results call for preventive measures, such as restrictive alcohol and drug policies, and early recognition of alcohol or other drug misuse among parents. In addition, professionals working with children and with substance‐using parents need to identify and support these children.Key Practitioner Messages Children and adolescents commonly grow up with parents misusing alcohol and/or other drugs. Parental alcohol and other drug misuse strongly increases the risk of severe child abuse, particularly witnessing recurrent physical intimate partner violence and poly‐victimisation. Early recognition and support for families with parental alcohol and other drug misuse is important to prevent child maltreatment.

The Impact of Last Drinks Legislation: Exit Intoxication and Perceptions of Risk within Nighttime Entertainment Districts in Brisbane, Australia

Background There is a growing emphasis on reducing alcohol fueled violence. We do not know whether legislation to close nighttime entertainment districts (NEDs) earlier leads to decreased intoxication and fear of violence within the NED. Methods We collected data before restrictive alcohol legislation (n = 2,670 participants) and again after legislation was introduced (n = 1,926 participants). Patrons were systematically assessed with surveys and breathalyzers as they exited Brisbane NEDs. Results Consistent with a 2-hour reduction in closing times, people left the NED substantially earlier. The exit intoxication levels of people did not change between pre- and post-legislation. After the legislation was introduced perceived risk of violence increased. Conclusions Perceived alcohol scarcity leads to increased preloading. With only restrictive legislation on alcohol sales, people do not drink to lower levels of inebriation.

Placing a Well-Designed Vegan Diet for Slovenes.

Interest in vegan diets has increased globally as well as in Slovenia. The quantity of new scientific data requires a thorough synthesis of new findings and considerations about the current reserved position of the vegan diet in Slovenia. There is frequently confusion about the benefits of vegetarian diets that are often uncritically passed on to vegan diets and vice versa. This narrative review aims to serve as a framework for a well-designed vegan diet. We present advice on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with the vegan diet and lifestyle. We highlight the proper terminology, present the health effects of a vegan diet and emphasize the nutrients of concern. In addition, we provide guidance for implementing a well-designed vegan diet in daily life. We conducted a PubMed search, up to November 2021, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium) in vegan diets. Given the limited amount of scientific evidence, we focus primarily on the general adult population. A well-designed vegan diet that includes a wide variety of plant foods and supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D in the winter months and potentially EPA/DHA is safe and nutritionally adequate. It has the potential to maintain and/or to improve health. For physically active adult populations, athletes or individuals with fast-paced lifestyles, there is room for further appropriate supplementation of a conventional vegan diet according to individuals’ health status, needs and goals without compromising their health. A healthy vegan lifestyle, as included in government guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, includes regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, restriction of alcohol and appropriate sleep hygiene.

Effects of Production Methods on Flavour Characteristics of Nonalcoholic Wine

The growing awareness on the negative effects of alcohol on health and other factors like religious beliefs, responsible driving, and strict alcohol regulatory laws have contributed to the overwhelming demand for nonalcoholic wines. Numerous methods are available for producing nonalcoholic wines which encompass both restrictive ethanol production processes (interrupted fermentation, cold fermentation, juice/wine blends, use of unripe fruit, enzyme, and special and immobilized yeasts) and alcohol removal methods (heat, membrane, and extraction techniques). Studies have shown that these methods significantly affect the flavour characteristics of the wine, which is a key quality parameter in wine purchasing and consumption. It is in view of this that this work seeks to review current articles on the effects of production methods on the flavour characteristics of nonalcoholic wine. This review will provide insight on nonalcoholic wine production methods, their merits and demerits, and contributions to flavour characteristics. It will also unfold research opportunities in the field of nonalcoholic wine production for continual improvement and development of the wine industry.

Lockdown and licensed premises: COVID-19 lessons for alcohol policy.

IntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated unprecedented changes in alcohol availability, including closures, curfews and restrictions. We draw on new data from three UK studies exploring these issues to identify implications for premises licensing and wider policy.Methods(i) Semi‐structured interviews (n = 17) with licensing stakeholders in Scotland and England reporting how COVID‐19 has reshaped local licensing and alcohol‐related harms; (ii) semi‐structured interviews (n = 15) with ambulance clinicians reporting experiences with alcohol during the pandemic; and (iii) descriptive and time series analyses of alcohol‐related ambulance callouts in Scotland before and during the first UK lockdown (1 January 2019 to 30 June 2020).ResultsCOVID‐19 restrictions (closures, curfews) affected on‐trade premises only and licensing stakeholders highlighted the relaxation of some laws (e.g. on takeaway alcohol) and a rise in home drinking as having long‐term risks for public health. Ambulance clinicians described a welcome break from pre‐pandemic mass public intoxication and huge reductions in alcohol‐related callouts at night‐time. They also highlighted potential long‐term risks of increased home drinking. The national lockdown was associated with an absolute fall of 2.14 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) −3.54, −0.74; P = 0.003] in alcohol‐related callouts as a percentage of total callouts, followed by a daily increase of +0.03% (95% CI 0.010, 0.05; P = 0.004).Discussion and ConclusionsCOVID‐19 gave rise to both restrictions on premises and relaxations of licensing, with initial reductions in alcohol‐related ambulance callouts, a rise in home drinking and diverse impacts on businesses. Policies which may protect on‐trade businesses, while reshaping the night‐time economy away from alcohol‐related harms, could offer a ‘win–win’ for policymakers and health advocates.

Compliance with a law to reduce alcoholic beverage sales and service in Zacatecas, Mexico

Research on the effects of restricting bar opening hours and alcohol sales in middle-income countries is very limited. We assessed compliance with and possible effects of a law enacted in Zacatecas, Mexico on December 30, 2017 and implemented in 2018 and 2019 that established a 2 AM bar closing time and 10 PM cut-off for alcohol sales by off-premises stores.

Regulating Alcohol: Strategies Used by Actors to Influence COVID-19 Related Alcohol Bans in South Africa.

South Africa has used intermittent alcohol prohibitions and restrictions as a strategy to relieve hospitals of alcohol-related trauma cases and spare services for COVID-19 caseloads. Alcohol regulation is highly contested and involves a diverse range of actors who influence policies to align with their interests. This study sought to examine the strategies used by these actors to shape the COVID-19 related alcohol regulation in South Africa as presented by online news media. We found that the voice of pro-regulation actors is smaller and fragmented compared to opponents of the regulation as each actor seeks to advance their own interests. Despite the regulations initially being framed as a COVID-19 public health measure, pro-regulation government ministries, such as police and transport, perceive the regulations as a way of reducing existing (pre-pandemic) alcohol-related harm, such as crime, road-traffic injuries, and gender-based violence. The pre-existing failures in the alcohol regulatory environment and the current policy momentum created by COVID-19 could present an opportunity to retain components of the new laws and improve alcohol regulation in South Africa. However, there is a dominant and cohesive alcohol industry voice that strongly opposes the regulations, citing economic impacts, illicit trade and lack of evidence on the positive effects of the alcohol bans. Strategies employed by industry include lobbying, framing, and litigation. The regulations implemented under the guise of COVID-19 prevention have presented valuable lessons for alcohol regulation more generally. However, whether these regulations translate to sustainable policy changes will depend upon how and if the strong industry voice is countered.

Prevention and Harm Reduction Interventions for Adult Gambling at the Local Level: An Umbrella Review of Empirical Evidence.

Concerns about negative consequences of gambling diffusion are increasing. Prevention and harm reduction strategies play a crucial role in reducing gambling supply and harms. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of the effectiveness of gambling preventive and harm reduction strategies, which can be implemented at a local level and targeted at adults. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Sixteen reviews were analyzed, and 20 strategies were selected and classified in 4 areas with different targets and aims. Reducing the supply of gambling is an effective strategy both for the general population and for risky or problematic gamblers. Demand reduction interventions have been found to have limited effects but most of them are mainly focused on knowledge about risks and odds ratios. Risk reduction strategies aim to reduce contextual risk factors of the area where gambling is provided, change the gambling locations’ features, and modify individual behaviors while gambling. Smoking and alcohol bans or restrictions are considered one of the most effective strategies. Finally, harm reduction strategies targeted at problematic gamblers are potentially effective. Some relevant implementation conditions are identified and the results show inconsistent effects across different targets.

국민건강증진종합계획에서의 알코올관련 정책변화와 함의

Objectives: Although Korean Health Plans are first and official alcohol policies of Korean government, changes and implications have not scrutinized from. So we followed those from wider view for new era. Methods: We compared the alcohol-related policies of first to fifth Korean Health Plan. The implication was deducted from wider view based on recent international and domestic evidences. Results: Major effective alcohol control policies have only slowly and incrementally introduced in Korea. Regulating the availability of alcohol and marketing restrictions have tried recently. Pricing policies were not apparent in official policies. Regarding to changes of governance bodies, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (1stHP), the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (2nd and 3rd HPs), and the Korea Health Promotion and Development Institute (4th and 5th HPs) were governance bodies. About changes in contents, in the latest HP, 6 divisions, 29 tasks, 83 projects, and 400 performance indicators were made and these are more confirmed than the previous plans. The 1st Health Plan 2010 launched a campaign with alcohol prevention education, establishment of a healthy drinking culture, educational counseling. In the 2nd New Health Plan 2020, it was changed to a more comprehensive plan, including consumption restrictions. In the 3rd plan, performance indicators such as high-risk drinking rate indicators and the number of projects were further expanded. In the representative indicators by sector, the adult high-risk drinking rate indicator was selected as the representative indicator. In the 4th and 5th plans, detailed projects and indicators were revised without major changes in the framework. Conclusions: Korean Health Plans have been improve continuously toward evidence based alcohol policy. More progresses are expected. In the future, it is thought that a diverse interdisciplinary approach will be necessary, focusing on the business fields and performance indicators approached in the Comprehensive National Health Promotion Plan.