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Sunday, June 4, 2023

FASD News - 22/2023


CBC (Canada) - Her son's disorder has been part of her world for years. Now this mom's focus is helping others
Tanya Walsh's job at the Vitalité Health Network connects her with families navigating life with FASD
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Express & Star (UK) - Wolverhampton campaigner takes fight to Parliament over 'hidden disability' FASD
A Wolverhampton disability campaigner says a hidden condition that impacts her maths and memory skills has led to her getting turned down for more than 100 jobs.
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National Indigenous Times (Australia) - The system is the real "terror" in youth justice
How can the West Australian Premier Mark McGowan get away with describing a group of kids with disabilities as "terrorists"? Especially when we know that many of them grew up in the care and under the control of his own State's Child Protection system.
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Alaska's News Source (USA) - Teen speaks about trouble navigating Alaska’s mental health system
Recent studies show Alaska Natives and American Indians suffer more depression and cases of mental illness than any other group in the country.
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Nvrinformed - What's the deal with consequences?
It’s something that comes up often, especially with adoptive parents and parents of children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). Parents often feel they've done something wrong when setting boundaries and imposing consequences lead to escalations in tricky behaviour. Parents can easily feel really lost with it all.
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Telethon Kids (Australia) - Nine out of ten young people in detention found to have severe neuro-disability
Nine out of ten incarcerated youth examined by Telethon Kids Institute researchers as part of a ground-breaking study had some form of neuro-disability – most of which had gone previously undiagnosed despite multiple contacts with government and other agencies.
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Verywell Mind - Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its Impact on Mental Health
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of several syndromes within a group of disorders known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), where a child experiences issues with growth, central nervous system problems, facial feature differences, and problems with attention span, learning, vision, and hearing.
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Maternity & Midwifery Forum (UK) - Increasing confidence levels in alcohol and pregnancy conversations
The messages around drinking alcohol in pregnancy have often been confusing, leaving maternity staff unclear about what is best advice. Joanna Buckard, Director of Innovation, and Katie Liddle, midwife and research and project officer, at National FASD explain the current guidance and share new resources available to help support maternity staff.
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FASD United - An Interview with Kenny LaJoy: FASD Advocacy and Understanding
Author of It’s OK to Be You: Living Well with FASD or Other Disabilities, and overall amazing human being- Kenny LaJoy kindly accepted an interview to be shared in conjunction with our “Yes I Am” campaign (a follow-up to “Yes I Can”).
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Express and Star (UK) - Wolverhampton campaigner takes fight to Parliament over 'hidden disability' FASD
A Wolverhampton disability campaigner says a hidden condition that impacts her maths and memory skills has led to her getting turned down for more than 100 jobs.
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National FASD (UK) - National FASD Responds to Commons Report on Alcohol Treatment Services
Nowhere in the near 30-page report is FASD or harms caused by alcohol exposure in utero mentioned. This is in spite of the Committee receiving written evidence regarding the need for specialist treatment services for specialist support for women in pregnancy from local alcohol and substance misuse providers and other mentions of FASD prior to the report’s publication.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
FASD Hub Australia - Webinar Setting Strong Foundations: Early Intervention to help children with FASD thrive
Early childhood is an important time for all children, providing the foundation for future wellbeing, learning and behaviour. For children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), early assessment, diagnosis and interventions have the potential to make a critical difference in later life.
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FASD Hub Australia - Australian FASD Indigenous Framework with Nicole Hewlett
Blending Aboriginal and Western wisdoms, taking a healing-informed approach, and facilitating two-way learning at a grass roots level are keys to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), according to a new study.
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National FASD - Raja & Neil's FASD Book Club - Session 15, Identifying the Child with FASD in Educational Settings
In session 15 of Raja & Neil’s FASD Book Club, Dr Carolyn Blackburn discussed her chapter, ‘Identifying the Child with FASD in Educational Settings’.
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Bfit1 - Understanding FASD with Joel & Cedrick | Journey to Wellness & Beyond
Have you come across the term FASD? It’s called “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”. As the name suggests, they’re a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
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Pregnancy, Alcohol and FASD: The Surprising Reality - #30 Australian FASD Indigenous Framework with Nicole Hewlett
Kurt is joined by Nicole Hewlett, a proud Palawa woman and researcher with the University of Queensland. Nicole is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on the development and implementation of Australia’s first FASD Indigenous Framework.
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FASD Family Life - The Intermission
Welcome to Season 4, episode 23 of the FASD Family Life Podcast. This is the only show about FASD hosted by an FASD Specialist and parent with 30 years lived experience.
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Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy - FASD Prevention: An Annotated Bibliography of Articles Published in 2022
This year’s Annotated Bibliography of Articles Published in 2022 was just released and includes 113 articles from 33 countries.
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FASD Awareness - Dr Alan Price - FASD (Webinar #16)
Dr Alan Price is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Salford, whose main research interest is foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). His PhD thesis was on the additional impact of childhood trauma on cognitive and behavioural functioning in children with FASD.
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RESEARCH
International Journal of Drug Policy - Accounts of women identified as drinking at ‘high risk’ during pregnancy: A meta-ethnography of missing voices
This meta-ethnography provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics involved in women's ‘high risk’ drinking during pregnancy, the contexts in which they drink and their unmet needs.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Prenatal alcohol exposure alters mRNA expression for stress peptides, glucocorticoid receptor function and immune factors in acutely stressed neonatal brain
The amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus are critical stress regulatory areas that undergo functional maturation for stress responding initially established during gestational and early postnatal brain development.
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Loughborough University - Animation-based learning for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the animation production process and determine alignment and suitability to best practice educational approaches for an identified user group, in order to propose an engaging, multisensory educational intervention centred around creative storytelling and animation film making.
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Frontiers in Pediatrics - A Systematic review: Facial, dental and orthodontic findings and orofacial diagnostics in patients with FAS(D)
This review shows that to date a multitude of heterogeneous guidelines exists for the diagnosis of FASD. Uniform, objective diagnostic criteria and parameters for the orofacial region in FASD diagnosis are needed.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Microbiota and nutrition as risk and resiliency factors following prenatal alcohol exposure
The combined evidence from alcohol exposure in adulthood and from other neurodevelopmental disorders supports the hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is likely an etiological feature that contributes to negative developmental, including neurodevelopmental, consequences of PAE and results in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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The Pennsylvania State University - The Effects of Choline Supplementation on Blood Pressure Regulation in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
We analyzed the cardiovascular effects of PAE through blood pressure within mice models. Sex differences for blood pressures between male and female mice in models of FASD were significant, and choline has effects on blood pressure at week 12 and 24.
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medRxiv - Functional connectivity of cognition-related brain networks in adults with fetal alcohol syndrome
FC in cognition-related brain networks was altered in adults with FAS. Effects were widely distributed across these networks, potentially reflecting the diversity of cognitive deficits in these individuals.
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Physiology - Paternal alcohol consumption as a modulator of FASD in a mouse model
Recent compelling evidence for periconceptional environmental factors experienced by both parents and their influence on offspring health has highlighted the need for further research into paternal contributions to FASD.
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American Psychological Association - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder evidence in Canadian criminal cases: A case law review.
Increasing evidence highlights the relevance and frequent consideration of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Canadian criminal legal cases, though systematic evaluation of the impact of such evidence on legal outcomes remains limited.
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Neuropharmacology - Impaired cognitive control after moderate prenatal alcohol exposure corresponds to altered EEG power during a rodent touchscreen continuous performance task
These findings suggest that moderate exposure to alcohol during development can have long lasting effects on cognitive control, and task-relevant neural signals may provide a biomarker of impaired function across species.
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Alcohol Research: Current Reviews - Identifying Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Children Affected by It: A Review of Biomarkers and Screening Tools
Biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact fall short of ideal predictive validity characteristics. Higher specificity than sensitivity was found for many of the biomarkers and screening tools used to identify PAE and its impact, suggesting that current methods continue to under-identify the full range of individuals impacted by PAE.
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Women's Health - Alcohol consumption and pregnancy in American Indian and Alaska Native women: A scoping review of the literature
American Indian and Alaska Native communities have diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences. Grouping them together masks the differences in health and lifestyle behaviors, chronic disease rates, and health outcomes among them.
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Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Maternal alcohol consumption and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
This meta-analysis revealed no dose-dependent association between miscarriage risk and alcohol consumption, but further focused research is recommended.
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Reproductive Toxicology - Maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy and biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons: A cohort study
Male fecundity may be largely determined through fetal programming and therefore potentially be sensitive to exposure to maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy.
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Preventive Medicine Reports - Effect of CenteringPregnancy on women’s health behaviours, health literacy and healthcare use
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CenteringPregnancy (CP) in the Netherlands on different health outcomes.
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J. Integr. Neurosci. - Towards a Distinct Sleep and Behavioural Profile of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Comparison between FASD, Autism and Typically Developing Children
The findings in this study highlight several syndrome specific features (shorter sleep duration, executive functioning difficulties, and higher levels of social and behavioural problems and panic) that potentially contribute to the unique phenotype of FASD.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
LokalnyReporter.pl (Poland) - POMORZE ZACHODNIE: FASD – powszechna, ale mało znana choroba. O wyzwaniach diagnostycznych i planach na dalsze działania
Statystycznie, na 300 tys. urodzeń aż 1000 dzieci rodzi się z płodowym zespołem alkoholowym, a zaburzenia będące konsekwencją FAS, mogą dotyczyć nawet 20-ciorga dzieci na 1000.
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NDR (Germany) - "Wortsafari": Schreibwerkstatt für alkoholgeschädigte Kinder
"Wortsafari und Straßenpoesie" - unter diesem Motto steht die erste Schreibwerkstatt speziell für alkoholgeschädigte Kinder.
Eine Aktion im Rostocker Literaturhaus, die auch dazu beitragen soll, den Betroffenen eine Stimme zu geben.
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theseus.fi (Finland) - Fysioterapian mahdollisuudet FASD-lapsen fyysisen toimintakyvyn tukena
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) tarkoittaa sikiöaikaisen alkoholinkäytön aiheuttamaa oirekirjoa ja vaikutuksia sikiön kehitykselle.
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Friday, June 2, 2023

Alcohol News - 22/2023


ABC (Australia) - In Queensland, alcohol delivery services don't have to check for ID or have drivers with RSAs. That could soon change
It could become harder for Queenslanders to get alcohol delivered to their homes, with the state government calling for feedback on how it should better manage the online alcohol industry.
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Neuroscience News - Empathy’s Influence on Drinking Patterns
The study found that on days when people experienced higher levels of affective empathy (empathy based on shared emotional experiences) than usual, they tended to consume more alcohol. This connection remained even after adjusting for daily changes in positive and negative emotions.
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Planet Radio (UK) - South West study links adolescent alcohol dependence and depression
A study from the University of Bristol and UCL have found those who show signs of alcohol dependence at a young age are a higher risk of depression by their mid-20s
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MPR News (USA) - Addressing rising alcohol use among women
Alcohol use and misuse among women is on the rise and it’s causing severe health problems for some women.
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Medical Xpress - Researchers develop alcohol intervention for women attending breast screening appointments
Monash University, Turning Point and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) have developed a successful alcohol intervention for women attending breast screening appointments, as part of a world-first trial.
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Irish Mirror (Ireland) - More than 900 kids hospitalised due to alcohol or drug poisoning last year
More than 900 children were hospitalised as a result of alcohol or drug poisoning last year. Details released to the Irish Mirror under the Freedom of Information Act, show over three quarters – or 724 – were girls.
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Newswise - Neighborhood Access to Alcohol Might be Linked to A Raised Risk of Suicide Attempts
Living in a neighborhood with bars or government-run alcohol outlets may increase suicidal behavior among young adults, especially men and those with elevated genetic liability for attempting suicide, a new study suggests.
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HuffPost UK - Oh Good – This Is How Many Big Macs You're Drinking In Alcohol A Year
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re probably drinking the equivalent of a kebab’s worth of calories every day.
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American Psychological Association (USA) - More people in the U.S. die of alcohol-related causes than from opioids and other drugs. Psychologists are working to change that
Alongside the opioid overdose crisis, another hidden epidemic is quietly raging. Every year in the United States, more people die of alcohol-related causes than from opioids and other drugs.
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The Conversation (South Africa) - Drink up, it’s closing time: South African study calculates that limiting opening hours will save lives
South Africans are among the heaviest drinkers in the world. The country has the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in Africa. Excessive drinking is especially widespread in the Western Cape.
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CBC (Canada) - Booze prices need to rise, accessibility needs to drop to reduce harm, study says
More than $400 million was spent on costs related to drinking in New Brunswick in 2020— about $92 million more than what the province made in alcohol-related revenue.
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RACGP (Australia) - RACGP calls for action on Big Alcohol
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has today slammed Big Alcohol’s submissions informing government health strategy and called on the Albanese Government to stand up to the industry to put community safety and wellbeing first.
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GOV.uk (UK) - Evaluation of the Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents programme innovation fund: full report
This report presents the findings from evaluation activities carried out as part of the national evaluation of the Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents (CADeP) innovation fund (IF) programme across 9 local areas (spanning 13 local authorities) in England.
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Friday, May 26, 2023

Alcohol News - 21/2023


BBC (UK) - Government not taking 'appalling' alcohol harm seriously, MPs say

MPs are concerned that the government is not taking alcohol harm seriously enough following an increase in deaths.
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Medical Xpress - New study warns of damaging effects of 'alcohol posts' on social media
Many young people regularly post photos of themselves with a glass of beer or wine in their hand. But such "alcohol posts" could lead to more youngsters drinking alcohol. In a new study, communications scientist Hanneke Hendriks asked students for their ideas on potential solutions.
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The Mirror - Alcohol increases calorie intake by 75,000 a year for average drinker, study suggests
The average drinker is consuming more than 75,000 calories from alcohol a year. New figures show we annually rack up roughly the equivalent of 1,000 cookies, 327 kebabs or 293 Big Macs by boozing.
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News Medical - High alcohol consumption could have detrimental effects on muscle mass in later life
Heavy drinkers could be putting themselves at risk of muscle loss and frailty in later life, according to new research from the University of East Anglia.
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CBC (Canada) - Canada's got a drinking problem — and one senator says Ottawa needs to step up
The federal government pitched a sizeable increase to the alcohol excise tax earlier this year — only to walk back that commitment in response to backlash from some MPs, lobby groups and cost-conscious Canadian drinkers.
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The Local France (France) - Three areas of Paris ban purchase of alcohol after 5pm
Certain areas in three Paris arrondissements have banned the purchase of alcohol in supermarkets after 5pm in an attempt to curb nighttime noise and disorder.
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Medical News Today - Esophageal cancer and alcohol
Alcohol consumption is one of several factors that can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
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AKIpress News Agency (Uzbekistan) - Uzbekistan bans sale of alcohol and tobacco products to persons aged under 21
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law restricting the sale of alcohol and tobacco products to persons aged under 21. The document was published on May 25 in the government newspaper Narodnoye Slovo and will come into force in three months.
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The Herald (Scotland) - Why curbing alcohol advertising matters to affected families
A mother of two has said she is "scared" of the day her children start drinking amid omnipresent alcohol advertising in Scotland.
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Nottingham Post - Experts warn alcohol could be impacting your quality of sleep
Experts have claimed that a particular type of drink could be stopping you from having a good night's sleep. Whilst we have all been told avoiding caffeine is important to help you fall asleep, some warn that alcohol should also be avoided.
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Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Renewed calls for local alcohol policy in Marlborough
Violence, crashes, and health problems afflicting the community could be reduced with better rules for alcohol sales, says Marlborough’s police boss.
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Spectrum News (USA) - As death rates rise, New York labels alcohol a 'growing women's health issue'
As death rates have increased over the last decade, one agency in New York state is calling alcohol "a growing women's health issue."
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NordAN (Finland) - Finland: Minors obtain their alcohol through intermediaries
90% of the alcohol consumed by Finnish young people comes from intermediaries. Most young people find it easy to obtain alcohol.
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AlcoholAndCancer - Ireland's New Alcohol Labelling Law: A Step Forward in Public Health
In an era where the health implications of consumer choices have come into sharp focus, Ireland's bold new policy for comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products offers a critical blueprint for the world. By confronting the high cost of alcohol-related health issues with such legislative action, Ireland could set a new standard for Europe and the world.
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Sunday, May 21, 2023

FASD News - 20/2023


Government of Saskatchewan (Canada) - Government Of Saskatchewan Funds FASD Awareness And Prevention Programming
Agencies that promote awareness and prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the province are receiving $220,775 in funding from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).
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IOL (South Africa) - Foetal alcohol disorders: why women need urgent help
Improved support was needed for women who might have a higher risk of drinking during pregnancy - given that South Africa has the highest recorded prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) globally, and that children suffering from FASD carried it into adulthood.
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ABC (Australia) - Gold Coast family push to reduce stigma around foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
As a little boy, Jazpa Pinnell was so hyperactive he'd run up and down the balconies at school, was unable to concentrate in class, and his meltdowns were so bad friends and family would tell his mum he needed a "belting".
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ABC News (Australia) - What is FASD and how much of a role did it play in the latest Banksia Hill Detention Centre riot?
For the last week, the WA premier has been locked in a bitter and impassioned battle even another massive budget surplus couldn't distract from.
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ABC News (Australia) - Calls for mandatory FASD assessments in juvenile justice
Childrens' advocates want all young people who enter the youth detention system to be automatically assessed for a neurological disorder known as FASD.
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HRI Portal - Understanding How to Diagnose Preschoolers with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability impacting the brain and body of someone exposed to alcohol prenatally. FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities, impacting more Canadians than Autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined.
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Change.org (Canada) - Petition the Government of Ontario to include FASD in their categories of exceptionalities
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero. It is estimated that FASD affects 4% of the Canadian population.
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Giddy - Why Does Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Occur?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is entirely preventable. These conditions can affect children in different ways—with mild to severe repercussions.
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CanFASD - What’s Happening in FASD Research?
There’s a lot on the go right now in the realm of FASD research. Many studies are looking for people to share their ideas and experiences. There’s also new resources and articles being published every day. Read on to find out what’s happening in FASD research right now!
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Fox9 (USA) - Combatting prenatal alcohol exposure in Minnesota
For the last 25 years, the Proof Alliance has been working to put and end to prenatal alcohol exposure. The latest numbers show that it impacts 1 in 20 babies in the United States and it's an even bigger problem in Minnesota.
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Prue Walker - Why I take FASD training to the NT
Occasionally, I am asked why I provide FASD training in the Northern Territory, despite residing in Melbourne. It’s a valid question, and the answer involves a backstory that I’d like to share with you. Please note that this narrative is rather lengthy, so feel free to skip ahead if you wish.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - FASD United Affiliate Meeting - May 18, 2023
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - FASD United Affiliate Meeting - April 2023
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National FASD - Raja & Neil's FASD Book Club - Session 13, How Does Alcohol Affect the Developing Fetus?
In this virtual book club series, we’ll be breaking down the research and findings in the book ‘Prevention, Recognition and Management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders’, written by a range of FASD specialists, and co-edited by Professor Raja Mukherjee and Dr Neil Aiton.
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Newzroom Afrika - 'SA leads in the world's Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders'
According to the World Health Organization, South Africa is among countries battling Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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Rural FASD Support Network - Health Care Accessibility for People with FASD in Eastern Ontario
Researcher Claudia Reed shares her findings on the accessibility of health care for people with FASD in Eastern Ontario using primarily a voice-first method.
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Fasd Justice - FASD & the Justice System: A Better Understanding - Part II
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The Crisis Files - Case File #42: Zero Proof
Studies show that globally more than 1700 infants are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders each day. Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can lead to lifelong challenges, yet more than 13% of expecting mothers report drinking while pregnant.
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FASD Hope - 165 - Mom, Author and Navigator - A Conversation with Laura Bedard
Episode 165 welcomes back Laura Bedard (Ep. 149 / September 2022) of MASSFAS, an FASD United Affiliate. Laura recently published her second book titled "My FASD Feelings: A Guide to Children's Experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders". Laura is also a Family Navigator with FASD United.
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Alaska Center for FASD - 8 Keys for Adults with FASD – Trailer
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National Association of Social Workers - EP101: Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
We speak with Dr. Mary Velasquez and Anna Magnum about National Partnerships to Address Prenatal Alcohol and other Substance Use and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the Centers for Disease Control grant that began October 2023 in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin.
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NOFASD Australia - ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY: A GUIDE FOR ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG WORKERS
As the peak body for parents, caregivers and individuals impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, NOFASD led a consultation process with a range of key stakeholders to include individuals with lived experience, to inform a suite of targeted resources to support women who are at greater risk of having alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
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RESEARCH
SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN WITH FASD AFTER SENSORY INTEGRATION CLASSES IN THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Most of parents (97%) participating in the study observed a positive change in the functioning of their children after attending sensory integration therapy.
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Journal of Integrative Neuroscience - Towards a Distinct Sleep and Behavioural Profile of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Comparison between FASD, Autism and Typically Developing Children
The findings in this study highlight several syndrome specific features (shorter sleep duration, executive functioning difficulties, and higher levels of social and behavioural problems and panic) that potentially contribute to the unique phenotype of FASD.
Read more

Antioxidants - Effect of Postnatal Epigallocatechin-Gallate Treatment on Cardiac Function in Mice Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects the cardiovascular health of the offspring. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may be a protective agent against it, but no data are available regarding its impact on cardiac dysfunction.
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Journal of Translational Medicine - Ethanol causes cell death and neuronal differentiation defect during initial neurogenesis of the neural retina by disrupting calcium signaling in human retinal organoids
Our study demonstrated that short-term ethanol exposure greatly impaired the initial neurogenesis of hROs by disrupting the RYR1 related calcium signaling.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Lived experiences of the diagnostic assessment process for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Early assessment and diagnosis of FASD are crucial in providing therapeutic interventions that aim to enhance meaningful participation and quality of life for individuals and their families, while reducing psychosocial difficulties that may arise during adolescence and adulthood.
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Children - Children with FASD—Evolving Patterns of Developmental Problems and Intervention Costs in Ages 0 through 16 in Finland
This is a retrospective chart review of 55 persons (mean age 11 years, range 2–28 years) diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in one Finnish central hospital.
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University of Kentucky - PRENATAL ETHANOL EXPOSURE IMPAIRS PERFORMANCE ON SPATIAL AND TACTILE SEQUENTIAL DISCRIMINATION TASK IN JUVENILE RATS
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a set of cognitive and behavioral abnormalities that arise in ~5% of children who have been prenatally-exposed to alcohol.
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The Journal of Pediatrics - Latent Class Analysis of Prenatal Substance Exposure and Child Behavioral Outcomes
The differences in prenatal polysubstance use may increase risk for specific childhood problem behaviors; however, child outcomes appeared comparably adverse for both licit and illicit polysubstance exposure.
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Drug and Alcohol Review - Why stigma matters in addressing alcohol harm
Alcohol problems are amongst the most stigmatised of conditions, resulting in multiple additional harms for people with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol stigma encompasses widely endorsed negative stereotypes leading to prejudice and discrimination towards people with alcohol use disorder.
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Frontiers in Nutrition - Nutritional status of a group of polish children with FASD: A retrospective study
During the care of children with FASD, a continuous evaluation of nutritional status, height, and weight is necessary. This group of patients is often affected by low birth weight, short stature and weight deficiency, which require differential diagnosis and appropriate dietary and therapeutic management.
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Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Polysubstance use during pregnancy: The importance of screening, patient education, and integrating a harm reduction perspective
One in five individuals who reported use of any substance during pregnancy engaged in polysubstance use, highlighting the importance of comprehensive screening and evidence-based interventions including harm reduction.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
lubiehrubie.pl (Poland) - Hrubieszów: Dziecko z FAS/FASD [ZDJĘCIA]
W dniu 21 kwietnia 2023 roku, Poradnia Psychologiczno-Pedagogiczna w Hrubieszowie we współpracy z Powiatowym Centrum Pomocy Rodzinie w Hrubieszowie, zorganizowało szkolenie pt.: „Dziecko z FAS/FASD”.
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Landkreis Esslingen (Germany) - „Auf das Kindeswohl – In der Schwangerschaft kein Alkohol!“
Alkoholkonsum in der Schwangerschaft ist die häufigste Ursache für eine verzögerte geistige Entwicklung bei Kindern. Die Kinder wurden mit einer alkoholbedingten Fetalen Alkoholspektrum-Störung (FASD) geboren.
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Ung.no (Norway) - Kan jeg finne ut av om mor drakk alkohol i svangerskapet?
Hei. Kan legen min finne ut om min mor drakk alkohol i svangerskapet når jeg lå i magen? Og hvordan gjør legen det? Mamma har sagt at jeg var veldig liten når jeg ble født.
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Helsingin Sanomat (Finland) - Miten alkoholi vaikuttaa lapseen raskauden alussa?
On arvioitu, että noin 15 prosenttia suomalaisnaisista juo alkoholia raskaana ollessaan, mutta alkuraskauden aikana luku on todennäköisesti huomattavasti suurempi.
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Lääkärilehti (Finland) - Alkoholin käyttö raskauden ensiviikkoina on edelleen yleistä
Yli puolet raskaana olevista naisista ei pidättäytynyt alkoholista ennen positiivista raskaustestiä. Heikompi koettu elämänlaatu voi viitata lisääntyneeseen tuen tarpeeseen.
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MBL (Iceland) - Er bannað að drekka á meðgöngu?
Marg­ir elska án efa bragðið af ís­köld­um bjór. Eins og flest­ir von­andi vita þá er áfengi eitt það fyrsta sem þarf að frysta á meðgöngu enda er áfengi afar óhollt fyr­ir vax­andi fóst­ur.
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Microbiologia Italia (Italy) - Consumo di alcol da parte del padre può causare danni al feto
Un recente studio sul legame tra la sindrome feto-alcolica (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, FAS) e il consumo di alcol da parte del padre prima del concepimento ha rivelato importanti implicazioni per la salute fetale. Secondo i ricercatori, l’attenzione dovrebbe essere rivolta non solo alla madre, ma anche al padre, nella prevenzione della FAS.
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Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Spain) - Trastorno del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal en primera persona | PortalCLÍNIC
Yolanda: "Notábamos dificultades de aprendizaje, impulsividad, mucha movilidad y falta de control".
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TAZ (Germany) - Raus aus dem Seelenkeller
Ein adoptiertes Kind, das nie richtig in die Gesellschaft passt. Eine Mutter, die sich schuldig fühlt. Und nach drei Jahrzehnten endlich die Diagnose: Fetales Alkoholsyndrom.
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Friday, May 19, 2023

Alcohol News - 20/2023


Helsinki Times (Finland) - Minors obtain alcohol through intermediaries
90% of Finnish youth obtain alcohol through intermediaries. The majority of young people find it easy to access alcohol.
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NordAN (Estonia) - In Estonia, every second youth obtains alcoholic beverages without proving their age
A study conducted by The National Institute for Health Development (TAI) in 2022 showed that in less than half of the sales outlets, young people intending to buy alcohol were asked for identification.
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Notes From Poland (Poland) - Kraków bans alcohol sales in shops at night
Councillors in Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city, have voted to ban the sale of alcohol in shops between midnight and 5.30 a.m. The new measures, which will go into force on 1 July, will still allow alcohol to be sold in bars and restaurants.
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The Conversation (Australia) - To reduce harm from alcohol, we need Indigenous-led responses
Alcohol management in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has been a deeply divisive issue, as seen recently in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
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News Medical (Germany) - Experts identify key measures to reduce alcohol consumption in Germany
In a recent article published in the journal Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, researchers identify measures that improve alcohol health literacy (AHL) and lower alcohol consumption in Germany.
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Wisconsin Public Radio (USA) - Bipartisan bill would outlaw open containers of alcohol on ATVs, UTVs
As the popularity of four-wheelers and multi-seat utility terrain vehicles grows in Wisconsin, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers hope to make it illegal to carry open containers of alcohol while driving them on trails, roads and highways.
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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (USA) - New Report Offers Policy Recommendations to Address Alcohol Use as Risk Factor for Gun Violence
Researchers from the Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health released a set of state-based policy recommendations to address the intersection of alcohol use and firearms.
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American Physical Society - Opinion: It’s Time to Rethink Alcohol at Work Events
Drinking in professional settings comes with risks and can alienate colleagues. There are better ways for physicists to socialize.
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Prague Morning (Czech Republic) - New Annual Report: One in Ten Czech Adults Drink Alcohol Every Day
Almost one-tenth of adults in the Czech Republic, around 900,000 people, drink alcohol every day, and around 1.5 million drink hazardously.
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Croakey Health Media (Australia) - Review of Australia’s alcohol marketing code slammed as superficial and ineffective
Cancer Council WA says a review of the Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code overseen by the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) scheme is ineffective and only underscores the failures of the voluntary and industry-led approach which seems to even confuse its own independent panel.
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PsyPost - Individuals with anxiety or depression experience more alcohol-related symptoms than those who drink at the same level
People with internalizing mental health disorders like anxiety and depression tend to experience more symptoms related to drinking alcohol, even if they drink the same amount as people without these disorders, according to new research published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research.
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Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - 'Unprecedented' number of objectors to speak against liquor store bid in coastal village
More than 30 people are due to speak against a plan for a liquor store in Māpua – an unprecedented number for an off-licence application in the district.
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Public Health Association (Australia) - New study busts myths on alcohol pricing
New research published today sheds light on the effects of minimum alcohol pricing, debunking the industry argument that it penalises all drinkers.
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WHO Europe - Lessons from the Baltic Alcohol Control Policy Project: policies that contribute to decreasing burden of mortality and disease
This short brief describes the main findings and the key lessons learned from the research project "Evaluation of the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states", funded by the United States National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for the period 2000–2025.
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ADF (Australia) - Alcohol ads on social media target teens and young people
Young people are exposed to a lot of alcohol advertisements. In fact, over 40,000 ads per year on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, alone.
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IAS Blog - Using counter-ads to kick alcohol sponsorship out of sport
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that counter-advertising exposing and critiquing alcohol sports sponsorship bolstered public support for restrictions on this harmful marketing.
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Friday, May 12, 2023

Alcohol News - 19/2023


NordAN (Finland) - Finland: Total alcohol consumption decreased by 1.2% in 2022
In 2022, the total consumption of alcoholic beverages in Finland was 8.9 liters of 100% alcohol per inhabitant aged 15 and over. Compared to 2021, total consumption decreased by 1.2%.

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News Medical - Heavy alcohol use may be more damaging to the liver for people with metabolic syndrome
Two people regularly have a few alcoholic drinks daily. One develops liver disease. The other doesn't. What explains the different outcomes?
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BBC (UK) - Firms told to cut down on alcohol at work parties
Businesses are being urged to limit the amount of alcohol served at work social events in order to prevent people from acting inappropriately towards others.
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Medical Xpress - Why alcohol and menopause can be a dangerous mix
Dr. Juliana Kling with Mayo Clinic's Women's Health Center in Arizona says that alcohol use during menopause can worsen symptoms and increase a woman's risk for serious health conditions, like heart disease and osteoporosis.
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CBC (Canada) - Military considering limiting access to alcohol to curb sexual misconduct
The commander in charge of reforming the Canadian Armed Forces' culture says military leaders are considering limiting alcohol consumption at holiday events.
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New Zealand Doctor (New Zealand) - Health Coalition Aotearoa calls for a full review of alcohol law to protect communities
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) is calling on Government to commit to a full review of alcohol law to ensure communities are protected from ongoing corporate interference in alcohol policy making.
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The Conversation - How getting out into nature can help people with drug and alcohol problems
Health professionals may suggest people spend more time out in nature to help with their physical fitness by doing activities in woods, parks or gardens, but research has shown nature-based programmes are also particularly effective for improving poor mental health.
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The Herald (Scotland) - Doctors urge PM to 'stand firm' on alcohol duty increase
DOCTORS in Scotland have written to the Prime Minister urging him to "stand firm" on plans to increase alcohol duty despite opposition from the whisky lobby.
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Independent.ie (Ireland) - Extending opening hours will lead to more alcohol-related harm, expert warns
The Government’s plan to ease access to alcohol to boost the night-time economy will lead to more drink-related disease, injuries, crime, public disorder, public safety and domestic violence, it is claimed today.
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NordAN (Denmark) - Prevention can prevent thousands of hospital admissions and relieve strained healthcare system
A recent analysis conducted by the Danish Medical Association reveals that thousands of hospital admissions can be prevented by implementing 25 different preventative measures.
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NIAAA - Understanding How Alcohol Policies Impact Public Health
Supporting research to inform the development and implementation of alcohol policies and to evaluate their effectiveness has been an important priority of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for many years.
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Retail Insight Network (New Zealand) - Supreme Court upholds Auckland’s Local Alcohol Policy
New Zealand Supreme Court has turned down the appeal of supermarket companies on Auckland Council’s proposed Local Alcohol Policy (PLAP).
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Global News (Canada) - More than two alcoholic drinks a week increases cancer risk, scientists say
The mindset surrounding alcohol has changed rapidly. In the past, it was said that 10 to 15 drinks a week was the limit and in the past few months, that has changed to just two.
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IAS Blog - No significant health benefits from drinking up to three units of alcohol a day
The idea that low-volume alcohol intake protects against all-cause mortality in general populations has been controversial,1 even though many studies appear to support this hypothesis. In fact, a closer look at these studies shows many inconsistent findings.
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Thursday, May 4, 2023

Alcohol News - 18/2023


The New York Times - A Toast to Raising Alcohol Taxes
The Opinion Video above is about a drug problem — but not the one you may think. While the United States struggles to deal with the opioid crisis, there’s a quieter drug epidemic that has been unfolding for a lot longer. It involves a substance that was normalized long ago but that, by some measures, plays a role in more than 140,000 deaths a year.
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Harvard Gazette (USA) - Deaths from alcohol-related liver disease soared during COVID
During the pandemic, deaths from alcohol-associated liver disease for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations was six times higher than that of white people, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital.
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Entrepreneur - Choosing Health over Happy Hour: Adaptogens in Non-Alcoholic Beverages are on the Rise and Here's Why
After years of experts saying that alcohol in moderation can offer health benefits, The World Health Organization recently warned consumers that no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your health.
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The Manual - Study suggests making alcohol more expensive could save lives
Could more expensive liquor, beer, and wine save lives? Researchers say yes. A new study by Scottish officials suggests that raising the price of alcohol could significantly reduce deaths.
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Bangkok Post (Thailand) - Alcohol sales ban for Sunday's advance voting
Alcohol sales will be banned nationwide from 6pm on Saturday until 6pm on Sunday for advance voting for the general election.
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The Mail & Guardian (South Africa) - Alcohol abuse a threat in the South African workplace
Workers’ Day in South Africa, given our painful history of social exclusion and racial segregation, pays reverence to the gains we’ve made in shaping a more fair and just society.
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ABC (Australia) - Alcohol was Clare's friend when she was isolated. Then she hit rock bottom and it was a long, hard climb back
It's hard to reflect on my years spent abusing alcohol. The memories feel pale, bleached, as if I've stripped away all their colour and horror in order to move forward.
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Neuroscience News - The Long-Term Effects of Fetal Alcohol Exposure on Brain Development
The study found that ethanol-induced neonatal apoptosis often causes immediate neuron deficits that persist into adulthood. Some brain regions are more vulnerable to ethanol-induced neuron loss than others, with the anterior thalamic nuclei showing the greatest loss of neurons.
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University of Stirling (Scotland) - New campaign shares letters to loved ones lost to alcohol and drugs
‘Everyone knows someone’ is the message behind See Beyond - See the Lives - Scotland, a new campaign from academics and advocacy organisations that aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.
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The Irish Sun (Ireland) - HSE chiefs issue urgent alcohol warning – five signs it’s damaging your heart
The Health Service took to Facebook urging people to consider your alcohol intake, warning about the dangers that come with it.
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The Conversation (New Zealand) - Study reveals at least 11% of child maltreatment in NZ could be due to heavy drinking by caregivers
More than one in ten children who are maltreated suffer because of the second-hand effects of alcohol, according to our recently published research.
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Longevity LIVE - Research Suggests Moderate Alcohol Consumption Can Harm The Brain
“A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away.” This is a quote most of us have heard, with some using it to justify daily alcohol consumption. Now, you may be asking, “It’s just one glass, how harmful could it be?” According to research, moderate alcohol consumption can lead to adverse effects, specifically on your brain.
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SciTechDaily - Double Trouble: Unmasking the Alcohol Harm Paradox in Anxiety and Mood Disorders
A comprehensive study has demonstrated that individuals with anxiety or major depressive disorders experience more alcohol-related issues, even when their levels of consumption are equal to those without such disorders.
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IAS Blog - Public awareness of the relationship between alcohol use and breast cancer risk
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in Ireland, and the most common among women. Alcohol use is estimated to be attributable to approximately 7% of these breast cancer cases.
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The Lancet Public Health - Minimum legal drinking age—still an underrated alcohol control policy
In their latest review of alcohol control policies, Babor and colleagues1 classify laws that involve increases to the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) as best practice with a high degree of clear and consistent evidence.
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Cancer Council (Australia) - Cancer Council warns alcohol industry must not call the shots on alcohol advertising
Cancer Council joins community organisations calling for government-led regulation of alcohol marketing in Australia that protects our kids and community, as the alcohol industry today releases its revised Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC).
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AlcoholAndCancer.eu - Exploring the Candidacy Framework: Understanding Women's Perceptions of Breast Cancer Risk and Alcohol Consumption
In our interview with Paul R. Ward, corresponding author and researcher at the Research Centre for Public Health, Torrens University, we explore the study "Extending the sociology of candidacy: Bourdieu’s relational social class and mid-life women’s perceptions of alcohol-related breast cancer risk."
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NordAN (Sweden) - Parents fear online drugs, but it's alcohol their teens consume
Online drugs are the substances that worry most teenage parents - with over one in four (28 percent) expressing concern - even though only one in 100 teenagers has tried them. Meanwhile, seven in 10 teenagers have consumed alcohol, which concerns only 17 percent of parents. This is according to a new study by IQ, presented ahead of Walpurgis Night.
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