Alcohol News: March 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Alcohol News - 13/2012

Reuters (UK) - Britain plans minimum alcohol price to curb binge drinking

Britain plans to introduce a minimum price for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales as part of an initiative to clamp down on binge drinking and anti-social behavior, which has become a major problem in many town centres across the country.

The Guardian (UK) - Alcohol abuse contributes to big rise in deaths from liver disease

Heavy drinking is a major cause of a 25% increase in deaths from liver disease in England in under a decade, according to the government's specialist NHS unit on terminal care.

U.S. News & World Report (USA) - Caring Teachers May Help Keep Kids From Trying Alcohol, Drugs

The connections youth have with their teachers may help prevent kids from experimenting with alcohol and drugs at an early age, a new study suggests.

The Guardian (UK) - How Lansley and drinks industry lined up against alcohol pricing moves

Just hours after the revelation that alcohol has fuelled a 25% increase in liver deaths in the past decade, Downing Street has finally given health experts what they have long clamoured for – and what health secretary Andrew Lansley has resisted – a minimum price per unit.

RT (Russia) - Strasbourg to review Russia’s alcohol zero-tolerance

Russia's anti-drink-driving law has become subject to review in the European Court of Human Rights. This comes as Strasbourg has received a number of complaints since 2010, when Russia adopted its zero-tolerance stance.

Sky News (UK) - Police Chief Wants Curb On Alcohol Adverts

One of Britain's most senior police officers has called for a daytime ban on alcohol advertising on TV and in cinemas.

Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Kiwi kids 'marinating in alcohol'

At-risk young New Zealanders are growing up in lives "marinating in alcohol", a leading paediatrician says. Speaking at the Babies, Children and Alcohol conference at Te Papa this morning, Dr Nick Baker said children who were exposed to alcohol in the womb and while growing up had the odds stacked against them.

Irish Examiner (Ireland) - More children in care over parents’ alcohol abuse

More and more children are being taken into care due to families’ problems with drugs and alcohol addiction, according to the Frances Fitzgerald, the children’s minister.

CBC.ca (Canada) - Alcohol major factor in many northern deaths, coroner says

Addictions and mental health issues are almost always factors in the deaths investigated by the Northwest Territories’ chief coroner, she says.

Kyiv Post (Ukraine) - Kyiv: New Stag Party Capital Of World?

After taking over Prague and Riga, organized stag parties are attracting growing crowds of raucous young men further east to Ukraine with the promise of cheap entertainment, alcohol – and, of course, beautiful women.

New Zealand Doctor Online (New Zealand) - Foetal alcohol syndrome one price of booze culture

Foetal alcohol syndrome disorders damage lives forever, speakers reminded the attendees at today's Alcohol Action conference in Wellington.

Scotsman (Scotland) - Dr Evelyn Gillan: Time to lift our national alcohol burden

For a long time, it appeared that Westminster would not be following Scotland’s lead in introducing minimum unit pricing, favouring instead a ban on below-cost selling.

The Local (France) - TV ads to tackle 'le binge drinking'

A rise in the number of young people getting drunk has prompted the government to commission a series of adverts to tackle the problem.

Alcohol News - 12/2012

Financial Times (Denmark) - Lundbeck’s alcoholism drug faces EU regulatory challenges

Lundbeck (CPH:LUN) and Biotie’s (HEL:BTH1V) drug for alcoholism will be scrutinized by the European drug regulatory authority as it failed to pass one bar of efficacy in a clinical trial, according to experts interviewed by BioPharm Insight.

IceNews (Finland) - Parliament speaker calls for an end to boozing MPs

Finland’s Speaker of Parliament has denounced MPs drinking on the job in the wake of several alcohol-related scandals.

GoodTherapy.org (Sweden) - Childhood Sexual Abuse Linked to Early Onset Alcoholism in Women

To shed more light on this subject, A. Magnusson of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, conducted a study that looked at how genetics and childhood abuse affected the development of Type I and Type II alcoholism in men and women.

The Local.se (Sweden) - Swedish church's new recruitment ploy: wine

A Swedish church with dwindling parish numbers has turned to the pulling powers of alcohol in the hope of bringing in new members, and has invited people who’ve recently turned forty to come in for a wine tasting.

Travel News (Sweden) - Five out of ten want to avoid alcohol

Skyscanner asked 1205 Swedish travelers what they think about serving alcohol during flights. The entire 52 percent said they would like to see spirits free flights, for 13 percent it does not matter, and over a third want to keep the alcohol.

TheWip (Cambodia) - Despite Profits, Beer Companies Do Not Provide Living Wage For Cambodian Promoters

Entertainment venues are very popular in Cambodia. They are well supplied with beer and young women to serve it. Karaoke clubs and beer gardens are frequented by Khmer men who expect women to sit and drink with them. This can result in beer sellers drinking an average of five drinks a night according to independent researcher Ian Lubek. All this occurs despite assurances from beer companies that beer sellers are not expected to drink on the job.

Washington Post (USA) - Despite ban for US troops, alcohol still makes it way to bases in Afghanistan

The U.S. military bans alcohol for its troops in Afghanistan, but that doesn’t stop some soldiers from having a bottle or two stowed away in their gear — a fact highlighted by investigators’ probe into whether alcohol played a role when a U.S. sergeant allegedly carried out a killing spree that left 16 Afghans dead.

New York Times (USA) - Keeping Alcohol Out of War Zones

Nearly every combat outpost in Afghanistan is automatically part of a volatile mix: a hardened enemy, increasingly sophisticated and deadly land mines, nervous young soldiers, powerful weapons and machinery, suicide bombers, the stress of multiple deployments, searing heat, unfriendly locals, unfamiliar languages.

MiamiHerald.com (Brazil) - Brazil reaffirms support of alcohol sales at Wcup

Brazil's sports minister reaffirmed to FIFA that the government remains committed to approving the sale of alcohol inside World Cup stadiums, even though Congress is divided on the issue.

BBC News (UK) - 'Sobriety Orders' to be piloted by government

Offenders who commit alcohol-fuelled crimes are to be monitored with ankle tags and breath-tested to ensure they stop drinking, under government plans.

BBC News (Scotland) - Scottish Parliament supports alcohol minimum pricing bill

Plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol have been approved in principle by the Scottish Parliament.

Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Alcohol advertisers to be 'named and shamed' by new review board

A coalition of health campaign groups will today launch an independent Alcohol Advertising Review Board, claiming the industry has become out of control.

BBC News (Wales) - Alcohol Concern Cymru claims children exposed to drink advertising

Children are more likely to identify alcohol through advertising than popular food and snack brands, a health campaign group claims.

Medscape - Preop Alcohol Screening May Predict Postop Complications

A brief survey of drinking habits administered as long as a year before surgery might help identify patients at risk for longer hospital stays, more time in intensive care, and an increased need for a second surgery, according to results of a study published online January 12 and in the March print issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Alcohol kids' worst enemy

ALCOHOL is fast becoming the No. 1 threat facing Australian children and there is no adequate system in place to stop them being exposed to alcohol advertising, Australia's foremost child health expert, Fiona Stanley, says.

Irish Independent (Ireland) - Children 'recognise alcohol brands'

Children as young as 10 are more familiar with leading alcohol brands than those for popular snacks, according to a new survey.

Irish Times (Ireland) - Alcohol consumption increases

The amount of alcohol being consumed by Irish adults increased last year for the second year in a row, provisional figures from the Central Statistics Office and Revenue Commissioners show.

Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Proposal to ban alcohol sponsorship of sporting events 'by 2016'

A total ban on all sponsorship of sporting events by alcohol brands by 2016 is just one of a number of proposals that will be brought to Cabinet in the coming months.

CBC.ca (Canada) - Alcohol major factor in many northern deaths, coroner says

Addictions and mental health issues are almost always factors in the deaths she investigates, according to the Northwest Territories’ chief coroner.

U.S. News & World Report (USA) - Excessive Drinking Costs U.S. Colleges Millions Annually

The emergency room costs of treating college students with injuries associated with alcohol-induced blackouts can be more than half a million dollars a year at a university with 40,000 or more students, a new study found.

Medical Xpress - Long work hours linked to alcohol risk for nurses and midwives

It is well known that nurses and midwives work schedules are often irregular and involve shifts, now new research from the University of Otago, Christchurch in association with the University of Queensland has also shown that long hours and harmful alcohol use are linked.

FASD News - 11/2012

ARTICLES AND NEWS

coventrytelegraph.net (UK) - Radford teenager who battled major health problems nominated for Prince's Trust award

Antoinette Spelman, of Radford, was born three months prematurely and was given just a 50 per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome.

Voxy (New Zealand) - First ever NZ conference on alcohol damage to children

An upcoming conference is a first for New Zealand. The "Babies, Children and Alcohol" conference on March 22 at Te Papa, Wellington, is focused on the damage that alcohol is doing to New Zealand's children and what can be done about it.

GoDanRiver.com (USA) - School board decides to study fetal alcohol syndrome

The Rockingham School Board met Monday night and voted to join a partnership with the National Health Institute on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.

AllAfrica.com (Tanzania) - Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects. The amount of alcohol required to cause fetal alcohol syndrome (a group of signs and symptoms- commonly known in Kiswahili 'mlimbiko dalili') is unknown, pregnant women are advised to abstain from drinking alcohol altogether.

dailyRx - Alcohol While Pregnant is Worse Than Cocaine or Pot

Children exposed to as little as half an alcoholic drink a day in utero - even if they didn't have fetal alcohol syndrome - appeared to suffer in their achievement test scores.

The Citizen (South Africa) - Setting tone for social change

Coupled with the highest HIV/Aids and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome rates globally, SA is one of the most hostile and dangerous places to live, resulting in all manner of social problems.

MATERIALS and RESOURCES

VIDEO lecture: Message in a Bottle: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Spectrum

Medical historian, Janet Golden, charts the course of the recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome/spectrum through the courts, the media, the medical establishment, and the public imagination.

NOFAS.org – Interview with Edward Riley, Ph.D. - FASD Expert

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is the leading voice and resource of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community. Founded in 1990, NOFAS is the only international non-profit organization committed solely to FASD primary prevention, advocacy and support.

NIAAA - Fetal Alcohol Exposure

Fetal alcohol exposure occurs when a woman drinks while pregnant. Alcohol can disrupt fetal development at any stage during a pregnancy including at the earliest stages before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

UPCOMING

The University of British Columbia - The 5th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Research: Results and Relevance; Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World. February 27 - March 2, 2013.

FAS World Deutchland - Vorankündigung der 14. FASD Fachtagung 2012

Jedes Jahr werden in Deutschland immer noch 4000 bis 10 000 Menschen mit fetalen Alkoholspektrumsstörungen (FASD) geboren. Die vermeidbare Ursache für diese geistigen und körperlichen Fehlentwicklungen ist Akloholkonsum während der Schwangerschaft. Im Verlauf dieser Fachtagung werden wir Rückschau halten auf 40 Jahre Forschung und Prävention und auf die neuesten Entwicklungen in Forschung und Therapie

EUFASD - Second European Conference on FASD

The European FASD Alliance is pleased to announce the Second European Conference on FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: clinical and biochemical diagnosis, screening and follow-up, which will take place in Barcelona, October 21 to 24, 2012.

NTI Upstream - NTI Upstream 2012 Webinar Series

Optimal Outcomes for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. NTI Upstream’s webinars are designed to help individuals and communities translate clinically-based research information into strategies that serve families and children affected by prenatal substance exposure.

Research for Children - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Learning Series 2011-12

In this session the presenters will discuss the current literature regarding math-based interventions. Working from the limited information available specific to those with an FASD, they will also expand to a discussion of research with other populations that may inform interventions in this area. March 28, 2012 ~ 9 - 11 am.

RESEARCH

Alcoholism - Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping for Ethanol Teratogenesis in BXD Recombinant Inbred Mice

Individual differences in susceptibility to the detrimental effects of prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure have been demonstrated. Many factors, including genetics, play a role in susceptibility and resistance.

Alcohol and Alcoholism - The Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Developmental Retina of Mice

Our aim is to investigate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the development of retinal bipolar and horizontal cells.

Trends in Neurosciences - Does moderate drinking harm the fetal brain? Insights from animal models

Although public health campaigns advise pregnant women to abstain from ethanol, drinking during pregnancy is pervasive. Here, we highlight recent studies that have clearly demonstrated long-lasting neurobehavioral deficits in the offspring of laboratory animals exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during development.

Alcoholism – The Science made easy

This publication includes a compilation of alcohol-related Addiction Science Made Easy articles from the ATTC National Office. Original source documents from Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, the official journal of the Research Society on Alcoholism. Including: PREGNANCY, PRENATAL EXPOSURE & PARENTING.

Alcoholism - Detection of Alcohol Use in the Second Trimester Among Low-Income Pregnant Women in the Prenatal Care Settings in Jefferson County, Alabama

Prenatal alcohol use, a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities, remains a prevalent public health concern in the United States.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES

Opoka (Poland) - FASD a współistniejące zaburzenia psychiczne

FASD - Poalkoholowe spektrum zaburzeń rozwojowych (Fetal Acohol Spectrum Disorder) - występuje u dzieci matek spożywających alkohol w okresie ciąży.

Vitadidonna (Italy) - Alcol e gravidanza: basta evitare di bere per pochi mesi per proteggere il bambino

L'8 marzo, il giorno designato per celebrare le conquiste sociali delle donne, quest'anno sarà anche l'occasione per lanciare un messaggio alle donne sui danni fetali legati al consumo di alcol in gravidanza, un problema sociale spesso sottovalutato ma su cui è necessario fare luce, per promuovere una seria cultura della prevenzione.

Alcohol News - 11/2012

The Local.no (Norway) - Use LSD to combat alcoholism: experts

A team of Norwegian researchers has established that the psychedelic drug LSD is an effective medicine for the treatment of alcoholism, arguing that it should be used more widely.

YLE News (Finland) - Pellervo: class 3 beer restrictions would increase booze cruises

According to a report by the Pellervo Economic Research PTT think tank, transferring sales of class 3 beer to state Alko stores would increase passenger imports of alcoholic beverages by one-third. Other effects would be a reduction in state tax revenues and a greater concentration of retail outlets.

Helsingin Sanomat (Finland) - Survey shows Finns increasingly in favour of restrictive alcohol policies

Attitudes of the Finnish people toward the consumption and distribution of alcoholic beverages have become increasingly restrictive, according to a survey by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

YLE News (Finland) - Peacekeepers accept zero tolerance policy on alcohol

The Association of Finnish Peacekeepers says it accepts the idea of zero tolerance towards the consumption of alcohol during missions abroad. However, the Association adds a decision on the issue rests entirely with the Finnish Defence Forces.

The Local.se (Norway/Sweden) - Booze and butter boost Norwegians' Swedish spending spree

Norwegians spent more than 13 billion kronor ($1.9 billion) during one-day shopping trips to Sweden last year, meaning almost 6 percent ofNorway's consumer food and beverage trade has migrated to Sweden.

IUF.org (Lithuania) - Lithuanian courts declare beer an 'essential service' to cover attacks on union rights at Carlsberg Lithuania!

Management attacks on workers and their unions continue at Carlsberg, the world's 4th largest brewery company. A planned strike by union workers at the Carlsberg brewery in Lithuania has been declared illegal by an outrageous court decision which is now the subject of an ILO complaint.

TIME - Study: Does Alcohol in Movies Drive Teens to Binge Drink?

A new study from six European countries suggests that teens who see more boozy scenes in movies are more likely to binge drink.

MarketWatch (USA) – Interlocks for First-time DUI Convictions Cut Repeat Offenses; Study of Washington Drivers Supports Mandatory Interlock Laws

People convicted for the first time of alcohol-impaired driving are less likely to reoffend if they have to install alcohol interlocks on their vehicles, a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows.

Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Should packaged alcohol display health warnings?

WINEMAKERS understand why some people like the idea of health warnings on alcohol containers. It's simple, consistent, gets the message onto the product itself and is easy for policy makers to implement and monitor.

Scotsman (Scotland) – 1 in 3 teenagers binge drinking by age of 13

ONE in three Scottish teenagers is binge drinking by the age of 13, according to shocking new research which lays bare the extent of the nation’s alcohol crisis.

dailyRx - Alcohol While Pregnant is Worse Than Cocaine or Pot

Children exposed to as little as half an alcoholic drink a day in utero - even if they didn't have fetal alcohol syndrome - appeared to suffer in their achievement test scores.

Texas Tribune (USA) - TABC Develops Apps to Curb Excessive, Underage Drinking
As college students from across the nation head to Texas beaches for spring break, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is already making plans to have new tools at its disposal for next year's partiers — mobile phone apps that it hopes will curb excessive and underage drinking.

BBC News (Scotland) - Scottish Tories drop opposition to minimum alcohol pricing

The Scottish Conservative Party has dropped its opposition to minimum unit pricing for alcohol. Tory leader Ruth Davidson confirmed that her party would now support the Scottish government plans.

Independent Online (South Africa) - Alcohol ads ban a ‘last, last resort’

There are no definite plans to ban alcohol adverts but all options to curb alcohol abuse are being considered, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe said on Thursday.

AllAfrica.com (Rwanda) - Debate on Underage Alcohol Consumption Intensifies

As government moves to tackle the problem of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth, a cross section of the public has come out to say that sensitisation on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption should be put forward.

Scoop.co.nz (Thailand) - Alcohol & Politics: A Volatile Mix in Thailand

One of Thailand's most powerful politicians has denied accusations that "he was drunk" in Parliament, prompting a lively public debate about alcohol use by politicians and the legal limits on reporting such allegations.

News-Medical.net (UK) - Middle aged ignoring health messages on alcohol consumption

A new survey finds that adults aged 45 and over are more than three times as likely to drink alcohol almost every day as those under 45. This could mean that the middle aged population is ignoring the serious health risks associated with excessive drinking. The age disparity is most pronounced among women.

Belfast Telegraph (Northern Ireland) - Minimum alcohol price considered for Nothern Ireland

Tackling the problems associated with the availability of cheap alcohol in Northern Ireland has become a political priority.
Read more

North Country Gazette (USA) - Survey: 10% Of Adults In Recovery From Drugs, Alcohol

Survey data released Tuesday by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) show that 10 percent of all American adults, ages 18 and older, consider themselves to be in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse problems.

Wall Street Journal (EU/US) - Treatment for Alcoholics Set for Europe, But Not U.S.

Lundbeck A/S expects European marketing authorization for its alcohol dependence treatment Selincro within the year, but the Danish pharmaceutical group isn’t aiming to get into the U.S. market any time soon.

MSN NZ News (New Zealand) - Harm done to Kiwi kids by alcohol a focus

The harm done to Kiwi babies and children by alcohol will be the focus of a conference in Wellington later this month.

Fox News (Germany) - German town gets tough on drunk cycling

A German university town is throwing the book at drunk cyclists -- by applying drunk driving laws to peddlers. Under the new rules in Munster, 296 miles west of the capital Berlin, anyone caught cycling inebriated faces a ban from bike riding, news website The Local reported Friday.

NOFAS UK documentary: NO ALCOHOL NO RISK

Monday, March 5, 2012

Alcohol News - 10/2012

Baltic Times (Lithuania) - Lithuanian breweries chug on despite harships

If you can’t imagine your life without slurping a heady brew from a thick-glassed mug, enjoying every drop of it down to the very end, there might be some bad news for you ahead: beer prices will unavoidably go up, packaging will become smaller, and some dark kinds of beer are likely to be brought to extinction because of pending state regulations.

YLE News (Finland) - Study: Unemployment and alcohol deadly combination

Men of working age are twice as likely to die as their female counterparts. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people without jobs have a higher mortality rate than the employed, but the disparity of mortality rates between those with jobs and those without is significant.

The Local.no (Norway) - Beer makers barred from showing beer in Norway

Norwegian beer makers have reacted with fury to "surreal" rulings by two state agencies forbidding brewers from reviewing beer or showing pictures of beer on their own websites.

Addiction (Sweden) - Changes in sobriety in the Swedish population over three decades: age, period or cohort effects?

Decreasing proportions of total alcohol abstainers in Sweden from 1968 to 2000 appear to be attributable primarily to decreases in successive cohorts rather than drinkers becoming abstainers.

Washington Post (Australia) - Official war history says alcohol abuse posed problems for Australians fighting in Vietnam

Alcohol abuse during the Vietnam War was a significant problem for Australian troops who were supplied with the equivalent of more than five cans of beer per soldier per day during the latter years of the conflict, an official record says.

Reuters - On-screen boozing tied to kids' binge drinking

How much drinking kids and teens had seen in recent movies was linked to the chances they overdid it on alcohol themselves in a new study from six European countries.

Brisbane Times (Australia) - No impact from safe alcohol use campaign

A major overhaul of guidelines for the safe consumption of alcohol seems to have had no impact on Australians.

SI.com (Brazil) - Brazil Congress divided over alcohol sales at WCup

A congressional commission partially approved a bill regulating the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on Tuesday, but congressmen remained divided on whether to allow the sale of alcohol at games during the monthlong tournament, dealing a setback to FIFA and local organizers.

Daily Mail (UK) - Cameron facing Cabinet backlash over plans to introduce minimum alcohol unit pricing

David Cameron is facing a Cabinet backlash after overruling colleagues to introduce a minimum pricing for alcohol.

Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Adverts for cheap alcohol could be banned

The ban, which would form part of the Coalition’s alcohol strategy, would see an end to retailers such as Tesco and Asda advertising money-off deals on beer, wine and spirits.

Bloomberg - Lundbeck Anti-Binge Drinking Drug Helps Cut Intake by 66%

H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN), the Nordic region’s second-largest drugmaker, said its anti-alcoholism treatment nalmefene helped patients cut consumption by an average of 66 percent in three clinical trials.

Irish Times (Ireland) - Setting minimum prices for alcohol will not break EU rules, says official

DEPARTMENT OF Health proposals to introduce a minimum price for alcohol are compatible with EU law, a spokesman for the EU commissioner for health and consumer policy has said.

Science Daily - A Healthy Teenager Is a Happy Teenager

Teenagers who turn their backs on a healthy lifestyle and turn to drink, cigarettes and junk food are significantly unhappier than their healthier peers. New research also shows that 12-13 is a catalyst age when young people turn away from the healthy habits of their younger years and start to get involved in risky behaviours.

Politics.co.uk (UK) - Comment: The Blair government created an alcohol monster

It is probably right to 'call time' on 'Binge Britain' and time to take up policies like Scotland's, which are based on a more nuanced understanding of the problems and benefits of drink.

Bizcommunity.com (South Africa) - Motsoaledi resolute on banning alcohol ads

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is forging ahead with his campaign to ban alcohol advertisements.

Motor Authority (France) – France Decrees Mandatory Breathalyzers In All Cars by July 1

It's hard to believe that a nation of amateur oenologists would take such a drastic measure, but France has instituted a new rule requiring breathalyzers in all motor vehicles (except mopeds) as of July 1, 2012.

European Public Health Alliance (EU) - "Brewers’ Pledge is nothing but a Public Affairs exercise" says EPHA

PHA has released the following comments today (28 February 2012) on the occasion of an event organised by the Brewers’ of Europe launching what they have called the ’Brewers’ Pledge’. The Brewers claim that the Pledge represents a proactive stance on their part to tackle what they themselves recognise is a ’serious issue’. Their promise to address this with ’informational campaigns’, however, does not go far enough.

Krakow Post (Poland) - Drink and Drugs and Krakow's Kids

A survey of almost 4,000 children and young people in Krakow – some as young as nine – has revealed that alcohol and illegal drugs such as cannabis are growing in popularity among the city’s youth.

Independent Online (South Africa) - De Lille relaxes curbs on drinking

Tipplers may be tempted to raise a glass to mayor Patricia de Lille on Wednesday after her announcement that parts of Cape Town’s liquor by-law will be relaxed.

The Local.de (Germany) - Company issued false 'idiot tests'

A German company has been accused of running fake “idiot tests” – special examinations drivers accused of driving under the influence have to take before being allowed back behind the wheel.

FASD News - 9/2012

NEWS AND ARTICLES

Helsinkin Sanomat (Finland) - Ministry planning coerced treatment for substance-abusing pregnant women

Women who abuse intoxicants while pregnant could soon face the possibility of being put into treatment against their will - possibly through the entire duration of their pregnancy.

The Republic (USA) - Alaska considers new approach to fetal alcohol problems among criminal court defendants
A proposal before the Alaska Legislature would give judges flexibility when handing down criminal sentences to people who were born with effects caused by their mother drinking during pregnancy.
Read more

Scoop.co.nz (New Zealand) - Scandalous perpetuation of brain damage to children

Alcohol Healthwatch launched an on-line resource today to assist health professionals talk to their pregnant patients about alcohol.

CBC.ca (Canada) - New fetal alcohol disorder centre set for Moncton

The New Brunswick government and Family Service Moncton Inc. are creating a specialized centre to deal with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Moncton.

Palate Pres - Light Drinking During Pregnancy: What Recent Studies Do — and Do Not — Tell Us

Those headlines are based on a new study by a team led by Dr. Haruna Feldman at the University of California, San Diego concerning the effects of alcohol on a developing fetus. “Study: No Amount of Alcohol During Pregnancy Safe,” one headline reads. “One Drink is Too Many,” another declares. Those headlines are based on the Feldman team’s conclusion, which says, “Women should continue to be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption from conception throughout pregnancy.”

Native Times (USA) - One in four children born on the reservation suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome

Leaders of a South Dakota American Indian tribe who are suing beer makers, distributors and retailers are now asking a judge to restrict alcohol sales in a tiny Nebraska town that borders their reservation.

The Australian (Australia) - New calls on booze and babies

WHEN Elizabeth Russell was eight months pregnant with her first child, her doctor advised her to have a few drinks to make sure the amniocentesis test he had just performed didn't bring on early labour.

The West Australian (Australia) - Charge reckless mums: doctors' union

Doctors want the State Government to consider criminal penalties when unborn babies are negligently endangered in homebirths or by mothers who take drugs or drink excessively.

ABC2 - Study pinpoints critical timeframe when alcohol can harm developing fetus

A new study shows even one drink during pregnancy can have the potential to hurt your developing baby.

MATERIALS and RESOURCES

POPFASD - New eLearning Video - Cris Rowan - Movement, Attention & Learning

In this new eLearning video, Cris Rowan speaks about the importance of movement in improving our students' learning and attention.

FASD – Finding Hope

The full documentary on the Finding Hope website is a wonderfully touching and informative resource highlighting the lives of several individuals with FASD and their families interspersed with commentary from professionals in the field.

COMING UP

Webinar: Optimal Outcomes for Children with FASD

This first series of webinars focuses on advanced topics in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It has been developed with experienced clinicians, attorneys, child welfare, and social service professionals in mind.

CAPHC National Screening Tool Kit for FASD: Feedback and Input from Screening Tool Kit Users

CAPHC would now like to invite users of the Neurobehavioural Screening Tool (NST); the Youth Probation Officers Screening Tool and the Maternal Drinking Guide to join this webinar and share their experiences in using these tools. Your feedback and input is critical to determine the initial impact of the tools on various populations and jurisdictions. All practitioners interested in the tools and their development are welcome to join.

RESEARCH

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research - Call for Papers: Special Issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research (IJADR) invites the submission of papers on biomedical, psychological, and sociological aspects related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), to be featured in this special issue to be published in September, 2013. Accepted papers will be published online prior to their inclusion in this special issue in order to make the research available more quickly.

Maternal and Child Health Journal - A Prospective Study of Prevalence and Predictors of Concurrent Alcohol and Tobacco Use During Pregnancy

Concurrent drinking and smoking during pregnancy is a major public health concern. Changes in these behaviours are under-researched, although essential if effective interventions are to be implemented. Hence this paper investigated characteristics of women who decreased concurrent drinking and smoking during pregnancy.

Alcohol and Alcoholism - Alcohol-Related Brain Damage: Report from a Medical Council on Alcohol Symposium, June 2010

The brain is particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol either directly, particularly in the foetus and young people, or in the context of malnutrition and thiamine deficiency leading to Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome; or following repeated episodes of alcohol withdrawal.

Information for Practice - Adaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a comparison with specific learning disability and typical development

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a leading cause of intellectual disability in the western world. Children and adolescents with FASD are often exposed to a double burden in life, as their neurological sequelae are accompanied by adverse living surroundings exposing them to further environmental risk.

Alcohol News

Pages

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Alcohol News - 13/2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

Alcohol News - 12/2012

Sunday, March 18, 2012

FASD News - 11/2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

Alcohol News - 11/2012

Sunday, March 11, 2012

NOFAS UK documentary: NO ALCOHOL NO RISK

Monday, March 5, 2012

Alcohol News - 10/2012

Sunday, March 4, 2012

FASD News - 9/2012