FASD News - 25/2020

Proof Alliance (USA) - Landmark legislation: A Victory for the FASD Community
While legislators didn’t complete many items during the special session, we are excited about this legislative win that will improve outcomes for children entering the Minnesota foster care system.
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Mirage News (Australia) - Senate inquiry into effective approaches to prevention and diagnosis of FASD and strategies for optimising life
When it comes to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the health and wellbeing of our families and communities should be at the forefront of the development of policies and programs to prevent the disorder and to support people who are impacted.
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Mirage News (Australia) - Commission evidence to FASD Inquiry
The Australian Human Rights Commission is calling for the Australian Government to adopt community led responses informed by targeted investment in research, education, training, diagnosis and treatment to combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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WCCO | CBS Minnesota (USA) - ‘U’ Announces Breakthrough Study On Treating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
It is considered to be the most serious substance to unborn babies. Doctors believe they’re only beginning to understand the problems drinking alcohol while pregnant will lead to. But, as we found breakthroughs here at home will mean some kids will face brighter futures.
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The RiotACT (Australia) - Campaign urges expecting mums to take a ‘Pregnant Pause’
Alcohol plays an important part in the social life of most Australians, and giving it up can be tough, even if you’re pregnant.
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FARE (Australia) – ALCOHOL HEALTH WARNINGS + PREGNANCY
The majority (70%) of Australians support an effective health warning on all alcohol products and would take action on the issue.
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New Zealand Doctor (New Zealand) - Otago expert fears increase in fetal alcohol disorder following lockdown
A University of Otago researcher fears the soaring rates of alcohol purchases during lockdown may result in more babies being born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) next year.
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Our Sacred Breath - DISRUPTED SCHOOL PLACEMENTS AND FASD
With graduations completed or in process, this seems like a good time to reshare this information in case anyone is feeling they are alone or are looking for some resources. In case their child or teen did not make the honour roll or win an award.
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Crises Prevention Institute - How to Help Someone Who Has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Because of the nature of their disability, individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) have very specific needs. CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program is relevant for those supporting individuals with FASD, and there are specific considerations and possible adaptations for making your training as applicable as possible to this very unique group.
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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders May Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Other Metabolic Issues
Adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) may have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic abnormalities such as low HDL cholesterol and elevated levels of triglycerides compared to people without FASD, according to a new study supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health.
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Courier Sun (Australia) - Mum details toll of fetal alcohol disorder
Cheryl walks around her home with a set of keys to doors, cupboards and even the fridge. Her adopted son is so heavily impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder that many things have to be locked away in order to keep him safe.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS

Proof Alliance - When Quarantine Feels Like Chaos and the Power of The Reset with FASD training Aubrey Page
Are you thriving or surviving right now? Sometimes we just need some perspective on how we can best accommodate our child’s brain. Let’s talk about why quarantine can be hard for our kids, how to implement a routine, and what does and does not matter about distance learning.  We'll also chat about how we can shift our perspective to handle escalating behaviors better in the moment and reduce them in the future.
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Special Books by Special Kids - Four Brothers with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (The Story of a Blended Family)
The Sessions are a blended family and 4 of their 6 children are diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. They hope that before casting judgement, others will take the time to see they are a loving family.
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WCCO - CBS Minnesota - 'U' Announces Breakthrough On Treating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Doctors believe they're only beginning to understand the problems drinking alcohol while pregnant will lead to, Jeff Wagner reports (2:01). WCCO 4 News At 5 - June 19, 2020
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Aucdnetwork - Resources for Building and Strengthening FASD Initiatives
The new fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) SIG invites you to join them for a review of resources that you might use in your work building or expanding your program of services and supports for individuals with FASD.
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Indiana NOFAS - Positive approaches to understand the complexities of FASD with Susan Elsworth
Susan Elsworth, director of Indiana NOFAS, talks with you how FASD can take its toll on families and individuals. Susan encourages us all to think positively as successful caregivers to children with FASD.
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FASDHub Scotland - Webinar with Jennifer Nock FASD strategies
This webinar took place on Friday 15 May.  Dr Jennifer Nock has over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with additional learning needs and their families. Jenny runs her own training organisation (http://www.jennifernocktrainingandcon...).
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FAREAustralia - Tracy calls for visible health warnings on alcohol
Tracy is the birth mum of a 9-year-old with FASD and knows first-hand the devastating harm alcohol can cause during pregnancy.
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FAREAustralia - Chris calls for visible health warnings on alcohol
Chris is a foster dad to two children with FASD. His story highlights the need for access to clear information about the harm alcohol can cause during pregnancy.
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FAREAustralia - Cheryl and Pete call for visible health warnings on alcohol
Cheryl and Pete share their lived experience with FASD and why access to clear information about products that can harm our children is so important.
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FAREAustralia - Neroli calls for visible health warnings on alcohol
Neroli has cared for more than 100 foster children, many of whom had FASD. Her story highlights why access to clear information about products that can harm our children is so important.
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FAREAustralia - Kaye calls for visible health warnings on alcohol products
Kaye has three children in special guardianship, all of whom have FASD. This is why access to clear information about products that can harm our children is so important.
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FAREAustralia - Kath calls for visible health warnings on alcohol products
Kath is a foster mum to two children with FASD and knows first-hand the devastating harm alcohol can cause during pregnancy.
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The Fetal Medicine Foundation - Robert Sokol - Fetal alcohol syndrome
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FASD Hub Scotland - FASD Hub Scotland Newsletter
A warm welcome to all of our followers from the FASD Hub Scotland and Adoption UK Scotland.  We’re delighted to be celebrating the first anniversary of the FASD Hub Scotland launch – it has been such a fast, and action filled year, it seems to have gone by very quickly!
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RESEARCH

Alcohol - Moderate prenatal alcohol exposure alters the number and function of GABAergic interneurons in the murine orbitofrontal cortex
Together these data suggest that moderate prenatal alcohol exposure alters the disinhibitory function in the OFC, which may contribute to the executive function deficits associated with FASD.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Transcriptome‐wide Regulation of Key Developmental Pathways in the Mouse Neural Tube by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
These data give a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of the embryonic transcriptome networks in regions of the neural tube that give rise to brain structures impacted by a neurulation‐stage alcohol exposure.
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Congenital Anomalies in Neonates-Clinical - The Pathogenesis of Congenital Anomalies: Roles of Teratogens and Infections
Congenital anomalies present with significant financial, social, and moral issues and questions to the family and society and are difficult to rehabilitate. In utero exposure to teratogenic agents and infection are the two most important causes of nongenetic acquired anomalies presenting at birth.
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Infant Mental Health Journal - Predictors and moderators of improved social‐emotional functioning in mothers with substance use disorders and their young children enrolled in a relationship‐based case management programm
Mothers with substance use disorders (SUDs) typically have trauma histories and psychosocial difficulties that lead to poor social‐emotional functioning and disrupted mother–child relationships.
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Birth Defects Research - Prenatal alcohol exposure induced congenital heart diseases: From bench to bedside
Alcohol consumption is increasing worldwide. Many child‐bearing‐aged women consume alcohol during pregnancy, intentionally or unintentionally, thereby increasing the potential risk for severe congenital diseases.
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Scientific Reports - Alcohol consumption before pregnancy causes detrimental fetal development and maternal metabolic disorders
Collectively, our study suggests that even moderate ethanol intake may be detrimental to fetal development and may cause growth retardation through maternal metabolic disorders.
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IJRASET - A Study of Risk Factors in Children with Developmental Delay below 5 Years of Age
The study is an attempt to find out the risk factors in children with developemental delay below 5 years of age. Thirty children were taken for the study. The children’s age ranged from 1 to 5 years. Who were attending Sweekar Rehabilitation Institute for Handicapped, Secunderabad.
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Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs - Alcohol Industry Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Ambiguity, and the Limits of Fact-Checking: Response to Drinkaware UK and International Alliance for Responsible Drinking Regarding Our Study of Misinformation on Alcohol Consumption and Pregnancy
Sim et al. (2020, this issue) start by saying that our analysis “seems intent on proving that the UK alcohol education charity, Drinkaware, is presenting misinformation to the public.” This seems to be a misunderstanding of the scientific process. We therefore welcome the opportunity to briefly describe the body of research that supports the rationale for the current work and that led to the hypotheses in question.
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Research Square - The K nearest neighbor algorithm for imputation of missing longitudinal prenatal alcohol data
Missing data are a source of bias in many epidemiologic studies. This is problematic in alcohol research where data missingness may not be random as they depend on patterns of drinking behavior.
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Alcohol Clin Exp Res - Transcriptome-wide Regulation of Key Developmental Pathways in the Mouse Neural Tube by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
These data give a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of the embryonic transcriptome networks in regions of the neural tube that give rise to brain structures impacted by a neurulation-stage alcohol exposure.
Read more

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Para‐limbic Structural Abnormalities are Associated with Internalizing Symptoms in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a variety of structural abnormalities in the brain, including several within the para‐limbic system. Children with PAE have higher rates of internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, which may be related to underlying limbic system anomalies.
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Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse - Alcohol use and problems among Latinas at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy: The role of acculturation and interpersonal factors
Path analysis was used to examine the role of acculturation, helping relationships, partner status, age, and education on heavy drinking and alcohol problems among 119 Latina adults at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP).
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Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Respiratory and emotional reactivity to ethanol odor in human neonates is dependent upon maternal drinking patterns during pregnancy
These results validate the notion of human fetal alcohol programming that is detected immediately after birth. The reported early functional signs indicative of relatively high alcohol gestational exposure should broaden our capability of diagnosing FASD and lead to appropriate primary or secondary clinical interventions.
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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth - Drowning our sorrows: clinical and ethical considerations of termination in alcohol-affected pregnancy
Clinicians caring for pregnant women who consume alcohol face many ethical considerations. They are obligated to provide non-judgmental and non-directive advice. Although current practice is guided by existing clinical guidelines these are based on limited scientific evidence.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES

stern TV (Germany) - So gefährlich ist Alkohol während der Schwangerschaft
Herzfehler, motorische Störungen, Lernschwächen - schon geringe Mengen Alkohol während der Schwangerschaft können Kindern dauerhafte Schäden zufügen.
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eDziecko (Poland) - FAS to temat wstydliwy. Zdarza się w rodzinach, w których nikt nie jest alkoholikiem
FAS nie wywołuje genetyka, tylko picie alkoholu w ciąży. To temat wstydliwy. Chociaż dotyczy najczęściej dzieci adoptowanych, to niepełnoobjawowe FAS zdarza się w rodzinach, w których nikt nie jest alkoholikiem.
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ZARLLOR (Portugal) - A disfunção tireoidiana leve afeta uma em cada cinco mulheres com histórico de aborto espontâneo ou infertilidade
Os distúrbios da tireóide são comuns em mulheres com potencial para engravidar. Embora a incidência de distúrbios da tireóide durante a gravidez seja bem conhecida, pouco se sabe sobre a frequência com que esses distúrbios ocorrem em mulheres antes da gravidez.
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Alcohol News - 25/2020

Forbes (USA) - Men Should Have No More Than One Alcoholic Drink A Day, Federal Committee Warns
An influential federal panel is recommending that men reduce their alcohol intake to one drink per day rather than two, and that all Americans should cut back on added sugars.
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The National (Dubai) - Coronavirus: Dubai Police tightens restrictions on sale of alcohol in bars and pubs
Dubai Police has tightened restrictions on the sale of alcohol in bars and pubs. The decision means patrons can only consume alcohol if they order a meal at the same time.
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Global Health News Wire - Public support for alcohol control initiatives across seven countries
The findings – that 68 percent of Australians and 67 percent of New Zealanders surveyed are in favour – come at a critical time, with Australian and New Zealand Health and Food Ministers shortly to vote on recommendations by independent authority Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to introduce long-awaited alcohol warning labels.
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YLE News (Finland) - Finland's alcohol prices highest in EU
The price of alcoholic beverages in Finland was the highest in the EU last year, according to a price comparison index conducted by the EU’s statistical office Eurostat.
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Inverse - TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAN CAUSE SIMILAR EFFECTS TO DEMENTIA – AND THE TWO ARE OFTEN CONFUSED
In the UK, 21% of people are drinking more alcohol than they did before the pandemic, according to a recent survey. This follows a reported 31% increase in alcohol sales at the start of lockdown.
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MD Linx - Chronic alcohol intake exacerbates cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction
As alcohol intake is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, researchers sought to determine the effect of chronic alcohol intake on myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
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RNZ (New Zealand) - Lotta Dann: how the alcohol industry targets women
The normalisation of alcohol in virtually every setting and the advertisers pitch that it's glamorous is causing damage says author Lotta Dann. 
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CBC.ca (Canada) - Staying sober during COVID-19 can be a struggle, says recovering alcoholic
Stress, boredom and isolation have been a dangerous combination for many Nova Scotians struggling to stay sober during COVID-19, says the founder of Sober City Halifax.
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Yahoo Lifestyle Australia - What one month without alcohol can do for your body
Many of us may have potentially increased our alcohol consumption over the past few months, as we dealt with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and being in social isolation.
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The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Minister met with alcohol lobby before pregnancy warning label sent back for review
Food Minister Richard Colbeck met twice with alcohol industry lobbyists, including a major political donor, before a ministerial forum he chairs sent the independent regulator's proposed mandatory pregnancy warning label back for review.
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News24 (South Africa) - Ban advertising and increase price of alcohol to curb the abuse, experts say
Banning the advertising of alcohol, increasing its price and reducing the legal limit for drinking and driving could curb the abuse of alcohol in South Africa.
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Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Alcohol Action Ireland urge men to 'rethink their drinking'
Alcohol kills almost 2,000 men in Ireland every year, according to Alcohol Action Ireland. The group is asking men to "rethink their drinking" as Men's Health Week continues.
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thejournal.ie (Ireland) - Smoking, alcohol and poor diet: Over half of Irish 17-year-olds categorised as having 'unhealthy' lifestyles
THE GROWING UP in Ireland survey has found that young people from working-class backgrounds and women are more likely engage in behaviours that increase their risk of disease.
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Drink Tank - Beware of big liquor spin, false conspiracies and ‘myths’ about alcohol-related harm
In a recent commentary (Wilsmore op ed NH 8 June 2020) the CEO of the Alcohol Beverages Australia (ABA) writes about the work of ‘prohibitionists’ in evaluating measures aimed at reducing harm in the community. The article reports that drinks consumption in the Northern Territory has increased in association with the introduction of a Minimum Unit Price (MUP).
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IAS - Hazardous drinkers show elevated ‘waiting impulsivity’, relative to lighter drinking controls
Research has consistently found that those with alcohol dependence show elevated impulsivity – indeed, this may underlie the persistent drinking, despite profoundly adverse consequences, which characterises the condition.
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DGMT (South Africa) - Public appeal to Government: Urgent measures to curb the abuse of alcohol linked to gender-based violence
The Covid-19 epidemic has shone a light again on the value of each human life, and the message from our leaders is that lives must be saved through urgent and radical action. In his speech to the nation on Wednesday 17 June 2020, President Ramaphosa stated that, especially in the light of the unbridled violence against women and children, “we will also need to look at further, more drastic measures to curb the abuse of alcohol”.
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Alcohol News - 24/2020

CNN - Airlines ban alcohol on planes in response to Covid-19
Alcohol sales may have boomed during lockdown, but our return to air travel will be an altogether more sobering experience.
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Fox News - Moderate drinkers still at higher risk for cancer, early death, alcohol study claims
Even drinkers who stick to the weekly "low-risk" alcohol guidelines are at greater risk of cancer and early death, scientists say.
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CapeTalk (South Africa) - Zero-tolerance alcohol driving law includes alcohol-based medications – insurer
When the law comes into effect, King Price's Wynand Van Vuuren says car claims may well be rejected if there is any blood alcohol.
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Border Telegraph (Scotland) - Scotland's alcohol sales remain at record low
ALCOHOL sales in Scotland remain at their lowest level on record for a second year, a study has found.
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Extra.ie (Ireland) - Study shows two thirds of Irish men drinking to cope during pandemic
A new study has shown that two thirds of Irish men have turned to drinking alcohol as a means of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Medical Xpress - Booze ads designed to keep you laughing all the way to the bottle shop
'Get them laughing to get them drinking' seems to be the motto of the alcohol industry according to an analysis of alcohol ads displayed across a range of media types in Australia.
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The Medical Independent (Ireland) - Alcohol in Ireland: Dying for a drink
Alcohol is synonymous with Irish culture; this is compounded by the fact that there’s an Irish pub in every corner of the globe, our number-one tourist attraction is a brewery, and Irish history is rich with characters infamous for their love of a drink, from Shane McGowan to Oscar Wilde.
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Holyrood (Scotland) - Alcohol causing 22 deaths per week in Scotland despite consumption at lowest level on record
Alcohol consumption in Scotland is at its lowest level on record, but 22 people per week are still dying from alcohol-related causes, new figures from Public Health Scotland show.
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RNZ (New Zealand) - Academics call for end to alcohol industry-backed youth education programme
New Zealand academics have slammed an in-schools live theatre programme designed to educate young students on the dangers of underage drinking.
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Centre for Crime and Justice Studies - We need to change how we approach alcohol-related violence
Last year, two in every five (39 per cent) violent incidents in England and Wales were alcohol-related. In fact, the proportion hasn’t dipped below this at any point in the last ten years.
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Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs - Alcohol Policy and Coronavirus: An Open Research Agenda
The pandemic of COVID-19 hit Dublin, Ireland, just before the opening of the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) on March 9, 2020, causing more than 100 cancellations of registered participants.
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Public Health Scotland (Scotland) - Annual MESAS report on alcohol consumption, price and harms in Scotland out today
As part of the continued delivery of the crucial Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) programme, Public Health Scotland today published the MESAS Monitoring Report 2020.
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CBC (Canada) - Liquor monopoly won't be privatized, says N.L. finance minister
The private sector played a critical role in beefing up booze sales in Newfoundland and Labrador during the pandemic, but the finance minister says he won't hear talk of privatization.
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Addiction Research & Theory - Reconceptualising the study of alcohol policy decision-making: the contribution of political science
In this article, we demonstrate the applicability of a 3-I (interests, institutions, and ideas) framework to alcohol policy research. The analysis uses literature from political science research to provide a core theoretical framework.
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FASD News - 23/2020

Daily Mail (UK) - Over a quarter of 18 to 25-year-olds are unaware that women should avoid alcohol in pregnancy, study shows
A quarter of adults aged between 18 and 25 are unaware that women should not drink alcohol during pregnancy, according to a survey of 2,000 Britons.
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University of Rochester - Expert team creates training manual to help providers recognize fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
The handbook Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders features sections on prenatal exposure, dysmorphology, neuropsychology, the diagnostic process, and case-based learning modules.
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CBC.ca (Canada) - My Teen Has Special Needs And Ontario Cancelling Overnight Camp Is Hitting Us Hard
Two years ago, I was picking up my youngest daughter from her two weeks at an overnight girl’s activity camp in Muskoka, when a counsellor approached me and said: "She is a leader. We want her to return as a leader in training when she’s old enough."
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The Standard (Kenya) - Alcohol ‘drinking’ babies on the rise
As women close the drinking gap between them and men, more unborn children are being exposed to alcohol.
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Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - Health board encouraging residents to practice safer sex during Covid-19 pandemic
NHS Lanarkshire say that around half of pregnancies aren’t planned, and that drinking alcohol while pregnant can result in babies being born with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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Metro (UK) - Adopted toddler born brain-damaged because of mom’s drinking visits her in rehab
A two-year-old boy born with brain damage because of his mother’s drinking has met her for the first time at the rehab center where she is receiving treatment. Henry Norman was taken by his adoptive mother Tamra Norman, to meet the woman in the hope that he’d help inspire her to turn over a new leaf.
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HuffPost UK (UK) - We Adopted So-Called 'Hard To Place' Children. They're Not Hard To Love
“All of the children I adopted have been between newborn age and two years. Their needs range from cerebral palsy, autism, physical disability and abnormalities, foetal alcohol syndrome, deafness, and Down’s syndrome.
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Think Inclusive - HOW DO YOU SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH DIFFICULT OR CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR?
Supporting a person with challenging behavior begins when we commit to knowing the person. Sadly, it is often the case that the people who develop an intervention to stop someone from engaging in challenging behavior do not know the individual in any meaningful sense. Instead, they see the person as a someone (or something) that needs to be fixed or modified.
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Daily Hampshire Gazette - ‘I wish I could help you’
Leslie Leff, a clinical social worker with the Cutchins Programs for Families and Children in Northampton, has become tired of telling parents “I wish I could help you.”
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Surrey Place - Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Part 2 of 3
This video series provides participants with an introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and how FASD impacts functioning and learning. We will help to identify the strengths and needs in children and youth with FASD, introduce supportive strategies, and facilitate resource-sharing.
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CanFASD - Towards healthy outcomes for individuals with FASD: Advancing a common intervention framework
In this presentation Dr. Jacqueline Pei discusses an evidence informed model of intervention for individuals with FASD: Towards Healthy Outcomes. Achieving healthy outcomes for individuals with FASD requires working together towards meaningful goals for each individual.
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Marulu Strategy - FASD Information Video
This video was created by Goolarri Media Enterprises.
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Manitoba FASD Coalition - Importance of the Manitoba FASD Coalition to the Provincial FASD Strategy
This video explores the history of FASD services within Manitoba and the interconnections between the Manitoba FASD Coalition, multiple Manitoba Government departments,  FASD communities and organizations, and CanFASD.
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visiblehealthwarning.org - Open Letter: It’s time for a clear, visible health warning label
Australian and New Zealand Food Forum Ministers will soon meet to decide whether to support a health warning label on alcohol products. Add your name to the growing list of people calling for a clear, visible health warning label by endorsing the letter below.
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PreventFASD.info - Get Creative! You will change lives
We are looking for creative ideas to prevent tens of thousands being born each year in the UK with lifelong damage to their brains and bodies from alcohol exposure in pregnancy. Get creative! Send us a video, a poster, a song, a poem, an idea for a campaign. It’s time to make some noise!
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RESEARCH
Child Neuropsychology - Cognitive and social/emotional influences on adaptive functioning in children with FASD: Clinical and cultural considerations
In a study of 39 children with FASD and 29 comparison children, we found that social cognition (specifically recognizing emotions) was the only significant independent predictor of teacher-rated adaptive functioning even after including IQ, executive functioning, and adverse childhood experiences into the model. In this current study, Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) were overrepresented; therefore, the research was supported by a strong partnership with Te Wāhanga Hauora Māori (Māori Health Service).
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ecoevorxiv.org - Phylogeny can Inform Animal Model Development for Both Inherited and Induced Conditions: Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The use of animal models in research on human and veterinary diseases and disorders is retracting, though it is likely to remain critical for decades. In light of increasing regulation and expectations of judicious use of animal subjects, we examine the idea that the use of animal models can be guided by phylogenetic relationships and modern evolutionary and cladistic analyses.
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Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease - Caregiver-reported physical health status of children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
While fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has primarily been thought of as a neurodevelopmental condition, research is beginning to highlight its ‘whole-body’ implications. Accordingly, the current study sought to provide a snapshot of potential health issues.
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Research in Developmental Disabilities - A qualitative examination of the cognitive and behavioural challenges experienced by children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Despite the lack of a consistent behavioural phenotype for FASD, the findings suggest consistency between caregivers in their reports of the difficulties experienced by children with FASD.
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red.library.usd.edu - Consequences of In Utero Exposure to Alcohol with a Focus on Behavioral Outcomes
In utero exposure to alcohol can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which encompasses a range of developmental disorders.
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BMC Pediatrics - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among pre-adopted and foster children
In a population of high-risk children seen in an adoption clinic, many had manifestations associated with FASD especially where prenatal alcohol exposure was established. The reported prevalence in this study is higher than that reported in our previous study of younger children.
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Bone - Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy associates with bone fractures in early childhood. A birth-cohort study of 6718 participants
Bone fractures are an important cause of morbidity in childhood. Their prevention should start from the prenatal period by protecting the fetus from the alcohol exposure.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Difficulties in daily living experienced by adolescents, transition‐aged youth, and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Adolescents, transition‐aged youth, and adults with FASD experienced a range of substantial and complex difficulties at the time of their diagnostic assessment, signaling a high level of service needs.
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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Teacher‑Reported Prevalence of FASD in Kindergarten in Canada: Association with Child Development and Problems at Home
Overall children with FASD had higher mean scores on the developmental domains compared to children with NDDs. Results of the current study can inform strategies and policies for early identifcation and intervention.
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ScholarWorks Open Access Repository - Early Interventions for Youth Affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Review of Current Literature
The purpose of this research is to examine the early interventions of youth affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This literature review will look to gain an understanding on the present research of early interventions for youth who are affected by prenatal exposure as well as identify the gaps in research that still needs to be conducted.
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Canadian Journal of Nursing Research - Midwives Uniquely Suited to Deliver Woman-Centered Care and Decrease Stigma for Women With Substance Use Disorders
Midwives are being called to serve a growing population of vulnerable women, those with substance use disorders (SUDs). Increasing numbers of women across the lifespan are being diagnosed with SUDs.
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Cytokine - Gene expression profiling reveals a lingering effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on inflammatory-related genes during adolescence and adulthood
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) exerts devastating effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), which vary as a function of both ethanol load and gestational age of exposure.
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BORA UiB - Child development in rural Burkina Faso. Association between maternal alcohol consumption, stunting, schooling, and neuropsychological outcomes
The general aim of this thesis was to evaluate the association of maternal alcohol consumption, stunting (low height-for-age) and schooling on neuropsychological outcomes among children in rural Burkina Faso based on data from the Burkina Faso’s site of the PROMISE Saving Brain’s study.
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Reproductive Toxicology - Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Increases Susceptibility to Depression- and Anxiety-like Behavior in Adult Female Offspring and its Underlying Mechanism
Our study investigated changes of depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in adult offspring caused by prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) and explored the potential mechanism.
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Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences - Prenatal alcohol and tobacco use among pregnant women in Enugu Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
A larger and more in-depth study is required to confirm and elucidate the high prevalence of prenatal drinking observed in this town to guide appropriate remedial public heath intervention, if confirmed.
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Clinical Ethics - Validation of simple dichotomous self-report on prenatal alcohol and other drug use in women attending midwife obstetric units in the Cape Metropole, South Africa
Dichotomous verbal screening was considered valid after comparison with the ASSIST; however, combined use with urine screenings can be recommended especially for identifying illicit substance use in order to accurately detect alcohol and other drug use in pregnancy, so that women can be identified and referred for appropriate interventions where needed.
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Current Developments in Nutrition - The Clinical Iron Supplement Fer-In-Sol Improves Fetal Iron Status and Brain Weight in Rats Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol
These data show that maternal iron supplementation improves select fetal outcomes in PAE, including brain weight and blood values, and suggests that this may be a clinically feasible approach to improve prenatal iron status and fetal outcomes in PAE pregnancies.
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Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease - Caregiver-reported physical health status of children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
While fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has primarily been thought of as a neurodevelopmental condition, research is beginning to highlight its ‘whole-body’ implications.
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Alcohol News - 23/2020

WHO Europe (Europe) - Alcohol labelling policies: most countries lagging behind in promoting healthier choices
According to a new report, labelling of alcoholic beverages is not consistent or even considered in many countries in the WHO European Region. The new Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report on alcohol labelling across the Region is the first systematic study that covers the different ways countries label alcoholic beverages and sets out policy options for authorities to consider.
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The Guardian (Australia) - Harm from drinking alcohol at home spikes in Australia amid coronavirus
The director of emergency medicine research at one of Australia’s busiest hospitals says she has seen “extreme examples of people with severe alcohol dependency and intoxication” throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and that while less people are being harmed due to alcohol-related street and bar injuries and accidents, more harm is occurring in homes.
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News-Medical.net - Alcohol consumption substantially higher for females during COVID-19
The novel coronavirus pandemic forced many countries into lockdown, requiring people to stay at home to prevent the spread of the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The dramatic change to life has left many people in distress, affecting psychological and emotional wellbeing.
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GMA (USA) - New cancer prevention guidelines call for no alcohol consumption
In a major change, the American Cancer Society is now saying that cutting alcohol out of your diet completely is best for cancer reduction and prevention.
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BBC News (Scotland) - Alcohol off-sales drop credited to minimum unit pricing
There has been a decline in alcohol consumption in Scotland's population, official data suggests. A report published by Public Health Scotland said there had been a reduction of between 4% and 5% in Scotland's shops in the year after minimum unit pricing was introduced.
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Bloomberg (South Africa) - Trauma Wards Fill Up in South Africa After Alcohol Ban Is Lifted
Trauma admissions in South African hospitals have surged since a nine-week ban on alcohol sales was lifted on June 1, filling beds needed to accommodate a rapid rise in coronavirus patients.
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Bangkok Post (Thailand) - New debate over alcohol law
A debate over Thailand’s alcohol control law has resumed after hundreds of online users and operators were fined in recent months.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Lower prices, rising wages, led to increased alcohol consumption in 2019
Alcohol consumption in Estonia rose in 2019, as the effects of both a reduction in excise duties and rising income made themselves known, according to recent research. At the same time, recorded intoxication rates and those of alcohol-related deaths also rose.
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University of Eastern Finland (Finland) - Researchers put a price tag on alcohol use
Alcohol use disorders are associated with high social welfare and health care costs – but what causes them? A new Finnish study looks at the magnitude and reasons behind the economic burden alcohol use disorders have on society.
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The Brussels Times (Belgium) - 1 in 5 Flemish people drink more alcohol during lockdown
One in five Flemish people drank more alcohol during the lockdown, and that figure is even higher among highly educated people, according to figures by the Flemish Alcohol and Other Drugs Expertise Centre (VAD).
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Mirage News - Exposing children to alcohol advertising leads to increased uptake and intake
With sport firmly back on Australians’ television screens as the AFL season restarts this Thursday, Monash researchers have highlighted the continuing problem of children’s exposure to alcohol advertising when watching sport.
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Brno Daily (Chech Republic) - Brno Councillors Propose Ban On Alcohol Consumption in Squares and Parks During The Night
A proposed new anti-alcohol decree will prohibit alcohol consumption after midnight in the city’s squares, and after 10pm in parks. The decree should also simplify the process of permitting alcohol consumption at public events.
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Republic World (Canada) - Canada's Chief Health Officer Worried About Increase In Consumption Of Alcohol, Junk Food
She is concerned about the mental health of Canadians because of an increase in alcohol and junk food consumption during the last few months of the pandemic.
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Newsroom (New Zealand) - No place for alcohol industry in classroom
By allowing the alcohol industry to look like they are ‘doing something’ by funding education programmes in schools hides their less altruistic practices.
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Balance North East (UK) - Renewed calls for MUP in England as new Scottish data released
The introduction of a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland is working and should be introduced in England without delay, according to Balance.
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Monash University (Australia) - An avalanche of alcohol ads is coming, and there’s little protection for children
When the 2020 footy season restarts this week, the stadiums will be a very different place. No crowds, no meat pies, and no beer.
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Eurocare (Netherlands) - Advertising of Dutch gin at the expense of the EU
The European Union, which is home to the world's largest boozers, has a variety of programs to discourage alcohol consumption. But helping Americans with an EU subsidy to help the Dutch neutral does not seem to be a problem. The Dutch State Secretary Blokhuis of Health thinks the subsidy is therefore inappropriate, he says in a response.
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Alcohol News - 22/2020

Health Europa (UK) - Global Drug Survey shows COVID-19 surge in UK alcohol intake
A new, interim report from the Global Drug Survey has shown that more than half of British respondents have increased the number of days they drink alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Quartz Africa (South Africa) - South Africa’s long-standing alcohol abuse problem reemerged a day after lifting a lockdown ban
Just 24 hours after South Africa’s coronavirus-responsive ban on alcohol sales was lifted, there are already calls for it to be reinstated.
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Medical Xpress - Link between anxiety and alcohol abuse identified
New research from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh has identified how sections of DNA might contribute to the risk of alcohol abuse in men.
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Daily Mail - Women are more likely than men to become binge drinkers because the female hormone oestrogen gives them a bigger buzz from alcohol
Women are more likely than men to become binge drinkers because they get a greater buzz from alcohol, a study has found.
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Irish Post (Ireland) - Alcohol sales in Ireland up 93% in four weeks
Media intelligence business Kantar have released a new report which shows the numbers of alcohol sales have gone through the roof in grocery stores across Ireland.
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myGC.com.au (Australia) - Women are drinking more during the pandemic, and it’s probably got a lot to do with their mental health
For many people, social disconnection, financial strain, increased obligations in the home and ongoing uncertainty have created distress – and with it, a need for new ways of coping.
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Total Slovenia News (Slovenia) - Call for Stricter Alcohol Policy in Slovenia
The association of chronic non-contagious diseases urged on Monday the Health Ministry, the government and National Assembly to introduce stricter measures concerning alcohol policy and to strive for a joint systemic tackling of heavy alcohol consumption in Slovenia, most notably efforts mitigating the situation among the young.
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Hospital trauma units have seen an increase of almost double the cases since Monday, June 1, the first day alcohol was allowed to be sold again under lockdown regulations. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are now calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reinstate the ban.
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GO! and Express (South Africa) - Government motoring ahead with zero-alcohol driving limit
A bill released by the transport department on Monday seeks to totally ban the use of alcohol by vehicle operators.
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The Lancet - The role of alcohol use and drinking patterns in socioeconomic inequalities in mortality: a systematic review
To reduce socioeconomic inequalities in mortality, addressing heavy episodic drinking in particular, rather than alcohol use in general, is worth exploring as a public health strategy.
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VICE - How I Get Away With Being a Secret Alcoholic
Sophie tells me she’s mastered the art of looking sober, even when she’s anything but. That happens to be most days. Ever since she was 19, the now-22-year-old student has been wrestling with what she describes as an “out of control” drug dependency—alcohol, mainly, but also marijuana, cocaine, and valium.
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The Lancet - Understanding the alcohol-harm paradox: what next?
The alcohol-harm paradox (ie, the observation that people of low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to experience greater alcohol-related harm than those of high SES, even when the amount of alcohol consumption is the same or less than for individuals of high SES) continues to challenge epidemiologists and other public health experts.
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Medical Xpress - Model projects sharp rise in alcohol-related liver disease
Alcohol-related liver disease is currently the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States. In recent years, high-risk drinking of alcohol—defined as exceeding daily drinking limits (more than four or five standard drinks for women and men, respectively) at least weekly for a whole year—has increased in nearly all sociodemographic groups, especially in women.
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IAS - The label appeal: A look at industry interference in the little warning labelling study that could
A little over two years ago, we wrote about how our small study in northern Canada attracted international media attention after alcohol lobby groups objected to labels with a cancer warning being affixed to alcohol containers. The pushback led to the study being halted for three months, and eventually resuming without the cancer warning labels (two other labels with standard drink information and low-risk drinking guidelines were allowed to stay).
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ADF (Australia) - Drinking in isolation
Nearly two months into isolation and social distancing, Australians are drinking more. That’s not healthy for anyone, but especially not for Australia’s kids, who may have witnessed their parents’ drinking habits change rapidly – partly out of boredom, but also as a way of coping with the stress of our new reality.
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The BMJ - Covid-19 and alcohol—a dangerous cocktail
As the UK and most other countries went into lockdown, the need to save lives from covid-19 rightly took priority over longer term health concerns. Many people reacted to the closure of pubs and restaurants by stocking up to drink at home in isolation, and alcohol, along with household items and storecupboard food, disappeared from supermarket shelves.
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