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Thursday, March 25, 2021

Alcohol News - 12/2021

Elemental - Why Alcohol Is More Dangerous for Women
It’s no surprise to anyone that drinking has increased dramatically as a result of the pandemic. As a pattern, drinking increases with any extreme stressor, and recent market research shows that alcohol sales went up by 55% during the pandemic’s peak.
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CNN (USA) - Americans spent the pandemic stocking up on booze. That may be changing
For the first time in a year, since Covid-19 began spreading across the United States forcing Americans to stay home, retail alcohol sales have fallen. That's according to newly released data from Nielsen, which reported that total sales declined 1.9% for the week ending March 13.
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The Conversation (South Africa) - We tested claims that limiting alcohol advertising in South Africa would violate Rights
The lockdown restrictions introduced in South Africa to curb the initial spread of COVID-19 in March 2020 were the tightest in the world. They included a ban on alcohol sales.
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Science Alert - Our Brains Could Be Directly Involved in Processing Alcohol, Mouse Study Hints
Despite alcohol being a common recreational substance we've been drinking for at least 12,000 years, it seems we still don't fully understand just what it does inside our bodies... or brains, for that matter.
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TASS (Russia) - Finance Ministry sees no reason to increase alcohol prices in Russia until end of year
Russia's Ministry of Finance sees no prerequisites for an increase in prices for alcoholic beverages in Russia until the end of 2021, according to the statement posted on the ministry's website on Wednesday.
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The Times (UK) - Safety chiefs call for alcohol locks to tackle drink-driving
European-style “alcolocks” should routinely be fitted to cars to curb persistently high drink-driving rates in the UK, ministers have been told.
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The Wall Street Journal - How to Talk to Your Child About Drugs and Alcohol
Adults are increasing their use of alcohol and drugs to cope with pandemic-related stress. Jessica Lahey worries that many teens will be tempted to do the same.
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Today.com - Kids allowed to sip alcohol start to see booze more favorably, study finds
Kids often get their first taste of alcohol from a parent, sipping a little from mom or dad’s glass to find out what the big deal is about.
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The Hill (EU/US) - Alcohol industry urges permanent removal of all US, EU and UK tariffs
The alcohol industry on Tuesday formed the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition to advocate for the permanent removal of all U.S., European Union and United Kingdom tariffs on its products.
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MooseJawToday (Canada) - Stress of pandemic causing Canadians to consume more alcohol, cannabis: survey
The pandemic is amplifying the relationship between mental health issues and substance abuse, a survey suggests, as Canadians who consume alcohol or smoke cannabis report an increased use during the last year.
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IOL (South Africa) - NGO wants liquor outlets to be closed at 6pm during Easter holidays
The non-profit group Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) says liquor outlets should be closed by 6pm over the Easter holidays.
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YLE (Finland) - Study aims to uncover hidden alcohol use during pregnancy
Researchers plan to test pregnant women’s urine for drugs, nicotine and alcohol to uncover hidden use during pregnancy. The study aims to gain a better understanding of substance abuse during pregnancy to help target therapies for children exposed in utero.
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Sunday, March 21, 2021

FASD News - 11/2021

CTV News (Canada) - Prison experience for man with FASD led to decline in mental health: Manitoba judge
A Manitoba judge says an Indigenous man with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had a "hellish" time at a correctional facility, where he alleged he was sexually assaulted by other inmates.
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Government of Ontario News (Canada) – Ontario Expanding Diagnostic Services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The Ontario government is investing $2.8 million annually to expand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnostic services by funding 12 new FASD clinics for a total of 21 funded FASD diagnostic clinics across the province.
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Borgen Project (South Africa) - Challenging the Stigma Framing FASD in South Africa
South Africa has the highest rate of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world, with some communities experiencing a prevalence of up to 28%. FASD encompasses a range of conditions that affect people who were exposed to alcohol before birth.
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ABC News (Australia) - Researchers return to find out fate of children involved in landmark FASD study
Ten years after a groundbreaking study revealed record-high rates of FASD in outback Australia, researchers have returned to the Kimberley to see how the children are coping in adulthood.
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ABC News (Australia) - Advocates of FASD students in Qld schools push for more support, prevent future 'in correctional services'
The Queensland government is being called upon to better recognise fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) as a disability in schools by a passionate researcher, with the support of parents, caregivers, and experienced health practitioners.
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Mirage News (Australia) - Community organisations welcome Senate Inquiry report into FASD
The final report from the Senate Community Affairs References Committee into Effective approaches to prevention and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was handed down on Wednesday afternoon.
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Fife Today (UK) - Fife launch of support group for little diagnosed lifelong disorder with no cure
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder service. FASD is a result of pre-birth exposure to alcohol. Now, there is a new one-to-one service for parents and carers, run by Fife Alcohol Support Service (FASS).
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The Lawyers Daily (Canada) - Justice clinic improves outcomes for persons with developmental disabilities
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness month and an apt time to shed light on the unique challenges facing persons with developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system. A long-standing challenge has been the equitable and meaningful participation by persons with developmental disabilities in the court process.
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Verywell Health (USA) - Substance Abuse among Pregnant Women on the Rise During COVID-19
The number of people struggling with substance use disorders has gone up during COVID-19, and a new study out of Washington State University COVID
19 Infant, Maternal, and Family Health Research Collaborative suggests pregnant women are included in this group.
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SHAAP (UK) - Developments in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – a UK perspective
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, and is thought to be the most common neurodevelopmental condition in Scotland.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Lake 88.1 - In Focus: Monday, March 15, 2021- Rob Moore and Elizabeth Holmes
We’re joined by Rob Moore and Elizabeth Holmes of the Rural FASD support network who provide an update on recent news and the impact it will have on local children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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WonderlandKids – What is Hope RISING Clinic?
Hope RISING Clinic (Resources, Intervention, and Support to Inspire and Nurture Growth) for prenatal substance exposure serves children from birth through 12 years of age and their families.
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CEWH - Trauma informed approaches to FASD prevention
Webinar 3/3 from the series "Extending Learning about Girls, Women, Alcohol and Pregnancy – A Learning Series"
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Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network – CLEARING THE CLOUDS: A STORY OF FASD
‘Clearing the Clouds, A Story of FASD’ is Melissa’s story, in her own words.
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CEWH - Working with Women Who Have FASD Themselves
Webinar 1/3 from the series "Extending Learning about Girls, Women, Alcohol and Pregnancy – A Learning Series"
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Northwest Central FASD Network - FASD Sharing Circle
Yvette Kraychy discusses FASD awareness and prevention.
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FASDHub Scotland - FASD Moving Forward Together, Scottish Collaborative event 25.02.2021
On 25th February 2021 the Fetal Alcohol Advisory & Support Team (FAAST), FASD Hub Scotland collaborated with other colleagues from across Scotland to delivery a half day symposium on FASD.   Chaired by Professor Moira Plant, speakers represented health, education, research, third sector and those with lived experience of FASD.
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Northwest Central FASD Network - FASD Training For Justice
Angela Kemble and Donna Kristiansen provide information and training on FASD.
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Spotlight on FASD - Podcast Season 2, Episode 10 - Conversations With a Bio Mum
This week we are tying up our second season of Spotlight on FASD in conversation with Angie, an inspirational biological mother of a child with FASD from Melbourne, Australia.
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Spotlight on FASD - Podcast Season 2, Episode 9 - Living life with Sensory Processing Disorder
This week delve deeper into our sensory journey with Emily from 21st Sensory Podcast about navigating life with SPD and Autism alongside a sibling with FASD.
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Rural FASD Support Network - Audrey McFarlane on FASD Diagnostics
Audrey McFarlane of CanFASD shares how the Lakeland Centre for FASD started their rural community diagnostic clinic 25 yrs ago.
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Office of the Child Advocate - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Listen to Louis Bartoshesky chat with CASA Volunteers about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.
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FASD Success Show - #058 Nancy Lockwood: Practical Tools and Tips for Caregivers and Advocates
Like a few of the guests I have interviewed for the FASD Success Show, our professional lives have intersected at various points. I first met Nancy Lockwood eight years ago when I was invited to present at the Ottawa FASD Caregiver Group. A lot has changed in the last eight years.
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RESEARCH
SPIE Digital Library - A comparison of microvasculature changes in the fetal brain and maternal extremities due to prenatal alcohol exposure using optical coherence angiography
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes a spectrum of abnormalities, collectively termed as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The severity of the defect depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the period of gestation during which alcohol was consumed.
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Health & Social Care in the Community - Examining barriers to harm reduction and child welfare services for pregnant women and mothers who use substances using a stigma action framework
Pregnant women and mothers who use substances often face significant barriers to accessing and engaging with substance use services.
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Alcohol - The offspring of alcohol-exposed sires exhibit heightened ethanol intake and behavioral alterations in the elevated plus maze
Research suggests that addictive traits are indeed heritable, but very few preclinical studies have explored transgenerational effects of paternal alcohol exposure. The present study addressed this gap in knowledge.
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Contemporary Clinical Trials - A culturally tailored intervention to reduce risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies in American Indian communities: Rationale, design, and methods
Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause lifelong physical and cognitive challenges in the form of fetal alcohol syndrome and other fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure is thus a public health priority – and one that should account for the particular needs of subpopulations, including in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
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Brain Sciences - Changes in Representation of Thalamic Projection Neurons within Prefrontal-Thalamic-Hippocampal Circuitry in a Rat Model of Third Trimester Binge Drinking
Alcohol exposure (AE) during the third trimester of pregnancy—a period known as the brain growth spurt (BGS)—could result in a diagnosis of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a hallmark of which is impaired executive functioning (EF).
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Scientific Reports - Evaluation of the German biographic screening interview for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (BSI-FASD)
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy may lead to permanent damage in the offspring, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which have an estimated prevalence of 1–8% worldwide.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Transcriptomic Changes Due to Early, Chronic Intermittent Alcohol Exposure During Forebrain Development Implicate WNT Signaling, Cell‐Type Specification and Cortical Regionalization as Primary Determinants of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Thus, we find that a major effect of chronic intermittent alcohol on the developing cerebral cortex is an overall imbalance in regionalization, with enrichment of gene expression related to the production of posterodorsal progenitors and a diminution of anteroventral progenitors, a finding which parallels behavioral and morphological phenotypes observed in animal models of high‐dose prenatal alcohol exposure, as well as patients with FAS.
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SPIE Digital Library - Optical quantification of nanoscale structural alterations in pups' brain cells due to fetal alcoholism using dual spectroscopy
The quantitative measurement of nanoscale structural alterations in cells/tissues is important to understand their physical states. Molecular specific light localization technique and microscopic imaging are highly sensitive spectroscopic approaches for studying the structural abnormalities in brain cells under a sedative condition.
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SPIE Digital Library - Optical coherence angiography to assess the combined effects of alcohol and nicotine on fetal brain vasculature
Prenatal substance abuse is a leading cause of congenital defects. The severity of the defect caused depends on the substance used and the period of gestation during which the abuse happened. Several studies have documented the effects of alcohol and nicotine, used individually.
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International Journal of Reproductive Medicine - Substance Use among Homeless Reproductive Age People in Southern Ethiopia
Substance use by homeless reproductive age people may result to anxiety, involvement of risky sexual behaviors, and increasing the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
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African Journal of Reproductive Health - Alcohol use during pregnancy: prevalence and patterns in selected Buffalo City areas, South Africa
The high rate of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which results from alcohol consumption during pregnancy, is of concern in South Africa. The aims of this research were to establish the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with alcohol use amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two former township areas of Buffalo City, South Africa.
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ResearchGate - Use of Cannabis in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
In children and young adults with FASD, cannabis, mostly cannabidiol (CBD), has been associated with a marked and statistically significant improvement in serious disruptive behavior.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Puls Medycyny (Poland) - „Oblicza Medycyny”. FAS i FASD – jakie konsekwencje dla dziecka ma ekspozycja na alkohol w okresie płodowym?
O skali problemu, jakim są alkoholowy zespół płodowy (FAS) i spektrum płodowych zaburzeń alkoholowych, oraz o różnicach w definicji i obrazie klinicznym obu zaburzeń opowiedział w programie “Oblicza Medycyny” prof. dr hab. n. med. Marcin Wojnar, kierownik Katedry i Kliniki Psychiatrycznej Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego.
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Liputan 6 (Indonesia) - Konsumsi Miras Saat Hamil Jadi Penyebab Disabilitas Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Liputan6.com, Jakarta Keadaan disabilitas pada anak dapat dipicu berbagai hal, salah satunya konsumsi alkohol pada masa kehamilan.
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Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron (Spain) - Intervenciones psicológicas del trastorno del espectro alcohólico fetal a lo largo del ciclo vital
Los resultados indican que los tratamientos psicológicos dirigidos a trabajar la regulación emocional y conductual, el entrenamiento en habilidades sociales y las intervenciones familiares son los que tienen mayor evidencia en el tratamiento para el TEAF.
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Thursday, March 18, 2021

Alcohol News - 11/2021

Forbes (USA) - Soaring Pandemic Alcohol Sales Cause Concern For Doctors
Alcohol and tobacco sales rose dramatically in the U.S. during the early stages of the pandemic, with possible major consequences for both physical and mental health, according to a new study.
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The Irish Times (Ireland) - Minimum unit pricing for alcohol set to be in place by Christmas
The Government intends to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol by Christmas, Minister of State at the Department of Health Frank Feighan has said.
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RTE (Ireland) - 'Drown the shamrock with water' not alcohol - O'Donovan
The Minister of State at the Office of Public Works has urged people to "drown the shamrock with water" on St Patrick's Day instead of alcohol.
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NPR (USA) - Sharp, 'Off The Charts' Rise In Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Young Women
For many years, Jessica Duenas led what she calls a double life. She was the first in her immigrant family to go to college. In 2019, she won Kentucky's Teacher of the Year award. That same year, Duenas typically downed nearly a liter of liquor every night.
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DATAC (Canada) - Experts warn alcohol harm is increasing in Saskatchewan
According to new data released by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), its wholesale operations across the province have increased by 7.9% in 2020 compared to 2019.
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HealthDay - Drinking, Drunk, Deadly: Know the Signs of Alcohol Overdose
Wednesday is St. Patrick's Day, a holiday often marked by one (or more) too many drinks. But experts warn that simple holiday fun can quickly turn deadly when alcohol is involved.
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Economic Times - No booze, more buzz: How bars without alcohol are creating a new wave around the world
There's something missing from a new wave of bars opening around the world: Alcohol. Aimed at the growing number of people exploring sobriety, the bars pour adult drinks like craft cocktails without the booze.
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Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - M&S refused permission to expand alcohol sales shelf space at Ayrshire store
Councillors refused Marks & Spencer permission to expand its alcohol offering at its Irvine store. The retail giant wanted to increase its booze display area by 16 square metres at the Simply Food shop in the town.
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Quartz - Giving up alcohol doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity
For years, David Sedaris drank while he wrote. “I never had to force myself to sit down at a typewriter because I had a drink right there, and that was my reward for sitting down,” the best-selling author of books like Me Talk Pretty One Day and Calypso said in a Fresh Air interview in 2013.
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The Slovak Spectator (Slovakia) - Binge drinking is the worst, yet typical of Slovaks
Many times, the lives of pub goers are exposed to danger on the way home from the bar. People will not quit drinking, claims Ľubomír Straka who heads the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medical Expertise at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University and University Hospital in Martin, but Slovaks need to end their binge drinking ‘culture’.
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SurvivotNet (USA) - Many Women Say They’re Drinking More During Pandemic, 70% Don’t Know Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk, According to SurvivorNet Survey
SurvivorNet surveyed 530 women across the U.S. about their knowledge of the associated risk between alcohol and breast cancer. The results were shocking.
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NHK World (Japan) - Study: Alcohol increases breast cancer risk
Researchers at a Japanese cancer center have found that the more alcohol premenopausal Japanese women drink, the more likely they are to develop breast cancer.
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Borgen Project (South Africa) - Challenging the Stigma Framing FASD in South Africa
South Africa has the highest rate of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world, with some communities experiencing a prevalence of up to 28%. FASD encompasses a range of conditions that affect people who were exposed to alcohol before birth.
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NordAN (Norway) - Actis: New alcohol strategy has disappointingly few measures
On March 11, the national alcohol strategy was finally presented by the government. The strategy will follow up the government’s goal of reducing harmful alcohol consumption by 10 per cent by 2025. 
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Addiction Audio - Alcohol policy and gender with Petra Meier
Rob Calder speaks to Professor Petra Meier about her research using computer modelling to estimate how the impact of alcohol pricing policies might differ according to gender.
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Public Health Scotland (Scotland) - Updated estimates of population alcohol consumption
Public Health Scotland today published updated estimates of sales-based population level alcohol consumption.
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National Foundation for Cancer Research (USA) - Alcohol and Cancer: A Fine Line
Reducing alcoholic intake is one of the most important preventable risk factors in relation to cancer. Alcohol use accounts for about 6% of all cancers and 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Despite this, over half of Americans use alcohol frequently.
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Regjeringen (Norway) - Norway ramps up support to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Norway has signed a two-year agreement with World Health Organization (WHO) for an amount of 220 Million NOK (US$ 26 million) to support activities aiming at reducing mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries.
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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Alcohol News - 10/2021

The Irish Times (Ireland) - ‘Ocean of alcohol’ pouring into Irish homes since Covid-19 pandemic
An “ocean of alcohol” has been pouring into Irish homes since the start of the Covid-19 crisis with official data showing wine sales for home consumption increasing dramatically last year, according to Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI).
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Financial Times - How much alcohol is in your wine?
Alcohol may be what distinguishes wine from fruit juice, but many drinkers seem pretty wary of it these days. In February, researchers Wine Intelligence published a global study which suggested that 40 per cent of regular wine drinkers wish to moderate their alcohol consumption.
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Healthday (USA) - Alcohol Withdrawal Rates Up in Hospitalized Patients During Pandemic
In 2020, there was an increase in alcohol withdrawal (AW) rates among hospitalized patients, with a peak at the end of the stay-at-home period, according to a research letter published online March 3 in JAMA Network Open.
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Business Tech (South Africa) - The problem with having a zero-percent alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa – and what can be done to solve it
Non-profit group Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) has thrown its support behind the government’s proposed drunk driving rules, but has warned that the regulations will need to be adapted to avoid wrongful convictions.
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ABC News (Australia) - Temperance and Finding Alternatives to Alcohol
During the Covid pandemic in Australia, alcohol consumption has risen, but abstinence is also becoming a huge trend. The Temperance movement aims to help people curb drinking and look toward alternatives for social recreation.
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LRT (Lithuania) - Alcohol laws in Lithuania to be reviewed, says parliament speaker
Alcohol control-related laws should be put on the Lithuanian parliament's agenda in April, according to Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Čmilyte-Nielsen.
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Vancouver Sun (Canada) - New alcohol drinking guidelines planned for 2022
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is planning updates to their safe drinking guidelines. The plans come as Canadians report drinking more during the pandemic.
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The Irish Times (Ireland) - Significant drop in children drinking alcohol and smoking, new study shows
Rates of smoking, alcohol and cannabis use among school-aged children have significantly decreased since 1998, while the number of children who reported being on a diet has increased in recent years, according to a new report.
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Inverse - HOW JOBS AND GENDER INFLUENCE HOW MUCH ALCOHOL YOU DRINK
STRESSFUL DAYS ARE, to some, synonymous with an after-work drink. The type of job you have may, in turn, correlate with how much alcohol you consume, according to the largest study of the subject to date, published in the journal BMC Public Health.
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ABC News (Australia) - Researchers return to find out fate of children involved in landmark FASD study
Ten years after a groundbreaking study revealed record-high rates of FASD in outback Australia, researchers have returned to the Kimberley to see how the children are coping in adulthood.
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The BMJ (UK) - Alcohol deaths rise sharply in England and Wales
Provisional data for England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a sharp increase in deaths from alcohol specific causes between April and September 2020.1 The figures add to concerns that the wider health and wellbeing consequences of the covid-19 pandemic include an increase in alcohol related harm, although the reasons behind this rise are unclear.
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Addiction - WHO should not support alcohol industry co‐regulation of public health labelling
The World Health Organization (WHO) is undertaking important work to develop a new action plan on alcohol for 2022–30. However, the WHO's published proposal for the action plan envisages that the alcohol industry be a co‐regulator with government of consumer information, including health warnings, on alcoholic beverage labels.
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Movendi - Big Tobacco’s Strategic Ally Interferes in WHO Alcohol Policy Consultation
In December 2020 the World Health Organization conducted a web-based consultation on a working document to develop a global action plan to better implement the WHO Global Alcohol Strategy.
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Intouch Public Health (Australia) - Impacts of lifting Sydney’s lockout laws must be closely monitored to protect public health and safety
In September 2015, then NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said very publicly that Sydney’s lockout laws should never be changed and should, in fact, be made permanent.
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NordAN - Daniel Jones: Warnings needed to be seen to be effective
Introducing prominent health warnings on alcohol products could be effective in increasing awareness of the potential harms of drinking, according to a new study involving young adult drinkers.
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Sunday, March 7, 2021

FASD News - 9/2021

Byline Times (UK) - Lack of Specialist Services is Failing Children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Susan Nathan explains how children and young people with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the UK are not receiving adequate services due to the lack of understanding of their needs.
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Express (UK) - Youngsters do not use contraception during sex because they are too drunk to remember
A fifth of young adults forget to use contraception at the height of passion because they are too drunk to remember when having sex, a study has found. Research among 1,200 16-25-year-olds revealed many are taking unforeseen risks due to a lack of knowledge, education - and intoxication.
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Newstalk ZB (New Zealand) - Changes in KiwiSaver rules for those with congenital conditions annouced
The Government has announced the four life-shortening conditions that will allow people impacted by them early access to their KiwiSaver funds.
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CanFASD blog - Announcing the 2021 Sterling Clarren Award recipient!
We are excited to announce that this year’s recipient for the Dr. Sterling Clarren FASD Research Award is Dr. Brianne Redquest for her research on understanding and reducing stress in caregivers of individuals with FASD.
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A Heart For All Students - Homeschooling FASD: Support Tips
11 years later, Natalie and John made the decision to homeschool him. They did so in an effort to save him from a constant barage of bullying. Additionally, they needed to provide him with the academic accommodations that homeschooling provides.
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NOFASD Australia - WHEN WE DON’T CALL IT THERAPY
The following blog was written by Elizabeth Hannah of Black Horse Therapies. Her reflections on how we label therapeutic work with young people can be applied to all therapies, including therapy with animals, and may benefit many living with FASD.
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National Organisation for FASD (UK) - Risky Behaviours
In February 2021 the National Organisation for FASD teamed up with OnePoll and 72Point to learn more about young people’s understanding of the risk of sex, alcohol and pregnancy. OnePoll polled 1200 16-25 year olds across the UK.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Gatlinburg Conference Poster Submission - Parental Scaffolding of Play in Children with Developmental Disabilities: Comparing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder
To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate developmental play levels in children with FASD. Parents of children with FASD demonstrated, on average, lower developmental play levels compared to their children – a pattern that has not previously been reported among parent-child dyads with other developmental disorders.
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Community of Practice on ASD/DD - Conversations: What is FASD? What Challenges Does it Bring for Families?
Tim Markle, Director of the Southern Regional Center for CYSHCN, talks with parents and leaders from Orchids WI FASD Services. FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and is a developmental disability with life-long challenges that is twice as common as autism. Join us to hear from parents facing the challenges of helping children move into adulthood.
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PreventionInstitute1 - Adapting Early Childhood Environments for Children with FASD
All children want to, and can, learn and grow. No child wants to fail. It feels good to succeed. Our job as parents, caregivers, and service providers is to adapt routines, activities, and environments to help children succeed. This webinar provides an introduction to adapting early childhood environments for children with FASD.
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usgovACF - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (audio description)
Parenting a child with a disorder on the fetal alcohol spectrum can present many challenges for foster and adoptive families.
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Changing the Perspective - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Interview with Natalie Vecchione

In this interview we learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Natalie adopted her son when he was a baby.  He was later diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder later in life after years of her advocating on his behalf.
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Manitoba FASD Coalition - Using Attachment and Circle of Security To Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child or Student
Joanne Brown presented on the importance of attachment in relationships with children or students with FASD. Joanne also reviewed the basic components of Circle of Security. Original presentation February 26, 2021.
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Our Homeschool Castle - Special Needs Parents Interview Series || Natalie Vecchione With FASD Hope
This video is in a new series called special-needs parents interviews. I interviewed my friend Natalie over on zoom about her podcast and website FASD Hope.
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Demystifying Medicine - Alcohol Consumption + Pregnancy = A Bad Mix
This video provides information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) which occur as a result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In the video, the signs and symptoms, different diagnoses, treatment/therapy options, and prevention of FASDs are highlighted.
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New Brunswick Adoption Foundation - Webinar : Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Information, Strategies & Personal Experiences. Hear an informative talk from Maria DesRoches, Coordinator for the FASD Centre of Excellence.
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Center for Science and Society - Drinking While Pregnant: The Science and Stigma
Professor Khiara M. Bridges, Professor Caitlin Killian, and Dr. Clare McCormack spoke at Drinking While Pregnant: The Science and Stigma, which took place on January 28, 2021, between 4:30​-6:00 PM (ET) on Zoom. The seminar was organized by Columbia University's Presidential Scholars in Society and Neuroscience program.
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CanFASD - FASD – CANADA´S LEADING DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) published a new brochure for some basic information about FASD in Canada.
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Our Stories. Our Health. - We Have the Proof ft. Sara Messelt
Our Stories. Our Health. brings you the stories of Minnesotans as they navigate the healthcare system, to change the way we talk about healthcare. We want the debate to be about people, not profits, and names, not numbers.
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Elephant In The Room - Caring for those with FASD.
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RESEARCH
Göteborgs Universitet - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Children and Young Adults with an emphasis on ophthalmology
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The most severe and most studied FASD condition is fetal alcohol syndrome.
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Health & Justice - Navigating complexity to support justice-involved youth with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities: needs and challenges of a regional workforce
The workforce supporting youth to navigate the justice system requires practical interventions to achieve best practice so that young people with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities receive the support that they need.
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Behavioural Brain Research - Executive functioning-specific behavioral impairments in a rat model of human third trimester binge drinking implicate prefrontal-thalamo-hippocampal circuitry in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) often display behavioral impairments in executive functioning (EF). Specifically, the domains of working memory, inhibition, and set shifting are frequently impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Research Square - Barriers and Facilitators of Alcohol Abstinence During Pregnancy - a Qualitative Study in Rural South Africa
Various personal and contextual factors can act as barriers or facilitators of alcohol abstinence during pregnancy. Addressing barriers at structural, community and individual levels may aid women in reducing harmful drinking during pregnancy.
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Neurotoxicology and Teratology - Moderate prenatal alcohol exposure increases total length of L1-expressing axons in E15.5 mice
Public health campaigns broadcast the link between heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy and physical, cognitive, and behavioral birth defects; however, they appear less effective in deterring moderate consumption prevalent in women who are pregnant or of childbearing age.
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Revista de Neurologia - Psychological interventions on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder across the life span
The results indicate that psychological treatments focused on emotional and behavioral regulation, social skills training and family interventions are the most evidenced treatments for these patients.
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Journal of Neuroscience Research - Microglia and astrocytes show limited, acute alterations in morphology and protein expression following a single developmental alcohol exposure
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common cause of nonheritable, preventable mental disability and are characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.
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Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet - Substance use, pregnancy, and parenthood: A study on problematizations and solutions
With the starting point in the view that how we interpret a problem is decisive for how we think this problem should be dealt with, the overall aim of this dissertation is to explore problematizations of substance use in relation to pregnancy and parenthood within different settings.
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Brain Research - Social behaviors and gray matter volumes of brain areas supporting social cognition in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure
These findings suggest that children and adolescents with PAE show worse social functioning and smaller volumes of brain areas supporting self-awareness, perspective-taking and emotion-regulation than their same-age peers without PAE.
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Am Acad Pediatrics - Teratogenic Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Cardiac Innervation

Alcohol exposure during embryonic development can damage neural crest cells, precursors of the autonomic nervous system. Abnormalities of cardiac innervation are known to result in heart disease, arrhythmias, and are implicated in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the sudden and unexplained death of an infant usually during sleep.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Phosphatidylethanol as Blood Biomarker of Alcohol Consumption in Early Pregnancy: An Observational Study in 4067 Pregnant Women
The teratogenic effects of alcohol are well documented, but there is a lack of screening methods to detect alcohol use during pregnancy. Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 (PEth) is a specific and sensitive alcohol marker reflecting alcohol intake up to several weeks after consumption.
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Birth Defects Research - Early‐life exposure to alcohol and the risk of alcohol‐induced liver disease in adulthood
Alcohol consumption remains prevalent among pregnant and nursing mothers despite the well‐documented adverse effects this may have on the offspring. Moderate‐to‐high levels of alcohol consumption in pregnancy result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) disorders, with brain defects being chief among the abnormalities.
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Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy - Alteration of CYP2E1, DBN1, DNMT1, miRNA-335, miRNA-21, c-Fos and Cox-2 gene expression in prefrontal cortex of rats’ offspring submitted to prenatal ethanol exposure during their neurodevelopment and the preventive role of nancocurcumin administration: A histological, ultrastructural and molecular study

Ethanol (EtOH) has been linked to neurotoxic effects on the fetus and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has a negative impact on brain neurodevelopment.
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Behavioural Brain Research - Executive functioning-specific behavioral impairments in a rat model of human third trimester binge drinking implicate prefrontal-thalamo-hippocampal circuitry in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) often display behavioral impairments in executive functioning (EF). Specifically, the domains of working memory, inhibition, and set shifting are frequently impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Europe PMC - The effect of maternal pre-/early-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy smoking and alcohol on congenital heart diseases: a parental negative control study
We found evidence of an intrauterine effect for maternal smoking on offspring CHDs, but no evidence for higher maternal BMI or alcohol consumption. Our findings provide further support for why smoking cessation is important during pregnancy.
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psych.colorado.edu - The epigenome as a biological pathway of the effects of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine on childhood internalising problems in offspring: Two large multi-cohort epigenome-wide association studies.
In a large, multi-cohort epigenetic analysis, we found some preliminary evidence that maternal smoking could affect childhood internalising symptoms through DNA methylation, but little evidence that this is the case for prenatal alcohol and caffeine consumption.
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Biomolecules - Impacts of Maternal Diet and Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Gut Microbiota
Maternal diet and alcohol consumption can influence both maternal and infant’s gut microbiota. These relationships are still not examined in the Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of alcohol consumption and maternal diet during pregnancy on maternal and infant’s gut microbiota.
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Health & Social Care in the community - Two screening instruments for collecting alcohol‐related information from expectant mothers and fathers: Testing the reliability of the Parent Alcohol Screening Questionnaire and the Social Support for an Alcohol‐Free Pregnancy Questionnaire
The aim is to test the reliability of two alcohol screening instruments: (1) The Parent Alcohol Screening Questionnaire (PASQ5), and (2) the Social Support for an Alcohol‐free Pregnancy (SSAFP) questionnaire.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES

AOU.LuigiVanvitelli (Italy) - Sindrome feto-alcolica (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-FAS)
Campagna sensibilizzazione abuso di alcol - No alcol per donne in gravidanza- Sindrome feto-alcolica (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-FAS).
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Thursday, March 4, 2021

Alcohol News - 9/2021

University of Stirling - Young drinkers believe prominent health warnings on alcohol could boost risk awareness
Introducing prominent health warnings on alcohol products could be effective in increasing awareness of the potential harms of drinking, according to a new study involving young adult drinkers.
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Healio - Incentives program may reduce alcohol dependence in American Indian, Alaska Native adults
Providing tangible incentives for abstaining from alcohol may reduce alcohol dependence among American Indian and Alaska Native adults, according to results of a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Battlefords Now (Canada) - Sask. alcohol sales increase leading to jump in harms: Expert
An increase in liquor sales is getting the attention of addiction experts in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Association (SLGA) reported a 7.9 per cent increase in wholesale operations sales to retailers across the province in 2020.
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Gov.UK (UK) - Proposed changes for calculating alcohol-related mortality
This is a consultation to gather views on our proposed changes to the methods used to calculate and update attributable fractions for alcohol-related mortality and hospital admissions.
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Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - No spike in Kiwis' alcohol consumption during pandemic
New Zealanders may have swapped beers for wine and spirits during the Covid-19 pandemic, but there was no spike in drinking consumption overall, new Stats NZ data reveals.
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Independent Online (South Africa) - Mixed reactions to easing alcohol sales restrictions during level 1
There have been mixed reactions to the easing of restrictions on the sale and trade of alcohol under the return to alert Level 1 regulations. Alcohol can now be sold according to normal liquor licence provisions, except during the new curfew hours of midnight to 4am.
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EurekAlert - Mobile app helps young adults talk with friends about risky drug, alcohol use
A smartphone app called Harbor, currently under development by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, teaches young adults how to talk to a peer if they are concerned about that other person's drinking or drug use.
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Metro (UK) - Beer and wine tax to stay the same for the second year running
Alcohol duty will stay frozen for pubs, bars and breweries as the UK eases Covid-19 restrictions, the chancellor has announced.
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Mirage News (Australia) - New campaign highlights there’s no safe amount of alcohol when pregnant
Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading cause of preventable birth defects in Australia, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with an estimated 340 to 680 WA babies born with the disability each year.
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Public Broadcasting of Latvia (Latvia) - Deputy proposes setting zero alcohol limit for drivers in Latvia
Saeima deputy Kaspars Ģirģens (faction of KPV LV) has called for a reduction in the permissible alcohol rate for drivers to zero, according to the Saeima Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee March 2.
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Daily Mail (UK) - People who taste alcohol at a young age are more likely to drink heavily as adults
Children who are given a sip of alcohol by their parents at a young age are more likely to booze heavily later in life, a new study suggests.
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BMJ Opinion (UK) - UK budget: Why is public health being left solely in the hands of our Chancellor?
A new and crucial budget is happening this week in the UK. The Alcohol Health Alliance UK has submitted evidence to the Treasury about the urgent need to increase alcohol duty in order to protect our nation’s health.
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The New York Times (USA) - Should Your Cocktail Carry a Cancer Warning?
When the pandemic struck last year, many Americans rushed to stock up on alcohol, causing retail sales of wine, beer and liquor to surge across the country.
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Herald Scotland (Scotland) - Scotland minimum alcohol pricing affects men and women differently
Minimum alcohol pricing targets men’s drinking habits more effectively than women’s, a new study has concluded.
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The Irish Times (Ireland) - Alcohol and minimum-unit pricing
It is a matter of deep regret that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has decided to defer the introduction of minimum-unit pricing for alcohol by 18 months.
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Z Lane - Drinking Alcohol and Cancer: Should Your Cocktail Carry a Cancer Warning?
Scientists have known that alcohol promotes cancer for several decades. The World Health Organization first classified alcohol consumption as cancer-causing in 1987.
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NordAN - Nordic and Baltic Charter on alcohol and cancer: People have the right to know
At its meeting on 25 February, NordAN board adopted the Nordic and Baltic Charter on Alcohol and Cancer, which aims to formulate the network’s activities and goals for cancer risk prevention in the coming years.
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