FASD News - 30/2023

Contemporary OB/GYN - Study shows the impact of adversity on sleep problems in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Recent research demonstrated the critical role of exposure to postnatal adversity in contributing to sleep disturbances among children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
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the Hope Standard (Canada) - Lack of funding to sink B.C.’s only FASD clinic in Vernon
The only clinic for Fetal Alcohol Symptom Disorder (FASD) in B.C. is on its last legs, and in a struggle to stay open.
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Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Fetal alcohol leaves murder accused at risk of being compulsive, says expert
The woman accused of the kidnapping, torture and murder of a teenager was born brain-damaged which affects her risk to act compulsively and follow others, a court has heard.
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Belfast Live (Northern Ireland) - Belfast adoptive dad raising awareness of impact of drinking while pregnant on unborn babies
A Belfast dad is taking a tour of some of the city's football grounds next weekend in a bid to raise awareness of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
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National Indigenous Times (Australia) - Connection, culture and belonging saved emerging First Nations artist Travis Hogan
Through the support of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS), emerging First Nations artist Travis Hogan has reconnected with culture and found a sense of purpose and belonging. After many years of feeling lost and suffering from the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, he has now grown in confidence and discovered a new passion for art.
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Mirage News (Australia) - Younger Adults Heed Mandatory Alcohol Pregnancy Warnings
The new mandatory visible pregnancy health warnings on alcoholic products are being noticed by Australians, a report published today shows, with younger adults most likely to notice the distinctive new red, white and black warnings.
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FARE (Australia) - Mandatory alcohol pregnancy health warnings are catching attention, especially among younger adults
The new mandatory visible pregnancy health warnings on alcoholic products are being noticed by Australians, a report published today shows, with younger adults most likely to notice the distinctive new red, white and black warnings.
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CanFASD Blog (Canada) - Celebrating International Self Care Day in 2023
It’s Self-Care Month! Running between June, 24th and July 24th, self-care month celebrates the benefits of self-care and raises awareness of the importance of taking care of ourselves and eachother. The month culminates on International Self-Care Day on July 24th.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Adelaide PHN - Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy/Breastfeeding and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
This RACGP accredited webinar aims to support primary health care professionals to provide accurate information, assessment, and support to reduce the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from maternal exposure to alcohol prior to conception, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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FASD United - FASD United Policy & Training Center: July 2023 Virtual Forum
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FASD Awareness - The FASD Changemakers - A Living Experience - FASD WEBINAR #18
The International Adult Leadership Collaborative (ALC) of FASD Changemakers is a well-known group of “living experience” experts from seven countries who each have diagnosed FASD.
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#E Project - #E Importance of FASD Awarenes
We feel really strongly about raising awareness and support for FASD within education settings, lets hear more about some of our own experiences around this.
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Therapy Clips with Dr. O - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
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Patricia Kasper, Your FASD Coach - Executive Function challenges, pt 2, Free Friday Tidbits
Each Friday in 2023, I will drop another Free Friday Tidbit that will help you understand neurodivergence a little better using a brain-based lens.
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FASD Hope - 172 - FASD North Dakota - A Conversation with Carl Young
Episode 172 features Carl Young of FASD North Dakota and Family Services Network, Inc. Carl Young, a self-described introvert, calls North Dakota home, where he lives with his bride of 29 years, and is close to his five children and three grandchildren.
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Rural FASD - In Focus – Rob More of the Rural FASD
We Welcome Rob More of the Rural FASD who gives us an update on their ever-expanding group that helps those living on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.
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Al Coates - FASD – What’s da Craic? Ep 1 – Introduction
Welcome to the introductory episode of “FASD – What’s da Craic?” – with Maggie, Rob and Scott. This is Episode 1 of our first series from FASD Ireland and hosted by the A&F Network.
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RESEARCH
Nature - The role of PPAR-γ in memory deficits induced by prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure in mice
Patients diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) show persistent cognitive disabilities, including memory deficits. However, the neurobiological substrates underlying these deficits remain unclear.
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Obstetrics and Gynecology - Long-term consequences of the effect of alcohol on the fetus
the dissemination of modern information and the transfer of knowledge to pregnant women and reproductive-aged women by physicians, psychologists, social pedagog-ists, and social workers about the irreparable harm of their alcohol use done to the child are extremely important to prevent FAS and FASDs.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Brain Structural Differences in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its Subtypes
This study confirmed prior results indicating decreased brain volume in children with an FASD and extended the results by demonstrating differential effects by structure for FASD subtypes.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - In Utero Ethanol Exposure Induces Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Inhibits mtDNA Repair in Developing Brain
The correlation between mtDNA damage and small eye size suggests that the amount of damaged mtDNA in FB-E may serve as a marker to predict which at risk fetuses will be born with FASD. Moreover, IGF-1 might reduce EtOH-caused mtDNA damage and neuronal apoptosis.
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Research Square - Perspectives of French General Practitioners Regarding their Role in Detecting Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant Women and Identifying Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Qualitative Study
The GPs reported obstacles to identify FASD: challenges in addressing taboos and paradoxical injunctions in society, the influence of limited knowledge and experience, non-specific and highly varying symptoms, ambiguous classification and method of diagnosis involving the mobilization of a multidisciplinary team and lengthy consultations.
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npj Digital Medicine - FASDetect as a machine learning-based screening app for FASD in youth with ADHD
Fetal alcohol-spectrum disorder (FASD) is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we develop a screening tool for FASD in youth with ADHD symptoms.
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SSRN - “I Saw Guns and Sharp Swords in the Hands of Young Children”: Why Mental Health Courts for Juveniles with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum/Disorder Are Needed
In this article, we offer – we believe for the first time in the scholarly literature -- a potentially (at least partially) ameliorative solution to the problems faced by persons with autism(ASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome/disorder (FAS/FASD) in the criminal justice system: the creation of (separate sets of) problem-solving juvenile mental health courts specifically to deal with cases of juveniles in the criminal justice system with ASD, and with FAS/FASD.
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Journal of Medical Internet Research - Predicting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Using Machine Learning Techniques: Multisite Retrospective Cohort Study
Machine learning algorithms were able to identify FAS risk with a prediction performance higher than that of previous models among pregnant drinkers.
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Pharmacological Research - Neural crest cells and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Mechanisms and potential targets for prevention
This review article provides an overview of the current knowledge on the detrimental effects of ethanol on NCC induction, migration, differentiation, and survival.
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Birth Defects Research - Vision outcomes in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
An association between strabismus and FASD, specifically partial FAS, suggests that the effect of alcohol exposure on risk of strabismus must be severe enough to result in facial features consistent with FASD.
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Women's Health Issues - Prenatal Alcohol Counseling Among American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Non-Hispanic White Women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Although race was not associated with prenatal alcohol use, AI/AN women were more likely than NHW women to be counseled about prenatal alcohol exposure. Factors associated with counseling receipt differed between the two groups.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Understanding the impacts of childhood adversity on sleep problems in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A comparison of cumulative and dimensional approaches
Exposure to postnatal adversity contributes to sleep disturbances in children with FASD, with unique roles for cumulative risk and the threat dimension of adversity.
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Journal of Family Violence - Co-occurring Substance use and Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Systematic Literature Review
We conclude that there is a continued need for studies which seek specifically to include an analysis of substance use disorders among pregnant and postpartum women experiencing IPV, with a particular need for studies which place opioid use disorder as a central focus.
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Patient Education and Counseling - Reflections of maternity service users and midwives' on the co-creation of interventions to support midwives addressing alcohol during antenatal care
This evaluation provides new knowledge on how well the co-creation process worked in relation to research involving a sensitive topic that can invite stigma. Co-creation projects require generous time and financial resources to ensure a high-quality process and robust outcome for all.
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Vascular Effects, Potential Pathways and Mediators of Fetal Exposure to Alcohol and Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
While maternal smoking and alcohol consumption have more negative outcomes on the infant in the short term, several factors during the first few years of life may mediate the development of vascular dysfunction.
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Behavioral Sciences - Impulsivity and Alcohol Use during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Insights from Novel Methodological Approaches within the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
This research supports the idea that impulsivity varies based on individual situations, such as stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and may be an important correlate of substance use in pregnant and postpartum women.
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Journal of Child and Family Studies - Development and Pre-Feasibility Testing of SPECIFiC: A Psychoeducation Programme for Caregivers of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
A growing number of evidence-based services are available for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), but few focus on caregiver psychoeducation.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
BR24 (Germany) - Geboren mit Alkoholschaden: Wie eine Betroffene damit umgeht
Ihre Mutter war alkoholsüchtig und trank während der Schwangerschaft. Mit den Folgen muss Grit Wagner bis heute Leben: Panikattacken, ein geschädigtes Gehör und Orientierungslosigkeit. Doch die 50-Jährige hat gelernt, damit umzugehen.
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ddwloclawek.pl (Poland) - Robisz tak w ciąży? Twoje dziecko, nawet jako dorosły, może mieć te problem
Czy kobiety ciężarne mogą pić alkohol? Naukowcy nie stwierdzili jednoznacznie, jaka ilość alkoholu w czasie ciąży jest bezpieczna.
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Afasaf Fasd (Spain) - Afasaf ConNecta_Protocol General d'Actuació del SAF/TEAF a Catalunya
En aquesta sessió informativa del ConNecta, Magda Casamitjana, Directora del PAIcSaMAEC, explicarà la informació recollida a unes fitxes que expliquen el Programa i ens proposa que en valorem la utilitat, fem aportacions i propostes de millora.
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Molekülce (Tyrkie) - Fetal Alkol Speketrum Bozuklukları (FASD) Taraması Nedir?
Fetal alkol spektrum bozuklukları (FASD’ler), hamilelik esnasında alkol tüketen bireylerin çocuklarının başına gelebilecek bir grup durumu tanımlamak için kullanılan terimdir.
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Alcohol News - 30/2023

WHO Europe (Scotland) - No place for cheap alcohol: Scotland’s minimum unit pricing policy is protecting lives
Pricing policies are among the most cost-effective measures that countries can use to reduce alcohol consumption and harms. Published in June 2023, the independent evaluation of Scotland’s minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy concluded that in 2.5 years of operation, it has prevented hundreds of avoidable deaths and reduced health inequalities linked to alcohol consumption.
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France 24 (France) - Revolution in a glass? The rise of alcohol-free drinks in wine-loving France
With European summer well and truly upon us, many people will no doubt be relaxing with a refreshingly chilled glass of wine. But in France, not everyone will be getting light-headed. Non-alcoholic wine, beer and spirits are a fast-growing market, a surprising trend in a country famous for its wine-growing tradition.
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News Medical (China) - Study sheds light on the susceptibility of Chinese men to 60 diseases related to alcohol consumption
Recently, a study conducted by researchers from Peking University and Oxford Population Health shed light on the susceptibility of Chinese men to 60 diseases related to alcohol consumption.
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Psychology Today - Alcohol Use and Women’s Heart Health
There are some important things you need to know about alcohol and your heart, especially as a woman. More women are drinking alcohol, and there is even a “mommy culture” around drinking.
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American Journal of Managed Care (USA) - Heavy Alcohol Use Associated With Lower Self-Reported Health Status in Women With HIV
Heavy alcohol use in women with HIV was found to be associated with lower self-reported health status, whereas this association was not seen in men with HIV, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine Open.
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Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Call for politicians to stop junk food, alcohol and tobacco harm in Māori, Pacific neighbourhoods
Public health experts have laid down a wero to politicians for better policies to limit the harm of junk food, alcohol and tobacco ahead of the election.
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Contemporary Pediatrics - Study shows the impact of adversity on sleep problems in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Recent research demonstrated the critical role of exposure to postnatal adversity in contributing to sleep disturbances among children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
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The Times (UK) - How family drug and alcohol courts aid the war on addiction
Perceptions of traditional courts often involve forbidding dark wooden panelling and judges at pulpit height. And while the family courts have come a long way, they still have a sense of formality that is not always a good fit for these cases.
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LSM (Latvia) - Health experts expect alcohol restriction laws in Latvia
In the autumn, the Latvian Saeima will decide whether to set more stringent procedures for the purchase of alcohol. Health experts say there is no time to waste in the matter, Latvian Television reported on July 22.
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Independent.ie (Ireland) - Almost one in three farmers drinking at harmful levels and one-fifth binge alcohol weekly
One in three farmers drink alcohol at harmful levels, according to a new study, and one in 20 takes drugs, with most of them doing so to a risky degree.
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Nottinghamshire Live - Incredibly dangerous alcohol side effect people are talking about
The term ‘blackout drunk’ is commonly used to describe the state in which an individual cannot recall what has happened while intoxicated. Even when consuming the same amounts of alcohol as others, some will experience blackouts more often than not when drinking.
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SHAAP (Scotland) - Medical experts call for new service to save lives of alcohol frequent hospital attenders
New research with people who are repeatedly hospitalised due to alcohol (Alcohol Frequent Attenders – AFAs) highlights the need for improved services. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of the West of Scotland alongside medical colleagues at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Renfrewshire and was commissioned by expert alcohol medical group, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP).
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Working Economics Blog (USA) - States across the country are quietly lowering the alcohol service age
An industry already rife with abuse—including child labor law violations—would like your server to be an underage teenager
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Alcohol News - 29/2023

The Local France (France) - France considers increasing alcohol taxes to combat binge drinking
In an effort to fight excessive consumption of alcohol, the French government is looking at increasing taxes on wine, beer and spirits.
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AdNews (Australia) - A spike in complaints about alcohol consumption in advertising
Australians complain about excessive alcohol drinking in advertising the most, according to alcohol advertising watchdog ABAC's (Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code) June quarter report.
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Medical News Today - Alcohol, substance misuse causes brain changes, reducing 'cognitive flexibility'
The relationship between the brain and certain addictive substances is still not fully understood. Researchers are still seeking to understand the complexity and the unique neural pathways affected.
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ABC13 (USA) - Heights preschool looks to establish Houston's first 'alcohol-free zone' around property
Chapter 3, Sections 3-4 of the City of Houston's Code of Ordinances states the owner of a day care or preschool can request that the area around their business becomes a 300-foot "alcohol-free zone" if it's located in an area that's 75% or greater residential.
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Graphic Online (Ghana) - Alcohol Policy Alliance-Ghana calls for alcohol control legislation
The Alcohol Policy Alliance-Ghana (GhanAPA), a group of civil society organisations, has called on the government to expedite the passage of alcohol control legislation to help reduce motor traffic accidents in the country.
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The HR Director - MANAGING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND ALCOHOL AT WORK AND OUTSIDE OF IT
Whether showing appreciation to staff, or celebrating company milestones and achievements,  few employers would think twice about encouraging employees to have a tipple at a work event. But when excessive drinking comes to be expected, it can leave some members of the team feeling left out – or even discriminated against.
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Forbes - Bipolar Disorder Associated With Higher Mortality Due To Alcohol Abuse
Researchers estimate that around 1% of the world’s population have bipolar disorder. A recent study found that these individuals are at a six-fold higher risk of dying early than the general population due to alcohol-related diseases and suicide by over dosing on prescription medicines.
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Businessday NG (Nigeria) - Health expert decries high alcohol consumption rate in Nigeria
Musa Aliyu, director, Media Advocacy and Technologies Centre for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention has raised the alarm that the prevalence of alcohol consumption among young individuals rate is about 30.5 percent.
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Diabetes UK (UK) - Junk food and cheap alcohol has triggered increase of liver cancer cases
Cheap alcohol and junk food has ‘played a role’ in the significant rise of liver cancer deaths in the past decade, a top health charity has revealed.
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YLE (Finland) - New government alcohol policy may allow distilleries to directly sell spirits
Part of the new government's programme includes allowing distilleries and small breweries to sell spirits directly to consumers, either from their own production sites or through online shops.
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FIU News - Teens more likely to use alcohol and marijuana if they see their friends post about it on social media
Peer pressure hasn’t gone away. It’s just gone digital. Through surveys of more than 260 high school freshmen and sophomores, FIU Center for Children and Families researchers found friends still hold the greatest power over teens’ substance use decisions — rather than influencers, celebrities and other people on social media.
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Medical Xpress (USA) - Use of law enforcement strategies to curb underage drinking has decreased over past decade: Study
Despite the harm that excessive alcohol consumption can cause in a community, use of some alcohol-related enforcement strategies remained low or decreased from 2010 to 2019, according to a new report in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
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BBC (Scotland) - Industry consulted on raising minimum alcohol price in Scotland
The alcoholic drinks industry is being consulted on the possibility of increasing the minimum price of a unit of alcohol from 50p to more than 80p.
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NordAN (Norway) - Nearly five out of ten in Oslo have seen intoxicated adults with children during the summer vacation
Nearly five out of ten in Oslo say they have seen intoxicated adults with children during the summer vacation. Here is the expert's advice on what you can do if you see drunk adults with children this summer.
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NordAN (Sweden) - MHF hopes many entities will promote sobriety checks to combat drunk driving
Alcohol barriers prevent intoxicated drivers from entering the roads. Until August 7, entities can apply for grants from the Swedish Transport Administration to set up sobriety check facilities in ports or other areas in the traffic environment. MHF hopes many entities will apply and wish to take steps to stop drunk driving.
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FASD News - 28/2023

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The FAAST Team, in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh, is delighted to inform you that applications are now open for our two online 10-week courses in FASD. Each course can be taken as CPD with our without academic credit.  Places are limited, so early application is recommended!

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Context, Contributors & Clinical Presentation (Online)   The Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Online) Target audience: ·       Professional or lay interest in neurodevelopmental conditions   Content: ·       Comprehensive overview of FASD ·       Epidemiology, presentation and effects of FASD from prenatal period into later life Target audience: ·       Members of neurodevelopmental multi-disciplinary teams involved in assessment and diagnosis of FASD Content:  ·       Comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic criteria for FASD ·       Process of assessment across the lifespan ·       Post-diagnosis considerations September 2023 next start date (closing date 24th August) January 2024 next start date

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Global News (Canada) - New sensory room for adults with FASD & Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament
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Scoop NZ (New Zealand) - FASD-CAN Response To ERO Report: Vulnerable Learners Failed By Alternative Education
We are responding to the various television, press and radio coverage on 27 June of the release of the Education Review Office (ERO) report on alternative education.
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Castanet (Canada) - BC's only adult assessment clinic for FASD in dire need of help to stay open
The only adult assessment clinic in B.C. for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder will, in all likelihood, have to close its doors.
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Echo Press (USA) - An Echo Press Editorial: Addressing Pre-Natal Alcohol Exposure
For some, FASD is just a meaningless jumble of letters. In reality, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can have a devastating impact on families. It occurs when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
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Croakey Health Media (Australia) - National alliance urges five key steps to reduce harms from alcohol
If the Australian Government is to achieve the stated goal of a 10 percent reduction in the harmful use of alcohol by 2028, some significant policy changes are needed, according to Hannah Pierce, Executive Officer for Alcohol Change Australia.
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Oregon Capital Chronicle (USA) - Why WA is taking a new approach to caring for newborns exposed to drugs
In Washington, hospitals automatically report newborns affected by their mother’s use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy to Child Protective Services.
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CanFASD Blog - Trainee Series: An Interview About Engaging with Individuals with FASD in Your Practice
Hi everyone! My name is Kathleen Holmstrom, I am a first year Master of Education student in the University of Alberta’s School and Clinical Child Psychology program.
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Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy - Supportive Alcohol Policy as a Key Component in FASD Prevention
In Canada, the Four-Part Model of FASD Prevention is used to describe the continuum of multi-sectoral prevention efforts, including broad awareness campaigns, safe and respectful conversations around pregnancy and alcohol use, and holistic wraparound support services for pregnant and postpartum women with alcohol and other health and social concerns.
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Prevention Conversation - UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEX REASONS BEHIND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed to a single cause. Pregnant women or gender diverse individuals may consume alcohol for various reasons, ranging from underestimating the risks to facing social and economic challenges.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
CanFASD - #FASDMonth2023 toolkit
First celebrated in 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.
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FASD Hope Podcast - A Journey of Faith and Strength - A Conversation with Liz Kulp
Episode 171 is an extraordinary bonus episode with award winning author / speaker / musician/ FASD Self Advocate legend, Liz Kulp. Liz has written 3 books, through her adolescence through adulthood, about her living with an FASD.
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CanFASD - 2023 Version of the Common Messaging Guide Released
Since 2017, we have been publishing an FASD Common Messages Guide, a resource focused on respectful ways of writing and talking about FASD. Each spring, we review the guide and update it with new research and conversations that emerge in the FASD community.
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Drymester - FASD: A Guide for Speech and Language Therapists
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a disorder caused by alcohol exposure in the womb. Although it’s brain-based, there are more than 400 conditions that can co-occur throughout the body and across the lifespan.
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FASD Hope podcast - All About FASD - Energy Drinks and FASD with Dr. Jerrod Brown
Episode 170  welcomes back Dr. Jerrod Brown with our "series within the series" - All About FASD. This month's topic is "Energy Drinks and FASD".
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National FASD - Experts on the Alcohol & Pregnancy Toolkit from National FASD
The Alcohol & Pregnancy Toolkit has been designed with expert input for midwives and maternity practitioners of all kinds.
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RESEARCH
Frontiers in Neuroscience - Effects of Genetics and Sex on Adolescent Behaviors Following Neonatal Ethanol Exposure in BXD Recombinant Inbred Strains
Overall, we identified effects of ethanol exposure, strain, and/or sex on multiple behavioral measures. Interestingly, the strains that showed the most effects of postnatal ethanol exposure on adolescent behavior were the BXD strains that show high ethanol-induced cell death in the neonatal hippocampus, consistent with our hypothesis.
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Europe PMC - The trauma experiences of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Developmental outcomes utilizing a threat/deprivation child adversity framework
Unique patterns of behavior are found in children with FASD when analyzing the impact of traumatic experiences through a threat/deprivation framework. The combination of both threat and deprivation experiences lends to worse outcomes overall.
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University of Bristol - Addressing the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) ‘data gap’. Multi-method and multi-disciplinary public engagement to ascertain the acceptability and feasibility of establishing the first UK National linked database for FASD
Multi-method and multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of establishing the first UK national linked database for FASD.
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Frontiers in Public Health - An Evaluation of a Multi-site Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Models of Care Project
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) continues to be underdiagnosed in Australia, partly due to the lack of trained clinicians and diagnostic services.
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Genes - ADH1B, ADH1B/C and CYP2E1 Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Increasing alcohol consumption by women of childbearing age contributes to more frequent cases of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The cause of the syndrome is fetal alcohol exposure, particularly what is referred to as high prenatal alcohol exposure.
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University of Salford - Exploring the Vulnerabilities of Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to, and within, Criminal Justice System Encounters
There is a need for the CJS to establish whether suspects, witnesses, and victims of crimes may have been impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure, since this can lead to significant vulnerability.
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The Journal of Sexual Medicine - Sexual Issues Due to Comorbidities in Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
There has been very little empirical research on the role of FASD in inappropriate sexual behavior. In addition, environmental factors associated with prenatal alcohol exposure may play a role in the increased incidence of inappropriate sexual behaviors.
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Fortune Journals - Maternal Blood Lipid Biomarkers of Oligodendrocyte Pathology to Predict Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
MBP and FFAR levels were reduced in OL-Es from EtOH[1]consuming pregnant women. The data suggest potential therapeutic targets to predict which children are at risk for developing FASD and reduce dysmyelination in developing.
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African Journal of Psychology - Computer-based cognitive training for cognitive development of alcohol-exposed children in South Africa: a feasibility randomised control trial
Children exposed to alcohol in utero may suffer from cognitive and physical sequelae. The most impactful damage in terms of daily functioning is to higher order cognitive functions involved in planning and goal-directed behaviour, referred to as executive functions.
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medRxiv - Prenatal alcohol exposure and white matter microstructural changes across the first 6-7 years of life: A longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study of a South African birth cohort
This study highlights the value of repeated early imaging in longitudinal studies of PAE, and focus for early childhood as a critical window of potential susceptibility as well as an opportunity for early intervention.
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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth - Rapid urine screening for ethyl glucuronide from pregnant women as a tool for detecting prenatal alcohol exposure
Rapid EtG tests may be an easy and inexpensive method, which may improve the possibilities for screening alcohol use among pregnant women during routine prenatal visits. Quantitative EtG analyses are recommended to confirm screening positive and uncertain cases.
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Adversity and Resilience Science - Unsettling Settler Colonialism in Research: Strategies Centering Native American Experience and Expertise in Responding to Substance Misuse and Co-occurring Sexual Risk-Taking, Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy, and Suicide Prevention Among Young People
Native American (NA) populations in the USA (i.e., those native to the USA which include Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Native Hawaiians) have confronted unique historical, sociopolitical, and environmental stressors born of settler colonialism.
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Scientific Reports - Characteristic associated with alcohol drinking in early pregnancy: a cross sectional study
Public persuasive campaigns can be used to reach the general public, especially women of childbearing age, before they start planning to conceive, but also their partners, since women with partners consuming alcohol, did show to be more likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy.
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European Journal of Midwifery - Opening Pandora’s box: A meta-ethnography about alcohol use in pregnancy from midwives’ and other healthcare providers’ perspectives
Healthcare education has the important task of ensuring that healthcare personnel have sufficient evidence-based knowledge about alcohol use in pregnancy.
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Adversity and Resilience Science - Addressing Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposure in Tribal Child Welfare: an Environmental Scan
Tribal communities face critical challenges in identifying and addressing substance use by pregnant women. These challenges are often exacerbated by limited resources for services and limited research on effective interventions.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Linking immune function to mental health status
Taken together, to our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of the pandemic in adults with FASD. And while it may be too soon to predict the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health, our data suggest that it will be important that future work also takes into account how immune function may be modulating mental health outcomes in this population.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - A tornado in the family: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and aggression during childhood and adolescence: a scoping review
Following from this review of the literature, we argue that aggression is a related but separate construct from other behavioral problems most frequently targeted by parenting interventions.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Kurier Lubelski (Poland) - ,,Trudności poznawcze u dzieci i młodzieży ze spektrum Poalkoholowych Zaburzeń Rozwojowych (FASD)"
Szacuje się, że w Polsce częstość występowania Spektrum Poalkoholowych Zaburzeń Rozwojowych (FASD) to co najmniej 2%.
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Corriere della Sera (Italy) - Sindrome feto-alcolica, si punta a «riconoscerla» anche tramite analisi del volto in 3D e algoritmi
Uno studio preliminare ha sperimentato le potenzialità dell’Intelligenza artificiale per la diagnosi della sindrome fetale alcolica causata dal consumo di alcol in gravidanza
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NWZonline (German) - Warum Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft tabu sein sollte
Über die Risiken von Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft möchte jetzt eine Arbeitsgruppe im Landkreis Cloppenburg aufklären. Denn in Beratungsstellen fällt immer wieder auf, dass vielen Menschen dazu noch das Wissen fehlt.
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THESEUS (Sweden) - En graviditet utan alkohol – Hur kan man stöda den gravida kvinnan
Alkohol är ett tabubelagt ämne och som kan kännas känsligt för många. Hur ska detta då tas upp i samband med graviditet och hur ska barnmorskan och annan vårdpersonal som jobbar med gravida bemöta detta?
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Chaos im Kopf Podcast - Dein FASD Podcast (Germany) - FASD und der Übergang in die Eingliederungshilfe
Erfahre in dieser Podcastfolge, was passiert, wenn die Jugendhilfe für junge Menschen mit FASD endet. In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Kölner FASD Fachzentrum spricht Wolfgang Werminghausen mit Frauke Zottmann-Neumeister über rechtliche Betreuung, Eingliederungshilfe und das Bundesteilhabegesetz.
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Alcohol News - 28/2023

The Washington Post (USA) - Alcohol consumption surged during the pandemic — and deaths followed
U.S. consumption of alcohol, which had already been increasing for years, accelerated during the pandemic as Americans grappled with stress and isolation
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News Medical (USA) - Alcohol-related hepatitis hospitalizations increased dramatically during the pandemic
A boom in alcohol sales during the pandemic appears to have had dire consequences for some as hospital admissions for alcohol-related hepatitis, a life-threatening liver inflammation, increased dramatically, according to a study of national hospitalization data.
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European Public Health Alliance (EU) - The future of alcohol policy in the EU
The last 2 years have seen remarkable progress on the EU level when it comes to public health-based alcohol policy, a brief moment of tailwind in a field that usually is met with the opposite.
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BBC - Sober lifestyles: 'I can still be confident on orange juice'
A third of people under 25 have not drunk alcohol for at least a year, a recent NHS study has shown. The BBC spoke to people who have turned their backs on drinking and heard how they are navigating the pressures of sobriety.
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Diabetes UK - Moderate alcohol consumption ‘does not protect’ against obesity and type 2 diabetes
Light and moderate consumption of alcohol does not protect people from conditions including obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
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ABC (Australia) - Meth use on the rise across Australia, expert says alcohol and nicotine the most problematic
Alcohol and nicotine are the most-consumed drugs in the country followed by cannabis and methylamphetamine, according to recent wastewater analysis from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
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Chronicle Live  - 60 diseases and conditions linked to drinking alcohol like beer and wine - from cancer to epilepsy
Drinking alcohol can put you at risk of developing 60 diseases and conditions, including many which were never previously linked boozing - a recent study has found.
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Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Alcohol on sale in shops and off-licences '70% more affordable than 20 years ago'
Alcohol on sale in shops and off-licences is almost 70% more affordable now than it was 20 years ago, according to a new analysis from Alcohol Action Ireland.
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British Liver Trust (Scotland) - Public Health Scotland’s final report into minimum unit pricing finds it has saved lives and reduced hospital admissions
Public Health Scotland's recently published final evaluation report on the impact of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) reveals compelling evidence of the policy's positive effects on health outcomes in Scotland.
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University of Edinburgh - Alcohol plays an important role in pesticide suicide and self-harm, new study shows
A new study has found that alcohol consumption contributes to pesticide self-poisoning, but that insufficient research has been conducted on the issue.
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NordAN (Norway) - Akan: Alcohol - A Social Glue with a High Price in Norwegian Workplaces?
Akan Competence Center, a leading organisation specialising in workplace alcohol culture analysis, has recently unveiled a significant report titled "Social Glue with a High Price – Drinking Culture in Norwegian Workplaces".
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Dentistry.co.uk - Liver cancer deaths ‘soaring’ due to alcohol and obesity
Following a 40% rise in deaths caused by liver cancer in a decade, a leading health charity has called for urgent action.
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Cancer Center - Double trouble: Tobacco and alcohol combine to elevate cancer risk
For many people, smoking and drinking go together like bacon and eggs. But when it comes to cancer risk, it’s more like “gasoline and matches,” says Stephen Lynch, MD, Primary Care and Intake Physician at City of Hope Phoenix.
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AlcoholAndCancer - Taking on Alcohol-Related Cancer: Knowledge, Policy, Prevention, and Care
Alcohol's complex link with cancer, including its dual roles as a risk factor and a therapy complicator, necessitates continued, discriminating investigation. A thorough comprehension of this complex connection paves the way for more effective treatment and prevention efforts that will benefit both individuals and societies.
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Alcohol News - 27/2023

NordAN (Sweden) - IOGT-NTO Submits Congress Statement to Social Minister Jakob Forssmed
This past weekend, the IOGT-NTO Congress was held, during which the topic of direct sales of alcohol from producers to the public, also known as farm sales, was discussed.
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Reuters (Sweden) - Swedish alcohol retail monopoly challenged by court ruling
Sweden's Supreme Court on Friday said a Danish online wine retailer has the right to sell directly to Swedish households and businesses, in a ruling that could challenge the Nordic state's alcohol retail monopoly.
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NordAN - WHO Europe: Reducing alcohol consumption, the Nordic way
Nordic countries have a long history of alcohol consumption, complex challenges with heavy episodic drinking practices, and a reputation of implementing some of the strongest regulations to reduce alcohol-related harms.
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News Medical - Black individuals who experience racial discrimination more likely to crave alcohol
Alcohol craving is associated with relapse following alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment. A new study is the first to examine how distinct experiences of interpersonal racial discrimination contribute to elevated alcohol craving.
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Euromonitor International - Gen-Z shunning alcohol for ‘dry’ parties as they prioritise exercise and wellbeing; Euromonitor International
Gen Z are causing a shake up in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic universes, ushering in a new era of mindful drinking, sober curiosity and ‘dry’ venues and events, according to a Euromonitor International expert.
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The Guardian (UK) - More enforcement needed to stop drink-driving, say UK experts
Doctors’ calls to cut drink-driving limits in much of the UK are welcome but must be matched by enforcement to improve road safety, experts have said.
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Physician's Weekly - Heavy Alcohol Intake Linked to Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes
Heavy alcohol intake is associated with increased measures of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 27 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
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The Hippocratic Post - Heatwaves risk rise in alcohol addiction
Drinking in the sun: Heatwaves risk rise in alcohol addiction, as social habits escalate into problem drinking, according to experts.
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DATAC (Canada) - Alcohol policies across Canada receive a failing grade
According to the findings released in a report published by the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project (CAPE) and the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), alcohol control policies in all 13 provinces and territories have received a failing grade.
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Alcohol Change UK (UK) - Eyes wide open: The cost of alcohol
Alcohol Change UK wants to see a Britain with alcohol but without serious alcohol harm. This vision of a healthier, happier country is within our grasp if we embrace some changes.
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Johns Hopkins University (USA) - New Policy Recommendations Aim to Address the Intersection of Alcohol Use and Gun Violence
Alcohol use and gun violence are leading causes of preventable injury and death in the U.S., and the issues are most deadly when they intersect. But despite alcohol being a strong risk factor for gun violence, few policy attempts have been made to address this intersection.
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Stuff (New Zealand) - Māori public health provider calls on Government to address alcohol härm
Public health and alcohol policy should be recognised as fundamental to the wellbeing of whānau, Māori public health experts say.
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Medscape - Higher Alcohol Consumption Linked to Early-Onset CRC
Higher levels of alcohol consumption appear to increase an individual's risk of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly distal colon and rectal cancers, according to a population-based study from Korea.
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