By Elizabeth Lopatto - Oct 19, 2010
bloomberg.com
Heavy drinking as a teenager may change brain development, affecting areas involved in judgment, social skills and decision-making, according to a study.
Researchers determined that teenagers scored worse on a battery of psychological tests if they were diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, compared with nonabusing teens, according to a study in the journal Alcoholism. The study also found that the adolescents who used marijuana had significantly poorer memory than those who didn’t.
Adolescence is a time when the brain develops rapidly and social skills, foresight and abstract reasoning are developed, according to previous research. Those are areas of the mind that are consistently impaired in adult alcoholics, according to background material in today’s study.
“The presence of clinically significant binge drinking and marijuana use diverts the course of normal cognitive development,” wrote the authors, led by Robert Thoma, a psychiatrist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
The study examined 19 adolescents with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence who were an average of 16 years old. They told researchers they had about 13 drinks a day, on the days they decided to drink. That group was compared with 15 teens, with an average age of 14.7 years, who had no history of substance abuse. This group reported having an average of less than one drink on the days they chose to drink
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Minnesota Rolls Out Rx Database To Help Curb Prescription Drug Abuse
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
This week, Minnesota launched a prescription tracking database designed to identify prescription drug abuse. The project requires pharmacies to use the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program to report the dispersal of addictive controlled substances.
By the end of March, the program will allow health care providers and pharmacists to access the database and identify patients who might be misusing prescribed drugs.
The program does not require health care providers to consult the database before writing or dispersing drugs. It also does not require providers to report patients they suspect of prescription drug abuse or withhold prescriptions from such patients.
Privacy Concerns
Some advocates have expressed concern that the database could infringe on patient privacy. However, officials say the program includes several safeguards designed to protect the privacy of consumers.
The initiative only permits authorized health care providers to access the database. Law enforcement officials would need to obtain a court order or search warrant to access the registry. In addition, health care workers could face disciplinary action for using the prescription data inappropriately.
Officials also said the program will erase prescription data after a year
(Lohn, AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1/5).
This week, Minnesota launched a prescription tracking database designed to identify prescription drug abuse. The project requires pharmacies to use the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program to report the dispersal of addictive controlled substances.
By the end of March, the program will allow health care providers and pharmacists to access the database and identify patients who might be misusing prescribed drugs.
The program does not require health care providers to consult the database before writing or dispersing drugs. It also does not require providers to report patients they suspect of prescription drug abuse or withhold prescriptions from such patients.
Privacy Concerns
Some advocates have expressed concern that the database could infringe on patient privacy. However, officials say the program includes several safeguards designed to protect the privacy of consumers.
The initiative only permits authorized health care providers to access the database. Law enforcement officials would need to obtain a court order or search warrant to access the registry. In addition, health care workers could face disciplinary action for using the prescription data inappropriately.
Officials also said the program will erase prescription data after a year
(Lohn, AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1/5).
Friday, January 29, 2010
Teens who drink with parents may still develop alcohol problems
Jan 28, 2010
Issues: Underage drinking
Drug type: Alcohol
Despite the research on the negative effects of alcohol use on young people, many parents still believe that teen drinking is a right of passage. Many take the approach of trying to teach responsible drinking by letting their teenagers have alcohol at home. However, a new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, shows that this approach is ineffective.
In a study of 428 Dutch families, researchers found that the more teenagers were allowed to drink at home, the more they drank outside of home as well. What's more, teens who drank under their parents' watch or on their own had an elevated risk of developing alcohol-related problems. Drinking problems included trouble with school work, missed school days and getting into fights with other people, among other issues.
The findings, say the researchers, put into question the advice of some experts who recommend that parents drink with their teenage children to teach them how to drink responsibly — with the aim of limiting their drinking outside of the home.
That advice is common in the Netherlands, where the study was conducted, but it is based more on experts' reasoning than on scientific evidence, according to Dr. Haske van der Vorst, the lead researcher on the study.
"The idea is generally based on common sense," says van der Vorst, of Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. "For example, the thinking is that if parents show good behavior — here, modest drinking — then the child will copy it. Another assumption is that parents can control their child's drinking by drinking with the child." But the current findings suggest that is not the case.
Based on this and earlier studies, van der Vorst says, "I would advise parents to prohibit their child from drinking, in any setting or on any occasion."
The study included 428 families with two children between the ages of 13 and 15. Parents and teens completed questionnaires on drinking habits at the outset and again one and two years later.
The researchers found that, in general, the more teens drank at home, the more they tended to drink elsewhere; the reverse was also true, with out-of-home drinking leading to more drinking at home. In addition, teens who drank more often, whether in or out of the home, tended to score higher on a measure of problem drinking two years later.
The findings, according to van der Vorst, suggest that teen drinking begets more drinking — and, in some cases, alcohol problems — regardless of where and with whom they drink.
"If parents want to reduce the risk that their child will become a heavy drinker or problem drinker in adolescence they should try to postpone the age at which their child starts drinking," the researcher noted.
Issues: Underage drinking
Drug type: Alcohol
Despite the research on the negative effects of alcohol use on young people, many parents still believe that teen drinking is a right of passage. Many take the approach of trying to teach responsible drinking by letting their teenagers have alcohol at home. However, a new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, shows that this approach is ineffective.
In a study of 428 Dutch families, researchers found that the more teenagers were allowed to drink at home, the more they drank outside of home as well. What's more, teens who drank under their parents' watch or on their own had an elevated risk of developing alcohol-related problems. Drinking problems included trouble with school work, missed school days and getting into fights with other people, among other issues.
The findings, say the researchers, put into question the advice of some experts who recommend that parents drink with their teenage children to teach them how to drink responsibly — with the aim of limiting their drinking outside of the home.
That advice is common in the Netherlands, where the study was conducted, but it is based more on experts' reasoning than on scientific evidence, according to Dr. Haske van der Vorst, the lead researcher on the study.
"The idea is generally based on common sense," says van der Vorst, of Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. "For example, the thinking is that if parents show good behavior — here, modest drinking — then the child will copy it. Another assumption is that parents can control their child's drinking by drinking with the child." But the current findings suggest that is not the case.
Based on this and earlier studies, van der Vorst says, "I would advise parents to prohibit their child from drinking, in any setting or on any occasion."
The study included 428 families with two children between the ages of 13 and 15. Parents and teens completed questionnaires on drinking habits at the outset and again one and two years later.
The researchers found that, in general, the more teens drank at home, the more they tended to drink elsewhere; the reverse was also true, with out-of-home drinking leading to more drinking at home. In addition, teens who drank more often, whether in or out of the home, tended to score higher on a measure of problem drinking two years later.
The findings, according to van der Vorst, suggest that teen drinking begets more drinking — and, in some cases, alcohol problems — regardless of where and with whom they drink.
"If parents want to reduce the risk that their child will become a heavy drinker or problem drinker in adolescence they should try to postpone the age at which their child starts drinking," the researcher noted.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
11th Annual Chemical Health Forum - Marijuana: Beyond Reefer Madness
The 11th Annual Chemical Health Forum will focus onthe resurgence of marijuana use among adolescents, and how this phenomenon impacts those who work in the fields of education, science, medicine and law.
The day long workshop will feature important topics and information for those who work with youth. Presentations will include:
The workshop is co-sponsored by the Hennepin County Children's Mental Health Collaborative (HCCMHC).
Who Should Attend: Educators; Counselors and Mental Health Professionals; Clergy; and anyone who works with Adolescents
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: Registration: 8am
Workshop: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Location: The PREP Center at District 287
1820 Xenium Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55441
CEU's: Six
Also: Education Administrative Clock Hours
MN Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy LADC
Registration Fee: $65 (includes coffee, lunch and materials)
To Register: Go to: www.district287.org/index.php?submenu=All_events&src=gendocs&ref=EventsList_chrono&category=TeachingLearning_PREP
The day long workshop will feature important topics and information for those who work with youth. Presentations will include:
- Marijuana, Law, Science and Medicine
- Trafficking, Teens and Trouble
- MindUP! Activities from the Hawn Foundation Program
- Marijuana Use in the communities of color
- Chemical Health INiterventions with Adolescents
- Chemical Use & Sobriety from an Adolescent Perspective: Featuring a Teen Panel
- A Personal Success Story from a Recovering Addict
The workshop is co-sponsored by the Hennepin County Children's Mental Health Collaborative (HCCMHC).
Who Should Attend: Educators; Counselors and Mental Health Professionals; Clergy; and anyone who works with Adolescents
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: Registration: 8am
Workshop: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Location: The PREP Center at District 287
1820 Xenium Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55441
CEU's: Six
Also: Education Administrative Clock Hours
MN Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy LADC
Registration Fee: $65 (includes coffee, lunch and materials)
To Register: Go to: www.district287.org/index.php?submenu=All_events&src=gendocs&ref=EventsList_chrono&category=TeachingLearning_PREP
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Federal Ban on Fruit-Flavored Cigarettes.
Flavored Tobacco
On September 22, 2009 a ban on cigarettes containing certain characterizing flavors went into effect. The ban, authorized by the new Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, is part of a national effort by FDA to reduce smoking in America.
FDA’s ban on candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes highlights the importance of reducing the number of children who start to smoke, and who become addicted to dangerous tobacco products. FDA is also examining options for regulating both menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products other than cigarettes.
According to the act
…a cigarette or any of its component parts (including the tobacco, filter, or paper) shall not contain, as a constituent (including a smoke constituent) or additive, an artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, pineapple, vanilla, coconut, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, cherry, or coffee, that is a characterizing flavor of the tobacco product or tobacco smoke
Any company who continues to make, ship or sell such products may be subject to FDA enforcement actions. You are encouraged to report any company that sells cigarettes with these certain characterizing flavors.
On September 22, 2009 a ban on cigarettes containing certain characterizing flavors went into effect. The ban, authorized by the new Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, is part of a national effort by FDA to reduce smoking in America.
FDA’s ban on candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes highlights the importance of reducing the number of children who start to smoke, and who become addicted to dangerous tobacco products. FDA is also examining options for regulating both menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products other than cigarettes.
According to the act
…a cigarette or any of its component parts (including the tobacco, filter, or paper) shall not contain, as a constituent (including a smoke constituent) or additive, an artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, pineapple, vanilla, coconut, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, cherry, or coffee, that is a characterizing flavor of the tobacco product or tobacco smoke
Any company who continues to make, ship or sell such products may be subject to FDA enforcement actions. You are encouraged to report any company that sells cigarettes with these certain characterizing flavors.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Power of Alcohol Marketing
The British Medical Association has called for all alcohol advertising and marketing to be banned.The doctors' lobby group says the techniques being deployed are fuelling the ever-increasing rate of alcohol consumption.
Is marketing really that powerful? It seems staggering to think that just a few years ago cider was considered an unfashionable drink.To many, it was the tipple of choice for teenagers in the park or drunks on the street. But nowadays it is impossible to get away from the colourful array of brands piled high on the supermarket shelves and in the fridges behind bars.
See the full article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8244105.stm
The British Medical Association has called for all alcohol advertising and marketing to be banned.The doctors' lobby group says the techniques being deployed are fuelling the ever-increasing rate of alcohol consumption.
Is marketing really that powerful? It seems staggering to think that just a few years ago cider was considered an unfashionable drink.To many, it was the tipple of choice for teenagers in the park or drunks on the street. But nowadays it is impossible to get away from the colourful array of brands piled high on the supermarket shelves and in the fridges behind bars.
See the full article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8244105.stm
Monday, August 17, 2009
Binge Drinking Affects Even Sober Brain, Study Finds
Self-reported binge drinkers performed worse on cognitive tests compared to non-bingers, even when they were sober, the Los Angeles Times reported Aug. 11.
Researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain said the findings hinted that binge drinking could affect the brain in ways similar to that observed among alcoholics.
"We found that healthy young university students -- meaning those with no alcohol use disorder, alcohol dependence or associated psychiatric disorders -- who engaged in binge drinking showed anomalies during the execution of a task involving visual working memory, despite correct execution of the task, in comparison with young non binge drinkers. They required greater attentional processing during the task in order to carry it out correctly," said researcher Alberto Crego. "Healthy adolescents and young people who partake in intermittent consumption of large amounts of alcohol -- otherwise known as binge drinking -- even only once or twice a week, and who do not display chronic alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence may nonetheless suffer alterations at the electrophysiological level in attentional and working memory processing."
The study, which compared 42 binge drinkers to 53 other students, was published online in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Article obtained from: http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2009/binge-drinking-affects-even.html
Researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain said the findings hinted that binge drinking could affect the brain in ways similar to that observed among alcoholics.
"We found that healthy young university students -- meaning those with no alcohol use disorder, alcohol dependence or associated psychiatric disorders -- who engaged in binge drinking showed anomalies during the execution of a task involving visual working memory, despite correct execution of the task, in comparison with young non binge drinkers. They required greater attentional processing during the task in order to carry it out correctly," said researcher Alberto Crego. "Healthy adolescents and young people who partake in intermittent consumption of large amounts of alcohol -- otherwise known as binge drinking -- even only once or twice a week, and who do not display chronic alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence may nonetheless suffer alterations at the electrophysiological level in attentional and working memory processing."
The study, which compared 42 binge drinkers to 53 other students, was published online in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Article obtained from: http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2009/binge-drinking-affects-even.html
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